In-person Programme
    Upcoming

    International Relations and Politics Summer Course

    by Atlas Summer Courses

    A discussion-led course exploring government, diplomacy, conflict and global issues through seminars, case studies, debate and independent research.

    Last verified: 30 Aug 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
    International Relations and Politics Summer Course
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    International Relations Course at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Upcoming

    Eligibility

    No formal entry requirements

    Age range / Year group

    13-15

    Location / Region

    Oxford; Cambridge

    Cost

    From £5,495

    Duration

    2 weeks

    Format

    In-person

    Next session

    27 June 2027 - 10 July 2027

    Save program
    International RelationsPolitics

    Class size: Average 8; maximum 10

    Accommodation: Residential and non-residential tiers

    Meals: Full board on residential tiers

    Outcome: Certificate, feedback and recommendation

    Tutors: Educators and subject specialists

    Accreditation: British Accreditation Council

    International Relations Course summary

    A discussion-led introduction to how governments operate, countries interact and political power shapes global events.

    Students learn through small seminars, case studies, debate, simulations, independent research and possible presentations rather than a fixed lecture syllabus.

    It suits curious students who follow current affairs, enjoy comparing viewpoints and want to strengthen analytical and communication skills.

    What is International Relations and Politics Summer Course?

    The International Relations and Politics Summer Course is an Atlas Summer Courses academic program examining political systems, government, diplomacy, conflict, media influence and global cooperation. Tutors adapt the syllabus to their expertise and the interests and abilities of each group.

    Students take part in interactive seminars, discussions, case studies, debates and practical simulations, supported by independent study. The experience combines subject exploration with supervised social and cultural activities.

    Why Succeed highlights International Relations Course

    • Small groups of around 8-10 give students regular opportunities to contribute and question ideas.

    • Eight seminars are paired with 12 hours of independent study, creating a clear academic structure.

    • The flexible syllabus can respond to current political developments and the group's interests.

    • Students receive a certificate, detailed tutor feedback and a personalized recommendation letter.

    • Residential and non-residential packages make it possible to compare different support levels.

    Who is International Relations Course for?

    Best for

    Students who follow current affairs, enjoy debate and want to examine how political decisions connect with international events.

    Not ideal if

    You want a fixed syllabus, formal academic credit or a course centered on lectures and examinations.

    Is International Relations Course worth it?

    It can be worthwhile for a student who wants an intensive introduction to politics and international relations while practicing discussion, research and argument analysis. Small classes and structured private study give the experience more academic depth than a general activity camp.

    The main limitation is that the syllabus changes with the tutor and group, so a particular topic cannot be guaranteed. The program is also generally non-credit-bearing, making its value primarily exploratory and developmental.

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

    Cost and what is included

    From £5,495; includes Interactive academic teaching and materials., Lunch and dinner on non-residential packages., Accommodation and full-board meals on residential packages., Certificate of completion., All-day trips and activities where listed., Heathrow transfers and insurance on eligible residential tiers., Pastoral care and on-course support..

    Accommodation

    Residential and non-residential tiers

    Meals

    Full board on residential tiers

    Provider details

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

    Dates and logistics

    2 weeks; Oxford; Cambridge.

    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 Relations Course need?

    Effort level

    Moderate to high academic engagement.

    Best started

    Begin six to eight weeks before the chosen session to prepare the application, travel documents and any visa arrangements.

    Main challenge

    Forming clear arguments while engaging respectfully with competing viewpoints.

    Typical preparation

    • Draft the personal statement around genuine political interests and questions you want to explore.

    • Review recent international events and practice separating evidence from opinion.

    • Complete onboarding tasks and read the Welcome Pack and Student Handbook carefully.

    • Allow additional time for UK travel permission if it applies to you.

    Useful if

    You already follow current affairs or enjoy discussion-based learning.

    What do students do on International Relations Course?

    Students move between tutor-led seminars, collaborative activities and independent study, applying political ideas to contemporary issues and realistic scenarios.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Explore political systems, governance, conflict, diplomacy and global cooperation.

    2. 2

      Discuss case studies and compare different interpretations of political events.

    3. 3

      Question arguments and support personal views with clear reasoning and evidence.

    4. 4

      Take part in debates, simulations, teamwork and diplomatic role-play.

    5. 5

      Complete reading, research, case-study analysis or presentation preparation independently.

    6. 6

      Review goals and academic progress through reflection and tutor feedback.

    International Relations Course dates and deadlines

    Oxford session

    27 June 2027 - 10 July 2027

    Two-week course.

    Upcoming

    Oxford session

    4 July 2027 - 17 July 2027

    Two-week course.

    Upcoming

    Oxford session

    11 July 2027 - 24 July 2027

    Two-week course.

    Upcoming

    Oxford session

    18 July 2027 - 31 July 2027

    Two-week course.

    Upcoming

    Oxford session

    25 July 2027 - 7 August 2027

    Two-week course.

    Upcoming

    Oxford session

    1 August 2027 - 14 August 2027

    Two-week course.

    Upcoming

    Oxford session

    8 August 2027 - 21 August 2027

    Two-week course.

    Upcoming

    Oxford session

    15 August 2027 - 28 August 2027

    Two-week course.

    Upcoming

    Cambridge session

    27 June 2027 - 10 July 2027

    Two-week course.

    Upcoming

    Cambridge session

    4 July 2027 - 17 July 2027

    Two-week course.

    Upcoming

    Cambridge session

    11 July 2027 - 24 July 2027

    Two-week course.

    Upcoming

    Cambridge session

    18 July 2027 - 31 July 2027

    Two-week course.

    Upcoming

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Aged 13-15 at the start of the course.

    • No formal subject entry requirements.

    • Genuine interest in international relations and politics.

    • Good working spoken and written English.

    • Personal statement completed in English.

    • Parent or guardian details provided for applicants under 18.

    How much does International Relations Course cost?

    Program fee

    From £5,495 — Lowest listed 2027 non-residential price.

    Funding or discounts

    • Oxford packages: £5,495-£9,995 — Non-residential, Plus, Superior and Premier.
    • Cambridge packages: £5,495-£6,995 — Listed non-residential and Plus options.
    • Scholarships or bursaries: Not offered — External funding may be declared when applying.

    What's included

    Interactive academic teaching and materials., Lunch and dinner on non-residential packages., Accommodation and full-board meals on residential packages., Certificate of completion., All-day trips and activities where listed., Heathrow transfers and insurance on eligible residential tiers., Pastoral care and on-course support.

    How to apply to International Relations Course

    1. 1

      Open the official online application form.

    2. 2

      Enter the student's date of birth to view suitable courses.

    3. 3

      Select the subject, location, dates and package or accommodation option.

    4. 4

      Provide student and parent or guardian contact information.

    5. 5

      Add the student's school details and short personal statement in English.

    6. 6

      Review the course choices, fees and application information.

    7. 7

      Accept the terms and submit the application for admissions review.

    8. 8

      If offered a place, follow the booking instructions and pay the deposit.

    What does International Relations Course cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Political systems

    Examine governance, democracy and how political decisions are made.

    International relations

    Explore how states, organizations and other actors interact globally.

    Conflict and diplomacy

    Consider why conflicts arise and how negotiation can resolve disputes.

    Media and political power

    Analyze media influence, evidence and competing political narratives.

    Global challenges

    Debate cooperation on security, climate, migration and resource distribution.

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

    What is a typical day on International Relations Course?

    A typical day during the program.

    Academic sessions

    Small seminar-style classes focus on discussion and new concepts.

    Applied study

    Guided research, debates, team challenges and diplomatic role-play build practical understanding.

    Social program

    Supervised social activities complement the academic timetable.

    Who teaches on International Relations Course?

    Experienced educators and subject specialists lead the course, bringing academic expertise and relevant teaching experience. Tutors shape their syllabus around their specialism and the group's interests, and individual appointments are confirmed closer to summer.

    Tutor profiles are examples of previous teachers, not confirmed appointments.

    Where do students stay on International Relations Course?

    Residential plan

    • College accommodation: Students stay in hired college facilities in Oxford or Cambridge.
    • Room choices: Single or twin rooms are offered, with shared or private bathrooms depending on tier.
    • Full-board meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in college dining halls or local restaurants.
    • Pastoral support: Trained on-course staff provide welfare support and age-appropriate supervision.
    • Trips and activities: The wider program includes social activities and cultural outings.

    Non-residential plan

    • Day-student option: Students attend teaching and activities without overnight accommodation.
    • Day meals: Lunch and dinner are included for students aged 13-15.

    Room type and bathroom arrangements depend on the selected package.

    What happens after International Relations Course?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Receive a signed certificate confirming participation.

    Use detailed tutor feedback to identify academic strengths and next steps.

    Add a personalized recommendation letter to future applications where relevant.

    Progress toward subjects such as PPE, history, economics, law or public policy.

    Explore future interests in government, diplomacy, journalism, research or international organizations.

    Most Atlas Summer Courses are not credit-bearing.

    Where does International Relations Course take place?

    The program runs in Oxford and Cambridge using college facilities hired for the summer. Both historic university cities provide an academic setting for seminars, supervised activities and cultural outings, but Atlas Summer Courses is independent of the universities.

    The provider has no formal affiliation with the Universities of Oxford or Cambridge.

    International Relations Course FAQs

    No. The course has no formal subject prerequisites and is designed for students with a genuine interest in politics, international relations or current affairs.

    Possible topics include political systems, democracy, diplomacy, conflict, international organizations, media influence, resource distribution and global cooperation. The tutor adapts the syllabus, so exact coverage varies.

    The two-week structure includes eight small-group seminars totaling 24 hours and 12 hours of private study.

    Classes average around eight students and are generally capped at ten for this age group.

    Students join guided research, debates, team challenges, diplomatic role-play, supervised social activities and cultural outings, with the exact timetable varying by session.

    Yes. Non-residential and residential package options are listed. Accommodation, meal, transfer and support inclusions differ by package.

    Students receive a certificate of completion, detailed tutor feedback and a personalized recommendation letter.

    Yes. The provider states that dietary requirements are catered for and asks families to disclose relevant needs during the application and onboarding process.

    Alternatives to International Relations Course

    Compare these related politics and international-relations programs by teaching format, location and academic emphasis.

    Alternatives to International Relations Course

    Online politics and international-relations research course

    Politics
    Deadline: Not announced
    From $4200
    13-18
    Online
    Online

    Best for

    Students seeking a longer online research format.

    View details

    Save this program in Succeed to compare it with similar programs, dates, costs and formats in one place.

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    Ben Stacy

    Content reviewed by

    Ben Stacy

    Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader

    Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Summer Camps | Atlas Summer Courses
    • Atlas Summer Courses | Airport Transfers and Travel Guide
    • Terms and Conditions for Courses | Atlas Summer Courses
    • Atlas Summer Courses Dates and Prices – Flexible Payment Plans
    • International Relations and Politics Summer School Ages 13-15 | Atlas Summer Courses
    • International Relations and Politics Summer School Ages 13-15 | Cambridge 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 Relations and Politics | 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

    • Age range verified

    • Session dates reviewed

    • Package prices compared

    • Eligibility reviewed

    • Application process checked

    • Safety guidance reviewed

    • Policy documents located

    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.