For many young, aspiring doctors, the opportunity to study medicine in Oxford is an exciting prospect. Home to the University’s world-class medical faculty and several top-tier teaching hospitals, Oxford offers the ideal setting for high school students to explore life as a medical student, develop their clinical skills and expand their subject knowledge.
There are a wide range of medicine summer course options available around Oxford, so it’s important to understand what each course offers so you can choose the programme that’s right for you. Some courses may be aimed solely at undergraduate students, while others may be for younger students who are keen to explore the subject before committing to further study.
This article features the top medicine summer courses in Oxford for teenagers aged 12-18. The data is based on in-depth research, including interviews with students, analysis of online reviews and evaluation of key factors such as teaching quality, extracurricular opportunities and value for money.
Why Study Medicine at Oxford in the Summer?
Attending a medicine course can be particularly beneficial for aspiring medical students. Medicine is an incredibly rewarding, yet demanding, field and the subject is not usually covered in the typical school curriculum. Trialling out the subject over the summer is an excellent way to gain insight into what a future in medicine could look like and to better understand if it’s a pathway you’d like to take.
I. Exposure to university-level medical content
An Oxford medicine summer course is a unique opportunity to gain exposure to university-level medical content at an early stage in your academic career. All of the featured courses below are academically rigorous and cover in-depth material, mirroring the structure of medical school. Students are introduced to new, challenging topics, such as epidemiology and pharmacology, and explore familiar topics, such as biology and chemistry, from a medical perspective.
Similarly, many Oxford summer schools employ tutors who teach or complete research at world-leading universities, meaning students have access to high-quality teaching from passionate and expert academics. Courses are intentionally structured to replicate the university environment, with tutorial teaching, independent study and follow-up discussions to prepare students for higher education.
II. Hands-on learning
Alongside theoretical learning, an Oxford medicine summer course offers plenty of chances to apply your newfound medical knowledge in real or simulated settings. Many of the courses below make use of laboratory sessions, clinical simulations and medical roleplays to ensure students develop core clinical skills that are essential for a career in medicine.
Students frequently take part in dissections and diagnostic technique demonstrations, witnessing medical science in action, as well as mock triage and patient diagnosis challenges that simulate the clinical decision-making process. These often spark discussions and debates around real-life medical dilemmas, encouraging critical thinking, empathy and ethical reasoning – skills that medical applicants are expected to demonstrate during university interviews and entrance exams.
III. Professional networking and mentoring
Students who study in Oxford during the summer benefit from an intellectually stimulating environment, a community of like-minded peers and the chance to engage with industry professionals. Many of the programmes below feature discussions or Q&A sessions with current doctors or medics, offering first-hand insights into different specialisations and career pathways.
A medicine summer course also offers the opportunity for students to network with other ambitious students from around the world who share their passion for medicine. These early connections form a global support network and can evolve into future career or academic opportunities.
IV. Boost for medical school applications
Medicine is a popular field and many top universities require a competitive application. Attending a medicine summer school is an excellent way to strengthen your medical school application and demonstrate your commitment and passion for the subject.
Throughout your course, you’ll gain lots of different experiences, providing you with practical material for your personal statement. Citing specific projects you worked on, workshops you attended or topics you researched can help you stand out from other applicants, and will likely be revisited during your interview.
Some courses also offer certificates, reports or recommendation letters after you’ve completed the course, providing tangible evidence of your hard work and achievements.
The Top 5 Oxford Medicine Summer Courses
To help you decide on the most appropriate summer school, browse the list below of the top Oxford medicine summer courses for teenagers.
Whether you have a strong interest in learning more about medicine or you’re starting to make concrete decisions about medical school applications, these programmes are designed to help you gain clarity for your future. The courses below offer in-depth academic content and practical experiences that simulate real-world medicine to help you prepare for your next step.
#1 The Top-Rated Medicine Programme in Oxford
Experience Medicine Academy by Oxford Scholastica – 4.7 / Outstanding
Rated highest for tutor quality (4.7) and pre-arrival support (4.7), with students calling it ‘the greatest summer of my life’ (based on interviews with 76 students). Ideal for students who want outstanding teaching and real clinical immersion in a close-knit setting.
Age Range: 12-14, 15-18
Duration: 2 weeks
Fees: £6,995
Oxford Scholastica’s Experience Medicine Academy for 15-18 year olds offers the chance to develop your clinical skills and explore life as a medical student. Students learn about common health conditions, explore specialities like cardiology, psychiatry and surgery, and gain real-world insights by meeting patients at Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital.
Beyond daily classes, the course features a four-hour Hospital Challenge, where students interact with patients and present their findings to a doctor. Students also learn to administer injections, read X-rays and perform cardiopulmonary resuscitations. Upon programme completion, students receive a Certificate of Achievement and a personalised Letter of Recommendation from their tutor to include in future university applications.
For younger students, Oxford Scholastica’s Discover Medicine Academy for 12-14 year olds offers the chance to explore the world of healthcare and experience life as a doctor. Students learn how the human body works, practise their clinical skills and run a mini clinical research trial.
#2 The Second-Highest Rated Medicine Programme in Oxford
Medicine Summer School by Oxford Summer Courses – 4.3 / Very Good
Rated 4.4 for ‘feeling safe on campus’ and 4.3 for tutor quality (based on interviews with 84 students). Great for students looking for a reputable academic experience in a prestigious setting.
Age Range: 13-15, 16-17
Duration: 2 weeks
Fees: £6,995
Oxford Summer Courses’ Medicine Summer School for 13-17 year olds provides a comprehensive overview of how the human body works and what it takes to become a doctor. Younger students explore anatomy, physiology and medical ethics, while older students focus on human disease, developmental biology and regenerative medicine.
The summer school is unique in that it doesn’t follow a fixed curriculum, with tutors adapting the course to each individual group’s interests. Upon programme completion, students receive a certificate and written feedback from their tutor.
#3 The Third-Ranked Medicine Programme in Oxford
Curing the Future: Medicine and Disease by Oxford Royale Academy – 4.3 / Very Good
Rated 4.6 for making great friendships and 4.1 for tutor quality (based on interviews with 81 students). A good choice for students wanting a large-scale, sociable summer experience.
Age Range: 12-13, 14-15, 16-18
Duration: 2 weeks
Fees: £6,995
Oxford Royale’s Curing the Future programme for 16-18 year olds offers the chance to explore the world of medicine and disease in a fully immersive setting. Students explore the fields of biology, genetics, neuroscience, genomics, emergency medicine and human anatomy.
Beyond the classroom, students have the opportunity to visit a university medical laboratory, where future UK doctors are trained in practical clinical skills. The course also covers core practical skills, including history taking and clinical examinations. At the end of the programme, students receive a Certificate of Completion to commemorate their accomplishments.
For younger students, Oxford Royale’s Explore Medicine programme for 12-15 year olds provides a broad introduction to the human body and mind. Students explore core skills and knowledge, with a focus on human anatomy and physiology.
#4 The Fourth-Ranked Medicine Programme in Oxford
Medicine Summer School by Immerse Education – 4.3 / Very Good
Rated 4.5 for extracurricular enjoyment and 4.4 for personal growth (based on interviews with 14 students). Ideal for students seeking an immersive academic and cultural experience.
Age Range: 13-15, 16-18
Duration: 2 weeks
Fees: £6,995
Immerse Education’s Medicine Summer School for 13-18 year olds covers the basics of human anatomy, healthcare and medical sciences, providing a solid foundation for future study. Students explore the workings of the human body and gain insights into the role of medicine in everyday life.
Beyond theory, the course offers students the chance to apply what they’ve learnt by presenting a case study focused on patient diagnosis and treatment. Upon programme completion, students receive a Certificate of Achievement as recognition of their accomplishments.
#5 The Fifth-Ranked Medicine Programme in Oxford
Future Doctors Course by Summer Boarding Courses – 4.3 / Very Good
Rated 4.7 for gaining independence and 4.3 for ‘feeling safe on campus’ (based on interviews with 3 students). A good choice for younger students seeking a well-rounded experience.
Age Range: 13-16
Duration: 2 weeks
Fees: £4,495
Summer Boarding Courses’ Future Doctors course for 13-16 year olds offers the chance to develop an understanding of human biology and contemporary medical issues. Students explore medical pathologies, procedures and practices, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the field.
Beyond classes, the programme includes a certified First Aid training course, preparing students to manage practical medical issues. At the end of the course, students receive a Certificate of Completion and an authentic First Aid certificate.
Is an Oxford Medicine Summer Course Right for You?
Attending an Oxford medicine summer course can be a life-changing experience for budding medics. Students gain an academic head start, practical clinical experience and a certificate or report to strengthen med school applications. It’s also an investment, so you may want to ask yourself the following before applying:
- Am I genuinely interested in medicine and healthcare?
- Do I enjoy learning about science, the human body and how things work?
- Am I ready for an academically challenging summer?
- Would I enjoy meeting other students from around the world who share similar goals?
- Am I planning to apply to medical school soon and want to strengthen my application?
If you’re passionate about medicine and ready to take your learning to the next level, an Oxford medicine summer school could be the perfect next step. Explore different Oxford summer course providers and compare your options with our Summer School Chooser.
