History Summer School (In-Person)

The study of history is about a lot more than facts and dates. Questions of the possibility of historical truth, the methodology of its pursuit and the political responsibilities of historians to both the past and the future are central to the craft of the historian. This course offers the chance to explore these and other historiographical questions using some fascinating (and sometimes weird and wonderful) case studies.

The Debate Chamber History Summer School will be of particular benefit to those students who are considering the study of History, or a closely related subject, at University. 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. The topics covered have been specifically selected to challenge and broaden the historical outlook of participants and as such the course requires no specific background knowledge and is open to all students aged 15-18. The most important qualification is a strong enthusiasm for history!

See a more detailed outline for the course.

By studying new and ambitious topics, students will be challenged to confront the unexamined assumptions underlying their interpretations and to develop their analysis of primary and secondary source materials. The History Summer School will leave students with a good basic understanding of a broad range of historiographical trends and subject matters, and as a result, students will not only be well equipped make informed decisions about studying history at university, but will also enjoy the challenge of being presented with some very exciting new ideas.

Our approach to tuition is varied – offering interactive discussions, formal debates, lectures, group presentations and close individual reading of primary and secondary source material. 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.

For full practical and booking details just scroll down past the reviews.

View of Eileen Donan Castle (illustrating the History Summer School)The study of history is about a lot more than facts and dates. Questions of the possibility of historical truth, the methodology of its pursuit and the political responsibilities of historians to both the past and the future are central to the craft of the historian. This course offers the chance to explore these and other historiographical questions using some fascinating (and sometimes weird and wonderful) case studies.

The Debate Chamber History Summer School will be of particular benefit to those students who are considering the study of History, or a closely related subject, at University. 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. The topics covered have been specifically selected to challenge and broaden the historical outlook of participants and as such the course requires no specific background knowledge and is open to all students aged 15-18. The most important qualification is a strong enthusiasm for history!

See a more detailed outline for the course.

By studying new and ambitious topics, students will be challenged to confront the unexamined assumptions underlying their interpretations and to develop their analysis of primary and secondary source materials. The History Summer School will leave students with a good basic understanding of a broad range of historiographical trends and subject matters, and as a result, students will not only be well equipped make informed decisions about studying history at university, but will also enjoy the challenge of being presented with some very exciting new ideas.

Our approach to tuition is varied – offering interactive discussions, formal debates, lectures, group presentations and close individual reading of primary and secondary source material. 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.

For full practical and booking details just scroll down past the reviews.

‘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 challenging curriculum, I have a much more in-depth knowledge of the various theories behind historical study and what it is like to further study history. I’d recommend this Summer School to anyone who has even the slightest interest in history, it was probably the most informative and interesting 5 days of my life!’

‘It is an amazing course that is really interesting and will give you an insight into what to expect from a History course at University. The teachers are all wonderful and will guide you through the course – helping you to find the answers for yourselves. It introduces you to new concepts and approaches to History as well as tackling some of the ‘Big’ questions. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys History or wants to study it at University!’

‘This course was incredibly helpful for pushing me out of my comfort zone and developing my abilities as an aspiring university history student. The tutors were amazing and effectively created a comfortable environment for the class and the extent of resources they provide is exceptional. I thoroughly enjoyed this course and would highly recommend to anyone.’

‘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 challenging curriculum, I have a much more in-depth knowledge of the various theories behind historical study and what it is like to further study history. I’d recommend this Summer School to anyone who has even the slightest interest in history, it was probably the most informative and interesting 5 days of my life!’

Practical Details

Please note that this is the in-person version of this course, see this page for the online option.

The in-person History Summer School is open to students aged 15 – 18.

This course is five days in length, taking place on the 29th July – 2nd August 2024. Teaching hours on each day will run from 10.30am till 4.30pm, with a lunch break.

The venue will be Woburn House, Bloomsbury, Central London (the closest tube is Russell Square) – see more location details. Please note that this event is non-residential, and accommodation must be arranged independently if required.

The cost for this five-day course is £745, and you can reserve your place with a 25% non-refundable deposit. The remainder of the payment is due eight weeks in advance of the course start date. Please see here for full booking terms and conditions.

If you have any questions, simply call us on 0800 810 1058 or email us at [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 form here.