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    In-person Programme
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    International Development Summer Course

    by Atlas Summer Courses

    Explore how economic, political and social forces shape global development through seminars, tutorials, case analysis and independent study.

    Last verified: 30 Aug 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens
    International Development Summer Course

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    International Development Course at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Upcoming

    Eligibility

    Subject interest; working English

    Age range / Year group

    16-24

    Location / Region

    Oxford, United Kingdom

    Cost

    From £5,495

    Duration

    2 weeks

    Format

    In-person, residential or day

    Next session

    27 June-10 July 2027

    Save program
    International RelationsPoliticsSocial Sciences

    Class size: Up to 10 students

    Accommodation: Single or twin, tier-dependent

    Meals: Half-board residential

    Certificate / Outcome: Certificate and tutor recommendation

    Latest verified cycle: 2027

    Assessment style: Two independent assignments

    Tutors / faculty: Experienced subject specialists

    International Development Course summary

    A focused academic course examining why development differs across countries and how economic, political and social forces shape people's opportunities.

    Teaching combines small-group seminars, tutorials and private study. Students analyze case studies, compare competing perspectives and develop arguments through two independent assignments.

    It suits students interested in global affairs, inequality, sustainability, public policy or international cooperation who want a discussion-led introduction to the field.

    What is International Development Summer Course?

    The International Development Summer Course is an Atlas Summer Courses academic program exploring poverty, inequality, economic growth, education, health, sustainability and global cooperation. It considers how governments, international organizations, charities, businesses and communities respond to development challenges.

    Students learn through discussion-led seminars, tutorials, case analysis and independent study. Tutors adapt the syllabus to their expertise and the group's interests, so exact topics vary while evidence, competing perspectives and independent argument remain central.

    Why Succeed highlights International Development Course

    • Six three-hour seminars provide substantial time for discussion, case studies and evidence analysis.

    • One tutorial each week gives students focused feedback on an essay or problem sheet.

    • Around 20 hours of private study provides a realistic introduction to independent academic work.

    • Classes of up to 10 support participation, debate and personalized academic attention.

    • The course pairs academic work with a certificate and personalized tutor recommendation.

    Who is International Development Course for?

    Best for

    Curious students who enjoy global affairs, economics, politics, sustainability and evidence-led discussion, including those new to International Development.

    Not ideal if

    You want a fixed syllabus, a primarily lecture-based course or guaranteed academic credit.

    Is International Development Course worth it?

    It can be worthwhile for students who want an intensive introduction to global development and value small seminars, independent work and direct tutorial feedback. The combination of subject exploration and academic-skills practice can help clarify future study interests.

    The main limitation is cost, especially for residential packages, and the course does not guarantee university credit. Its flexible tutor-designed syllabus is a strength for responsive discussion but may not suit students seeking a fixed list of topics.

    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    From £5,495; includes Small-group seminars, tutorials and academic teaching, Certificate on completion, Residential accommodation on eligible packages, Breakfast and dinner for residential students, Oxford activities and excursions where included, Heathrow transfer and insurance on eligible packages.

    Accommodation

    Single or twin, tier-dependent

    Meals

    Half-board residential

    Provider details

    Review the Atlas Summer Courses provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    2 weeks; Oxford, United Kingdom.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

    Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

    Compare with similar programs

    How much preparation does International Development Course need?

    Effort level

    High academic commitment.

    Best started

    Begin the application and travel planning at least two to three months before your preferred session.

    Main challenge

    Developing evidence-based arguments through independent reading and written work.

    Typical preparation

    • Choose the age track, session and package that fit your plans.

    • Draft a concise personal statement explaining your subject interests and goals.

    • Review any pre-course reading and the Welcome Pack before traveling.

    • International students should allow additional time for visa or ETA arrangements.

    Useful if

    You want to test university-style social-science study.

    What do students do on International Development Course?

    Students investigate global development through seminars, case studies, guided discussion, independent reading and tutorial feedback. The course emphasizes comparing perspectives and building clear, evidence-led arguments.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Join six three-hour small-group seminars across the course.

    2. 2

      Analyze development questions through discussion, evidence, activities and case studies.

    3. 3

      Complete independent reading before seminars and tutorials.

    4. 4

      Prepare two essays or problem sheets during private study.

    5. 5

      Discuss each assignment in a one-to-one or two-to-one tutorial.

    6. 6

      Take part in academic enrichment and Oxford cultural activities.

    International Development Course dates and deadlines

    16-17 session 1

    27 June-10 July 2027

    Two-week Oxford course

    Upcoming

    16-17 session 2

    4-17 July 2027

    Two-week Oxford course

    Upcoming

    16-17 session 3

    11-24 July 2027

    Two-week Oxford course

    Upcoming

    16-17 session 4

    18-31 July 2027

    Two-week Oxford course

    Upcoming

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Ages 16-17 or 18-24

    • Genuine interest in the chosen subject

    • Good spoken and written English

    • No previous International Development study required

    • Parent or guardian details required for ages 16-17

    How much does International Development Course cost?

    Program fee

    From £5,495 — Non-residential price; residential tiers cost more

    Funding or discounts

    • Residential tiers: £6,995-£9,995 — Accommodation and benefits vary by tier
    • Deposit: £1,295-£1,495 — Package-dependent
    • Scholarships or bursaries: Not offered

    What's included

    Small-group seminars, tutorials and academic teaching, Certificate on completion, Residential accommodation on eligible packages, Breakfast and dinner for residential students, Oxford activities and excursions where included, Heathrow transfer and insurance on eligible packages

    How to apply to International Development Course

    1. 1

      Open the online application and enter the student's date of birth.

    2. 2

      Select International Development, preferred course dates and a package or accommodation option.

    3. 3

      Provide student contact details, country of residence and a personal statement.

    4. 4

      Add current or recent school, college or university details.

    5. 5

      Provide parent or guardian details when applying for a 16-17 course.

    6. 6

      Review the course, dates, package and fee information, then submit the application.

    7. 7

      Wait for the admissions review and follow the offer instructions if accepted.

    8. 8

      Pay the stated deposit to secure an offered place.

    What does International Development Course cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Poverty and inequality

    Examine how poverty and inequality are understood, measured and addressed.

    Economic development

    Consider how growth, institutions and policy influence development outcomes.

    Global cooperation

    Evaluate international aid, partnerships and responses to global challenges.

    People and sustainability

    Explore education, health, climate resilience and sustainable development.

    Migration and society

    Analyze migration's effects on communities, cultures and development.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on International Development Course?

    A typical day during the program.

    Academic study

    Seminar-style lessons, tutorials or small-group discussion.

    Enrichment and study

    Guided study, academic enrichment, workshops or Oxford exploration.

    Social program

    Supervised social events, cultural activities and relaxation.

    Excursions

    Cultural visits and full-day outings complement academic study.

    Who teaches on International Development Course?

    Experienced educators and subject specialists lead the course, drawing on expertise across academia, industry and education. Tutors shape their syllabi around their specialisms and the group's learning needs.

    Tutors are confirmed closer to summer, so previously displayed profiles do not guarantee who will teach a specific session.

    Where do students stay on International Development Course?

    Residential plan

    • Oxford accommodation: Single or twin rooms are provided according to the selected tier.
    • Bathroom options: Shared bathrooms and guaranteed private-bathroom tiers are available.
    • Half-board meals: Breakfast and dinner are served in college halls or selected restaurants.
    • On-course support: Staff provide welfare guidance and practical support throughout the stay.

    Non-residential plan

    • Day option: Students attend teaching and included activities without accommodation.

    Room type and package benefits vary by tier; students arrange their own lunch under the course's half-board residential plan.

    What happens after International Development Course?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Receive a certificate documenting course participation.

    Gain detailed feedback and a personalized tutor recommendation.

    Test interest in International Development before longer-term study.

    Prepare for related study in international relations, economics or politics.

    Develop research, analysis and communication skills for future study.

    Most Atlas Summer Courses are not credit-bearing; recognition by a school or university should be confirmed separately.

    Where does International Development Course take place?

    The course is based in Oxford using college facilities hired by Atlas Summer Courses for the summer. Students combine academic study with access to the city's museums, libraries, historic streets and cultural activities.

    Atlas Summer Courses is independent and is not affiliated with the University of Oxford.

    International Development Course FAQs

    Possible topics include poverty, inequality, economic development, globalization, sustainability, international aid, education, public health, migration and political institutions. Tutors adapt the precise syllabus to their expertise and the group's interests.

    No. The course has no formal subject prerequisites, but students should be genuinely interested in the field and able to work in spoken and written English.

    Students complete around 20 hours of private study across two weeks. This includes seminar preparation and work on two essays or problem sheets.

    The opportunity pages describe small-group teaching with classes of up to 10 students. Tutorials are held one-to-one or with two students and one tutor.

    Students receive a certificate, detailed tutor feedback and a personalized letter of recommendation recognizing their engagement and progress.

    Residential packages include tier-dependent accommodation and half-board meals, while a non-residential option is also available. Exact benefits depend on the chosen package.

    No. Atlas Summer Courses is an independent provider that hires facilities from Oxford colleges during the summer and has no formal University of Oxford affiliation.

    Alternatives to International Development Course

    Compare these related programs if you want a different subject emphasis, location or delivery format.

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    Sean Stevens

    Content reviewed by

    Sean Stevens

    Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)

    Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, program quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.

    View author page

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Atlas Summer Courses Brochures & Guides
    • Terms and Conditions for Courses | Atlas Summer Courses
    • Atlas Summer Courses | Ages 18-24
    • Oxford Summer School for Ages 16-17 | Atlas Summer Courses
    • Atlas Summer Courses Dates and Prices – Flexible Payment Plans
    • International Development Summer School Ages 18-24 | Atlas Summer Courses
    • International Development Summer School Ages 16-17 | Atlas Summer Courses
    • Search Results | Atlas Summer Courses
    • Articles | Atlas Summer Courses
    • Atlas Summer Courses Alumni Network
    • How to Apply for Atlas Summer Courses – Step-by-Step Guide
    • Atlas Summer Courses FAQs | Fees, Dates, Applications & Safety
    • Apply for Atlas Summer Courses
    • International Development | Atlas Summer Courses

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 30 Aug 2026)

    • Course format checked

    • Ages reviewed

    • Prices compared

    • Session dates verified

    • Teaching model reviewed

    • Accommodation checked

    • Application steps checked

    • Policies reviewed

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.