Law & Justice
For Ambitious Scholars Aged 14–18
2-15 August
2026
£6,499 OSP Experience Fee
100 Exceptional Global Scholars
Skills Gained
Analytical Thinking
Leadership and Social Influence
Empathy and Active Listening
Curiosity and Lifelong Learning
Resilience, Flexibility and Agility
Join OSP's Law Summer
School in Oxford
The strongest argument isn’t the loudest one – it’s the one that survives scrutiny. During the course you’ll learn to build a case on the hardest questions in human rights and global justice, then argue it before a mock International Court of Justice.
Build a strong understanding of international law, human rights, and global justice.
Analyse real disputes and atrocities through legal, political, and ethical lenses.
Develop legal reasoning, ethical judgement, and advocacy skills while exploring careers in law and justice.
Prepare through introductory readings and guided study skills.
Explore core legal concepts in tutor-led sessions using real-world cases and contemporary global issues.
Apply your learning through debates, negotiations, policy drafting, and a culminating mock ICJ trial..
Study in an academically rigorous summer programme alongside ambitious students from around the world.
Learn from expert tutors while arguing real legal questions through case study, debate, and simulation.
Strengthen your university profile, experience campus life, and build an international network of future leaders.
The art of argument, the pursuit of justice
Study in an academically rigorous summer programme alongside ambitious students from around the world. Learn from expert tutors, build and argue a real case before a mock International Court of Justice, and leave with a stronger university profile and an international network of future leaders.
Grasp the frameworks
Understand how international law, human rights, and global institutions actually work — and where they fall short.
Reason and argue
Learn to build a legal case: weighing precedent, anticipating counterarguments, and making a position hold under pressure.
Try a real case
Represent a state before a mock International Court of Justice, presenting your arguments and defending them live.
Fourteen days in Oxford.
Nine in the seminar room.
Mornings build the legal and political theory; afternoons put it straight into a workshop, a case study, a debate, a negotiation, a simulation – so you’re arguing real positions from day one.
International Law & Global Order
How international law works, and how global power is really distributed.
Human Rights & International Justice
Human rights frameworks, and how the world answers atrocity.
Conflict, Peace & the United Nations
The roots of conflict and the UN's role in keeping the peace.
Migration & Global Inequality
Migration, refugees, and the politics of an unequal world.
Climate, Technology & Emerging Issues
Climate and environmental law, and the rules still being written.
Global Governance & Institutions
How the UN, WTO, and others govern across borders.
Diplomacy & Negotiation
The theory and practice of negotiating between states.
The International Court of Justice
How a case is built and argued before the world's highest court.
Mock ICJ Simulation
Represent a state and argue a live dispute before the Court.
“The whole programme builds to one morning. Everything you practised gets tested in front of an audience.”
Theory into practice
Collaborate with peers to argue a real legal dispute. Reason rigorously, advocate persuasively, and apply everything the course gives you.
Mock ICJ Trial
Represent a state in a real international dispute before a mock International Court of Justice. Present your legal arguments, respond to the opposing side, and defend your position under questioning.
The Legal Brief
Build a structured legal brief in the style of a court memorial, setting out the dispute, the relevant treaties and principles, your arguments, the counterarguments, and a reasoned conclusion.
Top Up With Career Exploration
At OSP, we transform ambition into action and potential into purpose. We bridge academic excellence with personal growth, cultivating ethical leaders who go on to shape the world tomorrow with clarity, confidence, and integrity
A first step toward
a serious path
International & Human Rights Law
Defending rights and resolving disputes across legal systems and borders.
Diplomacy & International Organisations
Representing states and shaping cooperation through the UN and beyond.
Policy & Global Governance
Designing the rules and institutions that govern a connected world.
Advocacy & Social Justice
Campaigning, litigating, and building the case for a fairer system.
Taught by academics & practitioners
Our Scholars are mentored by an outstanding team of accomplished professionals who bring real-world expertise, insight, and a passion for teaching. Their mentorship inspires curiosity, critical thinking, and confidence, creating a truly transformative Pre-College Summer Program experience. Meet some of the distinguished educators leading this journey below.
Dr. Cristiana Tisca
AI & Programming
Post-Doctoral Researcher in Neuroimaging at the Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford
Dr. Waqas Kamal
Engineering
Research Fellow at University of Oxford
DPhil in Engineering Science
Dr. Nick Dickinson
Politics
Bingham Fellow in Constitutional Studies, University of Oxford
Juliana Choi
Medicine
DPhil Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics
University of Oxford
Dr. Daryna Dvornichenko
Law
British Academy Researcher At Risk and Visiting Research Fellow at Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Oxford
Abbey Palmer
English
MSc in Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition, University of Oxford
Oxford is the stage, not the point
Each summer a select group from around the world comes together in Oxford to learn, grow, and find out who they could become.
Walking ToursWalking Tours
Walking Tours
Walking Tours
Walking Tours
Walking ToursStudy in an academically rigorous summer programme alongside ambitious students from around the world.
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Take the seat at the table
Places in the 2026 Oxford cohort are limited to 100 scholars. Apply now, or request the full brochure with dates, fees, and the day-by-day plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Oxford Law & Justice Summer School at OSP?
The Oxford Law & Justice Summer School at OSP is a two-week immersive course designed for high school students aged 14–18 interested in law, human rights, and global justice. Scholars explore international law through real-world case studies, debates, and simulations, culminating in a mock International Court of Justice trial.
Can high school students study Law at Oxford?
Yes. The pre-university law course at OSP gives high school students the chance to explore international law and legal reasoning in a university setting. The summer school offers an introduction to the subject, practical advocacy experience, and a real understanding of how international law is argued and applied.
What is the mock ICJ simulation?
The mock International Court of Justice simulation is the centrepiece of the course. Scholars represent a state in a real international legal dispute, present structured legal arguments, respond to the opposing side, and defend their position — mirroring how cases are actually argued before the Court.
Who can attend the Oxford Law & Justice Summer School at OSP?
It is open to students aged 14–18 who are interested in law, justice, politics, and human rights. Whether you are considering law, international relations, public policy, or a related field, this programme provides a comprehensive introduction to legal reasoning and global justice.
Do I need prior knowledge of law to attend?
No prior knowledge is required. The summer school is designed for Scholars with varying levels of experience, from complete beginners to those with a strong interest in the field. The curriculum builds foundational legal knowledge and equips all Scholars with the tools they need to argue a case.
How can the Oxford Law & Justice Summer School at OSP help with university applications?
The course strengthens applications by demonstrating genuine commitment to studying law or a related field. It provides practical experience in legal reasoning, advocacy, and ethical judgement, showcasing intellectual curiosity and readiness for university-level study. Scholars also receive letters of recommendation from Oxford tutors, adding academic credibility to their applications.
How can the Oxford Law & Justice Summer School at OSP benefit my future career?
The course builds skills in legal reasoning, argument, research, and advocacy, all highly valued across law, diplomacy, policy, and international organisations. By arguing a real case and writing a legal brief, Scholars gain practical experience that supports a wide range of future career paths.
How do I apply for the Oxford Law & Justice Summer School at OSP?
To apply, visit the application page and complete the online application form. Submit all required documents, including academic transcripts and a personal statement. After reviewing applications, successful candidates will be notified with further details about their acceptance.
What is the cost of attending the Oxford Law & Justice Summer School at OSP?
The total cost includes tuition, accommodation, meals, and all excursions and activities. Scholarships and financial aid options are available to support students from diverse financial backgrounds. Please check our fee page for detailed pricing information and funding options.
