Oxford University Summer School for Adults student spotlights

Meet our summer school students

Experience Oxford like never before

The Oxford University Summer School for Adults (OUSSA) is a residential summer programme held at Rewley House in central Oxford, offering more than 60 week-long accredited courses for adult learners (18 years and over).

Whether you’re exploring new subjects out of interest or advancing your academic journey, OUSSA offers an enriching programme designed for those ready to immerse themselves in university-level study.

Interested in gaining an Oxford Univeristy qualificaiton? Credit earned from OUSSA can be transferred towards our flexible Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE). This part-time, award-bearing course lets you decide what, how and where you study by gaining credit from short courses, including short online courses, in-person weekly classes and OUSSA. Learn more about the CertHE.

Hear more from previous OUSSA students and explore their stories below.

Priscilla Sánchez Conejo

Priscilla Sánchez Conejo

The flexibility of the Certificate of Higher Education allowed Priscilla, a tax lawyer and university professor from Costa Rica, to balance her study with her work and home life.

Lee Alexander Krywitsky

Lee Alexander Krywitsky

Lee Alexander Krywitsky, an industrial entrepreneur turned student again, rediscovered the joy of learning at the Oxford University Summer School for Adults.

Dyan Ruffen-Madrey

Dyan Ruffen-Madrey

After completing a short course with us, and following her tutor's recommendation, Dyan decided to apply for the Certificate of Higher Education so she could explore her interest in archaeology.

Charles Bush

Charles Bush

Charles Bush published his debut young-adult novel thanks to the skills and experience gained from completing the Undergraduate Certificate of Higher Education.

Paul Staker

Paul Staker

We met Paul Staker over coffee at OUSSA, where he shared how Oxford rekindled his passion for history and lifelong learning.

Mark Staarup

Mark Staarup

As a student on our Oxford University Summer School for Adults (OUSSA) Mark broadened his business school experience, and gained course credit for his degree programme in Copenhagen.

Pilar Barrera Wey

Pilar Barrera Wey

Pilar lives in Brazil and gained the Undergraduate Certificate of Higher Education by completing online courses along with a summer school in Oxford.

Hoyt Bowman

Hoyt Bowman

Hoyt, author and lifelong learner, shares how a love of writing – and a little inspiration from C S Lewis – led him to pursue the Certificate of Higher Education in Creative Writing.

Rebecca Davis

Rebecca Davis

Oxford’s Continuing Education Department has been Rebecca's first experience of Higher Education.

Munira Chudasama

Munira Chudasama

Munira Chudasama, 74, is a woman on a mission: to explore educational opportunities at the very best universities around the world.

Vicky Davison

Vicky Davison

Recently retired and living in Melbourne, Vicky was looking for a new intellectual challenge when she enrolled on the Advanced Diploma in Local History online.