English Literature and Creative Writing Summer Courses in Oxford
Explore great writing from different perspectives, discover how authors use language and develop your own creative voice with Atlas Summer Courses. Our two-week English Literature and Creative Writing summer course in Oxford, designed for students aged 13–15, gives you the opportunity to combine literary analysis with creative experimentation while developing your reading, writing and communication skills.
Through small-group seminars and independent study, you'll examine how writers create meaning, experiment with different forms and techniques, and become more confident expressing your own ideas while enjoying the wider experience of spending your summer in Oxford with Atlas Summer Courses.
What's Included?
Your residential English Literature and Creative Writing summer course in Oxford includes academic teaching, accommodation, meals, a certificate on completion, airport transfer from Heathrow and insurance.
Choose from Plus, Superior and Premier packages, with accommodation and additional benefits varying by package.
Study English Literature and Creative Writing in Oxford
Our English Literature and Creative Writing summer course in Oxford gives students aged 13–15 the opportunity to spend two weeks exploring literature while developing their own writing as part of an Atlas Summer Courses summer experience.
English Literature invites you to examine how writers use language, structure, character, voice and other techniques to create meaning. Creative Writing gives you the opportunity to put these ideas into practice, experimenting with your own stories, characters, settings and styles.
Studying the subjects together allows reading and writing to inform one another. You'll consider what makes a piece of writing effective, examine the choices authors make and explore how techniques you encounter as a reader might inspire your own creative work.
Outside your academic sessions, you'll experience the wider programme alongside other students, with time to enjoy Oxford and take part in the social and cultural elements of your summer.
What Will You Study on an English Literature and Creative Writing Summer Course in Oxford?
There is no prescribed syllabus that every student follows. Atlas Summer Courses tutors create their own syllabi, drawing on their expertise while taking the interests, abilities and learning needs of their students into account.
Depending on your tutor and group, you could encounter different literary forms, genres, authors and creative writing techniques.
You might consider questions such as:
- How do writers create memorable characters?
- How can narrative voice change the way we experience a story?
- What makes a setting feel convincing or distinctive?
- How can language create mood, tension or emotion?
- How can we interpret a text in different ways?
- How can reading other writers help us develop our own creative work?
You may also experiment with different forms of writing, using feedback and reflection to develop your ideas and refine your work.
The precise content will reflect your tutor's academic expertise and the interests and learning needs of the students in your group.
Any syllabus shown on our website is an example from a previous course rather than a guarantee of the exact texts, genres or topics you'll study.
How You'll Learn on Your English Literature and Creative Writing Course
Atlas Summer Courses' English Literature and Creative Writing summer course combines interactive small-group seminars with private study, giving you opportunities to analyse literature, discuss ideas and experiment with your own writing.
Ages 13–15
24 hours of small-group seminars
You'll take part in eight seminars where you'll explore literature and creative writing through interactive discussions, close reading, writing exercises and other activities. You'll be encouraged to share interpretations, experiment with different techniques and explain the choices you make in your own work.
12 hours of private study
You'll complete a small amount of work for each seminar. Depending on the course, this might involve reading a text, developing a piece of creative writing, researching an author or genre, or preparing ideas to discuss with the group. There will be opportunities to work independently as well as collaboratively with your peers.
Across the course, you'll be encouraged to participate actively, experiment with your writing and become more confident both analysing the work of others and developing ideas of your own.
Your Summer Experience in Oxford
Your time with Atlas Summer Courses extends beyond your English Literature and Creative Writing course.
You'll spend two weeks living and learning alongside other students, combining your academic programme with the wider social and cultural elements of the summer experience.
Outside your academic sessions, you'll have opportunities to spend time with other students, enjoy Oxford and take part in the activities and experiences included within your programme.
Accommodation and additional programme benefits vary according to the package you choose, so you can compare the available options before applying.
Explore the summer experience in Oxford.
Who Is Our English Literature and Creative Writing Summer Course in Oxford For?
Our English Literature and Creative Writing summer course in Oxford is designed for students aged 13–15 who enjoy reading, writing and exploring how language can be used to communicate ideas, experiences and imagination.
You don't need to have extensive creative writing experience before joining. The course may particularly appeal to you if you enjoy stories, poetry or other forms of literature, like discussing different interpretations of a text or want to become more confident developing and refining your own writing.
You'll develop transferable skills including close reading, critical thinking, creative writing, communication, giving and responding to feedback, independent study and expressing ideas clearly.
Learn from Expert Tutors
Atlas Summer Courses tutors are experienced educators and subject specialists active across academia, publishing, writing and education.
They bring their own expertise and interests into their teaching and have the freedom to shape their syllabus around both their specialism and the students in their group. This means different English Literature and Creative Writing summer courses in Oxford may explore different texts, genres, writers and creative techniques.
Tutors are confirmed closer to the summer, so profiles on our website are examples of tutors who have previously taught with us rather than confirmation of who will teach your course.
Where Can English Literature and Creative Writing Take You?
English Literature and Creative Writing develop complementary skills in interpretation, critical thinking, communication and creative expression.
Students interested in these subjects may go on to study English Literature, Creative Writing or related areas such as journalism, publishing, media, communications, history or other humanities disciplines.
The writing, analytical and communication skills associated with English Literature and Creative Writing can also support future paths across publishing, journalism, media, communications, education, marketing and many other creative and professional fields.
An English Literature and Creative Writing summer course in Oxford gives you the opportunity to explore both subjects, develop your writing and discover which literary forms and creative approaches interest you most.
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FAQs about Atlas Summer Courses
Atlas Summer Courses offers a wide range of summer courses in Oxford across subjects including sciences, humanities, social sciences, business, medicine, law, engineering and creative disciplines. Courses are available for different age groups, with the exact subjects available depending on the student's age and course dates.
Our summer courses in Oxford are available for students across several age groups, including 13–15, 16–17 and 18–24. Teaching and independent study are designed around each age group, giving students an appropriate level of academic challenge and independence.
Our residential summer courses in Oxford combine academic teaching with accommodation, meals and a wider programme of social and cultural experiences. Inclusions and accommodation vary by package, so students and families can compare the available options when choosing their course.
No. Atlas Summer Courses is an independent summer course provider and is not part of, affiliated with or endorsed by the University of Oxford. Our summer courses in Oxford are organised and delivered by Atlas Programmes, with the focus on our academic courses and the wider Atlas Programmes summer experience.
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