The city of Oxford offers a unique and academically enriching environment to study psychology in. Home to the world-class University and academics at the forefront of their fields, Oxford is the ideal setting for students to explore the latest psychological research and expand their subject knowledge.
An Oxford psychology summer school provides a unique chance to test-drive university-level study while gaining insight into different careers in psychology. There are a wide range of summer courses available, so it’s important to understand what each option offers so you can choose the programme that’s right for you.
This article features the top psychology summer courses in Oxford for students aged 15-18. 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 Psychology at Oxford in the Summer?
Attending a psychology course during the summer is an excellent way to trial out the subject before committing to an undergraduate degree. Psychology is a field that’s rarely included in the typical school curriculum, so a summer school can help you better understand if it’s a path you’re interested in taking.
I. Experiment with university-level content
An Oxford psychology summer course is an invaluable opportunity to engage with university-level content at an early stage in your academic career. All of the featured courses below are academically rigorous, covering a range of in-depth topics and skills. Students explore diverse branches of psychology, including developmental, social and cognitive psychology, and neuroscience. Many courses also include research projects or mini trials to help you practise your experimental skills.
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. 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 psychologists or researchers, offering first-hand insights into different specialisations and career pathways.
A psychology summer course also offers the opportunity for students to network with other ambitious students from around the world who share their passion for psychology. These early connections form a global support network and can evolve into future career or academic opportunities.
III. Strengthen future university applications
Psychology is a popular field and many top universities require a competitive application. Due to the confidential nature of the field, work experience can be difficult to obtain, so attending a psychology summer school is an excellent way to gain experience, strengthen your university application and demonstrate your commitment to 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 3 Oxford Psychology Summer Courses
To help you decide on the most appropriate summer school, browse the list below of the top Oxford psychology summer courses for teenagers.
Whether you have a strong interest in learning more about psychology or you’re starting to make concrete decisions about university, 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 university-level learning to help you prepare for your next step.
#1 The Top-Rated Psychology Programme in Oxford
Experience Psychology & Neuroscience 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 scientific immersion in a close-knit setting.
Age Range: 15-18
Duration: 2 weeks
Fees: £6,995
Oxford Scholastica’s Experience Psychology & Neuroscience Academy for 15-18 year olds offers the chance to expand your psychological understanding and experience university life. Students explore the science behind love and attraction, investigate memory and mental illness, and uncover what shapes human behaviour.
Beyond daily classes, the course features a four-hour Research Challenge, where students conduct their own study by developing a research question, gathering data from fellow students and analysing their findings. Upon programme completion, students receive a Certificate of Achievement and a personalised Letter of Recommendation from their tutor to include in future university applications.
#2 The Second-Highest Rated Psychology Programme in Oxford
Psychology 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: 16-17
Duration: 2 weeks
Fees: £5,995
Oxford Summer Courses’ Psychology Summer School for 16-17 year olds covers topics such as neuroanatomy, the psychology and physiology of the brain, and alternative theories of psychology. Students explore how emotions, past experiences and character traits shape thoughts and actions, and examine the impact of chemical imbalances on the brain.
The summer school 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.
For older students, Oxford Summer Courses’ Psychology Summer School for 18-24 year olds moves beyond the core concepts to examine significant areas such as the brain’s impact on emotions, the relationship between language and thought, and the ethical considerations in psychological research. Students explore the latest breakthroughs in neuroanatomy and theories of behaviour, gaining a comprehensive understanding.
#3 The Third-Ranked Psychology Programme in Oxford
Experimental Psychology Programme 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: 16-18
Duration: 2 weeks
Fees: £6,995
Oxford Royale’s Experimental Psychology Programme for 16-18 year olds provides an in-depth exploration of various aspects of the mind, including psychological disorders and the impact of childhood attachments. Students learn about the brain, mind and behaviour to develop a comprehensive understanding of the field.
Every aspect of the course focuses on scientific, evidence-backed research, with students designing their own investigations and discussing the ethics of human psychology experiments. At the end of the programme, students receive a Certificate of Completion to commemorate their accomplishments.
Is an Oxford Psychology Summer Course Right for You?
Attending an Oxford psychology summer course can be a life-changing experience. Students gain an academic head start, research experience and a certificate or report to strengthen university applications. It’s also an investment, so you may want to ask yourself the following before applying:
- Am I curious about behaviour, mental health or brain science?
- Do I like exploring both science and humanities perspectives?
- Can I engage with challenging ideas, discussions or research-led content?
- Am I considering studying psychology at university?
- Would I enjoy meeting other students from around the world who share similar goals?
If you’re passionate about psychology and ready to take your learning to the next level, an Oxford psychology summer school could be the perfect next step. Explore different Oxford summer course providers and compare your options with our Summer School Chooser.
