Session one: 9th-22nd August 2026
Oxford International Politics & Global Affairs
Session one: 9th-22nd August 2026
Oxford International Politics & Global Affairs
This intellectually rigorous course offers students a structured introduction to modern international politics, global governance, and the forces shaping world affairs in the twenty-first century. Students will explore how states compete and cooperate, how international organisations function, and how geopolitics and economic power drive global change.
The first week focuses on the foundations of international politics. Students are introduced to major theories of global relations, the roles of states and international institutions, great-power competition, and the political–economic structures that shape global order. These sessions provide the conceptual grounding needed to understand contemporary global affairs.
The second week turns to modern challenges, including global security, diplomacy, human rights, migration, climate politics, and the influence of technology on international relations. The emphasis is on developing analytical thinking, evaluating real-world political events, and gaining a deeper understanding of today’s complex global landscape.
Who should apply:
This course is ideal for students studying Politics, International Relations, Public Policy, Law, Economics, Sociology,History, PPE, or related fields who wish to develop a deeper understanding of global affairs and strengthen their analytical reasoning in an Oxford academic environment.
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: £4599
Date: Session one: 10th August to 23th August 2025
Subject Tutors
Tutor:
The tutor is a Lecturer in International Relations at the University of Oxford and a College Tutor in Politics at [College]. Their research focuses on international security, global governance, great-power relations, and contemporary geopolitical challenges. They have taught widely across Oxford’s PPE and International Relations curriculum, including courses on political theory, international relations, and global politics. has supervised undergraduate and postgraduate students and has published research on diplomacy, technology governance, and international institutions. Known for clear explanations and an engaging teaching style, they bring strong academic experience to the Oxford Summer Academy, offering students a rigorous introduction to global politics in an Oxford academic setting.
Programme Features
Academy
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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.
