International Relations Summer School (In-Person)

Why do some international conflicts escalate into war? Why is a global agreement on climate change so elusive? What fuels the ongoing tensions between the US and China? The International Relations Summer School explores these pressing questions, equipping you with the tools to understand world affairs.

International politics often feels chaotic and unpredictable, but IR theories and models provide a framework to make sense of global events, helping us to cut through the noise and identify key patterns and motivations.

This course blends interactive seminars with hands-on simulations, allowing you to step into the role of global leaders. Will you negotiate a solution that benefits all, or fight for the best outcome for your own side? Step into high-pressure crisis scenarios – as the head of NATO forces, a UN diplomat, or a Chinese politburo member – and test your strategic decision-making. Your choices will shape the outcome, with expert feedback to unpack the results.

If you see yourself setting foreign policy one day, or making speeches to the UN Security Council, or maybe administering an NGO in a war-torn region, then this is a great chance to see how the strategic decision-making involved in those roles might feel.

Explore key IR theories – from realism and liberalism to feminism and constructivism – and learn how they shape global decision-making. Regional and topical sessions provide a deeper dive into real-world case studies, bringing theory to life.

See a more detailed outline for this course.

Small class sizes ensure lively discussions, in-depth debates, and personalised feedback. You’ll also have the chance to connect with like-minded peers who share your passion for international affairs.

The tutors for this course are selected for their exceptional communication skills, outstanding academic record, and creativity in shaping exciting classroom spaces. They’ll challenge you to think critically, debate ideas, and apply theory to real-world scenarios – see our tutors page for some example profiles.

This five-day course is ideal for students considering degrees in International Relations, War Studies, Politics, PPE, or related fields. It’s also perfect for anyone eager to deepen their understanding of global affairs and diplomacy.

Ready to take the next step? Scroll down for full details on how to apply.

A United Nations peacekeeper wearing a blue helmet and camouflage uniform holds a rifle in a conflict zone, with UN vehicles and personnel in the background. A powerful representation of global diplomacy, peacekeeping, and international security—key topics explored in the International Relations Summer School.Why do some international conflicts escalate into war? Why is a global agreement on climate change so elusive? What fuels the ongoing tensions between the US and China? The International Relations Summer School explores these pressing questions, equipping you with the tools to understand world affairs.

International politics often feels chaotic and unpredictable, but IR theories and models provide a framework to make sense of global events, helping us to cut through the noise and identify key patterns and motivations.

This course blends interactive seminars with hands-on simulations, allowing you to step into the role of global leaders. Will you negotiate a solution that benefits all, or fight for the best outcome for your own side? Step into high-pressure crisis scenarios – as the head of NATO forces, a UN diplomat, or a Chinese politburo member – and test your strategic decision-making. Your choices will shape the outcome, with expert feedback to unpack the results.

If you see yourself setting foreign policy one day, or making speeches to the UN Security Council, or maybe administering an NGO in a war-torn region, then this is a great chance to see how the strategic decision-making involved in those roles might feel.

Explore key IR theories – from realism and liberalism to feminism and constructivism – and learn how they shape global decision-making. Regional and topical sessions provide a deeper dive into real-world case studies, bringing theory to life.

See a more detailed outline for this course.

A row of international flags outside the United Nations headquarters, symbolizing global diplomacy and cooperation. A fitting representation of the International Relations Summer School, where students explore global affairs, diplomacy, and international policy.

Small class sizes ensure lively discussions, in-depth debates, and personalised feedback. You’ll also have the chance to connect with like-minded peers who share your passion for international affairs.

The tutors for this course are selected for their exceptional communication skills, outstanding academic record, and creativity in shapingexciting classroom spaces. They’ll challenge you to think critically, debate ideas, and apply theory to real-world scenarios – see our tutors page for some example profiles.

This five-day course is ideal for students considering degrees in International Relations, War Studies, Politics, PPE, or related fields. It’s also perfect for anyone eager to deepen their understanding of global affairs and diplomacy.

Ready to take the next step? Scroll down for full details on how to apply.

Discovered My Interests
As my interests had mainly been in British politics, I had been worried that International Relations might not be the right university course for me. However, through the engaging ...
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Aithne
St Paul’s Girls School
Discovered My Interests
As my interests had mainly been in British politics, I had been worried that International Relations might not be the right university course for me. However, through the engaging teaching on the International Relations Summer School, which consisted of a combination of traditional teaching and practical exercises, I soon found myself engrossed in the material. The teachers are always willing to answer questions and clarify anything people are unsure of. I came away from the course with a greater understanding of the key theories of International Relations, and a previously undiscovered interest in international law and China!
Aithne
St Paul’s Girls School
Felt Like Uni
In short it was amazing, truly great, I loved hearing different perspectives from other scholars within this field. It felt as if I was in university, the Tutors were ...
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Mjay
Beal Sixth Form
Felt Like Uni
In short it was amazing, truly great, I loved hearing different perspectives from other scholars within this field. It felt as if I was in university, the Tutors were incredibly helpful and answered any question I had to the best of their ability.
Mjay
Beal Sixth Form
Real Life Examples
I’ve had an enjoyable week studying IR using a real life examples that have and are shaping our lives. It has not been purely theory based and the use of...
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Ray
Christs College
Real Life Examples
I’ve had an enjoyable week studying IR using a real life examples that have and are shaping our lives. It has not been purely theory based and the use of real examples has helped me to better understand different theories within IR. This course is helpful for students seeking an understand of IR in a interactive and easy to understand way.
Ray
Christs College
Great for Future Studies
This course gave me a huge insight into this fascinating discipline with enthusiastic teachers who were happy to help and made the week so interesting. This course covers ...
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Sophie
Kingston Grammar School
Great for Future Studies
This course gave me a huge insight into this fascinating discipline with enthusiastic teachers who were happy to help and made the week so interesting. This course covers the fundamental principles in IR facilitating my knowledge hugely for future studies.
Sophie
Kingston Grammar School
Inspiring Experience!
International Relations is so relevant to the world which we live in that going to the Debate Chamber Summer School has opened my eyes to international problems that are happening everyday! The...
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Mollie
Truro
Inspiring Experience!
International Relations is so relevant to the world which we live in that going to the Debate Chamber Summer School has opened my eyes to international problems that are happening everyday! The teaching staff are so knowledgable in their fields that every question thrown at them was answered in a clear and accessible way. This summer school has inspired me to even rethink my degree at university – I’m now looking at international relations as a possible choice!!!
Mollie
Truro
Great Overview
Really enjoyed this course, it was very interesting and a great overview of International Relations. It’s helped me gauge a better understanding of what IR actually is...
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Thalia
Latymer Upper School
Great Overview
Really enjoyed this course, it was very interesting and a great overview of International Relations. It’s helped me gauge a better understanding of what IR actually is and the types of things that would be involved if I did pursue it.
Thalia
Latymer Upper School
Eye-Opening & Engaging
Greatly stimulating, fun and incredibly useful, this course is ideal for people who want to supplement their knowledge on international affairs. It gave me the tools to analyse current ...
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Ellie
Stephen Perse Sixth Form
Eye-Opening & Engaging
Greatly stimulating, fun and incredibly useful, this course is ideal for people who want to supplement their knowledge on international affairs. It gave me the tools to analyse current affairs critically and gave me a much broader picture of how global politics functions today.
Ellie
Stephen Perse Sixth Form
An Invaluable Experience
I really enjoyed the IR summer school. The tutors were engaging and informative, encouraging us to involve ourselves in the subject. I learnt a lot during the course, and ...
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Jeremy
Aylesbury Grammar School
An Invaluable Experience
I really enjoyed the IR summer school. The tutors were engaging and informative, encouraging us to involve ourselves in the subject. I learnt a lot during the course, and its ultimately cemented my decision to study IR at university. The source material was both interesting and relevant, and no matter what level of knowledge you have before the course, you will quickly find yourself engaging in debates and discussions. Overall an invaluable experience!
Jeremy
Aylesbury Grammar School
Intense and Memorable
Expect inspiring tutors, interactive lessons and an impressive group of students. I had an intense and memorable week at Debate Chamber, leaving with new friends and a new...
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Yasmin
Francis Holland School
Intense and Memorable
Expect inspiring tutors, interactive lessons and an impressive group of students. I had an intense and memorable week at Debate Chamber, leaving with new friends and a new passion for international law. We debated about global issues and negotiated responses to complex international dilemmas. A particular highlight was simulating China’s response to Japan claiming the Senkaku islands – we were tearing our hair out! I highly recommend IR if you want to learn the story behind the handshakes, peace talks and interventions that make the headlines.
Yasmin
Francis Holland School
An Amazing Course!
An amazing course for anyone who is interested in IR and current affairs, and is great for broadening your general knowledge. The tutors were all so enthusiastic and passionate ...
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Audrey
Cheltenham Ladies’ College
An Amazing Course!
An amazing course for anyone who is interested in IR and current affairs, and is great for broadening your general knowledge. The tutors were all so enthusiastic and passionate about the subject, making it all the more enjoyable.
Audrey
Cheltenham Ladies’ College
Exciting Activities
The International Relations Summer School gave me great insight into what the degree entails. With lots of exciting activities, I was able to develop a deep understanding of political theories, ...
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Tasnima
Seven Kings High School
Exciting Activities
The International Relations Summer School gave me great insight into what the degree entails. With lots of exciting activities, I was able to develop a deep understanding of political theories, the role of states on the international stage, the degree to which non-govermental organisations can assert power and the economic situation in Europe and around the globe. It has motivated me to persue a career in the political field and I thoroughly enjoyed working and learning with others who have the same passion for International Relations as I do. I would recommend this course to anyone interested in the study of international relations/politics.
Tasnima
Seven Kings High School
A Transformative Five Days
Overall, the international relations course provided me with some of the most fascinating and useful five days I have ever experienced. I have come away from ...
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Lucy
Brighton College
A Transformative Five Days
Overall, the international relations course provided me with some of the most fascinating and useful five days I have ever experienced. I have come away from it feeling much more well-informed on international relations as a whole, and also feel much more comfortable in analyzing big chunks of information and questioning what I read.
Lucy
Brighton College
Great People!
This course was great, both in terms of what was taught by the teachers and the other people on the course. There were, of course, a number of...
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Katie
Benenden School
Great People!
This course was great, both in terms of what was taught by the teachers and the other people on the course. There were, of course, a number of heated debates which were very interesting, and you felt free to say your opinion, for whilst the others might not agree with you, everyone’s opinion was completely respected, and the teachers made sure that everyone got a say. The teachers were fantastic; they were all both very knowledgable about their subject and very interested in it, and we’re happy to spend extra time with you to talk over books they could recommend or clarify something for you. Overall, I really enjoyed this course, as I learnt more than I could have imagined (to the point where I am actively considering studying IR at university), made some good friends and would definitely recommend it to anyone even vaguely interested in IR.
Katie
Benenden School
Future Prime Ministers
I had the most incredible week at Debate Chamber and met some fascinating and intelligent people (with a few future prime ministers thrown in, no doubt!) The tutors were excellent...
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Antonia
Wycombe Abbey School
Future Prime Ministers
I had the most incredible week at Debate Chamber and met some fascinating and intelligent people (with a few future prime ministers thrown in, no doubt!) The tutors were excellent – so enthusiastic about their subjects and I loved the structure of the day and the different styles of learning (a mixture of lectures, reading and lots of heated debate). There were many opportunities to voice out own opinions too. After the week I felt so much more confident with regards to International Relations and as someone who has no idea about what to study in the future, I found the week really helpful in planting a potential future career seed! I really am thinking now about the possibility of studying IR at university! Thank you!
Antonia
Wycombe Abbey School
Friendly and Relaxed Environment
The IR summer school was really fun, interesting and incredibly useful. It gave me a clear insight into the study of IR. The tutors are all really friendly ...
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Caroline
Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Girls
Friendly and Relaxed Environment
The IR summer school was really fun, interesting and incredibly useful. It gave me a clear insight into the study of IR. The tutors are all really friendly and approachable. The sessions were all very informative and well structured, but at the same time set in a relaxed environment. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who wishes to know more about what is invovled in the study of IR or anyone who is thinking of studying IR at university.
Caroline
Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Girls
An Enlightening Week
The Debate Chamber International Relations course was fantastic. We learned really high level theories and discussed complex situations but it was pitched at a level that was both accessible and...
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Aura
St Paul’s Girls School
An Enlightening Week
The Debate Chamber International Relations course was fantastic. We learned really high level theories and discussed complex situations but it was pitched at a level that was both accessible and stretching. The multiple opportunities to contribute to discussions and debates made the sessions very lively. Doing group activities meant that you got to know the people within your group better and had a chance to discuss things in a more casual way. I found all the topics we studied really interesting and I think I have a much wider knowledge of international relations than I did before. This course has inspired me to go on and find out more about the subject of international relations as it is so important. I think it is a great course to take if you are intrigued by the subject, even if you don’t have much starting knowledge. Overall it was an enlightening week and I look forward to doing more Debate Chamber courses in the future.
Aura
St Paul’s Girls School
Loved the Debates
This was my first introduction to IR and I have learnt so much more than I expected to in only 5 days. Has been particularly helpful learning theories and applying...
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Jessica
Mill Hill County High School
Loved the Debates
This was my first introduction to IR and I have learnt so much more than I expected to in only 5 days. Has been particularly helpful learning theories and applying them to real life conflict.  I thoroughly enjoyed it, especially feminism and constructivism on day 5 as it is something I am passionate about. I found everything comprehensible, anything I didn’t initially understand was made clear by the teachers. I thought the teaching was very good, I loved the interactive debates where we got to share ideas and discuss possible solutions. I have met so many likeminded people, who introduced me to different perspectives and takes on modern conflicts. The teachers were very accommodating to any questions or needs.
Jessica
Mill Hill County High School
Engaging Simulations
I really enjoyed International Relations Debate Chamber. I was a bit concerned that everyone in the class would know so much more than me, but this really wasn’t the case...
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Alisa
The Abbey School
Engaging Simulations
I really enjoyed International Relations Debate Chamber. I was a bit concerned that everyone in the class would know so much more than me, but this really wasn’t the case. Everyone had strengths in different areas. Reenacting the Security council of the UN was the highlight of the week. If you’re interested in studying this subject at degree level, or you just want to know more about current affairs, then this is definitely the course for you!
Alisa
The Abbey School
Flawless
I had a thoroughly fantastic time at the IR Summer School. The course covered a wide-ranging variety of topics, something for everyone! The tutors were amazing too; not just lovely people, ...
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Rory
Caterham School
Flawless
I had a thoroughly fantastic time at the IR Summer School. The course covered a wide-ranging variety of topics, something for everyone! The tutors were amazing too; not just lovely people, but also great teachers, who made the sessions really engaging. I found the course really beneficial, and I would recommend it to anyone who like Current Affairs! The experience was one that will stay with me for many years, as it was a simply flawless programme. The one thing I would change? Make the course last forever!
Rory
Caterham School
Loved the Group Activities
This was a great, informative Summer School by Debate Chamber! I learnt many new ideas about International Relations, including various theories as well as real-life...
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Christia
The Henrietta Barnett School
Loved the Group Activities
This was a great, informative Summer School by Debate Chamber! I learnt many new ideas about International Relations, including various theories as well as real-life case studies. I think there was a great balance between lectures and group activities, and the atmosphere was comfortable and easy to express my thoughts in. The teachers were absolutely wonderful and kind, relaying the course material in a clear, engaging manner. I also loved the group activities and got to meet fun new people. Thank you so much!
Christia
The Henrietta Barnett School

International Relations Summer School – Practical Details

Please note: This is the in-person version of the course. For the online event, click here.

The in-person International Relations Summer School is open to students aged 15–18 and will run from 4th – 8th August (join the waiting list), and will be repeated on the 11th – 15th August (join the waiting list). Teaching hours are 10:30 am – 4:30 pm, with a lunch break.

📍 Location: Woburn House, Bloomsbury, Central London (nearest tube: Russell Square) [See more location details]. Please note: This is a non-residential course, so accommodation must be arranged independently if needed.

💰 Course Fee: £795

🔒 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.