The Oxford Creative Writing Summer Schools offer an enriching environment for young writers to develop their craft in one of the world's most esteemed academic settings. Participants will engage in a rigorous curriculum designed to enhance their creative expression and technical skills, guided by experienced instructors. Set against the backdrop of Oxford's historic institutions, this program provides a unique opportunity for aspiring writers to immerse themselves in a community of peers, fostering collaboration and inspiration.
Oxford offers a focused set of Creative Writing summer programmes for Adults, providing early exposure to structured study and subject-specific development.
The teaching approach in Oxford’s creative writing courses for adults emphasizes a blend of rigorous literary analysis and practical writing exercises. Instructors often draw from their own professional experiences, offering insights that extend beyond traditional classroom settings. Students engage with diverse genres, exploring themes ranging from identity to societal issues, fostering a nuanced understanding of narrative techniques. This method contrasts with typical educational environments, where the focus may lean more toward rote learning rather than encouraging personal expression and critical thinking in writing.
The structure of these summer schools is designed to balance intensive classroom learning with ample opportunities for independent work. Participants often find themselves immersed in a collaborative atmosphere, where peer feedback plays a vital role in the writing process. Workshops typically feature a combination of group discussions, writing exercises, and one-on-one critiques, creating a dynamic learning environment. This rhythm not only nurtures creativity but also establishes a supportive community, allowing students to refine their voices while engaging deeply with their craft.
These creative writing programs are specifically tailored for adults aged 18 to 25. This age group is encouraged to explore their individual styles and perspectives, benefiting from an environment that fosters both creativity and maturity in thought. Participants are expected to engage fully with the curriculum, contributing to discussions and critiques with a level of insight that aligns with their developmental stage.
The unique appeal of Oxford’s creative writing summer schools lies in their rich literary heritage and vibrant intellectual atmosphere. Unlike many other writing programs, these offerings benefit from Oxford’s historical context, which permeates the learning experience. Participants are not only learning to write; they are doing so in a city steeped in literary tradition, where every corner echoes the works of great authors. This integration of place and practice provides a distinctive backdrop that enhances the educational journey, encouraging students to draw inspiration from their surroundings.
Fees vary by provider and course.
When you’re ready, you can browse providers or compare courses that match your interests.
Last updated: 27/01/2026
| Course | Provider | Subject | Location | Duration | Fees | Short Description | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Film Academy for ages 12-15 (Oxford) | Oxford Royale | Media, Arts, Creative Writing | Oxford | 2 weeks | 6995 | Create, edit, and screen your own short film at the Oxford Summer School Film Academy for ages 12-15. Using professional equipment and Final Cut Pro, you’ll learn screenwriting, storyboarding, filming, and editing on location in Oxford. | View |
| Creative Writing (16-17 years old) | Oxford Summer Courses | Creative Writing, Arts, Humanities | Oxford | 2 Weeks | 6995 | The Creative Writing summer school at Oxford Summer Courses, designed for 16-17 years old students, provides tutorials and is priced from £6,995. | View |
| Film Academy for ages 16-18 (Oxford) | Oxford Royale | Arts, Media, Creative Writing | Oxford | 2 weeks | 6995 | Create, edit, and screen your own short film at the Oxford Summer School Film Academy for ages 16-18. Use professional HD cameras and editing tools like Final Cut Pro, and learn screenwriting, storyboarding, and location scouting in historic Oxford. | View |
| Photography MINOR ONLY (The Oxford Experience) | Oxbridge Academic Programs | Arts, Media, Creative Writing, Design | Oxford | 4 weeks | $12,495 | Photographers of all levels of expertise spend much of their time in the field, pursuing assignments designed to improve their landscape, portraiture, art, and fashion photography skills. Students exhibit their best work at the end of the program. | View |
| Creative Writing (Adults) | Oxford Royale | Creative Writing, Arts, Literature, Drama, Media, Business, Marketing | Oxford | 2 weeks | 6995 | Immerse yourself in creative writing at an historic Oxford college, exploring novels, speculative fiction, drama, and poetry. Learn from expert faculty and professional writers, studying genres from modern dystopian fiction to Shakespeare and the Romantics. | View |
| Creative Writing (The Oxford Experience) | Oxbridge Academic Programs | Arts, Creative Writing, Literature | Oxford | 4 weeks | $12,495 | Students compose fiction and poetry under the guidance of a published author, with Oxford's rich literary history as their inspiration. They experiment with new forms and styles of writing. | View |
| English Literature and Creative Writing (13-15 years old) | Oxford Summer Courses | English, Literature, Creative Writing, Humanities, Arts | Oxford | 2 Weeks | 6995 | The English Literature and Creative Writing summer school at Oxford Summer Courses, designed for 13-15 years old students, provides seminars and small group learning and is priced from £6,995. | View |
| The Secret Lives of Books: Parchment, Printing-Presses, and Paperbacks | Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford | Humanities, Literature, History, Arts, Creative Writing | Oxford | 3 Weeks | 4384 | How have various technologies, from the printing press to the coding, impacted how people have read, used, and understood books? How have people’s reading practices changed over time? | View |
| Creative Writing (18-24 years old) | Oxford Summer Courses | Creative Writing, Arts, Literature, Humanities | Oxford | 2 Weeks | 6995 | The Creative Writing summer school at Oxford Summer Courses, designed for 18-24 years old students, provides tutorials and is priced from £5,495 for Non Residential option. | View |
| Creative Writing in Oxford for Ages 16-18 | Immerse Education | Creative Writing, Arts, Literature | Oxford | 2+ weeks | 7495 | Craft compelling narratives in Oxford, following in the footsteps of renowned authors and poets. | View |
| Experience Creative Writing Academy | Oxford Scholastica Academy | Creative Writing, Arts, Literature | Oxford | 2 weeks | 6995 | Where better than Oxford to hone your skills in creative writing? Get inspired by the city that was home to Tolkien, Lewis Carroll and Philip Pullman. | View |
| Creative Writing (The Oxford Summer Seminar) | Oxbridge Academic Programs | Creative Writing, Arts, Literature, Humanities | Oxford | 1 or 2 weeks | $3,995 for one session; $7,395 for the combined session | Taking inspiration from the city's quirky history, students seek to master different genres. They experiment with comedy, drama, horror, realism, satire, and tragedy, as well as memoir and poetry. | View |
| Creative Writing in Oxford for Ages 13-15 | Immerse Education | Creative Writing, Literature, Arts | Oxford | 2+ weeks | 7495 | Unleash your storytelling potential in Oxford, a city that has inspired countless literary greats. | View |
| Advanced English and Creative Writing | ISSFT | English, Creative Writing, Humanities, Exam Preparation, University Preparation, Arts | Oxford | 2 Weeks | 6995 | This course offers international teenagers the chance to strengthen their academic English while exploring the power of imagination and self-expression. The programme blends language development — including grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, essay writing and critical analysis — with creative techniques such as character creation, dialogue, descriptive writing and poetry. | View |