Experimental Psychology (Oxford Royale Academy)

Age: 16-18 years.

Dates, 2026:
In Oxford: 5–18 July, 19 July–1 August, 2–15 August.
In Cambridge: 5–18 July, 19 July–2 August.

In the Experimental Psychology course, students will explore various aspects of the psyche, including psychological disorders and the impact of childhood attachments on the future. They will design their own research, communicate with experts and study the ethics of experiments in the field of human psychology.

The topics covered in the course go beyond the level that students may have been exposed to in their formal education at school. Students will take part in discussions that force them to think about psychological theories and classic research from alternative and complex perspectives. This promotes a balance of open-mindedness and critical evaluation, preparing students for higher education.

The course is very similar to what students would study in a university undergraduate psychology program. It is an excellent opportunity for aspiring psychologists and health professionals to gain practical insight into the lives of psychology students. Through a holistic approach to learning, students will gain insight into the detailed inner workings of the human mind.

By the end of the course, students will:

• Understand the diverse and dynamic nature of experimental psychology.
• Understand how experimental psychology is taught at university level.
• Master a range of fundamental psychological concepts, including experimental design and the distinction between correlation and causation.
• Be introduced to several key theorists and classic studies.
• Study in a supportive environment where you can confidently express your opinions and ideas.
• Learn to think creatively about psychological phenomena.
• Understand how psychology is applied in education, healthcare and everyday situations.

Oxford and Cambridge is a city that combines stunningly beautiful architecture with a bustling modern centre, with excellent shops, restaurants and cafes. The cities are steeped in history and imbued with an academic spirit. After all, there are many colleges of Oxford and Cambridge Universities here, some of which are almost 800 years old!

Students on Oxford Royale summer courses have the unique opportunity to live and study in these stunning cities, explore all their famous sights and unravel their secrets. With superbly organised trips and a packed evening programme of activities, pupils will experience the best that Oxford and Cambridge have to offer.

Pupils will stroll cobbled streets, admire spires and stone buildings, and walk in the footsteps of some of history's most influential figures, including prime ministers, presidents, scientists, Nobel laureates and writers.

Key factors

• Maximum 15 students per class.
• The school is proud to be the most international summer school in the world: since its foundation in 2005, Oxford Royale Academy has welcomed pupils from over 175 countries.
• No two days are the same at Oxford Royale – learning is varied and includes workshops, activities, self-assessment, data analysis, case studies, demonstrations and research.

• Attending the course will give students an educational experience that they can talk about when applying to university, demonstrating to admissions committees their self-motivation and enthusiasm for learning.

• In addition to the specific practical skills that students will gain on the course, they will also acquire skills that will be useful at school, university and beyond. These include: teamwork, effective communication and spatial thinking.
• One of the most important and enriching aspects of the summer programme at Oxford Royale is the opportunity to interact with like-minded people from all over the world, network and build friendships. The multicultural perspectives that students are exposed to are what make this course so special, whether they are voicing their opinions in class, engaging in debates on global issues, or simply sharing their experiences with new friends.
• The highlight of the summer school is the lectures from renowned experts. It is an opportunity to gain valuable insight into the global debates shaping our world today and to be inspired by industry leaders.
• At the end of the course, students will be treated to a grand ceremony to receive their certificates, followed by a formal dinner and a final party. It is the perfect way to end an unforgettable summer with new friends from all over the world.
• In the evenings and on weekends, there are study support sessions, and for 16-18 year olds, there is a workshop called “Shaping Your Future”, whichwill help you learn more about the world you are about to enter. Here, students will find advice on applying to university, careers workshops, and special Q&A time with Academy staff.

The Syllabus

The syllabus is very exciting: students will study the brain, consciousness, and behavior, and in doing so, they will learn a variety of things about themselves and the world around them, such as how you humans remember events and faces, how the brain works, how things that happened in childhood affect people now - even how people view their own personality!

They will also delve into intriguing social topics, such as why people believe fake news or how to help people with mental health issues. All aspects of this subject will focus on evidence-based scientific research.

At the end of the course, students will complete two pieces of work: a presentation on identity and culture, and a written research report based on an experiment the student conducted independently. In this way, both tasks practice psychological skills for interacting with the world.

The course opens up a range of potential careers for students, whether that means continuing to study psychology at a higher education institution or becoming familiar with the different fields they might work in in the future.

A degree in psychology is an excellent starting point for a career in either science or the arts. Careers directly related to a psychology degree include:

• Clinical Psychologist
• Consultant Psychologist
• Educational Psychologist
• Forensic Psychologist
• Medical Psychologist
• Occupational Psychologist
• Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner
• Sport and Exercise Psychologist

Accommodation

Students live on campus in single and double rooms. Boys and girls are housed separately. Bathrooms are generally shared between students of the same sex, although private bathrooms are available in some cases. The accommodation is standard for university students, so course participants will get to experience the life of a real student at a famous university.

Entertainment

Effective learning is only possible with a harmonious combination of work and leisure. The Academy does its utmost to provide students with an enjoyable program of extracurricular activities, so that they have plenty of time for wonderful memories with new friends. Pupils will have the opportunity to:

• Enjoy fun activities including karaoke, quizzes, films, talent shows and team building games such as Treasure Hunts.
• Participate in a range of sports suitable for everyone from young athletes to complete beginners.
• Enjoy cultural excursions around campus and the university town including museum visits and walking tours.
• Enjoy an exciting trip to London.

Excursions

• Visit museums within walking distance of campus: Oxford University Museum of Natural History and Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology, Fitzwilliam Museum of Art and History, Cambridge, The Royal Museum of Earth Sciences, Sedgwick and many more.
• London Day Trip. The chance to discover the UK’s most exciting city! From Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace to the Natural History Museum and the National Portrait Gallery, there are endless ways to enjoy yourself. With luxury shopping and hundreds of restaurants, London is a must-see.
• City Tours. One of the best ways to see Oxford and Cambridge is on a walking tour. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the sights and history of the cities and universities. As well as the colleges where students will be staying, they will also have the chance to visit other beautiful historic colleges and enjoy their stunning architecture and history.
• River Rafting. This is a chance to experience what it’s like to be a university student and try your hand at punting – a type of rowing that uses a metal pole to push a boat forward! Students will relax in the sun and enjoy the stunning natural scenery of Oxford and Cambridge from the water.

Sample daily timetable

8:00 - Breakfast
9:00 - Lessons
14:00 - Lessons
15:30 - Activities/City tour/Workshops/Visiting lectures
18:00 - Lunch
19:00 - Study support sessions
20:00 - Debating and public speaking/Developing Yourfuture"
21:00 – Evening activities
22:30 - Lights out

Price, 2026

£6,995 for 2 weeks.

Included in the price

• Training
• Accommodation and meals
• All sports, entertainment activities and excursions

Additionally paid

• Flight
• Visa
• Insurance
• Transfers from and to the airport
• Educational company services

Why Oxford Royale Academy?

Oxford Royale Academy is a market leader in delivering high-quality summer programmes in Oxford. And that's not just talk: the Academy's many awards demonstrate its commitment to high standards of education, service and safety.

Awards

• The Queen's Award for Enterprise 2024. This is the most prestigious award for businesses in the UK. This is the fourth time the Academy has received this award, having previously received it in 2012, 2016, 2019. The Academy was honoured to accept the award from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Winning the International Trade category - the result of an ever-increasing number of international students studying at the Academy.
• The Academy is accredited by the British Council for the Teaching of English. This accreditation is only given to organisations that deliver high-quality courses.
• The 2024 RoSPA Silver Award is an award for health and safety in the UK. For nearly 100 years, RoSPA has played a significant role in changing the law around the prevention of accidents at work, on the roads and at home. This award recognises the Academy’s ongoing work to ensure that all pupils, teachers and staff are safe while they are at school. The Academy previously won a Bronze Award in 2019.
• The British Educational Travel Association (BETA) awarded the Academy the award for “Best Educational Project in Youth Travel” in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2015. And in 2017, the Academy won the main award - “Best Educational Project”. The award is given to successful companies related to youth, students and educational travel. The win is a clear sign of the Academy’s commitment to providing young people with an unforgettable learning experience.
• Gold Award 2019 for Best Customer Service at the BETA British Youth Travel Awards. 

Seven reasons to choose Oxford Royale Academy

1. Full immersion in college life. Oxford Royale Academy students study, eat and sleep on the college campuses of renowned universities – just like regular students. This gives them an exceptional opportunity to experience the exciting college experience.
2. Pupils have the exclusive opportunity to live and study in stunning historic manor houses or superbly equipped schools with the best accommodation. 
3. Britain’s highest award for entrepreneurs 2024. This is the highest accolade that can be awarded to a company in the UK – and is proof of the uncompromising excellence of the Academy's teaching. 
4. Highly professional teaching staff. Pupils at Oxford Royale Academy are taught by teachers of the highest calibre, many of whom have studied at, or are currently working at, Oxford and Cambridge. The teachers are deeply committed to developing students' perspectives and helping them to realise their educational potential.
5. Students come from all over the world to study at the Academy. Since its foundation, 175 countries have attended the Academy. The Summer School is an exceptional opportunity to make friends from all over the world.
6. A delightful cultural and leisure programme to complement your studies. Summer educational courses are complemented by a carefully chosen timetable of varied activities. Their aim is to give you the opportunity to have fun and get the most out of your education.
7. Visiting attractions. All programs include excursions to impressive attractions. 

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT FROM OTHER COMPANIES

• We have been working since 1996
• We select camps with a minimum number of Russian speakers
• We only place children in good conditions
• We have personally inspected almost all the schools we offer
• We do not work with massgmentom, only camps for demanding clients
• The phone is always working 24/7 
• Why our clients value us

How to choose summer courses