Philosophy Summer Courses in Oxford
Explore some of life's biggest questions, challenge assumptions and develop your ability to construct clear, reasoned arguments with Atlas Summer Courses. Our two-week Philosophy summer courses in Oxford, available for students aged 13–15, 16–17 and 18–24, give you the opportunity to explore philosophical ideas beyond your usual studies while developing your critical thinking and reasoning skills.
Through small-group teaching and independent study, you'll examine different perspectives, question established ideas and learn to develop and defend your own arguments while enjoying the wider experience of spending your summer in Oxford with Atlas Summer Courses.
What's Included?
Your residential Philosophy 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 Philosophy in Oxford
Our Philosophy summer courses in Oxford give students aged 13–15, 16–17 and 18–24 the opportunity to spend two weeks exploring fundamental questions about knowledge, ethics, reasoning and human existence as part of an Atlas Summer Courses summer experience.
Philosophy asks us to examine ideas that can initially seem straightforward. What makes an action right or wrong? How can we know whether something is true? What makes an argument convincing? And how should we respond when two apparently reasonable positions conflict?
Across the course, you'll be encouraged to question assumptions, analyse arguments and consider perspectives that may differ from your own. Rather than simply learning what philosophers have argued, you'll develop your ability to engage critically with philosophical questions and form reasoned positions of your own.
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 a Philosophy 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, group and age range, you could explore different branches of philosophy, philosophical arguments and some of the questions that have challenged thinkers across different periods.
You might consider questions such as:
- What makes an argument logically convincing?
- How can we decide whether an action is morally right or wrong?
- What does it mean to know something?
- Do we have free will?
- What makes a society fair or just?
- How should we respond when equally reasoned arguments lead to different conclusions?
The depth and approach will reflect the age group you're studying with, as well as your tutor's academic expertise and the interests of the group. Any syllabus shown on our website is an example from a previous course rather than a guarantee of the exact topics you'll study.
How You'll Learn on Your Philosophy Course
How you'll study Philosophy depends on your age group, with each course with Atlas Summer Courses designed to provide an appropriate level of academic challenge and independence.
Ages 13–15
24 hours of small-group seminars
You'll take part in eight seminars where you'll explore philosophical ideas through interactive discussions, case studies and activities. You'll be challenged to consider different perspectives, develop your responses and explain the reasoning behind your conclusions.
12 hours of private study
You'll complete a small amount of work for each seminar. Depending on the course, this might involve reading an academic text, researching an argument or preparing a presentation. There will be opportunities to work independently as well as collaboratively with your peers.
Ages 16–17 and 18–24
18 hours of small-group seminars
You'll take part in six three-hour seminars, exploring philosophical questions through discussion, case studies and activities.
2 hours of tutorials
You'll have one tutorial each week, usually with your tutor and one other student. Tutorials provide a focused opportunity to discuss the essay or problem sheet you've been working on, defend your arguments and receive detailed feedback.
Around 20 hours of private study
You'll complete reading in preparation for seminars and work independently on an essay or problem sheet for each tutorial.
Across all age groups, you'll be encouraged to participate actively, question assumptions and become more confident developing, communicating and defending reasoned arguments.
Your Summer Experience in Oxford
Your time with Atlas Summer Courses extends beyond your Philosophy 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 Are Our Philosophy Summer Courses in Oxford For?
Our Philosophy summer courses in Oxford are designed for students aged 13–15, 16–17 and 18–24 who enjoy asking difficult questions, challenging assumptions and exploring different ways of thinking about the world.
You don't need to have studied Philosophy before joining. The course may particularly appeal to you if you enjoy debating ideas, analysing arguments, considering different perspectives or asking questions that don't necessarily have simple answers.
You'll develop transferable skills including critical thinking, logical reasoning, constructing arguments, evaluating different perspectives, independent study and communicating complex ideas clearly.
If you'd like to explore the subject more broadly, discover our Philosophy summer courses.
Learn from Expert Tutors
Atlas Summer Courses tutors are experienced educators and subject specialists active across academia, industry and education.
They bring their own academic 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 Philosophy summer courses in Oxford may explore different philosophical questions, thinkers and approaches.
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 Philosophy Take You?
Philosophy develops the ability to analyse complex ideas, identify assumptions and construct clear and logically reasoned arguments.
Students interested in Philosophy may go on to study the subject itself or related areas such as politics, economics, law, history, ethics or other humanities and social sciences.
The reasoning, analytical and communication skills associated with Philosophy can also support future paths across law, public policy, business, research, journalism, education and many other fields where evaluating complex arguments is important.
A Philosophy summer course in Oxford gives you the opportunity to explore the subject before making longer-term academic decisions and discover which philosophical questions 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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