Tawara Summer Schools
Every year our summer schools attract hundreds of people from all over the world.  With an unbeatable mix of subject range, teaching quality and academic content our programmes provide a lively, bustling learning environment where curiosity, influence and illumination are everyday occurrences.
As a participant you will be guided by leading academics and encouraged to discuss, debate and develop your own understanding of the issues raised in class.  You will be inspired to think and reason in a different way, and to learn and develop new skills.  It is a very special experience and one that we hope you will enjoy.
International Community
We guarantee a vibrant and truly international community with over 60 nationalities and territories represented among our student body.  Our programmes bring together people of all ages and backgrounds, and friendships develop across age groups and nationalities.  The chart below shows where the largest groups of international students came from in 2016:
Participants are graduate or undergraduate students, and adults of all ages and backgrounds, bringing other 'life experience' to the classroom.
Programmes
Our 2017 programme has a tremendous line-up of academics who will deliver 190 courses and over 150 plenary lectures.  You can study from one to six weeks across a range of programmes.  Teaching blends classroom sessions with a series of themed plenary lectures and evening talks, which will explore new ideas and extend your knowledge of your chosen subjects.
With a wide variety of subject areas to choose from, you are sure to find something that suits your interests and needs.  Hundreds of possible programmes and course combinations enable you to build your own personalised study schedule.  Alternatively you can study a specific subject area in more depth with our specialist programmes.  Fees for specialist programmes are as follows:
Specialist Programme Fees			
	TWO WEEKS	ONE WEEK	
Ancient & Classical Worlds	£1090	£655	
Creative Writing	£1485	N/A	
History	£1090	£655	
Medieval Studies	£1090	£655	
Science	£1240	£720	
Shakespeare	£1240	£690	

Our teaching staff are gifted communicators and amongst the best in their profession.  All are dedicated to making their courses academically rigorous and immensely enjoyable.  We also invite guest subject specialists from other universities and institutions.  Many have taught on our programmes before and return because our students have recommended them so highly and because they enjoy the experience.
Our programmes are designed and delivered for adult learners, and applicants under 18 are not normally accepted.
Resources 
Once your application has been processed you will be able to access our Online Hub.  Here you will be able to liaise with fellow participants, download course materials and learn more about life at summer school.
During the course all students have access to our library which contains books listed on the course reading lists.  Computing facilities will also be available for your use.  You will be given a computer account to enable you to access email and write papers for evaluation.  If you are staying in college accommodation you will also be able to connect your laptop or other devices to the network from your room.
Accommodation
You can choose to stay in one of our historic colleges and enjoy a wide range of social activities and weekend excursions.  All are situated within walking distance of the teaching sites and the city centre which offers a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, shops and a daily market.
Accommodation is in very basic, single bedrooms normally occupied by undergraduates.  The accommodation fee pays for a single room, breakfasts and evening meals, unless otherwise stated.  There are no double or twin rooms available.  Couples are normally housed in adjacent rooms.  All rooms must be vacated after breakfast on your departure date.  Non-residential attendance is also possible if you prefer to find your own lodgings.
Language requirements
All summer school teaching is in English.  If your first language is not English you will be required to provide test evidence that your English is of a high enough standard.  The test result must show that you are able to understand and follow arguments presented in written and spoken English at university level.  In addition, if you are applying for Creative Writing programmes you must also submit a 300-400 word written document explaining your reasons for applying.
Visas
Visas are not needed by European Economic Area (EEA) or Swiss nationals.  Everyone else must obtain a Short-Term Study Visa.  We will support your student visa application.  To meet the visa requirements you must be at least 18 years of age, already have an unconditional offer to study in the UK for no more than 6 months, and have enough money to pay your tuition fees and support yourself while you are in the UK.  Visa regulations are subject to change.  Please check the UK Government Visa and Immigration website for the most up-to-date information.
Insurance
It is essential that you take out travel insurance before travelling to cover your journeys and your stay.  Your insurance must cover you if you have to leave early as we cannot refund tuition or accommodation fees if you have to cut short your stay.  Insurance should also cover any expenses incurred as a result of lost or stolen property, late arrival, early or delayed departure, or cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances.
Medical care is free if your country has a reciprocal arrangement with the UK.  If it does not, you must take out medical insurance to ensure you are covered during your stay, particularly if you have known medical needs that may require attention.  Medical and hospital costs are expensive and payment is often needed at the time of treatment.
Entertainment and Excursions
Evening lectures form part of your programme but we also organise a number of recreational events to give participants the opportunity to relax and meet fellow students.  These evening events are free and exclusive to summer school students.
We also offer an extensive range of optional weekend excursions which complement some of the subjects covered in the academic programmes and are a good way to meet new people, explore England and learn more about British culture.  The estimated cost of excursions ranges from £15 for a local walking tour and £65 for a day trip, to £80 for a theatre day.  All prices include travel.
There are many other evening and weekend activities during the summer, including music festivals, exhibitions, punting, walking tours and a season of Shakespeare plays performed in the college gardens.  Local guided walking tours are a good way to discover the city.
For further information please visit our website or contact the Tawara Summer School office.  They will be happy to help you.