Summer schools

Summer courses for adult learners

Join us for a study holiday in Oxford – for personal enrichment, academic progression or professional development. You'll live and study at one of Oxford's historic colleges or at Rewley House, experience dining in hall, and explore the world's most famous university city. 

Choose from more than 100 one-week introductory courses; or opt for a longer, specialist summer school in a single topic. Many classes can be taken for credit; others require no coursework and are non-assessed. 

Introductory level

These one-week non-assessed summer programmes are aimed at non-specialists aged 18 and above.

Undergraduate level

The Oxford University Summer School for Adults (OUSSA) programme offers accredited week-long courses for adult learners. Credit earned from OUSSA is transferable towards our flexible and part-time Undergraduate Certificate of Higher Education

Please note that OUSSA is now closed to new enrolments.

Academic and professional

These intensive summer programmes are for those who want in-depth learning for personal or professional advancement. 

View all academic and professional summer schools >

Summer school highlights:

View a selection of upcoming summer schools below, or browse all available summer schools.

Oxford summer schools for academics and professionals

Oxford summer schools for academics and professionals

For those who want in-depth learning for personal or professional advancement, these intensive courses are held at historic Oxford colleges.

Literature and creative writing summer schools

Literature and creative writing summer schools

Discover our selection of English literature and creative writing summer school programmes in Oxford.

Inspiring Oxford Summer School

Inspiring Oxford Summer School

Introductory level. A new one-week summer programme aimed at non-specialists. Held at Merton College, Oxford.

English language teaching

English language teaching

Professional development summer programmes for English language teachers. With highly experienced international trainers.

History, Politics & Society Summer School

History, Politics & Society Summer School

Gain insight into issues and events that have influenced the contemporary world in this three-week residential summer school.

International Politics Summer School

International Politics Summer School

Tackle the vital issues that shape politics in the modern world in this two-week residential summer school.


Upcoming courses

Summer schools • Short courses • Professional development
  • Sun 09 Jul 2023 – 22 Jul 2023
Summer schools • Short courses
  • Sun 23 Jul 2023 – 12 Aug 2023
Summer schools • Short courses • Professional development
  • Sun 23 Jul 2023 – 05 Aug 2023
Summer schools • Short courses
  • Sun 30 Jul 2023 – 05 Aug 2023
Summer schools • Short courses
  • Sun 30 Jul 2023 – 12 Aug 2023