The Oxford Literature Summer Schools offer an immersive academic experience for young adults aged 18 to 25, fostering a deep engagement with literary studies. Participants will explore a diverse range of texts and critical theories, guided by esteemed educators in the field. This program is designed to cultivate analytical skills and enhance understanding of literature in its historical and cultural contexts, providing a rich foundation for both personal and academic growth.
Oxford offers a focused set of Literature summer programmes for Adults, providing early exposure to structured study and subject-specific development.
The academic approach within Oxford’s literature summer schools emphasizes a deep engagement with texts, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills. Courses are designed to explore a wide array of literary genres, historical contexts, and thematic concerns, encouraging students to draw connections between literature and broader societal issues. Unlike typical school provisions, which often prioritize standardized curricula, these programs offer a more flexible and intensive study environment. This allows for personalized interactions with experienced educators who are dedicated to nurturing intellectual curiosity and fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas.
Students can expect a dynamic structure that balances lectures, discussions, and independent study. A typical day might include engaging seminars where participants dissect texts and share insights, complemented by ample time for personal reflection and research. The classroom atmosphere is one of collaboration and intellectual rigor, fostering a sense of community among peers. This immersive experience encourages not only academic growth but also personal development, as students are challenged to articulate their perspectives and engage with diverse viewpoints.
The programs cater specifically to adults aged 18 to 25, providing an environment that is both intellectually stimulating and supportive. This age group often brings a unique blend of enthusiasm and emerging critical thought, making for a rich classroom dynamic. Participants are expected to have a foundational understanding of literature, along with a willingness to engage deeply with the material and contribute to discussions.
What sets these summer schools apart is their distinctive location in a city steeped in literary history. The academic rigor is matched by the vibrant cultural context of Oxford, where students can immerse themselves in the very environment that has inspired countless writers. This combination of high-level scholarship and rich historical backdrop creates a unique learning experience not easily replicated elsewhere. The focus on contemporary and classic literature, alongside the opportunity to learn from distinguished scholars, further enhances the educational value.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Jane Austen: Literature and Legacy | Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford | Literature, Arts, Humanities | Oxford | 3 Weeks | 4384 | A moderately successful author in her own lifetime, Jane Austen has since become a global phenomenon: her writings are now read the world over and successive generations of readers have been captivated by her innovative fusion of romance and reality. Why do Austen’s novels continue to resonate so deeply across the centuries? | View |
| English Literature (18-24 years old) | Oxford Summer Courses | English, Literature, Humanities | Oxford | 2 Weeks | 6995 | The English Literature 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 (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 (The Oxford Tradition) | Oxbridge Academic Programs | English, Literature, Humanities | Oxford | 2 or 4 weeks | $7,395 for one session; $12,595 for combined session | This course examines some of the great works of English literature from Chaucer to Zadie Smith amidst the evocative surroundings of Oxford. Students engage with a wealth of writers in the literary pantheon to improve their skills in close reading, textual criticism, and clear, informed writing. | View |
| English Literature (16-17 years old) | Oxford Summer Courses | English, Literature, Humanities, Exam Preparation, University Preparation | Oxford | 2 Weeks | 6995 | The English Literature summer school at Oxford Summer Courses, designed for 16-17 years old students, provides tutorials and is priced from £6,995. | 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 |
| History, Philosophy & Literature (Oxford) | Oxford Royale | Humanities, History, Philosophy, Literature | Oxford | 2 weeks | 6995 | Oxford Royale’s History, Philosophy & Literature Summer School offers an immersive exploration of key thinkers and ideas from Aristotle to Nietzsche, examining how philosophy, history, and literature intersect. Students engage in critical discussion, creative thinking, and experience authentic Oxford life—staying in a historic college, enjoying a graduation dinner in a medieval hall, and punting on the River Cherwell—while expert teaching deepens their understanding of how past thought shapes our world. | 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 |
| Oxford and the Rise of Fantasy Literature | Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford | Literature, Arts, Humanities | Oxford | 3 Weeks | 4384 | What inspired the emergence and flowering of the fantasy genre in the 20th and 21st century? Oxford – historic, beautiful, and timeless seat of learning – is closely associated with the genre. | 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 |
| Comedies, Histories, and Tragedies: Shakespeare's Plays and the Book that Saved Them | Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford | Literature, Humanities, Arts, Drama | Oxford | 3 weeks | 4384 | Taking its cue from the First Folio (1623), the book that preserved many of Shakespeare’s plays for posterity, the course spends one week on each of the main genres in which the author wrote and introduces students to key questions raised by plays such as The Tempest, Twelfth Night, Richard III, Hamlet, and Othello, among others. Join this course for a deep dive into the world and words of William Shakespeare with some of the world's most prominent researchers in the field. | View |
| Radical Modernism: British Art and Literature from the Pre-Raphaelites to the Bloomsbury Group | Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford | Arts, Art, Literature, Humanities | Oxford | 3 Weeks | 4384 | In this very special course, students benefit from access to and engagement with the extraordinary collection in the Ashmolean and other local sites, learning from direct encounters with treasures of modern British art. With lectures will be delivered by Oxford academics and field-leading experts, you will examine the art and literature of the period and take part in unique site visits. | View |
| Film Studies in Oxford for Ages 16-18 | Immerse Education | Arts, Art, Media, Humanities, Literature | Oxford | 2+ weeks | 7495 | Explore cinematic artistry in Oxford, where literary heritage informs contemporary film culture. | 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 |