Applications
Rolling admissions
No fixed application deadline.
In-person Program
International Relations, Politics & Leadership Summer Course
Explore global politics through political theory, leadership discussions and a simulated UN Security Council, with Oxford Scholastica's academic teaching and practical masterclasses.
Last verified: 8 Oct 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
Get the full picture before you decide
Request your Program Guide. We'll email it within 24 hours.
or let us know if .
What Succeed checks
We review public program details such as eligibility, age range, cost, duration, location, format, accommodation, meals and application timing.
What Last verified means
Last verified is the latest date Succeed checked the public details shown on this page. Program dates, prices and availability can still change.
How official sources are used
Succeed uses official provider information where available, then rewrites it into a student-facing summary for comparison and planning.
Why some dates are reference dates
If the current cycle is not available, Succeed may show the latest verified cycle dates so you can understand typical timing.
Succeed is independent from this provider unless a partnership is clearly stated.
International Relations Politics and Leadership at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility
Current status
Applications open
Eligibility
Motivated students; not at university
Age range / Year group
Ages 15-18
Location / Region
Oxford, United Kingdom
Cost
£7,495
Duration
2 weeks
Format
In-person
International RelationsPolitics
Class size: Maximum 15 students
Accommodation: Oxford University college rooms
Meals: Daily breakfast and dinner
Certificate / Outcome: Certificate; conditional tutor recommendation
Campus experience: College rooms and lecture halls
Residential options: Residential or non-residential
Accreditation: British Accreditation Council
International Relations Politics and Leadership summary
Oxford Scholastica combines international relations, political theory and leadership with discussion-led teaching and a practical Model UN exercise.
You research a country's position, debate a security crisis and negotiate with other students, alongside masterclasses and a professional Q&A.
It suits students who enjoy questioning political decisions and testing their arguments aloud, with cultural activities adding a broader social experience.
What is International Relations, Politics & Leadership Summer Course?
The International Relations, Politics & Leadership Summer Course is Oxford Scholastica Academy's residential introduction to political ideas and global affairs. Students explore leadership, democracy, political change, diplomacy and global governance through tutor-led classes and debate.
The practical centerpiece is a simulated UN Security Council in which students represent countries and negotiate responses to a crisis. Masterclasses, a political professional's Q&A and cultural activities extend the experience beyond subject lessons. Oxford Scholastica uses university facilities but operates independently of the University of Oxford.
Why Succeed highlights International Relations Politics and Leadership
The four-hour Model UN Challenge gives political theory a concrete test through research, negotiation and consensus building.
A maximum class size of 15 supports participation in a subject that benefits from discussion.
The curriculum connects domestic politics, economic systems and international institutions rather than treating diplomacy in isolation.
A policymaker or diplomat Q&A helps students connect academic ideas with professional practice.
Residential health support and round-the-clock staffing give families concrete welfare arrangements to assess.
Who is International Relations Politics and Leadership for?
Best for
Students curious about global affairs who want to discuss political ideas, practice diplomacy and experience a structured residential summer.
Not ideal if
You prefer mainly independent study or need a University of Oxford qualification; this is an independent provider's discussion-based course.
Is International Relations Politics and Leadership worth it?
This course is most compelling when you want to test whether politics and international relations suit your interests. The combination of discussion, country research and simulated diplomacy gives you specific experiences to reflect on, while the professional Q&A adds career context.
The residential package is a substantial family expense, so its value depends on how much you want both the academic and social experience. Treat the certificate as recognition of completion, rather than a guaranteed admissions advantage. A tutor recommendation also depends on meeting the provider's criteria.
Sean
Founder, Succeed
Talk it through with Sean
Want to talk it through?
“I can help you compare the programmes you're considering, think through the practicalities and work out what makes sense for you.”
20 minutes · No obligation to enrol
A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.
Cost and what is included
£7,495; includes 10 days of classroom learning., 12 hours of masterclasses., Industry Q&A Hero session., Four-hour practical Model UN Challenge., University accommodation., Breakfast and dinner every day., Safety supervision and qualified staff support., Oxford walking tour and museum trips., Trips to Blenheim Palace and Windsor Castle., Punting, ceilidh dancing, social events and sports., Formal graduation ceremony and Certificate of Achievement., Personalized Letter of Recommendation, subject to criteria., Invitation to apply for the Ambassador Program..
Accommodation
Oxford University college rooms
Meals
Daily breakfast and dinner
Supervision or safety information
Accommodation is staffed around the clock, with a residential Matron, first-aid-trained staff and a 24-hour emergency phone line. Students sign in and out during free time and are supervised from dinner onwards.
Provider details
Review the Oxford Scholastica Academy 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 programsHow much preparation does International Relations Politics and Leadership need?
Effort level
Moderate to high during the residential experience.
Best started
Begin planning several months before your chosen summer session, allowing time for rolling admission and travel arrangements.
Main challenge
Researching a national position while responding constructively to competing arguments.
Typical preparation
Draft a personal statement explaining which political questions interest you.
Use the optional suggested reading to build familiarity with the subject.
Prepare stationery, a laptop or tablet, and a phone for contacting staff.
Arrange comprehensive insurance and any required visa or ETA well before travel.
Useful if
You want to practice political reasoning, speaking and teamwork.
What do students do on International Relations Politics and Leadership?
You move from discussing political ideas to representing a country in a simulated diplomatic crisis. Classes, masterclasses and a professional Q&A develop the knowledge and communication skills you use in that exercise.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Explore leadership theories, political change, democracy and political economy in class.
- 2
Examine international relations, global institutions and responses to crises.
- 3
Investigate social media's political influence and a specialist topic chosen by your tutor.
- 4
Research the interests and perspective of your allocated nation for the Model UN Challenge.
- 5
Debate an international peace and security crisis, negotiate solutions and build consensus.
- 6
Practice public speaking, critical thinking and teamwork in masterclasses.
- 7
Join cultural excursions, social events and sporting activities outside class.
International Relations Politics and Leadership dates and deadlines
Date not confirmed
July session 1
4-17 July 2027
Two-week course.
July session 2
18-31 July 2027
Two-week course.
August session
1-14 August 2027
Two-week course.
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Applications | Rolling admissions | Local | Date not confirmed | |
July session 1 | 4-17 July 2027 | Local | Upcoming | |
July session 2 | 18-31 July 2027 | Local | Upcoming | |
August session | 1-14 August 2027 | Local | Upcoming |
Eligibility and requirements
Designed for ages 15-18 at the course start.
Mature 14-year-olds may sometimes be considered.
Students must not have started university.
Show subject motivation through a personal statement.
English proficiency: CEFR C1, equivalent to IELTS 6.5.
No formal English testing or academic prerequisites.
How much does International Relations Politics and Leadership cost?
Residential course fee
£7,495 — Includes accommodation, daily breakfast and dinner.
Funding or discounts
- Application deposit: £995 — Refunded in full if your application is declined.
- Non-residential discount: £500 — For students arranging their own accommodation.
- Full-course scholarships: Not offered — The provider instead delivers free mentoring and academic guidance.
What's included
10 days of classroom learning., 12 hours of masterclasses., Industry Q&A Hero session., Four-hour practical Model UN Challenge., University accommodation., Breakfast and dinner every day., Safety supervision and qualified staff support., Oxford walking tour and museum trips., Trips to Blenheim Palace and Windsor Castle., Punting, ceilidh dancing, social events and sports., Formal graduation ceremony and Certificate of Achievement., Personalized Letter of Recommendation, subject to criteria., Invitation to apply for the Ambassador Program.
How to apply to International Relations Politics and Leadership
- 1
Open the official Oxford Scholastica application form and select the relevant age band and study in Oxford.
- 2
Choose the International Relations, Politics & Leadership course and your session.
- 3
Complete the registration details and explain your subject motivation in the personal statement.
- 4
Pay the £995 deposit for admissions-panel review.
- 5
Wait for the provider to confirm its admission decision; declined applicants receive a full deposit refund.
- 6
If arranging your own accommodation, reply to the provider's email to request non-residential attendance.
Next step with Succeed
Interested in this programme?
or let us know if .
Succeed replies first, usually within a working day
What does International Relations Politics and Leadership cover?
The program covers the following focus areas.
Leadership and political change
Compare leadership theories and examine why political systems change.
Democracy and political economy
Explore democratic systems and how political decisions shape economies.
Diplomacy and global institutions
Analyze international relations processes and the influence of global organizations.
Crisis and global governance
Evaluate crisis responses and practice diplomatic negotiation in Model UN.
Social media and current research
Discuss political communication and investigate your tutor's specialist research area.
Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.
What is a typical day on International Relations Politics and Leadership?
A typical day during the program.
Academic learning
The course also includes 12 masterclass hours and a four-hour Model UN Challenge.
Lunch break
Students have a couple of hours to eat, explore Oxford or relax.
Activities
Cultural and social activities run alongside sports, with optional activities on the more relaxed weekend.
Residential bedtime
Students return to their own rooms by 10:30 p.m., with lights out at 11 p.m.
Who teaches on International Relations Politics and Leadership?
The course names Arushi Sharan, an Oxford DPhil candidate in International Development with a master's degree in Political Science and experience teaching Comparative Politics. Oxford Scholastica selects and trains subject experts from institutions including Oxford and Cambridge.
Tutors may change; classes have a maximum of 15 students.
Where do students stay on International Relations Politics and Leadership?
Residential plan
- College accommodation: Stay in Oxford University accommodation with common areas and wireless internet.
- Breakfast and dinner: Continental breakfast is served at the accommodation, with group dinners in college or local restaurants.
- Pastoral support: First-aid-trained staff, a residential Matron and a 24-hour emergency line support students.
- Secure buildings: Staff are on site around the clock, with fob or key access and supervision from dinner onwards.
Non-residential plan
- Own accommodation option: Arrange your own accommodation and receive a £500 fee discount.
- Program participation: Students arranging their own accommodation retain full access to the rest of the program.
Standard and en-suite rooms are offered, with a small number of twin rooms; boys and girls are separated by floor or corridor.
What happens after International Relations Politics and Leadership?
After completing this program, participants often pursue:
Receive a Certificate of Achievement after successful completion.
Earn a personalized tutor recommendation if you meet the criteria.
Apply for the one-year Ambassador Program with monthly virtual meetings.
Build experience in political analysis, negotiation and public speaking.
Explore academic and career interests through a policymaker or diplomat Q&A.
The certificate is awarded by Oxford Scholastica Academy, an independent provider.
Where does International Relations Politics and Leadership take place?
Students stay and study in Oxford, using college accommodation and lecture halls while visiting the city's historic sites. Oxford has train and coach connections, and the provider offers an optional Heathrow airport transfer service.
The provider's South Parade office address is different from the residential campus address.
International Relations Politics and Leadership FAQs
No academic prerequisites are required. The admissions panel looks for motivation, intellectual curiosity and a willingness to challenge yourself.
In a four-hour simulated UN Security Council, you represent an allocated nation, research its position and debate an international peace and security crisis. You negotiate with other students and work toward consensus.
No. Oxford Scholastica uses university facilities and employs tutors who may study or teach at Oxford, but it has no formal connection with the University of Oxford.
The residential fee includes Oxford University accommodation and breakfast and dinner each day. Standard and en-suite room options are offered; lunch is purchased separately.
Yes. Students arranging their own accommodation receive a £500 fee discount and retain access to the rest of the program. Register through the application form and reply to the provider's email to request this option.
Successful course completion earns an Oxford Scholastica Academy Certificate of Achievement. Students meeting the provider's criteria also receive a personalized tutor Letter of Recommendation.
Accommodation is staffed around the clock, with a residential Matron, first-aid-trained staff and a 24-hour emergency phone line. Students sign in and out during free time and are supervised from dinner onwards.
Bring standard stationery, a laptop or tablet, and a phone for contacting staff. Suggested reading is provided before the course, but it is optional.
Alternatives to International Relations Politics and Leadership
Compare these related courses if you want a different balance of international relations, political study or broader social sciences.
Alternatives to International Relations Politics and Leadership
An in-person international relations course in Cambridge.
International Relations
Deadline: Not announced
From £5495
16-17
Cambridge
In-person
Best for
Students prioritizing international relations
Social & Political Sciences Summer Course
Recently closed
Political study within a broader social sciences course.
Politics
15 Sep 2026
From £6295
14-18
Cambridge
In-person
Best for
Students exploring neighboring disciplines
A Cambridge course combining philosophy, politics and economics.
Politics
Deadline: Not announced
From £5995
16-18
Cambridge
In-person
Best for
Students considering interdisciplinary political study
Save this program in Succeed to compare it with similar programs, dates, costs and formats in one place.
Compare with other programsContent 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 & verification
Source types reviewed
- Contact Us | Oxford Scholastica Academy
- Online Summer School Dates & Fees | Oxford Scholastica
- Arrange a Call | Oxford Scholastica Academy
- Booking Form
- Oxford Scholastica Academy FAQs
- Booking Form
- Politics & Leadership Summer Course (Ages 15-18) | Oxford Scholastica
Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.
What we verified (on 8 Oct 2026)
Course dates reviewed
Rolling admissions verified
Eligibility requirements reviewed
Residential fee checked
Meal inclusions checked
Welfare arrangements reviewed
University affiliation clarified
Completion outcomes 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.
International Relations, Politics & Leadership Summer Course
by Oxford Scholastica Academy
Applications open
May qualify for the £300 Succeed Programme Award.
Get the full picture before you decide
Request your Program Guide. We'll email it within 24 hours.
No account needed to compare programmes.
Not ready to decide yet? Keep it for later.
Save this program
Keep dates visible
Compare similar programs
Keep recommendations organised