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Online World History & Philosophy Course

Online Summer School | Ages 15-18

Passionate about history? Keen to explore different cultures and ideas? This online summer course will introduce you to key concepts in world history and philosophy.

Examine the rise and fall of civilisations - from Ancient Greece to the Renaissance - and explore major philosophical ideas that have shaped the world.

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Key Facts

Course Location:
Online via Zoom
1-3PM (BST)

Student Ages:
15-18 year olds

Class Size:
Max 15 students

2027 Dates:
June - August
(See all dates here)

Tutor Profiles:
Academics from leading universities

Tuition Fees:
£595 (one week)
£995 (two weeks)

Course Length:
One or two weeks

Graduation Takeaways:
Letter of Recommendation & Certificate of Achievement

Our Awards:
King’s Award for Enterprise

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The World History & Philosophy Syllabus

You’ll analyse global history, examine cultural developments and present your own historical research.
You'll be guided by expert tutors from leading universities such as Oxford and Cambridge.

Ancient Civilisations (I)

Discuss the importance and relevance of studying world history and philosophy, explore key characteristics of ancient civilisations and create a visual timeline showcasing major cultural events.

View Syllabus

Ancient Civilisations (II)

Analyse the impact of ancient Indian and Chinese civilisations on global history and cultural development.

The Ancient Greeks

Investigate the impact of ancient Greek philsophy on modern thought, democratic principles and the scientific method.

The Middle Ages

Explore key events from the Middle Ages, such as the Crusades, the Black Death and the Norman Conquest, and analyse the impact of medieval philosophy on modern thought.

The Renaissance

Present an overview of the Renaissance, highlighting its influence across Europe and analysing its impact on modern-day thought.

The Enlightenment

Explore the key philosophical ideas of Enlightenment philosophers such as Immanuel Kant, Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Voltaire.

The Industrial Revolution

Discover the causes, characteristics and major advancements of the Industrial Revolution. Then, analyse its impact on labour practices, urbanisation and the rise of capitalism.

The Modern Era

Discuss the impact of major historical events like the World Wars, and examine the rise of anti-colonial movements and the struggle for independence in Africa and Asia.

Modern Philosophy

Evaluate the relevance of modern philosophical ideas in contemporary society.

Project Presentations

Deliver your final research project presentation, and receive feedback from your peers and tutor.

How This Helps Your Future

At the end of your programme, you’re invited to attend an online Graduation event to celebrate your achievements with family, friends, teachers, and fellow students.

If you’d like, you can volunteer to share your experiences with the group, offering a great opportunity to reflect on what you’ve accomplished.

We’ll send you a recording of the event so you can revisit it later or share it with family members who couldn’t attend live.

Meet Your Tutor

Alice Spiers

BA, MSt (Oxon), DPhil (Oxon)

Alice holds a Doctor of Philosophy in History from St Anne’s College, University of Oxford, where she was awarded a Graduate Development Scholarship. She has also completed a Bachelor of Arts in History at the University of York and a Master of Studies in Medieval History at the University of Oxford. 

Alice currently works as a university lecturer in History at St Anne’s College, specialising in medieval world history and regularly teaching at other Oxford colleges.

Please note, our faculty members may be subject to change.

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Develop Your History Skills

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of history and philosophy by tackling real-world challenges, participating in masterclasses and learning from an inspirational tutor.

Master Fundamental Historical Concepts

Master key concepts such as the Socratic method of questioning, Enlightenment philosophy and the development of scholasticism – all under the guidance of one of our expert tutors from leading universities like Oxford and Cambridge.

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Be Mentored by an Expert Academic

Work closely with an academic mentor on real-world challenges. Whether examining the rise of feudalism, exploring the development of democracy or analysing epistemology, you’ll gain invaluable experience, working through problems just like the experts.

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Connect with Future Historians

Join our weekly video socials to meet fellow students from around the world. These casual, fun events feature games, quizzes and group activities, offering a chance to unwind, socialise and make lasting connections with others passionate about world history and philosophy.

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Hear From a Graduate

Lauren Brodsky

Online Politics & Debate Course

“Studying the online Politics & Debate course at Oxford Scholastica has allowed me to connect with other young people from different cultures and backgrounds. Debating important topics with my classmates has broadened my perspective and increased my understanding of the world around me.”

Apply Today

Build an International Network

Join a vibrant global community of passionate, curious and motivated young learners just like you – all while learning and connecting from the comfort of your own home.

Adela Jung Foncillas
Adela Jung Foncillas

AGE: 17

SCHOOL: FES Lörrach

COURSE: Experience Psychology & Neuroscience Academy

 

 
Oxford Scholastica has given me the confidence to determine my own future. I learned to step out of my comfort zone and try incredible new things, even when they seemed scary at first. I've also had the amazing opportunity to build a network of kind and open-minded people, all from different countries.

Alfonso Feris
Alfonso Feris

AGE: 16

SCHOOL: Colegio Los Pininos

COURSE: Experience Engineering Academy

 

 
One thing I have learned at Oxford Scholastica is how to become better at making new friends. I am usually regarded as an introverted person, but here, in less than two weeks, I have made friends as close as brothers. I am sure our friendship will last a lifetime!

Juanita Sele-Matthew
Juanita Sele-Matthew

AGE: 15

SCHOOL: Meadowhall School

COURSE: Experience Business & Enterprise Academy

 

 
Oxford Scholastica has taught me to always reach for the stars. The programme has really opened my eyes to what I want my life to look like. I've learned academic skills but also social and emotional skills, like how to network, how to live away from home and how to make new friends.

Pippa Manning
Pippa Manning

AGE: 17

SCHOOL: Nottingham Girls High School

COURSE: Experience Medicine Academy

 

 
I have found the classes so insightful and interesting and have learnt more about Medicine than I ever have in school, as well as new topics I had never considered. I'm sure this knowledge will be invaluable in my application to medical school and it has made me feel much more confident in my own abilities.

Shanaya Ailsinghani
Shanaya Ailsinghani

AGE: 15

SCHOOL: GEMS Dubai American Academy

COURSE: Experience Medicine Academy

 

 
I have benefitted a lot from Oxford Scholastica. I have developed my social skills, especially learning how to interact with others outside of a formal setting like school, and gained a lot of confidence. The programme has also given me much more clarity about my potential future career options.

Strengthen Your University Application

You’ll gain a Certificate of Achievement, a Letter of Recommendation and access to our Ambassador Programme – all tailored to showcase your academic and professional potential in world history and philosophy.

Celebration certificate of achievement oxford scholastica
Earn a Certificate of Achievement

Successfully complete the online World History & Philosophy programme to earn an Oxford Scholastica Academy Certificate of Achievement at our Graduation Ceremony, demonstrating your commitment and hard work.

Receive a Letter of Recommendation

Outstanding students will receive a personalised Letter of Recommendation from their tutor, highlighting their analytical skills, contributions and engagement – an excellent addition to university applications in history or philosophy.

Join Our Ambassador Programme

Looking to deepen your experience? Apply for our exclusive one-year Ambassador Programme to develop networking, communication and leadership skills through monthly virtual sessions.

Online Summer Course Details

Find the dates and fees for our upcoming online courses for 2027 below.

Start Dates

31st May 2027

14th June 2027

28th June 2027

12th July 2027

26th July 2027

9th August 2027

Enrol Today
What’s Included in Your Tuition Fee

ACADEMICS

  • 20 hours of live teaching (two weeks)
  • 4 hours of Masterclass sessions
  • Preparatory reading list
  • Independent study assignments
  • Detailed, personalised feedback

GRADUATION

  • Graduation Ceremony
  • Letter of Recommendation
  • Certificate of Achievement
  • Ambassador Programme invitation
  • Ongoing advice and support

Two Week Courses

£995

One Week Course

£595

Your Questions,
Answered.

Still need help? Book a call
What are the entry requirements for this course?

We have three entry requirements:

i) You must be aged between 11-18 years old at the start of your chosen course.

ii) You must be motivated to learn more about the subject you wish to study (there's space for you to write a personal statement on our registration form). We find that when students are self-motivated and eager to make the most of the opportunity, the experience can be truly transformative.

iii) You must be able to speak, read and understand English well. Though we require no formal testing, our minimum English level is Common European Framework Level C1, which equates to IELTS 6.5. If you’d like to arrange a call to check whether you have the right level of English, please feel free to contact us.

What should I write in my Oxford Scholastica personal statement?

Our admissions panel reads through each student's personal statement to determine if they'd be a good fit for our programme. We welcome bright and intellectually curious students from around the world – those who are passionate about their subject and eager to challenge themselves.

We don't have any academic prerequisites, as many of our students have never been exposed to their chosen subject before, so instead we're looking for motivation and mindset.

How long are the programmes?

You can choose to attend for either one or two weeks.

Most students opt for the full two-week experience, and we highly recommend this option to fully engage with your chosen subject and make the most of the programme.

What time will my live tutorials take place?

Live tutorials will run daily from 1-3 PM UK time. This schedule is designed to accommodate students across multiple time zones, creating a truly global classroom experience.

How many hours does the course run each day?

You’ll have two hours of live contact time with your tutor each day, plus around two hours of independent study or group work. In total, you should plan to dedicate approximately four hours a day to the course.

Do I need any special equipment to attend Oxford Scholastica Online?

You don’t need any special equipment in order to attend our online courses. All you need is a computer with a stable internet connection and a webcam. Ideally you'll be able to sit in a quiet room where you won’t be disturbed for your tutorials.

Is the online course content the same as the summer school course?

Our online courses are project-based, meaning you’ll regularly apply what you've learnt to real-world problems. While these courses have been designed in accordance with our learning philosophy of Learn, See, Do – just like our Oxford summer schools – the content is different, with a greater focus on problem solving. You can join us for both an online course and an Oxford summer school in your subject without repeating material.

Who will my tutor be?

We carefully select and train the best qualified tutors for each course. Our tutors are subject experts from world-class institutions, including the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Learn more about our tutors here.

Will I get a certificate at the end of an Oxford Scholastica Online course?

Yes, all students who successfully complete one of our online courses will receive an Oxford Scholastica Academy Certificate of Achievement upon programme completion.

Students who meet our criteria will also be awarded a personalised Letter of Recommendation from their tutor, highlighting their strengths, participation, personality and more.

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