History Summer School
History isn’t just about what happened - it’s about how we make sense of the past and its influence on the present and future. This course tackles the challenges of historical truth, the methods historians use, and their role in shaping our understanding of the past. Along the way, students will engage with fascinating - and sometimes unexpected - case studies that bring these debates to life.
This Summer School is ideal for students considering history or related subjects at university, providing a taste of undergraduate-level study in an engaging and supportive environment. This intensive course will be conducted through seminars, lectures and informal discussions, in order to create a sense of what studying history at undergraduate level is like. This course is designed to challenge and expand students' historical perspectives. No specific prior knowledge is required - just curiosity and enthusiasm for history!
If you would like to see exactly how the course unfolds across the week, you can read a detailed outline of the online History Summer School programme.
Through thought-provoking topics, students will question their own assumptions and refine their ability to analyse primary and secondary sources with a critical eye. By the end of the course, students will have explored key historiographical debates, analysed diverse historical perspectives, and honed their critical thinking skills - leaving them well-prepared for university study and beyond.
This is an immersive and varied learning experience, combining interactive discussions, lively debates, engaging lectures, group presentations, and close analysis of historical sources. Special emphasis is given to developing students' skills as critical readers at an undergraduate level, as well as examining images, material sources and oral accounts. Participants will be supported in formulating and presenting their own viewpoints clearly and logically, and will be encouraged to challenge one another's positions in a constructive and friendly atmosphere.
We’ve created a History Summer School FAQ explaining how the History Summer School works in practice – including academic level, simulations, reading expectations, and who the course is best suited for.
Ready to take the next step? Scroll down for full details on how to apply.
Infectious Enthusiasm
The History Summer School provided me with a tantalising insight into the subject at undergraduate level, and has made me even more certain that it is the discipline that I wish...Extremely Helpful
The History Summer School run by Debate Chamber was a pleasure to participate in, mainly due to the enthusiastic teachers, who being relatively young academics, were approachable and inspiring...Excellent Teaching
The history summer school was a brilliant experience! Consisting of a mixture of lectures, debates and plenty of group discussions, our tutors encouraged us to speak and participate at every ...Over Too Quickly!
The History Summer School was an extremely enjoyable and intellectually stimulating event. The week for which I attended the school seemed to pass far too quickly and by the ...An Invitation to Question
The History Summer School pushed us budding historians further than normal school study could, helping us to develop not just our historical knowledge, but also inviting us to ...Seriously Recommended
It is an exhilarating and enjoyable experience. I knew no one else on the course, but with a shared passion for history I felt comfortable right away. Seriously recommend if ...Brilliant Tutors
Before the History Summer School, I had no idea what studying history beyond the facts could be like. After the summer school, thanks to the brilliant tutors and the...Really Useful
I found the History Summer School really useful if you are trying to decide what degree you will do at university. On top of this the teachers are very helpful ...A Wonderful Week
I thoroughly enjoyed the week with Debate Chamber; not only were the topics stimulating but each teacher helped galvanise the group and guide us through some of the tough new ideas...Exceeded Expectations
I decided to go on this course because I wasn’t sure about whether studying History at University would be the right step for me, and if I am honest I wasn’t...Made Friends
The History Summer School confirmed my passion for History and that it is definitely what I would like to pursue at university. Although I live almost 3 hours away, and took ...Valuable Insights
The History Summer School was a perfect supplement to A Level history. It gave me the opportunity to explore alternative approaches to writing history and periods of history which aren’t in...Wished it was Longer!
The course was fascinating as it delved into questions that are left unexplored in school History lessons. Each day ventures into a new area or approach to History, ...Loved the Debates
The History Summer School was absolutely fantastic! The wide range of historical topics were extremely enjoyable to learn about, and I found out so many intriguing things about the ...Unmissable!
The history summer course offers an invaluable opportunity to develop your historical skills and apply them to a range of histories. The fact that this is arranged in small classes creates ...Flowing Discussion
For me, this course was originally planning to be a sort of wake up from the summer. However, the five non-stop history filled days that we were given meant...Truly Fantastic
History Summer School was absolutely amazing, and really, really useful. I found it immensely enjoyable and eye-opening, even to the extent of being enlightening. The opportunity to...Excellent Preparation
I really enjoyed all aspects of the summer school, meeting new people, learning about subjects in history I have never studied before. I particularly enjoyed the university styled lectures...A Great Atmosphere
I would certainly recommend this summer school to anybody interested in studying history further. The five days covered a large range of subjects and the tutors were very informative ...Fantastic Experience
This was a fantastic opportunity to broaden your knowledge about such a fascinating subject as history. I learnt many new skills in a friendly environment and was able to talk ...Online - History Summer School Practical Details
📌 Please note: This is the online version of the course. To view the in-person option, click here.
📅 Course Dates: This course is complete for Summer 2026, but you can express your interest for next summer using the form below.
⏰ Teaching Hours: The course runs for five days, with live sessions from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm each day, including a lunch break.
💻 Course Format: This is a live online event, held in small seminar groups for fully interactive discussions and debate. Sessions will not be recorded, so students must be available during the scheduled hours and have a reliable audio and video internet connection.
💰 Course Fee: £495
🔒 Booking: Secure your place with a 25% non-refundable deposit. The remaining balance is due eight weeks before the course starts. [See full booking terms and conditions here.]
📞 Questions? Call us on 0800 810 1058 or email [email protected].
Debate Chamber offers a limited number of full and partial bursaries to students who could not otherwise afford to attend. If you would like to apply for a bursary then please complete your bursary application here.