International Relations Summer School

Cracked and fragmented flags of China and the USA, symbolizing global tensions and diplomacy, representing topics explored in the Online 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? This 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.

Silhouette of a fighter jet soaring against a dramatic sunset, symbolizing global security and military strategy, key topics in the Online International Relations Summer School.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.

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? This 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.

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
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
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
Absolutely Captivating!
This is a really engaging and informative course, that made me realise how interested I am in international relations, and has made me realise how fascinating the world around me ...
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Morade
Wycombe Abbey School
Absolutely Captivating!
This is a really engaging and informative course, that made me realise how interested I am in international relations, and has made me realise how fascinating the world around me is. Absolutely captivating!
Morade
Wycombe Abbey 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
Fast-Paced and Challenging
I really enjoyed the IR Summer School, it was fast paced and challenging, helping me to think about things I had never properly considered before. Everyone made friends quickly ...
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Kezia
Queen Elizabeth Grammar School
Fast-Paced and Challenging
I really enjoyed the IR Summer School, it was fast paced and challenging, helping me to think about things I had never properly considered before. Everyone made friends quickly and the tutors were really interesting, making learning about complex things fun. For example one afternoon was spent acting as the UN Security Council, with each student being assigned a country. You learn a lot and I would definitely recommend it to anyone thinking about studying IR at university.
Kezia
Queen Elizabeth Grammar School
Really Worth Going To
In short, brilliant tutors, brilliant topics, brilliant people. I never thought it would be this fun, this interesting. Highlights were the UN Security Council...
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Alexia
Downe House School
Really Worth Going To
In short, brilliant tutors, brilliant topics, brilliant people. I never thought it would be this fun, this interesting. Highlights were the UN Security Council, Military intervention and Syria. Highly recommended for everyone interested in this kind of thing, and even for those who aren’t – it completely changes your perceptions about important international issues. Really worth going to.
Alexia
Downe House School
For Budding Heads of State
This course was incredibly fun and extremely informative. It gives you a look at the world we live in from a new perspective and shows us the ...
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Mercedes
Cobham School
For Budding Heads of State
This course was incredibly fun and extremely informative. It gives you a look at the world we live in from a new perspective and shows us the messy but interesting politics that takes place within it. Its filled with interesting conversations and debates, and questions that will leave your brain at war! The people in the class are lovely, kind and genuine and I can honestly say I have learnt so much from this course, not just about international relations, but also about myself. I would recommend it to everyone; from budding heads of states to people who want to know more about the world around them.
Mercedes
Cobham School
Not the Average School Day
I found that the international relations course was great fun and very interesting as it both encompassed history in order to gain a better understanding, as well as...
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Oli
Highgate School
Not the Average School Day
I found that the international relations course was great fun and very interesting as it both encompassed history in order to gain a better understanding, as well as current events such as Syria.  Most of the sessions were interactive and helped yield a greater understanding of the subject like why conclusions are so hard to reach in the UN Security Council, or why an IMF loan can be so difficult to obtain. I found that all of the session leaders were extremely engaging and fun to learn from and that the course was a very different experience from the average school day. The group sizes (around 15) were very comfortable for discussion and making new friends. The location was also prime for good food within a five minute walk; we were given a map of all sorts of eateries and of the ones I tried, they were all excellent. Overall a week well spent.
Oli
Highgate 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
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
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
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 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
Very Well Structured
I particularly enjoyed the mix of formal lectures, group discussions and self-studying – for me it was the best way to develop my critical thinking and analysis. The teachers...
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Margot
Lycee Francais Charles de Gaulle
Very Well Structured
I particularly enjoyed the mix of formal lectures, group discussions and self-studying – for me it was the best way to develop my critical thinking and analysis. The teachers were extremely engaging and responded well to our comments, sometimes challenging our views by offering different opinions. The course content was sometimes intensive – but again that is what I signed up for. It was very well structured, starting with theory and then elaborating with concrete examples. I loved the learning space, it was very easy to take part in group discussions and develop our knowledge through informal exchange.
Margot
Lycee Francais Charles de Gaulle
Much More Confident
The course is really great to give you good knowledge of a wide scope of international relations. The lecturers are all really informed, friendly and helpful. I definitely came ...
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Catherine
Sevenoaks School
Much More Confident
The course is really great to give you good knowledge of a wide scope of international relations. The lecturers are all really informed, friendly and helpful. I definitely came away from the week much more confident in my knowledge of international relations.
Catherine
Sevenoaks 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...
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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
Taught Me So Much!
The International Relations Summer School taught me a vast amount of knowledge in such a short space of time and teaches beyond any A level syllabus. The friendly atmosphere...
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Sabrina
Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls
Taught Me So Much!
The International Relations Summer School taught me a vast amount of knowledge in such a short space of time and teaches beyond any A level syllabus. The friendly atmosphere encourages you to participate in fields you’re no expert in and have a go at tackling new concepts. I thoroughly recommend the course for anyone wanting to learn about why there’s conflict in the world, the real importance and role of international organisations and about world history.
Sabrina
Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls
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

Online International Relations Summer School – Practical Details

📌 Please note: This is the online version of the course. To view the in-person option, click here.

📅 Course Dates: The online International Relations Summer School is open to students aged 15–18 and will take place from 11th – 15th August 2025.

⏰ 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.