Creative Writing - Oxford University

• Outside of lessons, enjoy a busy and diverse social program including punting on the River Cam, zorb football, games night, movie night, quiz night, talent show and a murder mystery night at the college.
• All activities and excursions are led by our team of friendly mentors, dedicated to maximizing your enjoyment.

• College allocation based on dates and subject choice, assigned a few weeks before arrival.

• All colleges are central, historical, with unique culture and character.

• Accommodations designed for study, not luxury; many buildings over 500 years old, no air conditioning.

• Accommodation requests for friends/siblings considered where possible.

• Separate male and female accommodations in each college; wi-fi available throughout.

• Single occupancy rooms with shared bathrooms (one per four participants); some ensuite facilities available, prioritized for additional needs.

• Mixed-gender corridors for ensuite facilities; gender-separated corridors for shared bathrooms.

• Welcome Pack includes possible college details for program dates.

• Rooms secured with locks, housekeeping access for maintenance.

• Breakfast and dinner included on campus

• Host venues accommodate all dietary requirements, special attention to religious observances and medical needs (Please let us know if you need to follow any particular religious observances or have any medical requirements that we need to know about.)

• As a student, you will experience formal dinner three times during your stay: once per week in Oxford and at an Cambridge University college on the excursion day, making formal hall a memorable occasion, so remember to bring some smart clothes!

• Two excursions offered: a day trip to visit Oxford and its colleges, and an optional day out in London to see famous landmarks and enjoy shopping.
• If you opt out of the London trip, you're invited to afternoon tea in Oxford.

• Arrival Time: Participants should arrive between 2 pm and 5 pm on the first Sunday of the program, with registration and accommodation showings upon arrival (accommodation ready by 3 pm).

• London Heathrow Airport Transfers: Shared airport transfer service available from Heathrow Terminal 3 directly to Cambridge/Oxford colleges. Pastoral team to meet participants at any Heathrow terminal and escort to Terminal 3.

• Transfer departures at 11:00, 14:00, and 17:00 on arrival Sunday; return transfers to London Heathrow Airport depart at 07:00 and 12:00 on the final Saturday.

• Transfer Fee: Available for booking post-enrollment at £150 each way.

• Detailed information is provided closer to the program date, including contact numbers.

• Alternative Arrivals: For those arriving at different airports or by other means, details are in the Welcome Pack sent after enrolment confirmation.

• 40 hours of academic sessions from Oxford University and Cambridge University tutors
• Carefully designed study and lecture materials
• Mentor program and access to support material
• Average class size of 7, maximum class size of 10 students
• 1:1 tutorials: Supportive, challenging and engaging
• All participants receive an individual report from their tutor
• Develop a personal project or a creative portfolio to present at the end of the course
• Interview skills, academic writing and presentation

Academic Skills Workshops:

• Unlock participants’ potential, giving them the tools to prepare for the next steps of their education and future goals.
• Focus on enhancing study skills
• Support for university-level learning
• Diverse and enriching range of topics – past examples have ranged from ‘Productivity tips’ to ’21st Century Technology Skills’.
• Unique learning experience outside traditional schools

Sample Modules:

Module 1: The Blank Page

• Techniques to overcome the fear of starting a creative project
• Warm-up exercises, quick assignments, and inspiration from other writers

Module 2: Character Creation

• Discover techniques for building memorable characters
• Create character CVs, family trees, and map relationship networks for potential conflict

Module 3: Plot Mapping

• Focus on building tension points, turning points, and plot twists in stories
• Enhanced understanding of character and dialogue for plot development

Module 4: Written Portfolio

• Workshop to review and develop portfolios-in-progress
• Present a short written piece and receive feedback from tutor and peers

George M:

• Lecturer in Medieval English at St Anne's College and St Hilda's College, Oxford

• BA in English Literature from Durham University

• MSt in English (650-1550) from Mansfield College, Oxford

• DPhil (PhD) from St Anne’s College, Oxford

• Doctoral thesis on anger in Old Norse-Icelandic Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders)

Guest Speakers from Previous Summers:

• Abi Oyepitan - Former Olympian: A two-time Olympian and Commonwealth Gold and Silver winning track and field athlete.

• Dr Lynda Shaw - Neuroscientist & entrepreneur: A journey in personal development - how to create your own set of tools to fast track success

• Dr Nigel Warburton - Philosopher, author & journalist: How do great people find answers to deep and meaningful questions?​​

• Transfer Fee: £150 each way.

• Pocket Money Advice: Money we recommend that participants bring £80 per week to cover any souvenirs that they may wish to purchase. Various banks and ATMs are available throughout Cambridge, and Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted.

• This program is accredited by British Accreditation Council (BAC)

• Meets global standards for academic provision and student welfare

• Top priority for participant safety

• Staff undergo enhanced background checks and safeguarding training

• Participants assigned to a “Mentor Family” of 10 students

• Mentors offer support, advice, and share their experiences

• School management and supervision is managed by senior, experienced College Managers in Cambridge, Oxford, London, and Sydney

• College Managers trained to Level 3 Safeguarding standards

• Resident summer team and college personnel supervise sites 24/7

• Encourage student independence within safe boundaries

• Team supervision ensures safe and rewarding experience

• This program is designed for students with at least an upper-intermediate level of English (B2). If you are unsure if you meet this requirement, please contact with our advisor.