History

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:

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 typically structured over two weeks, with each week focusing on different aspects of medieval history.

Week 1: The Struggle for the Holy Land (Example)

• Origins of the Crusades: religious, economic, and geopolitical motivations.
• Introduction to major powers of the period (Islamic, Byzantine, and Latin).
• In-depth study of the first three Crusades using primary sources.
• Exploration of key concepts like chivalry, jihad, and crusader states.

Week 2: The End of the Crusading Era (Example)

• Later conflicts and the decline of crusading after 1204.
• Long-term impact on Latin Christendom, Byzantium, and the Islamic world.
• Influence of crusading on literature, music, and visual arts.
• Historiographical debates and modern significance of the Crusades.

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:

• Gain a deep understanding of the Crusades and their historical significance.
• Analyse primary sources and explore multiple perspectives on key historical events.
• Develop skills in historical research and essay writing.
• Explore the modern relevance of the Crusades in terms of world religions and conflicts.

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:

• Primary sources:
• Urban II, Speech at Clermont.
• Fulcher of Chartres, Chronicle.
• Anna Comnena, The Alexiad.
• Usama Ibn Munqidh, Autobiography.
• Optional readings: Riley-Smith’s works on the Crusades or Peter Frankopan’s The First Crusade: The Call from the East.

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 history, medieval studies, or international relations. You will develop critical skills in analysing historical sources, conducting research, and crafting argumentative essays—valuable skills for careers in academia, education, and policy-making.

Note: Career exploration opportunities may vary based on the session and guest speaker availability.

You are not required to have prior knowledge of medieval history, but you are expected to:

• Actively participate in seminars and tutorials.
• Complete independent research and reading assignments.
• Engage in debates on key historical topics, such as the motivations behind the Crusades and their long-term effects.

The course is designed to challenge your understanding of history and develop your critical thinking skills.

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.