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    In-person Programme

    Senior Creative Writing and Humanities Programme

    by Oxbridge Summer Scholars

    An intensive residential programme combining creative writing workshops with literature, history and philosophy through Oxbridge-style teaching and an individual project.

    Last verified: 17 Aug 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
    Senior Creative Writing and Humanities Programme

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    Creative Writing Programme at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Applications open

    Eligibility

    School students or gap year

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 16-19

    Location / Region

    Oxford; Cambridge

    Cost

    £6,550; £6,950

    Duration

    2 weeks

    Format

    In-person

    Application deadline

    Rolling

    Save programme
    Creative WritingLiteratureHistoryPhilosophy

    Class size: 10-12 seminars; tutorials up to 6

    Accommodation: Single college room

    Meals: Full board, 3 meals

    Certificate: 80% attendance required

    Teaching: Lectures, seminars and tutorials

    Main output: 3,000-word individual essay

    Daily study: 6-8 academic hours

    Creative Writing Programme summary

    A multidisciplinary humanities stream combining creative writing workshops with literature, philosophy and history.

    Students learn through lectures, seminars and small-group tutorials before completing an individual research project with specialist feedback.

    It suits academically motivated writers who want intensive university-style study, interdisciplinary discussion and a structured residential experience.

    What is Senior Creative Writing and Humanities Programme?

    The Senior Creative Writing and Humanities Programme is an intensive academic stream within the Oxbridge Summer Scholars residential experience. It brings together creative writing workshops, literature, history and philosophy so students can explore how stories, ideas and historical contexts connect.

    Students encounter Oxbridge-style teaching through lectures, seminars and small-group tutorials. The wider experience also combines independent project work with cultural activities and supervised residential college life.

    Why Succeed highlights Creative Writing Programme

    • The curriculum connects creative practice with literature, history and philosophy rather than treating writing as an isolated skill.

    • Small seminars and tutorials create more space for discussion, questioning and individual academic attention.

    • The individual research project gives students a substantial piece of work and specialist feedback.

    • Residential college life is paired with cultural excursions and supervised social activities.

    • Admissions interviews assess motivation and readiness for intensive academic study.

    Who is Creative Writing Programme for?

    Best for

    Motivated writers who enjoy close reading, discussion and connecting creative work with history and philosophy.

    Not ideal if

    You want a relaxed writing retreat, a single-subject course or limited daily academic work.

    Is Creative Writing Programme worth it?

    It can be worthwhile for a student who wants a demanding introduction to humanities study and values close discussion with tutors. The combination of creative work, interdisciplinary reading and an assessed individual project offers more academic substance than a general activity-based camp.

    The limitation is the substantial fee and intensive daily schedule. It should be chosen because the teaching model and subject breadth genuinely suit the student, not simply for the Oxford or Cambridge setting.

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

    Cost and what is included

    £6,550; £6,950; includes College accommodation in a single room, Full-board meal plan with three meals, All academic tutoring and course materials, Scheduled trips and extracurricular activities, 24/7 supervision by trained staff.

    Accommodation

    Single college room

    Meals

    Full board, 3 meals

    Supervision or safety information

    The programme includes college accommodation in a single room and a full-board meal plan with three meals. Trained staff provide 24/7 supervision.

    Provider details

    Review the Oxbridge Summer Scholars 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 programme with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

    Compare with similar programmes

    How much preparation does Creative Writing Programme need?

    Effort level

    High.

    Best started

    Begin planning four to eight weeks before your preferred intake, allowing longer for travel or visa arrangements.

    Main challenge

    Sustaining clear analysis and formal writing within a short residential programme.

    Typical preparation

    • Choose a few literary, historical or philosophical questions you would enjoy exploring in depth.

    • Practise taking concise notes from demanding reading and turning them into discussion points.

    • Prepare to explain your academic interests and motivation during the admissions interview.

    • International students should begin visa planning at least three months before the programme starts.

    Useful if

    You already enjoy reading, discussion and revising written work.

    What do students do on Creative Writing Programme?

    Students move between taught sessions, discussion, independent research and cultural activities. The experience culminates in a substantial written project reviewed by a subject specialist.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Complete pre-reading before seminars and classes.

    2. 2

      Attend lectures introducing interdisciplinary ideas and current research.

    3. 3

      Discuss texts and questions in seminars of around 10-12 students.

    4. 4

      Explore focused topics in tutorials limited to six students.

    5. 5

      Research and write an individual 3,000-word essay.

    6. 6

      Receive constructive comments from a subject specialist.

    7. 7

      Join supervised cultural excursions and evening social activities.

    Creative Writing Programme dates and deadlines

    Applications

    Rolling admissions

    Applications are reviewed after interview.

    Date not confirmed

    December programme

    6-19 December 2026

    Published winter intake.

    Upcoming

    July programme 1

    4-17 July 2027

    Published summer intake.

    Upcoming

    July programme 2

    18-31 July 2027

    Published summer intake.

    Upcoming

    August programme

    1-14 August 2027

    Published summer intake.

    Upcoming

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Aged 16-19 at the programme start

    • Current high-school student or recent graduate

    • Gap-year students may apply

    • University and college students are not eligible

    • Approximately B2-C1 English proficiency

    • Strong academic motivation and curiosity

    • Student must complete the application form

    • Admissions interview required

    How much does Creative Writing Programme cost?

    Programme fee

    £6,550; £6,950 — December; July-August

    Funding or discounts

    • Deposit: £1,000 — Due within seven days of an offer
    • Registration fee: £500 — Included in the total programme cost

    What's included

    College accommodation in a single room, Full-board meal plan with three meals, All academic tutoring and course materials, Scheduled trips and extracurricular activities, 24/7 supervision by trained staff

    How to apply to Creative Writing Programme

    1. 1

      Check the age, school-status and English requirements.

    2. 2

      Complete the online application form yourself, including academic interests, preferred intake and chosen stream.

    3. 3

      Watch for an email confirming that the application was received.

    4. 4

      If eligible, use the Calendly link to book a 25-30 minute admissions interview.

    5. 5

      Discuss your motivation, interests, goals and English proficiency during the interview.

    6. 6

      Await the admission decision and official offer by email.

    7. 7

      Pay the £1,000 deposit within seven days of an offer to secure the place.

    What does Creative Writing Programme cover?

    The programme covers the following focus areas.

    Creative Writing

    Practise developing original ideas and shaping them through workshops.

    Literature

    Read closely and examine how texts communicate ideas and perspectives.

    Philosophy

    Explore arguments, ethical questions and frameworks for critical reasoning.

    History

    Consider historical contexts and how evidence shapes interpretation.

    Individual Project

    Research and write a substantial essay with specialist feedback.

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

    What is a typical day on Creative Writing Programme?

    A typical day during the programme.

    Academic weekdays

    The provider describes a typical academic day running from 9am to 5pm.

    Daily teaching

    Students complete six to eight hours of lectures, seminars and tutorials.

    Evening programme

    Supervised social activities complement the academic programme.

    Who teaches on Creative Writing Programme?

    Sessions are taught by experienced tutors and lecturers from Oxford, Cambridge and other leading UK universities, alongside industry experts and established professionals. The wider programme draws on a large multidisciplinary teaching team.

    Seminars typically have 10-12 students, while tutorial classes are limited to six.

    Where do students stay on Creative Writing Programme?

    Residential plan

    • Single-room accommodation: Students stay in a single room within college accommodation.
    • Full-board meals: The programme includes three meals each day.
    • Residential supervision: Trained staff provide supervision around the clock.
    • Trips and activities: Scheduled cultural visits and extracurricular activities are included.

    International travel, visas, health insurance and optional transfers are not included in the programme fee.

    What happens after Creative Writing Programme?

    After completing this programme, participants often pursue:

    Use the individual project as evidence of sustained academic interest.

    Apply specialist feedback to future essays and independent research.

    Develop discussion and analytical skills for university-style humanities study.

    Earn a course certificate by meeting the attendance requirement.

    Reflect on the experience in future university applications.

    Participation can support an application narrative, but it does not replace grades or formal admissions requirements.

    Where does Creative Writing Programme take place?

    The programme takes place in Oxford or Cambridge, with residential college accommodation and access to the academic atmosphere of these university cities. Published locations include St Peter’s College and Somerville College in Oxford and Hughes Hall in Cambridge.

    The programme is independently operated and is not formally affiliated with the Universities of Oxford or Cambridge.

    Creative Writing Programme FAQs

    The stream combines creative writing workshops with literature, philosophy and history. Its interdisciplinary structure is designed to show how creative and analytical approaches connect.

    The provider describes each stream as a multidisciplinary journey rather than a single-module course. Students should expect to explore several connected subjects.

    The Senior Programme describes six to eight hours of lectures, seminars and tutorials each day. It is closer to an intensive pre-university experience than a relaxed writing camp.

    Seminars typically include around 10-12 students. Tutorial classes are limited to six students for more focused discussion and analysis.

    Yes. Students complete an individual research project, with the provider describing a 3,000-word essay and feedback from a subject specialist.

    Teaching is delivered by experienced tutors and lecturers from leading UK universities, including Oxford, Cambridge and other G5 institutions, together with industry experts and professionals.

    The programme includes college accommodation in a single room and a full-board meal plan with three meals. Trained staff provide 24/7 supervision.

    The 25-30 minute conversation covers the student's motivation, academic interests and goals, and English proficiency. No formal interview preparation is required.

    Alternatives to Creative Writing Programme

    Compare these writing, literature and humanities programmes if you want a different setting, format or academic emphasis.

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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.

    View author page

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Arrival & Departure | Oxbridge Summer Scholars
    • Oxford and Cambridge Summer School | Programs for Middle and High School
    • Terms and Conditions | OSS
    • How to apply | OSS
    • Tuition Fees and Dates | Oxbridge Summer Scholars
    • Pre-College Law and PPE Summer Courses | Oxford and Cambridge Summer Schools in the UK
    • Pre-College Business Summer Courses | Oxford and Cambridge Summer Schools in the UK
    • Medicine and Health Sciences Courses | Oxford and Cambridge Summer School in the UK
    • Science, Innovation, and Technology Courses | Oxford and Cambridge Summer School in the UK
    • Apply Now | OSS
    • Book a call with the Oxbridge Summer Scholars Admission Team
    • Senior Summer Programmes | Ages 16-19 | Oxbridge Scholars

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

    What we verified (on 17 Aug 2026)

    • Programme structure reviewed

    • Eligibility checked

    • Application process checked

    • Dates cross-checked

    • Fees and inclusions checked

    • Accommodation reviewed

    • Travel guidance reviewed

    • Cancellation terms 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.