Architecture
Join the Architecture summer programme at Atlas Summer Courses in 2027. Hosted at colleges of the University of Oxford, whose facilities we hire for the summer, the programme is designed for ambitious 16–17-year-olds who learn in classes of up to 10 students. Apply now to secure your place.
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Learning
Outline
At Atlas Summer Courses, Architecture for ages 16–17 offers a deep dive into the history and theory of architecture, followed by hands-on exploration of contemporary structures. Understand how every angle, brick, and material adds purpose to a building, and equip yourself with the skills to bring your architectural vision to life. Study in the inspiring city of Oxford, known for its iconic architecture. You'll gain practical skills to design and develop buildings while building a solid foundation in the art and science behind structures. We don't follow a fixed curriculum — our tutors tailor the course to the group's interests, making learning engaging and relevant. Throughout the course, engage in tutorial Q&A sessions, participate in an academic skills masterclass, explore career pathways with expert speakers, attend a university fair, and visit sites of architectural interest across the city for a comprehensive summer programme experience.
Teaching methodology
Learn through our distinctive tutorial-style teaching. Your expert tutor will encourage self-directed learning and critical thinking through interactive small-group seminars of up to 10 students. During your course, you'll complete two pieces of independent work (essays or problem sheets), which your tutor will evaluate in either a 1:1 or 2:1 tutorial. These tutorials give you the opportunity to discuss your work in depth, receive personalised academic feedback, challenge your thinking, and gain new perspectives from your classmates. Together, the seminars and tutorials help you develop the analytical skills, intellectual confidence, and academic independence expected at leading universities. At the end of your course, you'll receive a certificate and a letter of recommendation from your tutor.
The city of Oxford, with nearly 1,000 years of academic history, is defined by its architecture — from medieval towers and Gothic spires to striking modern buildings. As part of the 16–17 Architecture programme, you’ll live in a city where every street reflects centuries of design and innovation. The city of Oxford provides an inspiring backdrop for learning, with its historic colleges, iconic skyline, and long tradition of architectural creativity.
Accommodation is in single or twin rooms, depending on the tier. Plus lets you choose single or twin; Superior guarantees an ensuite; Premier provides concierge-selected rooms. All include shared spaces and on-course staff support.
Meals are half-board (breakfast and dinner), served in college dining halls or selected local restaurants, with students arranging their own lunch. All dietary requirements are catered for.
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The Atlas Summer Courses Experience
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Architecture shapes the way we live, move, and connect — blending creativity with engineering and human need. In Oxford, students explore how buildings tell stories, solve problems, and express identity, from ancient structures to modern sustainable design. Through sketching, model-making, and analysis of real spaces, learners begin to understand how architects turn ideas into environments that influence everyday life.
Seminar-style lessons with no more than ten students encourage collaboration, critical thinking, and design communication. Independent project work is strengthened through personalised, tutorial-style feedback from an expert tutor, helping students refine both concepts and technical skills. Surrounded by Oxford’s inspiring architecture and supported through enrichment activities and college living, students gain insight into academic pathways in architecture and design. They leave with a certificate, personalised tutor recommendation, and a stronger creative portfolio foundation as they explore where architectural curiosity can lead.
Discover the British Museum, one of the world's leading museums of history, art and culture. Explore extraordinary collections spanning more than two million years of human history, including the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies and ancient Greek sculptures, while uncovering the stories of civilisations from around the world.
Step inside Warwick Castle, one of England's best-preserved medieval fortresses, and discover more than 1,000 years of history. Explore its magnificent Great Hall and towers, experience spectacular live jousting and falconry displays, and uncover the stories of medieval life in one of the UK's most iconic castles.
Explore the Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with nearly 1,000 years of royal history. Discover the magnificent Crown Jewels, step inside the iconic White Tower, and uncover the stories of kings, queens and famous prisoners, including Anne Boleyn and Guy Fawkes, while exploring one of London's most historic landmarks.
Explore the historic heart of London with a visit to Westminster, home to some of the UK's most iconic landmarks. Discover the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace while learning about Britain's royal heritage, political history and centuries of architectural excellence.
Step back in time with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bath, famous for its remarkably preserved Roman Baths and elegant Georgian architecture. Explore iconic landmarks including the Royal Crescent and the Jane Austen Centre while discovering the history, culture and literary heritage that make Bath one of England's most celebrated cities.
Discover the grandeur of Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Explore its magnificent State Rooms, stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens, and enjoy attractions including the Marlborough Maze, Butterfly House, miniature railway and historic grounds.
Explore the Ashmolean Museum, the the Ashmolean Museum — the University of Oxford's museum of art and archaeology, open to the public. Discover remarkable collections spanning ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome to contemporary art, rare manuscripts and archaeological treasures, while exploring one of the world's oldest public museums.
Discover the historic city of Oxford, home to the world-renowned University of Oxford and centuries of academic excellence. Wander through its iconic colleges and cobbled streets, visit landmarks including the Bodleian Library and Christ Church, and explore the city's rich literary, architectural and cultural heritage. Fans of Harry Potter can also see the Great Hall that inspired Hogwarts' famous dining hall.
Explore Portsmouth's rich maritime heritage with a visit to the Historic Dockyard, home to some of Britain's most famous naval landmarks. Discover the story of Henry VIII's flagship at the Mary Rose Museum, learn about the Royal Navy at the National Museum of the Royal Navy, and explore the city's centuries-old connection to Britain's seafaring history.
Discover the creativity and innovation of Bristol, one of the UK's most vibrant cities. Step aboard Brunel's iconic SS Great Britain, enjoy interactive science exhibits at We The Curious, and experience the Planetarium while exploring Bristol's rich maritime heritage, engineering achievements and thriving cultural scene.
Typical Outings
Timetable
Dates & Prices
- Teaching: All interactive classes (15 students or less).
- Meals: Lunch and dinner included.
- Accommodation: Not included.
- Trips & Activities: All-day trips and activities included.
- Airport Transfer: Not included.
- Insurance: Not included.
- Certificate: Awarded upon completion.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Friends & Family Discount: Not included.
- Teaching: All interactive classes (15 students or less).
- Meals: Lunch and dinner included.
- Lunch and dinner included.
- Accommodation: Not included.
- Trips & Activities: All-day trips and activities included.
- Airport Transfer: Not included.
- Insurance: Not included.
- Certificate: Awarded upon completion.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Friends & Family Discount: Not included.
- Teaching: All teaching, including small group seminars (8 students or less) and interactive workshops.
- Meals: For ages 13–15, lunch and dinner are included, and for ages 16–24, dinner is included.
- Accommodation: Not included.
- Certificate: Awarded upon completion.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Airport Transfer: Not included.
- Insurance: Not included.
- Flexibility: Not included.
- Future Coaching Session: Not included.
- Friends & Family Discounts: 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.
- Certificate: Awarded upon completion.
- 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.
- Certificate: Awarded upon completion.
- 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 on a full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included), and ages 16–24 are on a half board (breakfast and dinner included). Meals are served at the accommodation or at local restaurants.
- Accommodation: Single or twin room (confirmed by us at a later date).
- Certificate: Awarded upon completion.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- 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 (up to 10) and interactive workshops.
- Meals: Ages 13–15 are on a full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included), and ages 16–24 are on a half board (breakfast and dinner included). Meals are served at the accommodation or at local restaurants.
- Accommodation: Concierge helps select the best available option.
- Certificate: Awarded upon completion.
- Customer Service: Enhanced (OxSC concierge).
- 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 (up to 10) and interactive workshops.
- Meals: Ages 13–15 are on full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included), and ages 16–24 are on half board (breakfast and dinner included). Meals are served at the accommodation or local restaurants.
- Accommodation: Guaranteed private room and bathroom.
- Certificate: Awarded upon completion.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- 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 (up to 10) and interactive workshops.
- Meals: Ages 13–15 are on full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included), and ages 16–24 are on half board (breakfast and dinner included). Meals are served at the accommodation or local restaurants.
- Accommodation: Select your preferred single or twin room (shared bathroom).
- Certificate: Awarded upon completion.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- 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.
Related Courses
Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Different package options may be available for students aged 16–17, with inclusions varying by course and location. Check the course page for the package options, accommodation and inclusions available for your chosen dates.
Our courses for ages 16–17 are taught by experienced educators and subject specialists with expertise relevant to the subjects they teach. Tutors create their own syllabi around their specialisms. Tutors are confirmed closer to the summer, so profiles on our website are examples of educators who have previously taught with us.
Students aged 16–17 receive a certificate of completion, detailed feedback from their tutor and a personalised letter of recommendation, reflecting their participation, academic progress and achievements during the course.
Students aged 16–17 are supported by on-site staff throughout their experience, with clear safeguarding and wellbeing procedures in place. The programme balances appropriate supervision with the greater independence expected of older teenagers.
Atlas Summer Courses gives students aged 16–17 the opportunity to explore their chosen subject in greater depth through small-group teaching and independent study. Students can challenge their thinking, develop greater academic independence and learn alongside students from around the world.
There are no formal entry requirements. Students should have a genuine interest in their chosen subject, and teaching is tailored to each student’s interests and abilities so everyone can learn at the right level. All lessons are taught in English, so students should have a good working understanding of spoken and written English.
