Politics Summer Courses in Oxford
Explore how political systems work, examine the ideas that shape governments and societies, and develop your ability to analyse complex political questions with Atlas Summer Courses. Our two-week Politics summer courses in Oxford, available for students aged 16–17 and 18–24, give you the opportunity to explore politics beyond your usual studies while developing your critical thinking, argumentation and analytical skills.
Through small-group seminars, tutorials and independent study, you'll consider competing political ideas, examine how decisions are made and develop reasoned arguments while enjoying the wider experience of spending your summer in Oxford with Atlas Summer Courses.
What's Included?
Your residential Politics 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 Politics in Oxford
Our Politics summer courses in Oxford give students aged 16–17 and 18–24 the opportunity to spend two weeks exploring political ideas, institutions and decision-making as part of an Atlas Summer Courses summer experience.
Politics examines how societies are governed, how power is distributed and how decisions affecting individuals and communities are made. It also involves exploring competing ideas about democracy, representation, rights, freedom and the role of governments.
Across the course, you'll be encouraged to move beyond simply following political events. You'll consider why different political perspectives develop, examine the arguments behind them and think critically about how institutions and policies operate.
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 Politics 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 explore different political systems, ideologies, institutions, policies or contemporary political questions.
You might consider questions such as:
- How is political power gained and exercised?
- What makes a political system democratic?
- How do different political ideologies understand the role of government?
- How are political decisions and public policies made?
- Why do voters and political movements support different ideas?
- How should governments balance competing rights and interests?
The precise content will reflect your tutor's academic expertise and the interests 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 topics you'll study.
How You'll Learn on Your Politics Course
Atlas Summer Courses' Politics summer courses combine small-group seminars, tutorials and private study, giving you opportunities to discuss political ideas, develop your own arguments and work independently.
Ages 16–17 and 18–24
18 hours of small-group seminars
You'll take part in six three-hour seminars, exploring political ideas and questions through discussion, case studies and activities. You'll be encouraged to consider competing perspectives, question assumptions and develop reasoned responses to complex political issues.
2 hours of tutorials
You'll have one tutorial each week, usually with your tutor and one other student. These focused sessions give you the opportunity to discuss the essay or problem sheet you've been working on, defend your reasoning 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.
Together, these different forms of teaching encourage you to participate actively, evaluate different arguments and take greater responsibility for your own academic development.
Your Summer Experience in Oxford
Your time with Atlas Summer Courses extends beyond your Politics 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 Politics Summer Courses in Oxford For?
Our Politics summer courses in Oxford are designed for students aged 16–17 and 18–24 who are interested in political ideas, current affairs and understanding how governments and societies make decisions.
You don't need to have studied Politics before joining. The course may particularly appeal to you if you enjoy debating ideas, following political issues, considering different perspectives or examining why people disagree about how societies should be governed.
You'll develop transferable skills including critical thinking, evaluating evidence, analysing competing perspectives, constructing arguments, independent study and communicating complex ideas clearly.
If you'd like to explore the subject more broadly, discover our Politics 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 Politics summer courses in Oxford may explore different political systems, ideas and contemporary questions.
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 Politics Take You?
Politics develops the ability to analyse competing ideas, evaluate evidence and construct reasoned arguments about complex social and political questions.
Students interested in Politics may go on to study the subject itself or related areas such as international relations, philosophy, economics, history, law or public policy.
The analytical, research and communication skills associated with Politics can also support future paths across government, public policy, international organisations, law, journalism, research, business and other fields.
A Politics summer course in Oxford gives you the opportunity to explore the subject before making longer-term academic decisions and discover which areas of politics 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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