History, Philosophy & Literature (Oxford Royale Academy)

Age: 16–18 years old.

Dates, 2026:
5–18 July, 19 July–1 August.

Oxford is a city that combines stunningly beautiful architecture with a bustling modern centre, excellent shops, restaurants and cafés. The city is steeped in history and imbued with an academic spirit. After all, it is home to many of Oxford University's colleges, some of which are almost 800 years old!

Oxford Royale summer course students have the unique opportunity to live and study in this stunning city, explore all its famous landmarks and unravel its secrets. Thanks to well-organised trips and a packed evening programme of activities, students will experience the best that Oxford has to offer.

Students will stroll through cobbled streets, admire spires and stone buildings, and follow in the footsteps of some of the most influential figures in history, including prime ministers, presidents, scientists, Nobel Prize winners and writers.

Oxford is a city that has inspired the greatest minds in history and has been a centre of academic thought for centuries. It is the perfect place to immerse yourself in history and philosophy. Students will explore museums and libraries, visiting picturesque places that inspired authors such as Lewis Carroll, J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis.

Key factors

• Maximum of 15 students per class.
• The school prides itself on being the most international summer school in the world: since its founding in 2005, Oxford Royale Academy has welcomed students from over 175 countries.
• Attending the course will give students an educational experience that they can talk about when applying to university, showing the admissions committee their self-motivation and enthusiasm for learning.
• In addition to the specific practical skills that students will gain from the course, they will also acquire skills that will be useful in school, university and beyond. These include teamwork, effective communication and spatial thinking.
• One of the most important and enriching aspects of the Oxford Royale summer programme is the opportunity to interact with like-minded people from around the world, establishing connections and building friendships. The multicultural perspectives that open up to students are what make this course so special, whether they are expressing their opinions in class, participating in debates on global issues, or simply sharing their experiences with new friends.
• The highlight of the summer school is lectures by renowned experts. This is an opportunity to gain valuable insights into the global discussions shaping our modern world and be inspired by industry leaders.
• At the end of the programme, students will attend a grand certificate award ceremony, followed by a formal dinner and a closing party. Surrounded by new friends from all over the world, it is the perfect end to an unforgettable summer.

In the evenings and on weekends, there are study support classes, and for 16-18 year olds, there is a a seminar entitled ‘Shaping Your Future’ to help them learn more about the world they are about to enter. Here, students will find advice on applying to university, career seminars, and time for special questions and answers with Academy staff. Maximum 15 students per class.

Programme

Oxford Royale's Summer School in History, Philosophy and Literature invites students on a fascinating journey through the centuries of human thought. This course is for those who want to understand how the ideas, philosophers and writers of the past have shaped our world – from antiquity to the present day.

Here, students explore the interrelationship between history, philosophy and literature, discovering how great ideas inspired eras of change and were reflected in the work of writers. By studying thinkers such as Aristotle, Nietzsche and Rousseau, course participants will see how philosophy and history are inextricably intertwined, and how literature becomes a mirror of its time.

The course is built on lively discussions and reflections – it encourages critical thinking, debate, analysis and the search for your own answers. It is an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of how the ideas of the past influence how we see the world today.

The programme is ideal for students who are inspired by the intersection of history, philosophy and literature, and for those who want to develop important academic skills – whether for further study in the humanities or a future career.

What students can expect from the course:

• Immersion in key historical events and philosophical movements spanning several centuries.
• Development of the critical reading, argumentation and confident public speaking skills necessary for successful study in the humanities faculties of leading universities, including Oxford.
• Participation in lively debates and discussions, where students learn to express their thoughts clearly, logically and persuasively.

In class, students examine the most important turning points in history: the Reformation, revolutions, world wars, and explore how they relate to the development of philosophical thought. Particular attention is paid to the topics of logic, epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, metaethics, and ontology — areas usually studied at the undergraduate level.

During the course, students strengthen their critical analysis and argumentation skills through debates, presentations, and written assignments, developing confidence in their own ideas and the ability to defend them.

Two inspiring seminars await students:

1. Art history seminar and tour of the Ashmolean Museum.

This seminar and tour provide an insight into art history through the lens of different cultures and eras. Students learn to see the ideas and meanings behind paintings and sculptures, analysing genres, themes and artistic styles. They master visual analysis and comparison of works, and seeing authentic masterpieces in the halls of the Ashmolean Museum turns theory into a living experience. This inspires them to reflect on the role of art in the development of humanity.

2. Excursion to the Oxford University Press Museum.

During this trip, students immerse themselves in the history of printing and publishing and learn how Oxford has influenced global education. When they hold authentic 17th-century typefaces in their hands or see a 19th-century printing press in action, history literally comes to life.

Among the exhibits are the original Alice in Wonderland and the famous Oxford English Dictionary, which serve as a starting point for discussions about the connection between language, philosophy and society. These discoveries help to deepen understanding of how ideas, culture and words have shaped the intellectual history of humanity.

Accommodation and meals

Students live on the Oxford University campus. Accommodation is in single and double rooms. Boys and girls live separately. Bathrooms are usually shared by students of the same sex, although in some cases there are private bathrooms. Accommodation is standard university student accommodation, so course participants will be able to experience the life of a real student at a famous university.

Leisure activities

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

• Enjoy fun activities including karaoke, quizzes, films, talent shows and team-building games such as treasure hunts.
• Take part in a variety of sports suitable for everyone, from young athletes to beginners.
• Go on cultural excursions around the campus and university town, including museum visits and walking tours.
• Enjoy an exciting trip to London.

Excursions

• Visit museums within walking distance of the campuses: the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology, and many others.
• Trip to London. Discover the most exciting city in the UK! From Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace to the Natural History Museum and the National Portrait Gallery, there are endless ways to have fun. With its luxury shops and hundreds of restaurants, London is a must-see destination. One of the best ways to see Oxford is on a walking tour. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the sights and history of the city and its universities. In addition to the colleges where students will be staying, they will also be able to visit other beautiful historic colleges and enjoy their stunning architecture and history.
• River rafting. This is an opportunity to feel like a real university student and try your hand at punting – a type of rowing in which a metal pole is used to push the boat forward! Students will relax in the sun and admire the stunning natural scenery of Oxford from the water.

Sample daily schedule

8:00 – Breakfast
9:00 – Lessons
14:00 – Lessons
15:30 – Activities/City tour/Workshops/Guest lectures
18:00 – Dinner
19:00 – Study support sessions
20:00 – Debating and public speaking/“Shaping your future” seminar series
21:00 – Evening activities
22:30 – Lights out

Cost, 2026

£6,995 for 2 weeks.

Course booking is free of charge.

The price includes

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

Additional charges

• Airfare
• Visa
• Insurance
• Transfers to and from the airport
• Supervision during the child's stay abroad (optional)

Why Oxford Royale Academy?

Oxford Royale Academy is the market leader in high-quality summer programmes in Oxford. And these are not just words: the Academy's many awards confirm its commitment to high standards of education, service and safety.

Awards

• The Royal Award for Entrepreneurship 2024. This is the most prestigious award for businesses in the UK. This is the fourth time the Academy has received this award. It previously received it in 2012, 2016 and 2019. The Academy had the honour of receiving the award from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The victory in the ‘International Trade’ category is the result of a steadily increasing number of students from other countries studying at the Academy.
• The Academy is accredited by the British Council for teaching English. Only organisations that provide high-quality courses receive this accreditation.
• The RoSPA Silver Award 2024 is an award for health and safety in the UK. For almost 100 years, RoSPA has played an important role in changing legislation relating to the prevention of accidents at work, on the roads and in the home. This award recognises the Academy's ongoing work to ensure the safety of all students, teachers and staff while they are at school. The Academy previously received the Bronze Award in 2019.
• The British Educational Travel Association (BETA) awarded the Academy the ‘Best Educational Project in Youth Travel’ award in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2015. And in 2017, the Academy won the top award - ‘Best Educational Project’. The award is given to successful companies involved with young people, students and educational travel. This victory is a clear indication of the Academy's commitment to providing young people with an unforgettable learning experience.
• 2019 Gold Award 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 campuses of renowned universities, just like regular students. This provides an exceptional opportunity to experience the fascinating student life at college.
2. Students have the exclusive opportunity to live and study in magnificent historic estates or superbly equipped schools with the best accommodation facilities. 
3. The highest award for British entrepreneurs in 2024. This is the highest award that can be given to a company in the UK – proof of the uncompromising excellence of the Academy's teaching. 
4. Highly professional teaching staff. Oxford Royale Academy students are taught by teachers of the highest calibre, many of whom have studied at Oxford and Cambridge or currently work there. The teachers are deeply committed to helping students develop new perspectives and realise their educational potential.
5. The Academy welcomes students from all over the world. Since its foundation, students from 175 countries have attended the Academy. The summer school is an exceptional opportunity to make friends from all over the world.
6. An exciting cultural and entertainment programme to complement your studies. The summer courses are complemented by a carefully selected schedule of varied activities. Their aim is to provide an opportunity to have fun and get the most out of your studies.
7. Visiting places of interest. All programmes include excursions to impressive places of interest.

HOW WE DIFFER FROM OTHER COMPANIES

• We have been operating since 1996.
• We select camps with a minimum number of Russian speakers.
• We only select camps with good conditions 
• We have personally inspected almost all of the schools we offer 
• We do not work with the mass market, only camps for discerning clients
• Our telephone line is always open 24/7 
• Why our clients value us