What makes this university so great, and the perfect place to spend your summer?

Who’s Eligible to Apply to Oxford Summer Courses?

Eligibility for standard courses across all age groups (ages 9-24) requires applicants to be proficient in English and possess a keen interest in exploring the subjects they are applying for. For advanced courses in Cambridge for ages 18-24, students must have completed at least the second year of an undergraduate qualification (or equivalent) in the same area as the subject they wish to study. Apply now to check your eligibility and apply for our courses.

Here are our top 5 reasons to consider a summer course in Cambridge:

1. Historic Accommodation

On one of our summer courses in Cambridge, you’ll choose between staying in two historic Cambridge colleges. Fitzwilliam College in Cambridge was founded in 1869 and is a renowned educational institution. Six members of Fitzwilliam College have accepted Noble prizes.

In 2010, there were more Fitzwilliam graduates in Parliament than graduates of any other college. Notable alumni include Indian revolutionary leader Subhas Chandra Bose, first prime minister of Singapore Lee Kuan Yew, World Bank chief economist Josef Stiglitz, and many others. Sidney Sussex College was founded in 1596.

Eleven members of the college worked at Bletchley Park during World War Two as codebreakers. The codebreakers at Bletchley Park provided intelligence that is now believed to have shortened the war by 2-4 years. Another notable former member of Sidney Sussex College is political and military leader Oliver Cromwell. Cromwell did not graduate from Sidney Sussex College after his father became ill, but he is buried beneath the chapel at the college today.

2. World-Class Museums

Cambridge is home to several world-class museums, which you will be able to explore at your leisure during your time in Cambridge. You’ll see exhibits of all different topics throughout the museums, ranging from classical sculptures to equipment belonging to polar explorers. Be sure to visit the Polar Museum while taking part in a summer course in Cambridge. Admissions is free, and you will remember the incredible artefacts belonging to intrepid explorers long after you leave Cambridge.

3. Summer Activities

Enjoy the beautiful weather of the English summer while taking part in the pleasant outdoor activities Cambridge has to offer. Punting on the river Cam is one of our favourites. While punting on the rivers Cherwell and Thames are common to Oxford, punting down the river Cam provides beautiful views of downtown Cambridge. In Oxford, the rivers run around the city, while in Cambridge, the river Cam runs directly through the city. This provides a very different punting experience, and is a must in the summertime!

4. Fascinating Courses

In Cambridge, you will have plenty of subjects to choose from. From the scientific; Medicine, Computer Science and Psychology to the Arts; Creative Writing, History of Art and English Literature and even the numerical; Engineering, Mathematics and Economics, we have plenty of summer courses for you to choose from.

5. Formal Dinner at Sidney Sussex College

At the end of one of our summer courses in Cambridge, we will welcome you to a formal dinner at the Sidney Sussex College dining hall. You’ll leave with an idea of what student life is like in Cambridge, and the dining hall is an essential part of this experience. After enjoying a traditional formal dinner with your new friends, you’ll immerse yourself in another Cambridge tradition: the bop. A bop is a party/disco that happens at the residential college, and it’s a wonderful way to finish your experience in Cambridge with new friends.

Ready to Join Oxford Summer Courses?

After submitting your application, we'll be in touch very soon to inform you of the outcome. Apply now to begin your journey with Oxford Summer Courses!

About the author

Rhys Mackenzie is the Website Marketing Manager at Oxford Summer Courses. With extensive experience in SEO and digital content management, they are passionate about showcasing the best that Oxford has to offer. Their previous role at Experience Oxfordshire gave them a deep appreciation for the city's unique cultural and academic offerings. Learn more about Rhys here.