Artificial Intelligence
The Artificial Intelligence summer school at Oxford Summer Courses, hosted at Cambridge colleges, is designed for 16-17-year-old students and is priced from £6,995. The first course begins on 6 July 2025, with courses running throughout July and August. Each course has only 8 places available, and they are filling up quickly. Many students have already secured their place—apply now to avoid missing out.
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Learning
Outline
Artificial Intelligence is designed for 16–17-year-olds interested in the fast-evolving field of AI. Students will explore key techniques in machine learning and artificial intelligence, discovering how these technologies are transforming industries such as healthcare. They’ll gain hands-on experience designing and testing their algorithms, as well as learning how to communicate these innovations effectively to a wider audience. The course will cover the latest advancements in technology and provide opportunities for students to create their own solutions, see them in action, and engage with experts in the field. We don’t follow a fixed curriculum—our tutors tailor the course to the group’s interests, making learning both engaging and relevant. The course also includes a masterclass on critical thinking and a reflection session to track progress and set new goals.
Teaching methodology
Learn the Oxford way with tutorial-style teaching. Your expert tutor will foster self-directed learning and critical thinking through interactive seminars in small groups (no bigger than 8). During your course, you will complete two pieces of independent work (essays or problem sheets), which your tutor will then evaluate in either a 1:1 or 2:1 tutorial. Tutorials will provide you with the opportunity to discuss your work and feedback with your tutor and learn new perspectives from your classmates. On completion of the course, you'll receive a certificate and letter of recommendation from your tutor.
Frequently Asked Questions
To be eligible, applicants should:
- Be between 16-17 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:
- Choose a Course: Select your subject, location, dates, and accommodation. You can add additional courses if you wish.
- Provide Student Info: Fill in your name, contact details, and a short personal statement about why you'd be a great fit.
- Enter School Info: Provide the name and address of your most recent school.
- 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 typically structured over two weeks, with each week focusing on different aspects of artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Week 1: Introduction to Python Programming and AI Fundamentals (Example)
- Introduction to Python programming.
- Foundations of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
- Data exploration and visualisation.
- Supervised learning algorithms.
Week 2: Machine Learning and Neural Networks with Python and PyTorch (Example)
- Unsupervised learning algorithms (e.g., clustering, principal component analysis).
- Neural networks and deep learning.
- Ethics and social impact of AI.
Note: This is an example structure. The actual content may vary based 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:
- Understand the basics of AI and machine learning.
- Develop skills in Python programming for AI and data science applications.
- Explore supervised and unsupervised learning algorithms.
- Gain knowledge of neural networks and deep learning models.
- Analyse the ethical and social implications of AI technologies.
Note: Learning objectives may vary based on student interests, which will be discussed during the admissions process.
Students are encouraged to do pre-course reading to maximise their learning. Suggested resources include:
- Charles Severance, Python for Everybody: Exploring Data Using Python 3.
- Aurelien Geron, Hands-On Machine Learning with Scikit-Learn, Keras, and TensorFlow.
- Watch the introductory videos on AI and ML, such as this one.
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 further studies in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and related fields. You will develop skills in Python programming, machine learning, and neural networks, which are essential for AI development. These skills are highly sought after in industries ranging from tech startups to research labs.
Note: Career exploration opportunities may vary based on the session and guest speaker availability.
You are not required to have prior knowledge of AI or machine learning, but you are expected to:
- Actively participate in seminars and tutorials.
- Complete independent research and assignments on AI topics.
- Engage with practical coding exercises and AI problem-solving challenges.
The course is designed to help you gain both academic knowledge and hands-on experience in AI and machine learning.
Note: The level of participation and engagement can be adapted to suit individual needs and preferences
At Oxford Summer Courses, the safeguarding and wellbeing of our students aged 16-17 is our highest priority. All staff are fully trained in safeguarding policies and procedures, including enhanced DBS checks. We provide a safe and supportive environment with 24/7 on-site security, supervision when necessary, and curfews to ensure a secure atmosphere. Our policies are designed to offer age-appropriate care, balancing independence with safety.
Since spaces are limited, once a course is full, we are unable to accept additional students. We recommend applying early to avoid disappointment.
We recommend applying as soon as possible. Spaces are in high demand, and many courses fill up well in advance. The earlier you apply, the better your chance of securing your preferred course dates and accommodation type.
Each course has a limited number of spaces available across multiple accommodation options—Plus, Superior, and Premier. With two-week courses running from 29 June to 30 August 2025, we recommend securing your spot early as spaces fill up quickly.
Courses begin on 29 June 2025, with two-week courses running until 30 August 2025. Spaces are already filling up fast, so apply now to avoid missing out.
The Oxford Summer Courses experience
Get ready to dive into the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI). On our Artificial Intelligence course for ages 16–17, you’ll explore the foundations of AI, machine learning, neural networks, and natural language processing. You’ll gain practical experience in programming AI models, understanding algorithms, and exploring real-world applications of AI in areas like robotics, healthcare, and data analysis. With no fixed curriculum, you’re encouraged to share your interests when you apply, and our expert tutors will tailor the course content to reflect those passions wherever possible.
Learn the Cambridge way with tutorial-style teaching. Your expert tutor will guide you through interactive seminars in small groups (no bigger than 8), where you’ll engage in coding challenges, group discussions, and independent research. You’ll complete two pieces of independent work (coding projects or research tasks), which your tutor will evaluate in either a 1:1 or 2:1 tutorial. These tutorials offer an opportunity for in-depth feedback, critical analysis, and personalised support to deepen your understanding of artificial intelligence.
Beyond the classroom, enjoy a full summer programme — including social events, excursions to Cambridge’s cultural landmarks, and a final graduation ceremony with a celebratory bop. It’s a summer of technological discovery, personal growth, and exciting new experiences.
Typical outings
Reviews
We understand how important it is for students to feel confident, independent, and inspired — and our summer school experience in Cambridge is designed with that in mind.
While you study Artificial Intelligence this summer as part of our 16–17s programme, you’ll stay at one of the Cambridge colleges where we host our courses. With shared living spaces, on-course staff for support, and a warm, welcoming environment, it’s the ideal setting to experience student life in one of the world’s most prestigious academic cities.
Whether you’re working on AI projects or exploring the historic colleges of Cambridge, it’s all part of the experience.
For students attending the Cambridge 16-17 course, accommodation is based on the selected tier. In the Plus Tier, students can select their preferred single or twin room. The Superior Tier guarantees an ensuite room for added comfort. For the Premier Tier, our concierge service will help select the best available accommodation based on the student’s preferences.
Meals are provided on a half-board basis, including breakfast and dinner. Meals are served at the accommodation or at local restaurants, offering a variety of dining options.
Dates & Prices
- Teaching: Academic tuition.
- Meals: Full board includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner from Sunday to Thursday. Friday includes breakfast only, and Saturday no meals are provided.
- Accommodation: Housing in Resa Vallehermoso.
- Extracurricular Activities & Excursions: Included activities and excursions are available every afternoon, evening, and throughout the weekend.
- Transportation: Transportation for included activities.
- Use of Athletic and Recreation Facilities: Access to athletic and recreation facilities during the program.
- Safety & Supervision: Safety and supervision are provided for students throughout the course.
- Teaching: All interactive classes (15 students or less).
- Meals: Full-board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided).
- Accommodation: Standard (shared room).
- Trips & Activities: All-day trips and activities included.
- Airport Transfer: Included.
- Insurance: Travel and medical insurance included.
- Merch: Backpack, notepad, and water bottle.
- Certificate: Paper certificate awarded at the graduation ceremony.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Friends & Family Discount: Not included.
- Teaching: All interactive classes (15 students or less).
- Meals: Full-board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided).
- Accommodation: Standard (shared room).
- Trips & Activities: All-day trips and activities included.
- Airport Transfer: Included.
- Insurance: Travel and medical insurance included.
- Merch: Backpack, notepad, and water bottle.
- Certificate: Paper certificate awarded at the graduation ceremony.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Friends & Family Discount: Not included.
- Teaching: 13-24: Tutorials (1-2 students per tutor), seminars, and workshops.
- Meals: Ages 13-15 are Full-board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included), and ages 16-24 are Half-board (breakfast and dinner included). Meals are served at the accommodation or local restaurants.
- Accommodation: Single or twin room (confirmed by us at a later date).
- Certificate: Digital.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Merch: Notepad, pen.
- Airport Transfer: Not included.
- Insurance: Not included.
- Flexibility: Not included.
- Future Coaching Session: Not included.
- Friends & Family Discount: Not included.
- Teaching: All teaching, including small group seminars (8 students or less) and interactive workshops.
- Meals: Ages 13-15 are Full-board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included), and ages 16-24 are Half-board (breakfast and dinner included). Meals are served at the accommodation or local restaurants.
- Accommodation: Concierge helps select the best available option.
- Certificate: Framed, signed (wet signature).
- Customer Service: Enhanced (OxSC concierge).
- Merch: Bottle, notepad, pen, backpack (premium merch).
- Airport Transfer: Included (Heathrow Airport only. No time restrictions.).
- Insurance: Platinum coverage (top-level protection on cancellation, medical, baggage).
- Flexibility: One-year free deferral.
- Future Coaching Session: Included (1 session).
- Friends & Family Discount: Discounted stay/meals for family in top Oxford/Cambridge hotels while on course.
- Teaching: All teaching, including small group seminars (8 students or less) and interactive workshops.
- Meals: Ages 13-15 are Full-board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included), and ages 16-24 are Half-board (breakfast and dinner included). Meals are served at the accommodation or local restaurants.
- Accommodation: Guaranteed ensuite room.
- Certificate: Paper.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Merch: Bottle, notepad, pen (enhanced merch).
- Airport Transfer: Included (Heathrow Airport only, available for flights arriving/departing between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM. T&Cs apply.).
- Insurance: Enhanced coverage (higher limits on cancellation, medical, baggage).
- Flexibility: One-year free deferral.
- Future Coaching Session: Not included.
- Friends & Family Discount: Discounted stay/meals for family in top Oxford/Cambridge hotels while on course.
- Teaching: All teaching, including small group seminars (8 students or less) and interactive workshops.
- Meals: Ages 13-15 are Full-board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included), and ages 16-24 are Half-board (breakfast and dinner included). Meals are served at the accommodation or local restaurants.
- Accommodation: Select your preferred single or twin room.
- Certificate: Paper.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Merch: Notepad, pen.
- Airport Transfer: Included (Heathrow Airport only, available for flights arriving/departing between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM. T&Cs apply.).
- Insurance: Standard coverage (cancellation, medical, baggage).
- Flexibility: Not included.
- Future Coaching Session: Not included.
- Friends & Family Discounts: Not included.