English Literature
Join the English Literature summer programme at Atlas Summer Courses in 2027. Hosted at colleges of the University of Cambridge, 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, English Literature is designed for 16–17-year-olds who want to deepen their understanding of literature and its impact on society. Students will explore a range of literary works, from Romantic poets like William Wordsworth to contemporary writers such as Ali Smith, learning how each piece reflects its context and carries symbolic meaning. The course will focus on enhancing your critical reading and analytical skills, helping you unpack the themes, characters, and techniques used by writers. You’ll develop a deeper appreciation for both classic and modern literature, learning how to approach and critique texts with insight. We don’t follow a fixed curriculum—our tutors tailor the course to the group’s interests, ensuring that the learning experience is engaging and relevant. The course also includes a masterclass on critical thinking and a reflection session to track your progress and set new goals.
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 Cambridge, with more than 800 years of academic tradition, has inspired generations of writers and scholars—from poets and novelists to critics who shaped how we read and interpret literature. As part of the 16–17 English Literature programme, you’ll live in a city where creativity and scholarship come together. The city of Cambridge provides the perfect backdrop for learning, with its historic colleges, renowned libraries, and a tradition of literary thought that continues to influence the world.
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 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.
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The Atlas Summer Courses Experience
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Cambridge has long been a home for literary innovation — from trailblazing poets to influential critics — making it an ideal setting for students to explore how literature shapes culture and imagination. Through analysing diverse texts and engaging in thoughtful debate, students develop the confidence to interpret meaning, question perspectives, and communicate their ideas with clarity and originality.
Seminar-style sessions (maximum ten students) encourage lively discussion where personal viewpoints and interpretations are welcomed. Tutorial-style feedback helps refine academic writing and deepens understanding of narrative craft, genre, and context. Staying in a Cambridge college setting, taking part in cultural excursions, and connecting with peers from across the world enrich the learning experience beyond the page. By the end of the course, students earn a certificate of completion, a personalised tutor recommendation, and a renewed appreciation for literature’s power — both in history and in their own lives.
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.
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 back in time with a visit to the historic city of Canterbury, home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Canterbury Cathedral. Wander through medieval streets, discover the city's connections to Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales, and experience England's rich history through its remarkable architecture, heritage and interactive historical experiences.
Discover the historic Royal Borough of Greenwich, home to some of London's most iconic maritime and scientific landmarks. Visit the Royal Observatory Greenwich, stand on the Prime Meridian, explore the legendary Cutty Sark, and uncover centuries of naval history at the National Maritime Museum while learning how exploration, navigation and astronomy helped shape the modern 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 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.
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.
