Want to become the next Prime-Minister? Or simply want to gain a better understanding of the global political climate and how your vote can affect the world around you? There are so many reasons to attend a politics summer course. Check out our top 5 below:

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.

1. An Exciting, Constantly Evolving Subject

If you want to go beyond the textbooks and learn about an invigorating subject which is constantly changing then politics is for you!

Of course, you will need to cover the basics first to understand the fundamentals of the subject, but once you’ve grasped this, you can delve into the exciting political field that currently exists. Learn about what changes are happening on a daily basis, many going unknown to the many – what people seem to be looking for in a party, what political stumbles leaders have made and what nations want to be voting for.

2. Career Prospects

If you are considering working in the field of politics when you’re older, then attending a politics summer course potentially be a hugely rewarding experience for you. You’ll see exactly what it’s like to study the subject at undergraduate level as you dive deep into the nitty gritty of some of the most fascinating topics to have ever surfaced from politics.

Even if you don’t have plans to work in politics but join the summer school out of interest, you will still develop a range of transferable skills that will benefit you and complement a number of different careers.

3. Transferable Skills

As already mentioned, when you attend a politics summer course, you will be developing a range of transferable skills that will benefit you throughout your career and/or further education.

Through skill-building workshops such as debating and communication, you’ll work on a range of skills that will be invaluable to your future. From understanding how to properly listen to someone, to being able to analyse evidence to make informed arguments and conclusions, you’ll become a more attractive candidate when it comes to applying for jobs and university.

4. Cultural Awareness

When you attend a politics summer course, chances are you will be joined by a group of like-minded peers who have come to study from all over the world. It’s a chance to learn about different cultures and make a network of peers who could be invaluable to your future. To learn more about the benefits of networking, take a look at this blog post.

Apart from meeting and getting to know people from all over the world, it’s highly likely that you’ll also study a variety of cultures as part of your programme. From learning about different country’s democratic rights, the role of race, class and gender; the concept of freedom and more, you’ll become more culturally aware and sensitive to the differing opinions of people that surround you.

5. Personal Political Knowledge

Having a good understanding of politics and different political systems will be beneficial for your personal political powers. If you live in a democracy and have the right to exercise your vote, then it’s certainly a good idea to understand what it is you want to vote for and what you are voting for.

In studying the subject, you may also discover your own political beliefs and see in much greater detail the benefits and disadvantages of the vast array of political ideologies that are present in your country. Being able to express what you believe accurately and concisely is extremely useful in all walks of life, and it forces you to fully analyse yourself. You’ll grow as an individual, become more critically aware of your beliefs and work out where your passions lie.

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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.