Experience International Relations, Politics & Leadership Academy
(for ages 15 to 18)
Are you interested in exploring the principles of international relations and politics that govern our global order?
Gain an authentic taste of what university study in this field is like, and study with other students in the historic city of Oxford.
Key Facts
Location: University of Oxford campus
Ages: 15–18
Class size: Maximum 15 students
Fees: £6,995 £6,495 if booked by 31st Dec using code FESTIVE500Length: 2 weeks
Dates: 6th-19th July, 20th July-2nd August, 3rd-16th August 2025
Awarded: Graduation Certificate & Letter of Recommendation
What You’ll Learn
Our courses combine university-style teaching with practical challenges and engaging debates. Small classes and expert tutors help you dive deep into the world of international relations.
- Master key topics including theories of political change, the influence of global institutions like the UN and the rise of new world powers – all guided by your expert tutor from a leading university such as Oxford and Cambridge
- Work in a team in our Model United Nations Challenge, where you’ll find yourself in the role of a diplomat in a simulation UN Security Council
- Meet a successful young professional from a field related to your subject and learn how their leadership skills have been crucial to their success
- Develop skills in high demand by universities and employers, such as public speaking, critical thinking and teamwork, via our Masterclasses
- Build your global professional network by meeting students from all over the world and joining our alumni community
- Attend our Graduation Ceremony at Oxford University’s Saïd Business School, and get a Graduation Certificate and personalised Letter of Recommendation from your tutor
“I had such an amazing time at Oxford Scholastica! This programme has broadened my view on politics and allowed me to connect with other kids my age from around the world.”
– Lauren, USA, Experience International Relations, Politics & Leadership Academy
Course Outline
In our Experience International Relations, Politics & Leadership Academy, you’ll cover a range of challenging topics across nine classroom sessions.
Class 1: Theories of Leadership
What do Steve Jobs, Obama, and the Dalai Lama have in common? We’ll learn about different theories of leadership and debate what makes a good leader, looking at examples of leaders from different fields.
Class 2: Political Change
Why do people act in the cause of political change? We’ll look at examples of political change over time from around the world, and debate what we think makes political change most effective.
Class 3: Democracy
Are democracies the best type of political system? We’ll explore the key features of a democracy, and look at how democracy has developed in different historical contexts around the world.
Class 4: Politics & the Economy
What do you do in the face of global financial crises? We’ll discover the importance of economics in society, and explore the relationship between politics and the economy, using real examples of political decisions from different countries.
Class 5: International Relations
What core principles should guide international relations? In this class you’ll find out about international law, human rights and the causes of war, and the processes involved in international relations.
Class 6: Global Institutions
What are the roles of Global Institutions? We’ll discover what a range of important global institutions (like the United Nations, the European Union, and NATO) do, and explore their influence in International Relations (using real-life examples).
Class 7: New World Powers
What do we mean when we refer to the “new world powers”? Grapple with the changing world of new powers, including the BRICs (Brazil, Russia, India, China) and the Middle East.
Class 8: Leadership Styles
Learn about different styles of leadership and which styles tend to be the most effective. We’ll help you to develop your leadership skills, and to consider which leaders you most admire and why.
Class X
Your final class is based on your tutor’s personal expertise in the field, focusing on the cutting-edge research that they’re passionate about.
Please note this course outline may be subject to change.
Meet Your Future Self
Our tutors and mentors, many of whom are Oxford University graduates, are actively engaged in the field they teach. Their fascinating lectures and masterclasses are rooted in real world experience and subject matter enthusiasm. In an increasingly detached and digital world, you’ll experience the joy of learning from the living embodiment of the person you want to become.
Tuscany Parkin
BA LLB (Rhodes), BCL (Oxon)
Tuscany graduated with the BCL Masters of Law from the University of Oxford, specialising in Jurisprudence, Competition Law and Comparative Contract Law. She is currently reading for the MPhil in Legal Philosophy. She obtained her BA in English Literature and LLB Law with Honours from Rhodes University. She has extensive tutoring experience, and enjoys working with young people to discover their own areas of legal interest.
Benjamin White
MChem (Hons)
Ben is completing his DPhil in Engineering Science at the University of Oxford, having studied for his integrated Masters in Chemistry at the University of Bath. Ben researches the use of nanotechnology in cancer treatment, in order to improve chemotherapy. Ben has many years of tutoring experience, covering all STEM subjects. He has also served as a peer mentor and tutor for undergraduate students at the University of Bath and St Edmund Hall, University of Oxford.
Oonagh Ekereoboghene Stewart
BA (Oxon)
Oonagh holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Medical Sciences from the University of Oxford. Her specialist interests include understanding the genetic basis of sleep regulation; last year she conducted research at the Oxford Sleep and Circadian Institute and has since written a dissertation on her findings, presenting at a conference in Oxford. She is a keen tutor with a lot of experience, and enjoys sharing her passion for clinical medicine.
Beyond the Classroom
You’ll meet our inspirational Heroes, take part in a subject-related Challenge, engage in skills-building Masterclasses and graduate in style.
Heroes
What better way to learn about a career than to talk to someone who’s living it? Our Heroes programme invites you to meet an inspiring poltiical professional and:
- Learn more about what a day in their life looks like
- Hear their top career tips, and understand the range of roles available in politics and international relations
- Ask any questions you may have about how to forge your own career in the field
Challenge
You’ll put the skills you’ve learned on the course to the test in our Model United Nations Challenge.
- Develop your critical thinking, communication and teamwork skills
- Work with the Debate & Public Speaking students in a simulation UN Security Council
- Present and debate critical worldwide issues with other diplomats who have conflicting interests
Masterclasses
Masterclasses are skills-based sessions, during which you’ll develop the skills and mindset you need for success, no matter which field you’re interested in going into.
- Hone your debating and public speaking skills at the world-famous Oxford Union
- Develop crucial leadership and communications skills
- Enhance your chances of getting into your dream university and career in our University & Careers Masterclass
Graduation
At the end of your programme, you’ll receive a Graduation Certificate and Letter of Recommendation at Oxford University’s Said Business School or St Anne’s College.
- Celebrate your achievements at our Graduation Ceremony
- Parents and family members are warmly welcome to attend
- Your Graduation Certificate and your tutor’s Letter of Recommendation are an excellent way to showcase your passion for the subject to university admissions officers
Why parents love
Oxford Scholastica
Check out our video to see why other parents chose Oxford Scholastica, and how they found the summer school experience.
To find out more about how we'll look after your child please click below to arrange a call.
What Happens Next
Our friendly team are on hand to help you through the process and to make it as simple as possible for you and your family.
(1) Application
Apply for your place here - we look for enthusiastic students who are keen to make the most of the opportunity.
(2) Deposit
In order to secure your spot there is a £995 deposit.
(3) Welcome Call
We'd love to speak with you - we're keen to get to know you in order to give you the most memorable summer!
(4) Pay the Balance
The balance of fees is due nearer the start of the programme. If you need a visa invitation letter, we can send this.
(5) Meet Fellow Students
Meet your fellow coursemates using our online community so you can make friends before starting.
(6) Optional Reading
Our tutors have curated a suggested reading list for you, including articles and videos and podcasts.
(7) Final Preparation
We'll ask you to fill in an important form including things like your dietary and health requirements.
(8) Travel Plans
If you're flying into the UK, we'll let you know how to book our airport transfers.
(9) Arrival!
You can arrive any time on the Sunday between 12pm and 5pm. There will be icebreaker games and a BBQ dinner.
Further Information
Want to know more about attending Oxford Scholastica? Click below to discover:
Experience International Relations, Politics & Leadership
Academy Dates & Price
| Length | Start Date | End Date | Price From | Next Step |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Two Weeks | 6th July 2025 | 19th July 2025 |
|
Reserve |
| Two Weeks | 20th July 2025 | 2nd August 2025 |
|
Reserve |
| Two Weeks | 3rd August 2025 | 16th August 2025 |
|
Reserve |
| Four Weeks | 6th July 2025 | 2nd August 2025 |
|
Reserve |
| Four Weeks | 20th July 2025 | 16th August 2025 |
|
Reserve |
Reserve Your Spot Today
Ready for a life-changing educational experience? Apply in minutes and reserve a spot for Oxford's #1 rated summer school or our online programmes.