Home

Final Places Remaining | Book Now Before They Fill

Oxford Royale 2025

History, Philosophy & Literature Summer Course

Oxford Royale at Yale

Oxford Royale on campus at Yale University History, Philosophy & Literature

Oxford Royale’s History, Philosophy & Literature Summer Course offers a comprehensive journey through centuries of history and philosophy, exploring the key ideas, thinkers, and events that shaped our world. From the classical period to the modern day, students will examine how philosophical ideas influenced historical progress, with an insight into how writers captured the zeitgeist of their time. Explore the complimentary subjects on campus at Yale University, a world-renowned Ivy League institution famous for its humanities subjects.

Through studying influential figures like Aristotle, Nietzsche, and Rousseau, our students will see how history, philosophy, and literature intersect to create meaning. By encouraging critical discussion and creative thinking, this course helps students develop a nuanced understanding of how past thought shaped the world we live in today.

Location Oxford Royale at Yale
For Ages 16-18 years
Duration 2 weeks
Dates & Prices
  • 13th Jul - 26th Jul

    £6,495
Enrol Today
The Empire State Building in New York, which students will visit on our Summer Courses in Yale

The Yale Experience

Watch our Summer Courses in Yale trailer to hear from students and teachers about the transformative experiences they had whilst attending programmes in Yale. See the amazing university campus venues of our lessons and parties whilst students speak about their academic learning. Also, hear students on making international friends against the backdrop of their trip to New York.

History, Philosophy & Literature Details

Ideal for students fascinated by how historical events, philosophy, and literature are deeply interconnected, and want to develop the key skills to pursue a degree or career in these humanities subjects.

Gain insights into pivotal historical events and philosophical movements spanning centuries, providing a fascinating two weeks of study.

Develop critical reading, argumentation, and public speaking skills essential for studying humanities at a higher level, especially top universities including the University of Oxford.

Participate in lively discussions and debates that sharpen the ability to articulate ideas clearly and confidently. Learn alongside – and from – a diverse mix of international peers.

Explore key historical turning points like the Reformation, Revolutions, and World Wars in relation to philosophical thought.

Study major philosophical topics such as logic, epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, metaethics, and ontology, topics usually found at an undergraduate level of study.

Enhance critical thinking and debate skills through discussions, presentations, and writing assignments.

What happens on our History, Philosophy & Literature programme?

View a sample timetable here.

Oxford Royale is operated independently of Yale University and is not sponsored or endorsed by the University. The views expressed in connection with the program are not the official positions, statements of advice nor opinions of Yale University and should not be viewed as an endorsement by Yale of any such views or statements.

An Oxford Royale Graduation Certificate

What's Included

  • Residential on the prestigious campus of Yale University

  • Inspiring programmes taught by experts

  • International student community with over 170 nationalities represented since 2004

  • Accommodation, breakfast and dinner, tuition and cultural programmes included

  • Graduation, report cards and certificate

  • 17.5 hours of tuition per week

  • Inspirational cultural programmes

Watch our video Graduation 2023

How You'll Learn

Escape ordinary classroom teaching and learn through interactive and immersive lessons.

Workshops

Hands-on classes designed to help students learn through practical application.

Masterclasses

An interactive forum with an expert in the field, giving students valuable insights into related and new topics.

Guest Speakers

Successful and famous guest speakers offer students the chance to pose their most important questions.

Debates

Essential for honing students' reasoning abilities and public speaking skills.

Interactive Lectures

Dynamic lectures given by passionate teachers packed with facts and viewpoints to engage the audience.

Group Projects

An opportunity to work closely with, and learn from, different perspectives.

Seminars

Working in pairs and small groups, students have plenty of opportunity for discussion and debate.

Challenge Days

Apply the skills and knowledge gained throughout your two-week programme in an immersive full day simulation event.

Exciting Activities and Trips

Visit New York

Visit New York and experience the excitement of this world-famous city. From landmarks like the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty, to cultural venues like the Museum of Modern Art, and unmissable tourist destinations from Central Park all the way to Broadway!

See our exclusive events Explore New York

Walking Tour of New Haven

A guided tour of New Haven will help you feel like a local in this historic university city: as the first planned city in the whole of the US it is easy to navigate, and your guide gives you a chance to see the magnificent Gothic architecture and vibrant local scenery.

Yale summer school, experience life at Yale University, join exciting trips and activities, explore the Beinecke library and ancient manuscripts.

Manuscript Library

Experience history at the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library, the literary archive of Yale University. One of the largest buildings dedicated to rare books, the library contains more than a million books– a book-lover’s dream!

Yale summer school, experience life at Yale University, join exciting activities and trips, visit interesting museums and galleries.

Museums & Galleries

Yale is a centre of culture with many fascinating museums and galleries to explore. The Knights of Columbus Museum, the New Haven Museum, and the New Haven Art Museum for a taste of Yale’s history.

Sightseeing

This is the opportunity of a lifetime to explore New Haven, a historic university town, and New York, one of the most exciting cities on the planet! Join Oxford Royale for a chance to experience everything that this prestigious location has to offer.

Summer school students graduating

Graduation

Celebrate the end of your programme in style at your Oxford Royale graduation. Have the chance to dress in your best clothes and receive a certificate that showcases all your hard work during the course, joined with the new friends you’ve made.

“It’s very different from school, it’s more discussions based and it’s you are free to really have a conversation with each other when you’re talking about the subject. Everyone brings a piece of their own culture with them and you get way more view of the world around you through their perspectives.”
“I find it very interactive, which is great. I also love how we don’t just take a historical period and analyse it, we analyse it in terms of the philosophical and artistic aspects of the time. So we don’t just breeze through the entire period and then talk about general philosophy, we approach the philosophical aspects through the historical eras. So I think it’s great.”

Independent and Verified Reviews

4.8 / 5 from 867 reviews

Hannah

I had an absolutely incredible time doing Summer school with Oxford Royale Academy! I learnt new things about myself and the world around me, and would definitely recommend to others!

Clara

I loved the Oxford Royal program, I met many people with bright personalities and unique minds, and I also learned a lot from the teachers, campus staff etc. You will enjoy it!

Francesca

Oxford Royals Academy made my summer amazing! I learned many new things and I met people from all over the world that I know I can call true friends. I definitely recommend ORA to anyone who wants to make unforgettable memories!

Minquan

The twelve days I spent in Oxford Summer School were very happy, the teachers were very kind and professional, and the curriculum was very reasonable, which expanded my knowledge. All the courses mean a lot to me and I hope I can come back next summer.

Jade

The oxford royale academy was definitely the highlight of my summer. I have not only learnt more about the course I have chosen, but I've also met a lot of new friends, friendly staff and helpful teachers from different cultures all in the same campus and had a lot of unforgettable memories.

Katherine

Oxford Royale was a great expreince. It was amazing to get to know people all over the globe and form life long relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions

Booking your place is simple and can be done online using our secure booking system

What you’ll need to book:

  • Student details
  • Payment details (debit/credit card or alternative method)
  • The name of your chosen programme(s)

After booking:

  • You will receive an email confirmation once your deposit has been processed.
  • A login to the Oxford Royale Portal will be provided, where you can:
    • Access all details about your enrolment.
    • Submit important information to keep us up to date.

For any questions or assistance, our Admissions Team is happy to help.

Deposit & Payment Options:

  • A deposit of £1295 GBP per 2-week session is required to secure your booking.
  • You can either:
    • Pay the full programme fee at the time of booking, OR
    • Pay the deposit and settle the balance later.
  • The balance must be paid no later than 90 days before the start date.
  • If booking within 90 days of the programme start date, full payment is required.
  • If you prefer to pay your deposit by bank transfer or another method, please contact our Admissions Team who will be able to assist you.

We accept multiple payment methods to make the process easy:

  • Debit or credit card (required for online applications)
  • Bank transfer (contact our Admissions Team to arrange alternative payment methods)
  • Oxford Royale Portal (For balance payments for existing enrolments, login and click ‘Pay Now’ to complete balance payments)

Your fees cover everything you need for a rich academic and extracurricular experience, including:

  • Classes and tuition with expert tutors
  • Study materials
  • Guest lectures by academic speakers
  • Accommodation on campus at a top university
  • Meals in the college dining hall:
    • Ages 12-15: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    • Ages 16-18: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Free WiFi
  • Activities and excursions
  • Welcome and graduation events
  • Graduation certificate and report
  • Oxford Royale merchandise
  • Access to Future Ready online masterclasses

You can request changes to your booking, including switching subjects or changing dates, but all changes are subject to availability.

  • To request a change, contact our Admissions Team as soon as possible.
  • Changes made less than 60 days before the programme start date may be harder to accommodate.
  • If a change is not possible, our team will discuss alternative options with you.

For assistance, please reach out to our Admissions Team.

Any cancellation must be received in writing and can only be made on the following terms:

  • No refund of the deposit will be made under any circumstances once the two-week cooling-off period has concluded;
  • For cancellations before your programme start date, the remainder of the programme fees excluding the deposit will be proportionally refunded as per the table below:
Period Before Start Date Total Refunded (excluding enrolment fee)
120+ days 100%
90-119 days 50%
45-89 days 10%
0-44 days 0%

Cancellations made after the commencement date of the programme will not receive any refund.

For full information regarding cancellation and refund terms, please see our full terms and conditions, and please contact us if you have any questions.

Students attending our USA Summer Courses may be able to enter the USA on the Visa Waiver programme – we can provide individual support on request for those that do need a visa.

Please click here for more information.

Our English language requirements are as follows:

  • B1 for EFL courses
  • B2 or IELTS level 5.5 – 6.5 for IELTS Preparation
  • C1 or IELTS level 6.5 or higher for all academic courses

Students who have studied at an English speaking school for two or more years are exempt from English requirements.

Yes! All students who successfully complete their programme will be awarded an Oxford Royale Graduation Certificate.

  • The certificate will be presented at a graduation ceremony on the final evening of the programme.
  • Graduation ceremonies are primarily for students, but in some cases, parents may attend upon request.

Due to limited seating, parents must contact the campus office well in advance to check availability.

All students will be well looked after, and security is carefully monitored on campus. Our campuses are only accessible to our students, with one entry point that is staffed 24/7.

In order to leave campus students are required to sign out and sign themselves back in with a counsellor, and curfews are enforced on campus. Any issues that arise can be taken up with staff.

Students will also always be accompanied during lessons, trips, and excursions.

Yes! You can enrol in multiple programmes to explore a variety of subjects.

  • Students attending consecutive sessions will receive accommodation for the Saturday night between programmes.
  • Supervised activities will be arranged during the transition between sessions.

If you have any questions about combining programmes, please contact our Admissions Team for guidance.