Experience Psychology & Neuroscience Academy

(for ages 15 to 18)

Are you thinking of studying psychology at university or are you interested in exploring neuroscience?

On this course, you’ll get an authentic taste of what studying psychology and neuroscience at university is really like.

Students in class at the Oxford Union

Key Facts

Location: University of Oxford campus
Ages: 15–18
Class size: Maximum 15 students
Fees: £6,995
Length: 2 weeks
Dates: 30th June-13th July, 14th-27th July, 28th July-10th August 2024
Awarded: Graduation Certificate & Letter of Recommendation

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What You’ll Learn

Tutor teaching at the Oxford Union

Our courses combine university-style teaching with practical challenges and engaging debates. Small classes and expert tutors help you dive deep into the world of psychology.

  • Deepen your understanding of key topics – including love and attachment, mood and intelligence – and learn crucial practical skills – such as how to devise and interpret primary research – under the guidance of expert tutors from leading universities such as Oxford and Cambridge
  • Meet a successful young professional from this field to learn about their journey and the lessons of their success
  • Put your skills and teamwork to the test in our Psychology Challenge, in which you’ll develop a research study, collect data from other students and present your findings
  • Develop skills in high demand by universities and employers, such as public speaking, critical thinking and teamwork, via our Masterclasses
  • Build your global professional network by meeting students from all over the world and joining our alumni community
  • Attend our Graduation Ceremony at Oxford University’s Saïd Business School, and get a Graduation Certificate and personalised Letter of Recommendation from your tutor

 

“I joined the Psychology & Neuroscience course for the summer and it was one of the best experiences I have ever had, especially since these two subjects are not available in our school.”

– Hailey, Hong Kong, Experience Psychology & Neuroscience Academy

Course Outline

In our Experience Psychology & Neuroscience Academy, you’ll cover a range of challenging topics across nine classroom sessions.

Class 1: Discover Personality

On the first day, you’ll dive into exploring the concept of personality. Does your personality impact your success? You’ll discover how psychologists define and measure personality. You’ll also explore how a person’s personality impacts their success in life.

Class 2: Explore Love & Attachment

Do we really know what love is? We’ll explore different types of love that humans can have and discuss how children’s attachment to important people in their life can impact their development.

Class 3: Imaging the Brain

What is the link between the brain and behaviour? Can we ever use technology to truly “read the mind”? Learn how modern neuro-imaging techniques have helped us understand the mind, and explore the limitations of these methods.

Class 4: Creativity

How creative are you? Measure your own creativity and devise an intervention for enhancing an individual or company’s creativity.

Class 5: Language & Thought

How might your language affect how you think? We’ll explore how languages differ and discuss how difference in language can impact the way we think and approach problems.

Class 6: Intelligence

What does it mean to be ‘intelligent’? You’ll have the chance to look through different types of intelligence tests, and we’ll discuss the validity of these tests. We’ll also investigate some alternative views on what intelligence is.

Class 7: Explore Memory

What can you do to improve your memory? Discover the neuro-scientific evidence of how memory is organised in our minds and look into some strategies that can be used to enhance memory.

Class 8: Investigate Mood

Why do some people have mood swings? How do we diagnose a mood disorder? Explore how mood can be tested and affected, whether mood is related to personality, and how mood disorders are treated by clinical psychologists.

Class X

Your final class is based on your tutor’s personal expertise in the field, focusing on the cutting-edge research that they’re passionate about.

Please note this course outline may be subject to change.

Meet Our Tutors

Oxford Scholastica tutors are the best of the best. They are highly qualified subject experts from Oxford, Cambridge, and other leading academic institutions, who are on the cutting edge of research in their fields. Our tutors often stay with us for several years and become part of the family! Meet a small selection of them below.

Portrait of Tuscany Parkin, Oxford Summer School law tutor

Tuscany Parkin

BA LLB (Rhodes), BCL (Oxon)

Tuscany graduated with the BCL Masters of Law from the University of Oxford, specialising in Jurisprudence, Competition Law and Comparative Contract Law. She is currently reading for the MPhil in Legal Philosophy (particularly the philosophy of contract law). Previously, she obtained her BA in English Literature and LLB Law with Honours from Rhodes University. She has extensive tutoring experience, and enjoys working with young people to discover their own areas of legal interest.

Portrait of Ben White, Oxford Summer School engineering and STEM tutor

Benjamin White

MChem (Hons)

Ben is currently completing his DPhil in Engineering Science at the University of Oxford, having studied for his integrated Masters in Chemistry at the University of Bath. Ben researches the use of nanotechnology in cancer treatment, in order to improve chemotherapy. Ben has many years of tutoring experience, covering all STEM subjects. He has also served as a peer mentor and tutor for undergraduate students at the University of Bath and St Edmund Hall, University of Oxford.

Portrait of Oonagh Stewart, Oxford Summer School medical science tutor

Oonagh Ekereoboghene Stewart

BA (Oxon)

Oonagh holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Medical Sciences from the University of Oxford. Her specialist interests include understanding the genetic basis of sleep regulation; last year she conducted research at the Oxford Sleep and Circadian Institute and has since written a dissertation on her findings, presenting at a conference in Oxford. She is a keen tutor with a lot of experience, and enjoys sharing her passion for clinical medicine.

Beyond the Classroom

You’ll meet our inspirational Heroes, take part in a subject-related Challenge, engage in skills-building Masterclasses and graduate in style.

Tutor teaching in class

Heroes

What better way to learn about a career than to talk to someone who’s living it? Our Heroes programme invites you to meet an inspiring psychology professional and:

  • Learn more about what a day in their life looks like
  • Hear their top career tips, and understand the variety of careers that exist in the world of psychology
  • Ask them any questions you have about how to forge your own psychological career

 

Students in class

Challenge

You’ll put the skills you’ve learned on the course to the test in our Research Challenge.

  • Put your learning to the test in a fast-paced environment
  • Design a research question to further our understanding of a psychological trait, such as creativity, mood or personality
  • You’ll then have the chance to interview and collect data from others to uncover the answer and present your findings at the end

 

Students at an Oxford Scholastica Masterclass

Masterclasses

Masterclasses are skills-based sessions, during which you’ll develop the skills and mindset you need for success, no matter which field you’re interested in going into.

  • Hone your debating and public speaking skills at the world-famous Oxford Union
  • Develop crucial leadership and communications skills
  • Enhance your chances of getting into your dream university and career in our University & Careers Masterclass

 

Student receiving graduation certificate

Graduation

At the end of your programme, you’ll receive a Graduation Certificate and Letter of Recommendation at Oxford University’s Said Business School or St Anne’s College.

  • Celebrate your achievements at our Graduation Ceremony
  • Parents and family members are warmly welcome to attend
  • Your Graduation Certificate and your tutor’s Letter of Recommendation are an excellent way to showcase your passion for the subject to university admissions officers

 

Why parents love 

Oxford Scholastica

Check out our video to see why other parents chose Oxford Scholastica, and how they found the summer school experience. 

To find out more about how we'll look after your child please click below to arrange a call.

What Happens Next

Our friendly team are on hand to help you through the process and to make it as simple as possible for you and your family.

(1) Application

Apply for your place here - we look for enthusiastic students who are keen to make the most of the opportunity.

(2) Deposit

In order to secure your spot there is a £995 deposit.

(3) Welcome Call

We'd love to speak with you - we're keen to get to know you in order to give you the most memorable summer!

(4) Pay the Balance

The balance of fees is due nearer the start of the programme. If you need a visa invitation letter, we can send this.

(5) Meet Fellow Students

Meet your fellow coursemates using our online community so you can make friends before starting.

(6) Optional Reading

Our tutors have curated a suggested reading list for you, including articles and videos and podcasts.

(7) Final Preparation

We'll ask you to fill in an important form including things like your dietary and health requirements.

(8) Travel Plans

If you're flying into the UK, we'll let you know how to book our airport transfers.

(9) Arrival!

You can arrive any time on the Sunday between 12pm and 5pm. There will be icebreaker games and a BBQ dinner.

Further Information

Want to know more about attending Oxford Scholastica? Click below to discover:

 

Your Schedule

Where You'll Stay

Our Entry Requirements

Activities

Experience Psychology & Neuroscience Academy

Dates & Price

Length Start Date End Date Price From Next Step
Two Weeks 30th June 2024 13th July 2024

£6,995

Reserve
Two Weeks 14th July 2024 27th July 2024

£6,995

Reserve
Two Weeks 28th July 2024 10th August 2024

£6,995

Reserve
Four Weeks 30th June 2024 27th July 2024

£13,690

Reserve
Four Weeks 14th July 2024 10th August 2024

£13,690

Reserve

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