Choosing the Right Summer School Programme: A Student’s Guide to Exploring Passions and Paths

Think of a summer school as a way not just to succeed academically, but to develop personally and professionally.

Young people today often feel the pressure to choose a career path early on, and that can be overwhelming. A summer school gives you the opportunity to “test drive” different subjects, letting you dip your toes into areas you’ve always been curious about – or potentially discover passions you never knew you had! With a well-chosen summer course, you can make informed, pressure-free decisions about your future.

Ready to explore? Here are six steps to help you find the perfect summer school subject.

1. Reflect on your interests

Start with a self-inventory: what subjects do you enjoy most, even outside of school? When considering career paths, you need to understand what energises you.

Are you always the planner in the friendship group, researching destinations and creating budgets? You might have a budding entrepreneur in you, perfect for a Business Summer School.

Or, do you often find yourself sketching characters and dreaming up storylines? That creative streak could translate into an interest in Filmmaking or Literature.

The goal here is to take an honest look at what you naturally enjoy; your instincts are often a strong guide.

2. Know what you want to get out of it

Consider what you hope to gain from your subject. Are you looking to get specific knowledge in an academic subject? Are you looking to explore something new?

The fantastic thing about summer programmes is that they open up a whole world of opportunities.

Even if you don’t yet have a specific career path in mind, the soft skills you learn on a summer course, including confidence, independence, collaboration and communication, will all benefit you on your academic journey.

3. Identify your career goals

Once you’ve identified your interests, it might be time to look for programmes that align with your future ambitions. For instance, if you dream of becoming a doctor, a Medicine Summer School with hands-on clinical practice will provide invaluable experience.

Want to launch your own business one day? Consider a Business Summer School, or hone specific skills on an Economics or Marketing course.

Or, if you have your heart set on becoming a lawyer, a Law & Politics course will teach you everything you need to know to help you on your journey.

4. Let your personality be your guide

What if you’re still undecided? Let your personality be your guide!
If you love debating, a Politics course could be a perfect fit.

Maybe you’re the artistic type who’s always coming up with imaginative ideas — in that case, consider a course where you get to build and create something, like Architecture, or even Engineering.

You’d be surprised how many passions and hobbies can lead to fulfilling career paths. This is the ideal time to explore something you think you “just like” — it may become a key part of your future.

5. Do your research

Before settling on a programme, take time to do your research. Look at reviews and testimonials, check out the faculty’s background, and explore the programme’s website.

Some programmes even offer sample lectures or seminars, and it’s worth taking part in these, or talking to an expert, to get a better sense of what’s offered.

A little research upfront will help ensure that you’re enrolling in a high-quality programme that’s the right fit for you.

6. Consider soft skills

While choosing a programme, consider the long-term benefits. Even if a subject seems unrelated to your primary goals, it can still help you develop unique skills that stand out on your CV or in interviews.

For example, a summer school course in History, Philosophy & Literature could improve your comprehension skills, and an Architecture course might refine your project planning skills.

Think of summer school as a way not just to succeed academically, but to develop personally and professionally. Future you will thank you for making an informed, enriching choice.

No matter what you decide, remember that any summer school experience will help you grow, learn more about yourself, and develop skills that will benefit you for years to come. Embrace the adventure and know that this journey of discovery is as valuable as the lessons you’ll learn.

Ready to explore your options? Discover the Oxford Royale summer school courses to find the one that fits your interests and goals.