All Souls College courtyard, Oxford, on a summer day

OxIQ Academy Courses

RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMMES · OXFORD · CAMBRIDGE · HAWAI'I

Two-week immersive residential courses taught to an undergraduate standard, designed to transform ambitious pre-university students into confident, qualified university candidates.

Unlock Your Potential with The Oxford IQ Academy

Our flagship residential courses are for cohorts of pre-university students (ages 13–18) and university students (ages 18+) from around the world. Each group of participants lives, learns, and dines in a college setting and is taught by dedicated educators.

We are dedicated to providing high-quality educational services to students of all ages. Our team of experienced educators has developed a comprehensive set of tools and resources designed to help students achieve their academic goals.

Oxford IQ Academy students and faculty at the 2025 graduation ceremony on the steps of an Oxford college

Summer 2025 Cohort

Where Ambition Meets Oxford

Who Is This For?

Ages 13–15

Oxford IQ Prep Academy

Our cohort participants ages 13–15 grow up in two weeks in Oxford! Parents tell us that their child is apprehensive and lacks self-confidence at the start. When the same parents attend Graduation at the end of the course, they find a confident, polite, and intelligent scholar.

Ages 16+

Oxford IQ Academy

Our courses are inclusive, small in size, and elite. Why be just a 'number' in another Oxford summer school with cohorts of 150–220? Join us and experience 1:1 tutorials with OxBridge tutors, and build life-long friendships with close-knit classmates.

Summer 2027 Courses

Oxford & Cambridge — taught to an undergraduate standard

Core Programme

PPE — Philosophy, Politics & Economics + Classics

Navigate the intricate forces that govern our world — from the ancient polis to modern global markets — with our intensive PPE & Classics programme. Students decode foundational texts from classical antiquity, engage with the political theories of Plato and the ethics of Aristotle, and trace their evolution into modern democratic systems, macroeconomic policies, and contemporary moral frameworks.

Oxbridge-style tutorials
Policy debate simulations
Rhetorical eloquence
Logical reasoning

New for 2027

Law — Preparing an Application to Read Law

Step into the arena of advocacy and justice. Students critically analyse landmark case studies, debate constitutional principles, and explore the ethical foundations that govern international relations and global justice. Includes simulated moot court challenges.

Moot court simulations
Legal argumentation
Case study analysis
Jurisprudence

Core Programme

Global Healthcare & Medicine

Delve into the critical intersection of science and society. Students analyse real-world case studies — from pandemic response strategies to healthcare inequalities — while exploring how leadership development runs throughout the medical field.

Epidemiology
Medical ethics
Healthcare policy
Scientific rigour

Core Programme

Business & Entrepreneurship

Ignite your entrepreneurial spirit and master the mechanics of global commerce. Students explore market analysis, financial modelling, and business plans, learning how to transform innovative ideas into viable, scalable enterprises through high-stakes pitch simulations.

Pitch simulations
Financial modelling
Market analysis
Strategic foresight

New for 2027

Engineering

Step into the world of innovation and problem-solving. This dynamic course bridges the gap between theoretical mathematics and real-world application, challenging students to think, design, and build like professional engineers. Culminates in a practical capstone project.

Design thinking
Capstone project
Mechanical & civil engineering
Sustainable design

New for 2027

Mathematics

Unlock the universal language of the future. Students tackle university-level concepts spanning game theory, cryptography, advanced calculus, and statistical modelling, learning to translate abstract theorems into tangible, real-world solutions.

Game theory
Cryptography
Advanced calculus
Statistical modelling

New for 2027

Psychology

Unlock the profound complexities of the human mind. Students critically analyse groundbreaking psychological research, decode the neurological underpinnings of decision-making, and debate the ethical boundaries of clinical and behavioural experiments.

Cognitive science
Neurobiology
Behavioural analysis
Research methods

New for 2027

History

Step into the past to decode the present. Students interrogate primary sources, debate opposing historiographical perspectives, and explore the socio-political, economic, and cultural shifts that define the human story — from the rise of empires to 20th-century geopolitical crises.

Primary source analysis
Historiography
Archival research
Evidence-based argument

Core Programme

Science & Technology I: Space, Earth Science & Climate Change

Learn about the space industry, satellite technology, space architectures, and space diplomacy from an Oxford University Tutor, our Professor of Space Technology, and a former NASA official. Technology is an essential thread through a large variety of professional activities.

Space technology
Earth science
Climate change
NASA expertise

New for 2027

Science & Technology II: Computer Science, AI & Big Data

Command the technologies shaping the future. Students demystify how neural networks operate, debate the profound ethical implications of AI deployment, and learn how to harness massive datasets to predict trends and solve global challenges.

Machine learning
Algorithmic design
Data science
AI ethics

New for 2027

English Literature & Creative Writing

Immerse yourself in the transformative power of storytelling. This dual-focus course challenges scholars to simultaneously deconstruct literary masterpieces and construct their own compelling narratives through intensive peer-review workshops.

Literary analysis
Creative writing
Peer review workshops
Authorial voice

New for 2027

Architecture & Sustainable Urban Development

Shape the physical world of tomorrow, taught amidst the iconic, centuries-old cityscapes of Cambridge and Oxford. Students explore green building practices, carbon-neutral design, and smart city infrastructure through collaborative design studios.

Sustainable design
Urban planning
3D modelling
Architectural history

Programme Structure

How two weeks at Oxford IQ Academy works

Oxford Tutorials

Each student is assigned an OxIQ Tutor who guides them in completing a Scholar's Project and advises them on applying to university. We believe each student is unique and learns at a different pace.

Postgraduate Seminars

Pre-university students are exposed to seminar-style breakout sessions during which our Tutors apply design thinking methods to encourage inclusive small-group projects.

University Lectures

The Oxford IQ Academy hires faculty from major universities to deliver lectures on key topics in a lecture hall. Students have the opportunity to ask questions, which form part of seminar discussions.

Group Project

Students learn to problem-solve and are taught valuable project management skills in small groups. Student groups present their projects at the end of the two weeks.

Scholar's Project

Working with their assigned tutor, each student works on a small-scale individual project or paper that demonstrates independent thought — suitable for use in university applications.

Graduation & Certificate

Upon successful completion, each student receives a certificate of achievement. We follow up with grade reports written by tutors and instructors, signed by the Programme Director.

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

The London Day Trip, Activities & Formal Hall

Local Field Trips — Oxford

The staff of the Oxford IQ Academy will lead and facilitate tours of sites of academic interest within Oxford. Past visits have included Christ Church (site of many Harry Potter filming locations), the Ashmolean Museum, the Pitt Rivers Museum, the Sheldonian Theatre, and other sites of academic interest.

Scholars have also enjoyed punting on the River Isis, a live band in College, tours of Oxford city centre, a climb up St Mary's Church Tower to view the entire city, and visits to Oxford's famous Covered Market.

Punting on the River Isis, Oxford

Study Trip — London

The Oxford IQ Academy leads cohorts on visits to sites of academic or business interest in London. Past visits have included The Houses of Parliament, The British Museum, The British Library, The Globe Theatre, Arsenal Football Club (Emirates Stadium), Chelsea Football Club (Stamford Bridge), Westminster Abbey, and other key sites across the capital.

We travel by private coach, and students enjoy lunch in the parks and a dinner in the evening — a full day to explore one of the world's great cities.

Oxford IQ Academy students at Tower Bridge, London

Oxford IQ Academy students at Chelsea FC, Stamford Bridge

Oxford IQ Academy students enjoying the London day trip

Oxford IQ Academy students and faculty at the Formal Evening, dressed in black tie on the steps of an Oxford college

Formal Evening — Summer 2025 Cohort

AN OXFORD TRADITION

Formal Evening

One of the highlights of our course for many students and faculty is the Formal Evening — a distinctly Oxford and Cambridge tradition that each of our scholars experiences in the second week of the programme.

The evening begins with the Class Formal Photo in the main quad — a "serious" photo followed by our more, shall we say, "informal" one. We then enjoy cool drinks in the college quad until we are called into the college dining rooms, where each student has the opportunity to make a speech.

The formal sit-down dinner is usually followed by an evening karaoke party to round off a truly memorable night.

2027 Summer Sessions

Now accepting registrations — places are limited

Session 1: Team Pythagoras / Team Herodotus

5 July – 17 July 2027

Oxford

Ages 13–18

Global Health & Medicine, Political Leadership, Business Leadership & Entrepreneurship, Classics, Creative Writing, Cultural Heritage, English Literature, Science & Technology

Session 1C: Athena Scholars

5 July – 17 July 2027

Oxford

Females Ages 16+

Political Leadership, Strategic Communications, Classics, Literature, International Relations, Media Relations, Business Leadership

Session 4: Team Zeno / Team Thucydides

2 August – 14 August 2027

Oxford

Ages 13–18

Global Health & Medicine, Political Leadership, Business Leadership & Entrepreneurship, Classics, Architecture, Creative Writing, Cultural Heritage, English Literature, Science & Technology

Locations & Packages

Approximately half the cost of our nearest competitors — thanks to our non-profit mechanism

Market rate for comparable 2-week Oxbridge residential: £7,000 · Our rate: significantly reduced via The Oxford Exchange

The Oxford Classic

2-week residential in Oxford

Imagine spending two weeks in Oxford taking three different subjects, then visiting London for the day! Includes room & half board (breakfast and dinner) in an Oxford college, all activities fees, teaching fees, and a study trip to London. Students submit a final project and participate in a small group presentation.

Request 2027 Prospectus

The Cambridge Exchange

2-week residential in Cambridge

For 2027, we are offering a two-week course at an idyllic Cambridge college which includes room & full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), activities fees, and local tours of Cambridge museums and other sites. The programme includes a study trip to London.

Request Cambridge Prospectus

Hawai'i Science Laboratory

Exclusive Earth, Space & Marine Sciences

Led by our directors who are residents of Hawai'i and the UK, this exclusive course is focused on Earth, Space, and Marine Sciences. Students live in a protected campground in Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. Room and board, all activities fees, and airport shuttle are included. Theme: 'Sea | Land | Space'.

Enter the Hawai'i Essay Competition

DISTINGUISHED FACULTY

Guest VIP Tutors

No two residential experiences at Athena Scholars are exactly the same. The Oxford Exchange and Oxford IQ Academy engage distinguished faculty every year to serve as core subject tutors, most of whom hold an affiliation with Oxford University and/or Cambridge University.

We also draw upon our network of VIP Guest Speakers — notable experts in their fields. Past guests have included former CIA Director General David Petraeus (Ret.), Lord Stephen Green (Chair, Asia House), Professor Emma Smith (Shakespeare expert), senior government officials and diplomats, best-selling authors, academics, and members of professional football clubs. In 2025, we had the honour of hosting British explorer and maritime archaeologist Mr Mensun Bound, who discovered Shackleton's ship Endurance. Former Shell Executive Mr Jeremy Bentham also joined our Business faculty in 2025.

Professor Cath Green

English Biochemist

Major contributor to the development of the Oxford–AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. A leading voice in science, public health, and women in STEM.

Mensun Bound

British Explorer & Maritime Archaeologist

Discoverer of Shackleton's legendary ship Endurance, lost beneath the Antarctic ice for over a century. Guest speaker, 2025.

Professor Emma Smith

Shakespeare Expert & Best-Selling Author

Oxford's foremost Shakespeare scholar and best-selling author, leading two exclusive sessions for our Women's Leadership Course.

What Our Students Say

“
The Oxford IQ Academy course was something very special to me, a truly unforgettable experience. The minute I arrived I was shocked by the overwhelming love and welcome from the leaders and all the friends around me — we immediately became one community. Throughout these two weeks I grew exponentially, not only in friendship, but in discovering and deepening a budding passion in law, leading me to apply in the coming year to read law as a first year student at Oxford.
Carmen De Zuniga
Team Herodotus 2024 · Accepted to read Law at Oxford University (Exeter College) 2025

“
I had the best experience of my life having classes with you, every day learning something new and in different ways. Thank you so much for all you taught me!
Valentino
Age 16, Academia Argüello, Argentina

Frequently Asked Questions

Summer 2027 — Now Accepting Applications

Places are limited. Register your interest today to secure your place in Oxford, Cambridge, or Hawai'i.