Summer Medicine Course in Oxford

Summer School 2026 | Ages 12-14

Curious about life as a doctor? The Discover Medicine Academy offers the perfect chance to explore the world of healthcare and experience life as a medical student.

Learn how doctors diagnose and treat illnesses, meet real patients in a hospital and take on practical medical challenges in Oxford this summer.

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Key Facts

Location
Oxford

Ages
12-14 year olds

Class Size
Maximum 15 students

Dates
5th July - 18th July 2026
19th July - 1st August 2026
2nd August - 15th August 2026

Tutors
Typically Oxford and Cambridge academics

Fees
£7,495

Duration
Two weeks

Graduation & Certification
Letter of Recommendation and Certificate of Achievement

Awards & Accreditation
British Accreditation Council and King's Award

Discover Medicine Academy

You’ll explore how the human body works, practise clinical skills and meet real patients in the hospital.

Introduction to Medicine

In the first class, you’ll be introduced to the different study and career pathways from school to becoming a doctor. You’ll also learn about the NHS in the UK and compare it to your own country’s health service.

View Curriculum

Fundamentals of the Heart

Explore the general anatomy and workings of the heart and understand the function of the circulatory system. Then, learn how to take pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate and pulse oximetry.

The Heart & Disease

In this class, you’ll explore the pathophysiology, presentation and causes of a heart attack. You’ll also learn how to take a history and how to distinguish between a sign and a symptom.

Clinical Skills

This class is an introduction to core clinical skills. You’ll learn the approach to conducting a full medical assessment, including examination, investigations, diagnosis and treatment.

Discover Surgery

Explore a variety of surgical specialities, learn how to interpret X-rays and get to grips with the basic anatomy of the abdomen, as well as the signs and symptoms of appendicitis.

Introduction to Emergency Medicine

This class is designed to give you an overview of emergency medicine and trauma. You’ll learn how to perform CPR and will work in teams to perform a primary survey in a mock emergency scenario.

Heart Dissection

Work to identify cardiac anatomy on a pig’s heart and relate these features to the function of the human heart. Learn how to scrub for surgery, including proper handwashing methods, and practise basic suturing techniques.

Debate Medical Ethics

In the penultimate class, you’ll explore historic and topical issues in medical ethics before debating your peers on a topic of the class’s choice. In doing so, you’ll learn the importance of understanding and listening to the moral and ethical reasoning of others.

Class X

Your final class is based on the tutor’s own expertise, offering a glimpse into the latest thinking and research shaping the field. You’ll also have the opportunity to research a developing topic in medical sciences and present your findings to your peers.

The Mock Clinic Challenge

Your learning won’t just take place in the classroom. Beyond the daily classes, you’ll also experience an intensive, four-hour academic Challenge: a chance to put theory into practice, and a highlight for many students.

Immerse yourself in an exciting real-world medical challenge. You’ll apply the medical concepts you’ve explored in class to assess and evaluate patients in a mock clinic scenario.

Working in pairs, you will interview real patients with a variety of chronic medical conditions and speak to them about their symptoms to gather adequate information in the time available. At the end, you’ll use your resourcefulness and knowledge to present your findings to a doctor and discuss how the patient’s care can be improved.

This is an invaluable opportunity to help students understand the responsibility that doctors have towards their patients.

Meet Your Tutor

Dr Kathryn Woodward

BMedSci, MD, MSc (Oxon), DPhil (Oxon) (Candidate)
Kathryn is a Rhodes Scholar and DPhil candidate in Primary Health Care at the University of Oxford. She holds a Bachelor of Medical Sciences and a Doctor of Medicine with Distinction from Griffith University in Australia, graduating with the University Medal of Excellence. She was later awarded a Master of Science in Applied Digital Health with Distinction from the University of Oxford.

Kathryn’s current research focuses on health service experiences among refugees in Queensland. She also lectures at Griffith University and serves as the Deputy Chair of Canteen, Australia’s leading youth cancer charity.

Please note that tutors may be subject to change.

Nurture Your Medical Skills

Explore the world of medicine, meet a successful medical professional and develop strong academic skills in masterclasses.

Master Key Medical Concepts

Learn key concepts such as how the human body works, practising clinical skills and exploring real-world medicine – all under the guidance of one of our expert tutors.

Meet a Qualified Doctor
Gain insights from our Medicine Hero, a successful young doctor. Discover their journey, ask all your questions about becoming a doctor and what life in medicine is like, and be inspired to take the first steps toward your own future in healthcare.
Level Up with Masterclasses
Build essential practical life skills such as public speaking, critical thinking and teamwork through our Masterclasses, developing tools that will benefit you long after the programme ends – no matter which academic path you take.

Still Curious?
We’d Love to Talk.

Stephanie, our Head of Admissions, would be happy to answer all your questions. Let us know a time that works for you.

Build an International Network

Study alongside passionate, curious and motivated young people like you from all over the globe. Our students are eager to elevate their academic ambitions and seize their future.

Pippa Manning
Pippa Manning

AGE: 17

SCHOOL: Nottingham Girls' High School

COURSE: Experience Medicine Academy

 


 
I have found the classes so insightful and interesting and have learnt more about Medicine than I ever have in school, as well as new topics I had never considered. I'm sure this knowledge will be invaluable in my application to medical school and it has made me feel much more confident in my own abilities.
Eliah Cibambo
Eliah Cibambo

AGE: 17

SCHOOL: Lycée Prince de Liège

COURSE: Experience Business & Enterprise Academy

 


 
This was a very enriching and rewarding experience both academically and socially. We explored key business concepts, which provided me with new insights into the business world. It also helped me identify and understand the challenges of tomorrow’s world, which will be very important for my future.
Adela Jung Foncillas
Adela Jung Foncillas

AGE: 17

SCHOOL: FES Lörrach

COURSE: Experience Psychology & Neuroscience Academy

 


 
Oxford Scholastica has given me the confidence to determine my own future. I learned to step out of my comfort zone and try incredible new things, even when they seemed scary at first. I've also had the amazing opportunity to build a network of kind and open-minded people, all from different countries.
Juanita Sele-Matthew
Juanita Sele-Matthew

AGE: 15

SCHOOL: Meadowhall School

COURSE: Experience Business & Enterprise Academy

 


 
Oxford Scholastica has taught me to always reach for the stars. The programme has really opened my eyes to what I want my life to look like. I've learned academic skills but also social and emotional skills, like how to network, how to live away from home and how to make new friends.

Make Memories to Last a Lifetime

Outside the classroom, you'll take part in a packed schedule of social, cultural and sporting activities alongside your new friends, designed to push you beyond your comfort zone and give you a real taste of independence. Embark on an unforgettable journey.

Inspiring Cultural Excursions

Discover the timeless allure of Oxford as you wander its historic, picturesque streets, soaking in the city’s rich heritage and charm. Experience inspiring day trips to iconic destinations that offer a deeper connection to culture and history.

 

Day Trips: Visit Windsor Castle, an official residence of the Royal Family, and explore Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill
Experience the City: Enjoy a guided walking tour of Oxford, discover its renowned museums, and experience a traditional college brunch. Watch a Shakespeare play in the grounds of the ancient Oxford Castle
Unique Activities: Try Scottish ceilidh dancing and go punting on the River Thames, a favourite Oxford pastime

 

Exciting Social Events

Beyond the classroom, engage in vibrant social activities designed to create lasting memories and friendships, fostering a sense of community and shared experiences.

 

International Boat Ball: A highlight of the programme, this unforgettable evening takes place aboard a boat on the River Thames, celebrating friendships and experiences
Oxford’s Got Talent: Take to the stage and showcase your talents in this fun and informal event
Movie, Quiz & Games Nights: Enjoy relaxing evenings in the common rooms with your new friends, and take part in a variety of entertaining activities 
Unique Sporting Activities

Stay active during your time in Oxford with a variety of sports and outdoor activities, and enjoy some friendly competition.

 

Football Tournament: Take part in the annual football game held at the historic Iffley Road campus
Lunchtime Running Club: Explore Oxford's scenic routes on our regular running club for students keen to keep their fitness up
Local Gyms: If you prefer gym workouts, you can sign up to a nearby fitness centre during your time with us

 

An Unforgettable Graduation

Celebrate your graduation with a memorable ceremony, recognising your hard work and achievements in front of friends and family.

 

Graduation Ceremony: Formally graduate from the programme in a ceremony with friends and family
Celebrate Your Achievements: Enjoy the picturesque surroundings as you take graduation pictures and reflect on your summer memories
Ceilidh Dance: Finish the programme with a traditional British ceilidh dance and a live band. Don't worry - the band will teach you all the steps!

 

Hear From a Graduate

Shun Yuen Siu
Discover Medicine Academy (2024)
“Oxford Scholastica has inspired me to be proactive in planning for my future. The Discover Medicine Academy has taught me a lot about medicine and introduced me to other areas like psychology and neuroscience. It’s made me even more passionate about pursuing a career in medicine.”

Get Ready for Your Future

You’ll leave with a Certificate of Achievement, a Letter of Recommendation and the opportunity to join our Ambassador Programme – all designed to you prepare effectively for your future.



Celebration certificate of achievement oxford scholastica
Earn a Certificate of Achievement
All students who successfully complete the course will receive an Oxford Scholastica Academy Certificate of Achievement upon programme completion.
Get a Letter of Recommendation
Students who meet our criteria will be awarded a personalised Letter of Recommendation from their tutor, highlighting their strengths, participation, personality and more.
Join Our Ambassador Programme

Want to continue learning? Apply for our one-year Ambassador Programme to gain valuable skills in marketing, networking, entrepreneurship and more. With monthly virtual meetings, you'll develop practical skills to shape your future.

Your Questions,
Answered.

What are the entry requirements for the course?

We have three entry requirements:

i) You must be aged between 11-18 years old at the start of your chosen course.

ii) You must be motivated to learn more about the subject you wish to study (there's space for you to write a personal statement on our registration form). We find that when students are self-motivated and eager to make the most of the opportunity, the summer school can be a truly transformative experience.

iii) You must be able to speak, read and understand English well. Though we require no formal testing, our minimum English level is Common European Framework Level C1, which equates to IELTS 6.5. If you’d like to arrange a call to check whether you have the right level of English, please feel free to contact us.

What should I write in my Oxford Scholastica personal statement?
Our admissions panel reads through each student's personal statement to determine if they'd be a good fit for our programme. We welcome bright and intellectually curious students from around the world – those who are passionate about their subject and eager to challenge themselves.

We don't have any academic prerequisites, as many of our students have never been exposed to their chosen subject before, so instead we're looking for motivation and mindset.

I'm 11 years old. Can I join a course for 12-14 year olds?

We do accept bright, mature eleven year olds onto our Discover Academy courses (designed for ages 12-14), so please do submit an application here. If you’d like to discuss your specific situation, please contact us and we’ll be happy to advise you.

I'm 14 years old. Can I join a course for 15-18 year olds?

We do sometimes allow bright, mature 14 year olds to join our Experience Academy courses (designed for ages 15-18), so please do submit an application here. If you’d like to discuss your specific situation, please contact us and we’ll be happy to advise you.

Do you accept students who are at university?
We can only accept students who are not at university. If you've just finished school and have yet to start higher education, you're welcome to join us. Unfortunately, if you've already started at university, then we're unable to offer you a place at our summer school.
How do I secure my place?

Please click here to apply for your place and pay your deposit (£995). Our admissions panel will assess your application and will be in touch to confirm whether you have been accepted onto the programme. If for any reason you're not accepted, your deposit will be refunded in full.

Are you affiliated with Oxford University?

No. There are no Oxford summer schools for international teenagers affiliated with Oxford University. Whilst we use Oxford University facilities, and a number of our tutors teach or study at the university, it’s important to understand that we have no formal connection with the University of Oxford. You can read more about our relationship here.

Who will my tutor be?

We carefully select and train the best qualified tutors for each course. Our tutors are subject experts from world-class institutions, including the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Learn more about our tutors here.

Will I get a certificate or accreditation at the end of the course?

All students who successfully complete one of our courses will receive an Oxford Scholastica Academy Certificate of Achievement upon programme completion.

Students who meet our criteria will also be awarded a personalised Letter of Recommendation from their tutor, highlighting their strengths, participation, personality and more.

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