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English Writing & Communication

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2-15 August

2026

£6,499

OSP Experience Fee

100

Exceptional Global Scholars

14–18

Ambitious Scholars

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Join OSP's English Summer School in Oxford

You write a line, cross it out, and write it again. The third time it lands, and you feel the difference one word can make. Two weeks in Oxford turn that instinct into a finished piece you’ll write, polish, and read aloud to a room that’s listening.
WEF Future Employment Skills

Skills Gained

Creative thinking

Analytical Thinking

Empathy and Active Listening

Resilience, Flexibility and Agility

Curiosity and Lifelong Learning

WEF Future Employment Skills

Skills Gained

Build a strong grounding in international relations, diplomacy, and global affairs, then read major challenges through political, economic, and cultural lenses.

  • Builds confidence and fluency in academic English across reading, writing, and presentations, strengthening overall communication skills.
  • Delivers hands-on learning through lectures, workshops, and collaborative research, supported by continuous tutor and peer feedback.
  • Prepares scholars for university success by developing practical academic strategies, communication skills, and reflective learning habits.
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  • Complete pre-class readings and assigned materials to build the vocabulary, context, and critical understanding needed for advanced discussions.
  • Explore texts through tutor-led group sessions, discussions, and practical activities including text annotation, academic writing exercises, and structured debates.
  • Demonstrate progress through presentations, an individual academic report, active class participation, and a reflective assessment of learning and development.
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  • Develop university-level reading, writing, and presentation skills in academic English.
  • Learn through workshops, collaborative projects, and practical communication activities.
  • Build confidence through continuous feedback while applying English in Oxford’s academic environment.
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The Programme

Fourteen days. Thinking globally. Leading confidently.

Study in an academically rigorous summer programme alongside ambitious students from around the world. Learn from expert tutors, work through real global challenges by research and debate, and leave with a stronger university profile and an international network of future leaders.
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Take the floor

You present the piece you wrote, talk through the choices behind it, and field questions live. It’s the day the reading, the drafting, and the rehearsals turn into a five-minute performance you own from first line to last.
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Steal from masters

Two of the sharpest stylists in English, one a master of wit and character, the other of world and imagery. You’ll study how they built their worlds, then borrow the techniques for your own.
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Write your own

Over the fortnight you’ll write a short story, poem, or literary analysis of your own, draft it, take it through tutor and peer feedback, and shape it into a finished piece you’ll be proud to read aloud.
The Course Plan

Nine teaching days.
One summit.

Mornings build the theory. Afternoons put it straight to work in a project workshop. Every day climbs toward the Final Diplomacy Summit.
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Purpose, Audience & Voice

The foundations: writing styles, the rhetoric of ethos, pathos and logos, and your first project plan.

Reading Like a Writer

Take a text apart to see how tone, structure, and a single word choice create their effect.

Paraphrasing & Summarising

Carry an idea across in your own words, clearly and honestly, then fold it into your draft.

Character, Plot & Setting

Learn how Oscar Wilde builds character, setting, and voice, then outline a story of your own.

Visuals & Description

Use images, description, and AI tools to sharpen both your writing and your speaking.

Voice, Imagery & Storytelling

Study Tolkien's world-building, then draft your story with tutor and peer feedback.

Public Speaking

Build the confidence to deliver your words aloud and hold an audience.

Q&A & Self-Assessment

Handle tough questions, reflect on your work, and make your final revisions.

Final Presentations

Present your finished piece, answer questions, and reflect on how far you've come.

“The whole programme builds to one morning. Everything you practised gets tested in front of an audience.”

The Final Diplomacy Summit
The OSP Challenge

Theory into practice

Collaborate with peers to solve real problems. Think creatively, work strategically, and apply everything the course gives you.

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Live Simulation

Diplomatic Simulation

You are allocated a country, briefed on its interests, and given a seat at the table. For nine days its wins and its compromises are yours to argue. Act as a delegate negotiating solutions to pressing global issues.
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Independent Research

Policy Research Project

Run an in-depth investigation into a global issue that interests you. Apply theory to a real political challenge while you build academic research and writing skills you will reuse at university.
Career Exploration

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

Explore Now
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Where This Leads

A first step toward a serious path

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Journalism, Publishing & Editing

Research, write, and communicate ideas for diverse audiences.
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Academia, research & Teaching

Analyse evidence and communicate complex ideas clearly.
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Law & Advocacy

Develop persuasive argumentation and critical thinking skills.
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Marketing & Communications

Create compelling content and engage audiences through storytelling.
OSP Tutors

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

Dr. Cristiana Tisca

AI & Programming

Post-Doctoral Researcher in Neuroimaging at the Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford

Dr. Waqas Kamal

Dr. Waqas Kamal

Research Fellow at University of Oxford

DPhil in Engineering Science

Engineering
Dr. Nick Dickinson

Dr. Nick Dickinson

Bingham Fellow in Constitutional Studies, University of Oxford

Politics
Juliana Choi

Juliana Choi

DPhil Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics

University of Oxford

Medicine
Dr. Daryna Dvornichenko

Dr. Daryna Dvornichenko

British Academy Researcher At Risk and Visiting Research Fellow at Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Oxford

Law
Abbey Palmer

Abbey Palmer

MSc in Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition, University of Oxford

English
Beyond The Classroom

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.

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Why OSP?

Study in an academically rigorous summer programme alongside ambitious students from around the world.

Learn from expert tutors while exploring real-world global challenges through research, debate, and collaboration.

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Study in an academically rigorous summer programme alongside ambitious students from around the world.

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Learn from expert tutors while exploring real-world global challenges through research, debate, and collaboration.

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Strengthen your university profile, experience campus life, and build an international network of future leaders.

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The Oxford Scholars Programme offers the NCFE Level 3 Award in Higher Studies, giving 8 UCAS points and adding weightage to your university application.
Your OSP Experience Starts Here

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.

Apply for 2026
Download Brochure
FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Oxford International Relations & Diplomacy Summer School at OSP?
The Oxford International Relations & Diplomacy Summer School at OSP is a two-week immersive course designed for high school students aged 14–18 interested in global politics, diplomacy, and international relations. Scholars participate in interactive lectures, case studies, and diplomatic simulations to understand key global issues, international strategies, and the roles of international organizations like the United Nations.
Yes, the pre-university international relations course at OSP provides high school students with a unique opportunity to explore the world of international relations and diplomacy. The summer school offers an introduction to the subject, practical insights into global politics, and a hands-on understanding of diplomatic practices.
A diplomatic simulation is an interactive activity where Scholars assume the roles of diplomats representing different countries or organizations. In these simulations, Scholars negotiate, collaborate, and debate on real-world international issues, mirroring the diplomatic processes used by governments and global organizations. This hands-on format provides Scholars with practical experience in international relations and diplomacy.
It is an International Relations Summer School, open to students aged 14–18 who are passionate about global politics, international law, and diplomacy. Whether you are considering a career in politics, international law, or international organizations, this programme provides a comprehensive introduction to diplomacy and global governance, offering valuable insights into the world of international relations.
Our Oxford Summer School for International Relations & Diplomacy will enhance your university applications by demonstrating your commitment to studying international relations and global politics. The course provides practical experience in diplomacy, global policy analysis, and conflict resolution, showcasing your intellectual curiosity and readiness for university-level studies in political science, international relations, or law. Scholars also receive letters of recommendation from Oxford tutors, adding academic credibility to their applications.
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 provides foundational knowledge of international relations and equips all Scholars with the necessary tools to succeed in this field.
Our Oxford International Relations Summer School provides Scholars with invaluable skills in negotiation, public speaking, critical thinking, and global policy analysis—skills highly valued in careers in politics, law, international organizations, and diplomacy. By participating in diplomatic simulations and engaging with global policy discussions, Scholars gain practical experience that will serve them well in future career pursuits in international relations, public service, or foreign diplomacy.
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.
The total cost of our Oxford International Relations & Diplomacy Summer School 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.
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