Politics
What is the difference between the 'state' and the 'nation'? What is the best way for the state to govern its citizens? What is going on with Britain's exit from the European Union?
If questions like these interest you, you may be suited to our Politics summer school course.
Students on our Politics course not only learn about different political theories and ideologies, but how to analyse real-life examples of politics in action from around the world.
Our Politics and International Relations course
What will you be studying?
- Foundational concepts of Politics such as ‘state, the nation’, and the different political systems and ideologies
- State co-operation, which will be studied by looking at real examples of where state co-operation has been successful or failed.
- With a strong focus on the European Union, students read literature from the field to help to develop a structured and critical approach to thinking about politics and international relations.
- Large questions will be explored, such as: What is the best way for a state to govern its citizens? How should we encourage inter-state co-operation? Is a voting democracy the fairest way to rule?
What will you leave with?
- Two worksheets with marked feedback
- Personalised report from summer school Tutor
- An understanding of the basics of Politics
- In-depth understanding of careers open to Politics graduates
- An understanding of studying Politics at undergraduate level
What's included?
- 15 hours of tuition
- 18 hours supervised independent study
- 2 one-to-one tutorials with a tutor, 2 marked essays
- Debating workshop in the Oxford Union
- A full academic report from your tutor
- 10 hours of career talks
- Optional university preparation sessions
Who teaches our Politics and International Relations course?
All of our summer school tutors are trained graduates from Oxford or Cambridge University
Martin (BA, MPhil, Oxon)
Martin read Politics for both his B.A. and M.Phil. study at the University of Oxford, before going on to study for a Ph.D. at the same institution.
Martin is an experienced tutor and has worked as a university lecturer teaching undergraduates and graduate students in political science and research methods.
His research focuses on the European Union, and inter-state cooperation.
He also taught with us on the Summer School in 2018, so has plenty of experience working with our students.
What our students say
We are proud of the experience our students have with us every summer, and how much they value the opportunity to experience student life in Oxford.
Ashley
2015 student
"I had an amazing time at Oxbridge! The course itself was very fun and informative, and I've learned a lot more than school could ever teach me. The tutors were very nice and the classes improved my thinking skills."
Yvone, mother of Liz
2017 parent
"The money we spent sending Liz to summer school was a terrific investment and we were delighted with the outcome, thanks to the quality and integrity of the individuals who looked after her and inspired her enormously"
Melanie
2018 student
"These two weeks I spent at Oxbridge were some of the best I have had. I met so many wonderful people that I was able to spend many valuable moments with. The academics were very good and I feel it has prepared me for my upcoming school year. "
Apply now for Politics and International Relations
Applications are now open to join our 2020 summer school.
You can apply for a 2 week course in Politics, or a 4 week course in Politics and one other subject.