Academic Programme

We offer more than a dozen courses across Philosophy, Politics, Economics, Law, British Literature, Science, and Engineering, each carefully designed to give you an academic experience that is genuinely Oxford and Oriel in spirit.

Every course is shaped and overseen by our Academic Advisory Panel, composed of Fellows from Oriel College. Working alongside our tutors, they ensure that each class delivers world-class teaching that is challenging, engaging, and accessible.

Many of the tutors you will meet teach here at Oriel or across the wider University, giving you an authentic, high-level academic experience.

You may take one course per session. While we do our best to match you with your first choice, spaces are limited, so early application gives you the best chance of securing your place.

Course Offerings in 2026

Each course taught in our Summer Institute has been specifically designed for our programme, with the intention of providing a learning experience like no other.

The papers we are offering in 2026 are:

Philosophy, Politics, Economics, & Law

Microeconomics & Global Governance
Philosophical Classics
International Dispute Resolution
Law & AI

British Literature

Shakespeare & His Age
Novel Fictions: From Defoe to Austen

Science

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
AI: Symbolic Methods
AI: Foundations & Algorithms
Quantum Computing

Engineering

Sustainable Energy Systems
Dynamic Behaviour of Materials

The course offerings for 2026 are subject to change. A full programme – including the dates of each paper – will be released in due course.

Recognising your Learning

The Summer Institute is first and foremost an academic programme. While we promise to provide outstanding teaching, we expect our students to engage fully, work hard and make the most of the experience.

Throughout the two weeks, your tutor will guide and assess your progress through methods such as group presentations, essays, multiple-choice tests, or seminar participation. These assessments are designed not to pressure you, but to help you understand what true Oxford learning feels like.

Students who successfully complete the programme will receive a Certificate of Achievement and an Official Academic Transcript, valuable credentials that reflect your hard work and academic commitment.

Your Certificate of Achievement will be signed by the Senior Tutor and Senior Dean of Oriel College, and the transcript will set out how you performed in your learning and participation in the programme.

Many universities recognise programmes of this nature for academic credit. As guidance, a two-week course includes approximately 40 contact hours of teaching, which typically corresponds to 2 US credit hours or 4 ECTS credits. Students should consult their home institution regarding credit recognition.

The Academic Advisory Panel

To ensure the quality of our academic programme, the Summer Institute is overseen by an Advisory Panel composed of a number of the College’s Fellows.

Their role is to ensure that the programme curriculum, assessment approach and Tutors meet the highest of academic standards. Panel members include:

Dr John Huber

Senior Tutor, T.I. Fellow & Tutor in Engineering Science, Oriel College

Dr Christopher Bowdler

Macpherson Fellow & Tutor in Economics, Oriel College

Professor Justin Coon

Emmott Fellow & Professor of Engineering Science, Oriel College

Mrs Margaret Jones

Fellow & Treasurer, Oriel College

Mr George Connolly

Director, International Programmes & Partnerships, Oriel College