To be eligible, applicants should:

• Be between 13-15 years old.
• Have a sufficient understanding of English to participate in academic discussions and coursework.
• Have a keen interest in exploring their chosen subject(s).

If you meet these requirements, we’d love to see your application!

Applying is easy! Follow these steps:

1. Choose a Course: Select your subject, location, dates, and accommodation. You can add additional courses if you wish.
2. Provide Student Info: Fill in your name, contact details, and a short personal statement about why you'd be a great fit.
3. Enter School Info: Provide the name and address of your most recent school.
4. Review & Submit: Double-check your details and submit your application.

After submission, our admissions team will review your application, and you’ll hear back within 2-3 days. Apply now!

Yes, you can book more than one course! During the application process, you will have the option to add additional courses either before or after your main course. The total price, including any additional courses, will be displayed before you proceed.

After paying your deposit to secure your place, our admissions team will help you set up a bespoke payment plan. You can choose from options like monthly or bimonthly payments, and we will provide a detailed invoice outlining your instalment schedule. Learn more about payment plans.

Note: There are no additional fees for setting up a payment plan, and your place is secure once the deposit is paid.

The course is structured over two weeks, focusing on the examination of human culture through stories of monsters, drawing from history, art, and literature.

Week 1: Monsters in History and Culture (Example)

• An introduction to monsters: What makes a monster, and why study them?
• Female monsters in ancient Greece.
• The role of women in ancient Greece, examining both myth and societal norms.

Week 2: Global Perspectives on Monsters (Example)

• Case studies of monsters from Greece to China and England to Japan.
• How societies invent monsters to reflect their fears and challenges.
• Group discussions and debates on the meaning and impact of these cultural depictions.

Note: This is an example structure. The actual content may vary depending on the tutor’s expertise and student preferences. Students will have the opportunity to discuss their learning goals with admissions to tailor the course.

By the end of the course, students may:

• Develop a deeper understanding of the intersection between art, history, and literature, focusing on monsters as cultural symbols.
• Gain skills in analyzing and interpreting historical sources and artistic representations.
• Build critical thinking skills through debates and discussions about monsters across different societies and eras.
• Learn how to question media and art with an analytical approach, understanding broader cultural and historical contexts.

Note: Learning objectives may vary based on student interests, which will be discussed during the admissions process.

Students are encouraged to do pre-course preparation to maximise their learning. Suggested resources include:

Read:

• Excerpts from Beowulf, focusing on the portrayal of monsters: Beowulf Text

Optional Extension:

• Research a monster from your own culture or a favourite book or TV show, and prepare to share your thoughts during class discussions.

Note: These are example resources. Specific materials may vary depending on tutor and student preferences. Students will be informed of the required materials in advance to allow enough time to prepare.

This course provides an excellent foundation for students interested in the arts and humanities. It helps develop analytical skills, creative thinking, and an appreciation for cultural studies, preparing students for further exploration in subjects such as history, literature, and art. The hands-on approach encourages students to engage with historical and literary topics in new and exciting ways.

You are expected to:

• Actively participate in seminars, group activities, and discussions.
• Complete independent assignments, including research and short writing tasks.
• Engage creatively with the course materials, exploring how art, history, and literature reflect human culture.

The course is designed to be interactive and accessible, with a focus on creativity and developing new perspectives.

For students aged 13-15, Oxford Summer Courses takes safeguarding seriously. All staff are DBS-checked and trained in safeguarding policies. We offer 24/7 on-site security, with supervision and curfews to maintain a safe environment. Our safeguarding policies are designed to balance growing independence with necessary safety measures, ensuring students feel supported.