Study Abroad in Oxford, United Kingdom - Academic Program

Tutorial Teaching System

Students take two tutorials (courses) each term; a primary tutorial and a secondary tutorial. Prior to departure, students identify topics of study and academic advisers assign students a different tutor for each course. All advisers and tutors are members of the Oxford University faculty. All instruction at Oxford is arranged on an individual basis and students meet one-on-one with their tutor. This tutorial system is often regarded as one of the finest and most effective teaching methods in the world.

During orientation students meet with their academic advisers and tutors. Each tutor will, in conference with the participant, develop a detailed program of study. Students meet with their tutor on a weekly basis and for each tutorial (after consulting a reading list provided by the tutor) the student will write an argumentative essay which is presented to the tutor at the next weekly meeting. Students often read their essays to their tutor and will be asked to defend it. This essay will demonstrate the student's understanding of, and ability to, critically analyze the subject. This process-research, writing, analysis, and critique is at the heart of the tutorial system and encourages individual research and independence of thought. These tutorials are taught in the same manner and to the same standard as to regularly matriculated Oxford undergraduates. Graduate level courses are also available.

Credit and Grades

Each student normally earns 12 semester credits or 18 quarter units per term. Upon completion of the term, tutors submit tutorial assessments (and detailed tutorial reports) to the appropriate academic adviser. From these assessments a grade report will be prepared and sent to you. Grades are based on the tutorial essays, discussions, and occasionally on written exams.

Course Options 

An important feature of the Oxford program is that due to its individualized structure, a student can choose from almost any academic subject, except for laboratory sciences. Previous participants have studied with many distinguished, world renowned scholars while in Oxford. Subjects in the liberal arts, humanities, and in the non-laboratory sciences are available. All academic placements are subject to the availability of tutors. Graduate level coursework is also available.

Due to the flexibility of the Oxford tutorial system, there is no finite list of courses. Course choices depend upon personal preference, the need to meet specific credit requirements, and the level of proficiency already attained in the subject matter.

Some subjects can be difficult to accommodate. It is always best to select mainstream topics from the subjects which Oxford excels: English, History, Philosophy, Experimental Psychology, Politics, and Mathematics.

View a partial list of courses taken in the past.