Inspiring Oxford Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the Inspiring Oxford summer school programme

Stay in touch

If you would like to receive the annual update about when summer schools open to enrolment, including the Inspiring Oxford programme, please subscribe to our summer school mailing list. 

If you would like to keep up to date with the latest news from Oxford Lifelong Learning, you can sign up to the departmental newsletter.

Bookings and enrolment

Do I need to have a degree or formal education in the subject I choose to attend?

No. As long as you have a curiosity and desire to learn with like-minded participants, there are no barriers to entry. You just need to meet the basic criteria of being over 18 and having a grasp of the English language.

Can I book a single room or a non-residential place via the enrolment form?

The quickest way to secure your place on a course is to enrol online, and we therefore request that all single accommodation or non-residential bookings are made via the website. If you are not able to pay online and instead need to pay via an invoice, please contact: inspiringoxford@conted.ox.ac.uk.

I would like to attend with a partner or friend, how do I book shared accommodation?

If you wish to book a twin or double room for two people, each person should complete an enrolment form and send this to us by email.

Forms can be found on each individual course page and these can be edited online and do not need to be printed. Completed forms should be sent by email to: inspiringoxford@conted.ox.ac.uk.

Shared rooms are charged per person and cannot be booked by individuals, or shared with strangers. 

I'm not able to book single accommodation online, is it available?

If the single accommodation fee option is showing as 'unavailable' online, this means the accommodation is full during that week of the programme. Non-residential participants are welcome to contact inspiringoxford@conted.ox.ac.uk, and the Programme Administrator can add you to a waiting list for accommodation at Brasenose College.

Useful websites for alternative accommodation around Oxford are:

I currently live in the UK/Oxford – can I stay offsite and only attend the lessons? 

Yes, we offer non-residential placements. These can be booked directly online by selecting the 'book now' button on each course page.

I am under 18 years old, can I attend?

Oxford Lifelong Learning is not able to enrol anyone under the age of 18 on a summer course – without exception.

What happens if I need to cancel my enrolment?

You will receive a copy of the cancellations and refund policy when you enrol.

Can these courses be taken online?

No – all Inspiring Oxford courses are taught in person. The department offers a large and varied selection of online courses: lifelong-learning.ox.ac.uk/online-courses 

Can this course be taken for credit?

No – none of the Inspiring Oxford courses are accredited. The department offers accredited summer schools through another programme: lifelong-learning.ox.ac.uk/oussa

The course I would like to book is full, can extra places be added?

Class sizes are restricted by the size of the teaching rooms, and we are not able to add extra places to a course. It is recommended to add yourself to the waiting list, and we will be in touch should a place become available.

I am on a waiting list, how likely am I to get on the course?

It is difficult to predict whether places become available on waiting lists, as it depends on cancellations from other enrolees. Should a place become available before 4 May 2026 we will contact waitlisted individuals via email. If you have not heard from us by 4 May 2026, you should assume that no places have became available and we will not be able to enrol you on the course in summer 2026.

What is the average age of students on the course? 

Last year we had a wide range of ages from 18 to over 80, the average age was around 40. We feel that this inter-generational mix is one of the things that makes Inspiring Oxford unique.

What do the course fees cover?

If you book a residential place at Brasenose, the course fees include the full cost of accommodation and meals, any field trips specific to your course, and social excursions including activites like punting. 

If you book a non-residential place, the course fees includes meal (except breakfast), any field trips specific to your course, and social excursions including activites like punting.

Which countries do 'Inspiring Oxford’ participants come from?

We have participants from many countries around the world.

Where will the teaching be held?

All courses will be held at Brasenose College. 

What is the average class size?

The maximum class size is 16. The average class size is 10, however this can range from 5-15 depending on enrolment and the tutor’s discretion.

Before your arrival

Where do I go on the first day?

Registration on the first day of your course will be at Brasenose College. Please arrive at the College Porter's Lodge where you will be directed to the Inspiring Oxford welcome desk.

What time can I arrive at Brasenose College on the starting Sunday?

Registration is from 12pm midday onwards, until 5pm.

What if I arrive after registration has closed?

If you will be arriving after 5pm, please contact the Programme Administrator beforehand if possible (inspiringoxford@conted.ox.ac.uk). You should enter the college via the Main Entrance on Radcliffe Square. On arrival report to the Porters Lodge where you will receive your welcome pack and be directed to your room.

Do I need to read everything on the reading list?

Unless otherwise stated on the course page, recommended readings are optional and are suggestions if you would like background information prior to the course.

When can I purchase tickets for optional excursions/walking tours?

The social programme is included in your course fee. There will be sign-up sheets if you have a preferred time slot or walking tour.

I have a dietary requirement, who should I tell?

If you did not disclose a dietary requirement as part of your application, please contact the Programme Administrator prior to your arrival at inspiringoxford@conted.ox.ac.uk. 

Can you give me advice on visas?

We regret that we are unable to provide advice on individual visas. Students are advised to consult their closest British Embassy, Consulate or High Commission for the most up-to-date advice. Students should also refer to the University's Visa and Immigration team at www.ox.ac.uk/students/visa.  

I would prefer, or need, a room on the ground floor. Who should I tell?

If you did not disclose a disability or mobility impairment on your application, please contact the Programme Administrator as soon as possible prior to your arrival at inspiringoxford@conted.ox.ac.uk. 

Is there a dress code?

It is requested that participants wear a jacket and tie or equivalent for the final dinner. There is no dress code during classes or other events.

Will the bedrooms at Brasenose College have a fridge?

No, unless it is required for medication.

Will the bedrooms at Brasenose College have a safe?

Bedrooms do not have a safe, however each participant will be given a personal electronic fob that will only give them access to their specific building, and their specific bedroom.

Will I be given a Bodleian Library Card?

No, as the courses on Inspiring Oxford are not accredited.

What type of certificate will I receive?

Students who successfully complete the programme will receive a physical Certificate of Attendance which will include your name, course studied, tutor and programme director. These are handed out on the Friday before the final dinner.

What if I have to leave early and will not be around to receive my certificate?

If you inform us on or before the Wednesday on the week you are enrolled, we will be able to issue your certificate early. Please make sure to let us know as soon as possible to avoid any potential issues.

Am I able to take this course online?

No, this is only offered as an in-person course. 

I have other commitments and/or events I wish to attend, will recordings be provided of classes I do not attend?

No. If you choose to attend other events instead of attending your classes, then you forfeit those classes. 

What is the weather like in England?

The weather is unpredictable, with a mixture of sunshine and showers during the summer!

Can I bring friends or family?

The accommodation and course are for participants only.

Find out more

See the Inspiring Oxford programme page for more details.