Session one: 9th-22nd August 2026
Sustainability, Climate Change, and the Future of Our Planet
Session one: 9th-22nd August 2026
Sustainability, Climate Change, and the Future of Our Planet
This interdisciplinary course introduces students to the major environmental challenges facing the twenty-first century, including climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and the complex social and political systems that shape our responses. Students will explore how scientific knowledge, cultural perspectives, and policy frameworks interact to influence environmental outcomes, and why sustainable solutions must balance global priorities with local realities. The course encourages students to think critically across disciplines and understand the dynamic relationships between people, ecosystems, and planetary change.
The first week focuses on global climate and environmental systems. Students will examine the foundations of climate science, planetary boundaries, the politics of climate negotiations, and the global governance mechanisms that aim to protect the environment. Topics include the UNFCCC, COP conferences, carbon markets, environmental justice, and how environmental pressures present differently across countries and cultures. This week builds a strong conceptual base for understanding global environmental risks and opportunities.
The second week turns to local responses and future pathways. Students will study sustainable cities, biodiversity conservation, Indigenous environmental knowledge, and nature-based solutions. Real-world case studies from the UK, China, and East Asia will highlight how communities adapt to changing environments and why local knowledge is vital for climate resilience. The emphasis throughout is on deep, conceptual understanding—ideal for learners who appreciate interdisciplinary thinking and are curious about how global environmental challenges shape human futures.
Who should apply:
This course is suitable for all learners aged 18 and above, including:
• Undergraduate and master’s students from any academic background
• Mature learners with strong interest in sustainability or global issues
• Young professionals working in business, ESG, consulting, energy, NGOs, public policy, or international development
No prior academic experience in environmental studies is required; only curiosity and enthusiasm for engaging with global challenges.
For English requirement information, please see the Apply page.
Location: Lincoln College, University of Oxford
For Ages: 18+ (at time of attendance)
Duration: 2 weeks (13 nights and 14days)
Price: £4699
Date: Session one: 9th-22nd August 2026
Subject Tutors
Tutor: Dr Abdul Wahid Khan
Dr Abdul Wahid Khan is a doctoral researcher in the Department of Geography and the Environment at the University of Oxford, affiliated with Reuben College. His academic work examines the complex relationships between environment, community and policy, with a focus on climate change, environmental governance, and Indigenous communities in South Asia.
He has taught undergraduate and graduate students across several Oxford departments, including environmental governance, human geography, sustainable development, and qualitative research methods. Dr Khan also designs and delivers Oxford-based summer courses and international sustainability workshops, bringing interdisciplinary perspectives and real-world case studies into his teaching.
His clear, student-centred approach supports learners from diverse backgrounds to develop strong analytical skills, global awareness, and practical insights for future academic or professional pathways.
Programme Features
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FAQ
How can I book my place on the programme?
To book your place on the Oxford Summer Academy Programme at Lincoln College, please complete our online application form. Once we have received your application, you will be sent an email to confirm your booking, with details about how to pay the course fees and the date this payment is due.
If you have any questions about the application form, then please contact us and one of our advisors will be happy to help.
What are the English Language requirements?
The Oxford Summer Academy Programme at Lincoln College is a unique course. This is because it is run by Oxford University academics and is based on a truly stimulating academic programme. For students to be able to make the most of the course, they will be required to have an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent.
If you have any questions or concerns about this English language requirement, please don’t hesitate to contact us and we will be able to advise you.
Can I organise my own accommodation?
Part of the experience is the opportunity to live, dine and study like an Oxford University student. This is why all students on the programme must stay onsite at Lincoln College.
Can I study more than one course?
There are 4 courses on offer for 2025, and students can choose one to study for the full two weeks.
Will I have to take exams?
There will be no official exams on this course. Students will be assessed based on essays, assignments and projects marked by the course tutor.
What kind of feedback will I receive?
Students will receive personalised feedback from their tutors both as verbal feedback during tutorial or seminar discussions and written feedback on any work they hand in. The nature of this feedback will depend on the course students are studying.
At the end of the programme, students will receive a certificate of attainment provided they have carried out the work to the best of their ability and actively participated in lessons and certifying the level they achieved.
Will I receive credit points?
The Oxford Summer Academy Programme at Lincoln College is equivalent to 10 hours of credits in both the US and ECTS system. Your current university may choose to accept these credits towards your current degree. To be sure, please ask your university to get in touch with us and our Programme Director will be able to speak to the appropriate person at your university.
Will I be awarded with a certificate?
Yes, all students will receive either a certificate of attainment or a certificate of attendance at a specially organised graduation ceremony. This certificate will prove that you have carried out work of a challenging academic nature and may even be used towards credit at your current university (see above question on credits).
Will my tutor be able to provide me with a reference?
Students will have the opportunity to request references from their academic tutors on the programme. However, students should note that Academic References in the UK are extremely precise, and Referees are expected to comment on the length of time they have known a student for, on the precise nature and format of the teaching delivered, as well as on their academic performance in assessment and in class. Two weeks is a very short time to prove to your tutors that you are an excellent and high-achieving student, and even considering the intensive small-group format adopted by the Oxford Summer Academy Programme, it may be difficult for tutors to provide adequate and compelling reference unless you are truly determined to excel. If you anticipate that you will be requesting a Reference from your tutors, we recommend that you do your very best to demonstrate your engagement, commitment, and motivation to your tutors, preparing your work with care and contributing to in-class discussion regularly as well as investing significant amounts of energy in your personal project.
Please note that it is common practice in the UK for References to be provided by your course Tutor, rather than the Programme Director, although it is possible for us to produce a Reference that is jointly signed by the Tutor and the Oxford Summer Academy Programme.
Is it hard to get into Oxford Summer Courses?
The Oxford Summer Academy Programme at Lincoln College is open to adults aged 18 and over, including international students. To ensure participants can fully engage with the course material, a minimum English language proficiency is required. Acceptable qualifications include:
IELTS: 6.5
TOEFL: 90
PTE (Pearson Test of English): 61
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 176
Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 176
LanguageCert International ESOL B2: High Pass
LanguageCert International ESOL C1: Pass
Duolingo English Test: 120
These requirements ensure that all participants can effectively engage with the academic content and discussions throughout the programme.
