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Online Politics & Debate Course

Online Summer School | Ages 12-14

Interested in politics, debate and the world around you? This online summer course will introduce you to key concepts in politics, international relations and government.

Explore political theory, practise debating real-world issues and experience what it’s like to be Prime Minister for a day.

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Key Facts

Course Location:
Online via Zoom
1-3PM (BST)

Student Ages:
12-14 year olds

Class Size:
Max 15 students

2025 Dates:
June – August
(See all dates here)

Tutor Profiles:
Typically Oxford and Cambridge academics

Tuition Fees:
£595 (one week)
£995 (two weeks)

Course Length:
One or two weeks

Graduation Takeaways:
Letter of Recommendation & Certificate of Achievement

OSA Accreditations:
King’s Award for Enterprise

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The Politics & Debate Syllabus

You’ll debate political systems, write a campaign speech and design your own political party.
You’ll be guided by expert tutors from leading universities such as Oxford and Cambridge.

Democracy & Elections

Discuss a variety of political systems and compare their similarities and differences, learn the key features of democracy and explore different voting systems.

View Syllabus

Powers of Persuasion
Learn about British Parliamentary debate, watch video examples of formal debates and discuss the persuasive tactics used by politicians.
Political Parties
What makes a successful political party? Describe the political spectrum and create your own political party to give a short campaign speech.
Political Leaders
Which leadership style is the most effective? Discuss historical and current political leaders, and examine the differences between activists and politicians.
Campaign Session
Take part in a Q&A-style debate as you campaign for the election of your political party.
Citizenship & the State
Learn the definition of a nation state, the concept of sovereignty and the citizen’s role in different political systems.
Identity
What is an identity factor and how does it relate to politics? Debate the importance of identity politics and learn the technique of a good rebuttal.
Revolutions & Social Movements
Analyse examples of political activism and explore how participation has changed in a digital world.
The Future of Politics
In the penultimate session, explore pathways for future studies and potential careers in politics.
Balloon Debate
Write an argumentative and persuasive speech, practise public speaking and put your rebuttal technique to the test.
How This Helps Your Future

At the end of your programme, you’re invited to attend an online Graduation event to celebrate your achievements with family, friends, teachers, and fellow students.

If you’d like, you can volunteer to share your experiences with the group, offering a great opportunity to reflect on what you’ve accomplished.

We’ll send you a recording of the event so you can revisit it later or share it with family members who couldn’t attend live.

Meet Your Tutor

Arushi Sharan

BA Hons, Master’s Diploma, MA, DPhil (Oxon) (Candidate)
Arushi is currently a DPhil candidate in International Development at the University of Oxford and an Abdul Rauphu Mustafa Scholar. She holds a Master of Arts with Distinction in Political Science from Jawaharlal Nehru University and a Master’s Diploma in Conflict Transformation and Peace Building. 

Arushi has worked as a teaching fellow in Comparative Politics at Ashoka University and as a research guide with the Chief Minister’s Good Governance Associates Programme in India. Her research on policy and governance has been published in reputed academic journals.

Please note, our faculty members may be subject to change.

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Develop Your Public Speaking Skills

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of politics and debate by tackling real-world challenges, participating in masterclasses and learning from an inspirational tutor.

Master Fundamental Political Concepts
Master key concepts such as democracy, citizenship and participatory politics – all under the guidance of one of our expert tutors from leading universities like Oxford and Cambridge.
Be Mentored by an Expert Academic
Work closely with an academic mentor on real-world political challenges. Whether defending a political figure, examining manifestos or preparing for a public debate, you’ll gain invaluable experience, working through problems just like the experts.
Connect with Future Political Professionals
Join our weekly video socials to meet fellow students from around the world. These casual, fun events feature games, quizzes and group activities, offering a chance to unwind, socialise and make lasting connections with others passionate about politics and debate.

Hear From a Graduate

Lauren Brodsky
Online Politics & Debate Course
“Studying the online Politics & Debate course at Oxford Scholastica has allowed me to connect with other young people from different cultures and backgrounds. Debating important topics with my classmates has broadened my perspective and increased my understanding of the world around me.”
Apply Today

Build an International Network

Join a vibrant global community of passionate, curious and motivated young learners just like you – all while learning and connecting from the comfort of your own home.

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.
Alfonso Feris
Alfonso Feris

AGE: 16

SCHOOL: Colegio Los Pininos

COURSE: Experience Engineering Academy

 

 
One thing I have learned at Oxford Scholastica is how to become better at making new friends. I am usually regarded as an introverted person, but here, in less than two weeks, I have made friends as close as brothers. I am sure our friendship will last a lifetime!
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.

Strengthen Your University Application

You’ll gain a Certificate of Achievement, a Letter of Recommendation and access to our Ambassador Programme – all tailored to showcase your academic and professional potential in politics and debate.

Earn a Certificate of Achievement
Successfully complete the online Politics & Debate programme to earn an Oxford Scholastica Academy Certificate of Achievement at our Graduation Ceremony, demonstrating your commitment and hard work.
Receive a Letter of Recommendation
Outstanding students will receive a personalised Letter of Recommendation from their tutor, highlighting their debating skills, contributions and engagement – an excellent addition to university applications in politics or international relations.
Join Our Ambassador Programme

Looking to deepen your experience? Apply for our exclusive one-year Ambassador Programme to develop networking, communication and leadership skills through monthly virtual sessions.

Course Availability (Summer 2025)

Find the dates and fees for our upcoming online courses for 2025 below.

2025 Course Start Dates:
30th June
14th July
28th July
11th August
Enrol Today
What’s Included in Your Tuition Fee

ACADEMICS

  • 20 hours of live teaching (two weeks)
  • 4 hours of Masterclass sessions
  • Preparatory reading list
  • Independent study assignments
  • Detailed, personalised feedback  

GRADUATION

  • Graduation Ceremony
  • Letter of Recommendation 
  • Certificate of Achievement 
  • Invitation to the Ambassador Programme
  • Ongoing advice and support 

Two Week Courses

£ 995

One Week Course

£ 595

Your Questions,
Answered.

Still need help? Book a call
What are the entry requirements for this 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 experience can be truly transformative.

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.

How long are the programmes?
You can choose to attend for either one or two weeks.

Most students opt for the full two-week experience, and we highly recommend this option to fully engage with your chosen subject and make the most of the programme.

What time will my live tutorials take place?

Live tutorials will run daily from 1-3 PM UK time. This schedule is designed to accommodate students across multiple time zones, creating a truly global classroom experience.

How many hours does the course run each day?
You’ll have two hours of live contact time with your tutor each day, plus around two hours of independent study or group work. In total, you should plan to dedicate approximately four hours a day to the course.
Do I need any special equipment to attend Oxford Scholastica Online?
You don’t need any special equipment in order to attend our online courses. All you need is a computer with a stable internet connection and a webcam. Ideally you’ll be able to sit in a quiet room where you won’t be disturbed for your tutorials.
Is the online course content the same as the summer school course?
Our online courses are project-based, meaning you’ll regularly apply what you’ve learnt to real-world problems. While these courses have been designed in accordance with our learning philosophy of Learn, See, Do – just like our Oxford summer schools – the content is different, with a greater focus on problem solving. You can join us for both an online course and an Oxford summer school in your subject without repeating material.
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 at the end of an Oxford Scholastica Online course?
Yes, all students who successfully complete one of our online 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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