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Online IR, Politics & Leadership Course

(Online Summer School | Ages 15 – 18)
Passionate about politics? This online summer course will introduce you to key concepts in politics, international relations and leadership.

Explore the forces shaping global affairs, examine how power and influence evolve over time and refine your leadership skills.

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Key Facts

Course Location:
Online via Zoom
1-3PM (BST)

Student Ages:
15-18 year olds

Class Size:
Max 15 students

2025 Dates:
June – August
(See all dates here)

Tutor Profiles:
Typically Oxford and
Cambridge academics

Tuition Fees:
£595 (one week)
£995 (two weeks)

Course Length:
One or two weeks

Graduation Takeaways:
Letter of Recommendation &
Certificate of Achievement

OSA Accreditations:
King’s Award for Enterprise

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The IR, Politics & Leadership Syllabus

You’ll debate global issues, evaluate political decisions and propose real-world policy solutions.
You’ll be guided by expert tutors from leading universities such as Oxford and Cambridge.

Theories of Leadership
Examine the four main theories of leadership and discuss what makes a good or bad political leader.

View Syllabus

Political Change & Revolutions
Analyse examples of political change over time and debate what makes political change most effective.
Democracy

Explore the key features of a democracy and take part in a debate about whether democracies are always the best type of political system.

Economy

Present theories of political economy to the rest of the class and discuss the importance of political decisions on economic systems.

International Relations

Participate in a debate about the principles that should guide international relations.

International Organisations

Discuss examples of important global institutions across history and debate which of these are most influential in international relations.

War & Crisis

Explore how new world powers will influence future international relations, and subsequently impact the notion of war and crisis.

Finding Resolutions

Examine examples of leadership styles across history and debate which style is the most effective.

Simulating Global Governance

Research a cutting-edge area in the field and explore the future of international relations.

Presentations of Response Campaign

Create and present a response campaign to a global crisis.

How This Helps Your Future

At the end of your programme, you’re invited to attend an online Graduation event to celebrate your achievements with family, friends, teachers, and fellow students.

If you’d like, you can volunteer to share your experiences with the group, offering a great opportunity to reflect on what you’ve accomplished.

We’ll send you a recording of the event so you can revisit it later or share it with family members who couldn’t attend live.

Meet Your Tutor

Arushi Sharan
BA Hons, Master’s Diploma, MA, DPhil (Oxon) (Candidate)
Arushi is currently a DPhil candidate in International Development at the University of Oxford and an Abdul Rauphu Mustafa Scholar. She holds a Master of Arts with Distinction in Political Science from Jawaharlal Nehru University and a Master’s Diploma in Conflict Transformation and Peace Building. 

Arushi has worked as a teaching fellow in Comparative Politics at Ashoka University and as a research guide with the Chief Minister’s Good Governance Associates Programme in India. Her research on policy and governance has been published in reputed academic journals.

Please note, our faculty members may be subject to change.

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Develop Your Leadership Skills

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of international relations, politics and leadership by tackling real-world challenges, participating in masterclasses and learning from an inspirational tutor.

Master Fundamental Political Concepts
Master key concepts such as transformational leadership, market economy and negotiation – all under the guidance of one of our expert tutors from leading universities like Oxford and Cambridge.
Be Mentored by an Expert Academic
Work closely with an academic mentor on real-world political challenges. Whether managing international conflict, debating new world powers or analysing a major crisis, you’ll gain invaluable experience, working through problems just like the experts.
Connect with Future Politics Professionals
Join our weekly video socials to meet fellow students from around the world. These casual, fun events feature games, quizzes and group activities, offering a chance to unwind, socialise and make lasting connections with others passionate about international relations and politics.

Hear From a Graduate

Lauren Brodsky
Online Politics & Debate Course
“Studying the online Politics & Debate course at Oxford Scholastica has allowed me to connect with other young people from different cultures and backgrounds. Debating important topics with my classmates has broadened my perspective and increased my understanding of the world around me.”
Apply Today

Build an International Network

Join a vibrant global community of passionate, curious and motivated young learners just like you – all while learning and connecting from the comfort of your own home.

Juanita Sele-Matthew
Juanita Sele-Matthew

15, Experience Business & Enterprise Academy

CURRENT SCHOOL:
Meadowhall School

FUN FACT:
I don't eat red apples.

DREAM CAREER:
Dietician or Food Scientist

FAVOURITE EXPERIENCE:
Sainsbury's runs with Lampl House are the one thing I can never forget!

Eliah Cibambo
Eliah Cibambo

Age 17, Experience Business & Enterprise Academy

CURRENT SCHOOL:
Lycée Prince de Liège

FUN FACT:
I’m a big fan of languages and I often try to understand how dialects and languages influence each other throughout the world.

DREAM CAREER:
Anything that helps better people’s lives.

FAVOURITE EXPERIENCE:
Definitely the ball on boat!

Adela Jung Foncillas
Adela Jung Foncillas

Age 17, Experience Psychology & Neuroscience Academy

CURRENT SCHOOL:
FES Lörrach

FUN FACT:
I love Spain with all my heart.

DREAM CAREER:
Doctor

FAVOURITE EXPERIENCE:
Singing with all of St Thomas's House at the Talent Show!

Pippa Manning
Pippa Manning

Age 17, Experience Medicine Academy

CURRENT SCHOOL:
Nottingham Girls' High School

FUN FACT:
My favourite movie is 10 Things I Hate About You.

DREAM CAREER:
Dermatologist

FAVOURITE EXPERIENCE:
Ceilidh, and the Boat Ball.

Strengthen Your University Application

You’ll gain a Certificate of Achievement, a Letter of Recommendation and access to our Ambassador Programme – all tailored to showcase your academic and professional potential in international relations and politics.

Earn a Certificate of Achievement
Successfully complete the online IR, Politics & Leadership programme to earn an Oxford Scholastica Academy Certificate of Achievement at our Graduation Ceremony, demonstrating your commitment and hard work.
Receive a Letter of Recommendation
Outstanding students will receive a personalised Letter of Recommendation from their tutor, highlighting their leadership skills, contributions and engagement – an excellent addition to university applications in politics.
Join Our Ambassador Programme

Looking to deepen your experience? Apply for our exclusive one-year Ambassador Programme to develop networking, communication and leadership skills through monthly virtual sessions.

Course Availability (Summer 2025)

Find the dates and fees for our upcoming online psychology and neuroscience courses for 2025 below.

Availability
30th July
14th July
28th July
11th August
Enrol Today
What’s Included in Your Tuition Fee

ACADEMICS

  • 20 hours of live teaching (two weeks)
  • 4 hours of Masterclass sessions
  • Preparatory reading list
  • Independent study assignments
  • Detailed, personalised feedback  

GRADUATION

  • Graduation Ceremony
  • Letter of Recommendation 
  • Certificate of Achievement 
  • Invitation to the Ambassador Programme
  • Ongoing advice and support 

Two Week Courses

£ 995

One Week Course

£ 595

Your Questions,
Answered.

Still need help? Book a Call
What are the entry requirements for this IR, Politics & Leadership course?

We have three entry requirements:

i) You must be aged between 11-18 years old at the start of your chosen course.

ii) You must be motivated to learn more about the subject you wish to study (there’s space for you to write a personal statement on our registration form). We find that when students are self-motivated and eager to make the most of the opportunity, the experience can be truly transformative.

iii) You must be able to speak, read and understand English well. Though we require no formal testing, our minimum English level is Common European Framework Level C1, which equates to IELTS 6.5. If you’d like to arrange a call to check whether you have the right level of English, please feel free to contact us.

What should I write in my Oxford Scholastica personal statement?
Our admissions panel reads through each student’s personal statement to determine if they’d be a good fit for our programme. We welcome bright and intellectually curious students from around the world – those who are passionate about their subject and eager to challenge themselves.

We don’t have any academic prerequisites, as many of our students have never been exposed to their chosen subject before, so instead we’re looking for motivation and mindset.

What time will my live tutorials take place?

Live tutorials will run daily from 1-3 PM UK time. This schedule is designed to accommodate students across multiple time zones, creating a truly global classroom experience.

How many hours does the course run each day?
You’ll have two hours of live contact time with your tutor each day, plus around two hours of independent study or group work. In total, you should plan to dedicate approximately four hours a day to the course.
Do I need any special equipment to attend Oxford Scholastica online?
You don’t need any special equipment in order to attend our online courses. All you need is a computer with a stable internet connection and a webcam. Ideally you’ll be able to sit in a quiet room where you won’t be disturbed for your tutorials.
Is the online course content the same as the summer school course?
Our online courses are project-based, meaning you’ll regularly apply what you’ve learnt to real-world problems. While these courses have been designed in accordance with our learning philosophy of Learn, See, Do – just like our Oxford summer schools – the content is different, with a greater focus on problem solving. You can join us for both an online course and an Oxford summer school in your subject without repeating material.
Who will my tutor be?

We carefully select and train the best qualified tutors for each course. Our tutors are subject experts from world-class institutions, including the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Learn more about our tutors here.

Will I get a certificate at the end of an Oxford Scholastica online course?
Yes, all students who successfully complete one of our online courses will receive an Oxford Scholastica Academy Certificate of Achievement upon programme completion.

Students who meet our criteria will also be awarded a personalised Letter of Recommendation from their tutor, highlighting their strengths, participation, personality and more.

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We Help Students Seize the Future

Our immersive programmes give young people with big dreams the opportunity to get a true understanding of their career path.

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