Art History
Join the Art History 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, Art History in Oxford with Atlas Summer Courses for ages 16–17 offers an in-depth exploration of the meaning behind every brushstroke. Examine the techniques and symbolism in a range of artworks and interpret art from diverse cultural contexts. From fine art to abstract works, clay sculptures, and modern masterpieces, you'll broaden your knowledge of visual culture throughout history. Explore paintings and three-dimensional art spanning different periods, from iconic gallery pieces to underground art. 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 parts of the historic city of Oxford 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, has been associated with art, culture, and collections that span centuries of human creativity. As part of the 16–17 Art History programme, you’ll live in a city shaped by scholarship and the visual arts. The city of Oxford provides an inspiring backdrop for learning, with its world-class museums, historic architecture, and long tradition of studying how art reflects and shapes society.
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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This course invites students to look closer — at paintings, buildings, objects, and the cultural forces that shaped them. In Oxford, learners explore major art movements, influential artists, and the historical contexts behind iconic works. Through analysis, interpretation, and debate, they discover how art reflects power, belief, identity, and innovation across time — and how it continues to shape the way we see the world today.
Seminar-style learning in groups of no more than ten encourages thoughtful discussion and confident communication. Independent assignments — such as visual analyses or short research projects — are supported through personalised, tutorial-style feedback, strengthening critical thinking skills. With access to Oxford’s world-class museums and architecture, plus enrichment activities and a vibrant international community, students learn to appreciate art both intellectually and through first-hand discovery. They finish with a certificate, a personalised tutor recommendation, and a deeper appreciation for the stories art can tell.
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.
