International Relations
Oxford College | Ages 16-17
Embark on a transformative journey through the intricate world of global diplomacy with our two-week International Relations course. Throughout this immersive experience, you will explore the fundamental pillars of International Relations, delving into the pivotal roles of organisations like the United Nations and NATO, and investigating further the political challenges inherent in our increasingly globalised society, gaining profound insights into our rapidly evolving world.
Engage in through-provoking discussions with academics and professionals working in the field, and participate in our Model UN Time To Shine project, where you will represent nations in conflict resolution simulations and hone your negotiation and diplomatic skills. Prepare to become a global citizen, ready to address the world’s complexities head on, and join us in Oxford where the future of international relations begins with you!
✔ 25 hours of subject-specific academic content per week with an experienced subject tutor, delivered through interactive seminars and hands-on practical workshops
✔ Opportunities to apply and share this knowledge with your peers through dynamic group projects, culminating in the end-of-the-week Time to Shine Ceremony
✔ An action-packed programme of guest speakers and industry experiences each week designed to give you first-hand insight into your chosen field
✔ Dedicated academic coaching sessions designed to support you in applying for a UK university, whether that’s writing a personal statement or preparing for a presentation
✔ Numerous opportunities throughout your academic program to develop your English language skills, whether that’s building vocabulary to talk about your subject, or developing your speaking skills to present your Time To Shine project
Subject + skills + language = success
At the core of our student-centered academic approach is a commitment to nurturing not just your subject knowledge, but also your communication, critical thinking, and collaboration skills through interactive lectures, dynamic seminars, and hands-on practical workshops.
We also emphasise the development of your public speaking and teamwork through group work and our Time to Shine projects. And finally, our programme of engaging guest speakers and industry experiences brings real-world relevance to your learning. This immersive learning journey will empower you with the skills you need for success in the 21st century.
Over the course of this two-week programme, you will:
Introduction to International Relations
In this introductory module, students will delve into the essential principles and concepts of international relations. They will explore topics such as diplomacy, conflict resolution, international organisations, and the global political landscape. Through case studies and interactive discussions, students will gain a solid understanding of the forces shaping our world and the key players on the international stage. This module provides a strong foundation for deeper exploration in subsequent modules.
Module 2 focuses on global issues that dominate international relations today. Students will examine critical challenges such as climate change, human rights, global health, and cybersecurity. They’ll learn how diplomats and international organisations address these issues through negotiations, treaties, and multilateral agreements. Through role-playing exercises and simulations, students will step into the shoes of diplomats, gaining practical insights into the complexities of global diplomacy and negotiation.
In this practical module, students will apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios. They will analyze current international events and engage in debates and discussions on pressing global issues. Students will also explore career opportunities in international relations, including diplomacy, international law, and humanitarian work. They’ll have the chance to develop and present their own international relations projects, applying the skills and insights they’ve gained throughout the program.
Over the two-week programme, you will participate in two Time To Shine Projects.
Week One: Mock United Nations (UN) Assembly
In the first week’s “Time to Shine” project, students will participate in a Mock United Nations (UN) Assembly. They will be assigned roles as delegates representing different countries and international organisations. Students will research global issues, draft resolutions, and engage in diplomatic negotiations to address pressing global challenges. This simulation mirrors the proceedings of the United Nations, providing students with practical insights into international diplomacy, negotiation, and the complexities of global governance.
Week Two: Crisis Simulation and Conflict Resolution
In the second week’s “Time to Shine” project, students will participate in a Crisis Simulation and Conflict Resolution exercise. They will be presented with a complex international crisis scenario and assigned roles as diplomats, negotiators, and crisis managers. Students will work collaboratively to analyze the crisis, negotiate solutions, and develop strategies for conflict resolution. This project enhances students’ crisis management skills, decision-making abilities, and their understanding of conflict resolution processes in the context of international relations.
Develop your public speaking skills. Share your passion. Inspire your classmates.
Today, giving great presentations are a vital skill for achieving academic and professional success. Our programmes reflect this by having the ‘art of presenting’ at the heart of their content, and allow you to discover new confidence when using English in public situations.
It’s more than just a chance to enhance your public speaking skills, though; it’s an opportunity for you to share your passion and subject knowledge with your fellow classmates. Through your presentations, you will become sources of inspiration, and encourage others to delve deeper into your subject.
Dive deeper into your field beyond the classroom
Enhance your academic foundation with our comprehensive Industry Experience sessions. These sessions are both on-site, in which you will participate in workshops that are led by an industry professional and blend practical engagement with immersive learning, and off-site, in which students engage in excursions that complement your course content and will broaden your horizons.
Students participate in academic excursions that depend on their understanding of diplomatic strategies and international policies. Engaging in dynamic group discussions and roleplaying scenarios, SBC believes in mixing theoretical knowledge with real, practical experiences. In previous Industry Experiences, students visited Blenheim Palace and participated in a journalism workshop with a respected news editor from an established newspaper.
Leaders of today inspiring the Leaders of tomorrow
Every Wednesday morning, students can interact with leading professionals and academics. These sessions offer insightful discussions, expert views, and Q&A sessions that promote intellectual growth.
On the International Relations course, you will have the opportunity to engage with diplomatic professionals. Unravelling the complex ties between nations, last summer, students interacted with experts specialising in areas such as conflict resolution and global economic policy. These professionals delved into their unique areas of expertise, providing students with diverse perspectives on global affairs and contemporary challenges.
Stand out and shine
Whether you’re looking to apply for a UK university or just keen to make sure your university application is as strong as possible, our academic coaching sessions aim to ensure you stand apart from your peers. These workshops will not just focus on writing personal statements and preparing for university, but also help you to develop your public speaking skills, an integral skill for university courses.
| Start Date | End Date | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday 30th June 2024 | Saturday 13th July 2024 | 2 Weeks | £5,995 |
| Sunday 30th June 2024 | Saturday 27th July 2024 | 4 Weeks | £11,990 |
| Sunday 14th July 2024 | Saturday 27th July 2024 | 2 Weeks | £5,995 |
| Sunday 14th July 2024 | Saturday 10th August 2024 | 4 Weeks | £11,990 |
| Sunday 28th July 2024 | Saturday 10th August 2024 | 2 Weeks | £5,995 |
*Earlscliffe fee includes return transfers to/from London Heathrow and London Gatwick for flights/trains scheduled to arrive/depart between 9am-3pm on published arrival and departure day.
For other locations, we provide all our students with the option of using our Shared Transfer Service from/to London Heathrow Airport and St. Pancras International. The fees are:
| Campus | Single (one-way) | Return |
|---|---|---|
| SBC at Twyford School | £130.00 | £250.00 |
| SBC Canford | £130.00 | £250.00 |
| Headington | £130.00 | £250.00 |
| Eton | £85.00 | £160.00 |
| Oxford College | £130.00 | £250.00 |
| Cambridge College | £130.00 | £250.00 |
| Earlscliffe | Included in fees* | Included in fees* |
When a student arrives, an SBC staff member wearing a bright yellow t-shirt will be waiting to greet her/him and accompany them to our Welcome Club. At our Airport Welcome Club, she/he will have the chance to meet other students arriving, have some light refreshments and relax. After a little rest, students will be accompanied by students and SBC staff to board the coach and be taken directly to the school in a private coach.
The Shared Transfer Service can be used by students using the following flight and train times:
Flight lands on arrival day: 06:00-17:00
Flight take-off time on departure day: 08:00-18:00
The times outlined above also apply to students arriving and departing from Kings Cross St. Pancras train station.
If you book a flight outside of these times or to/from another UK airport, we can look at sending a staff member in a taxi to collect or drop off your child, but it will cost more than the Shared Transfer Service. Quotes are available upon request.
If you book a train or flight outside of these times or from another London airport, please contact your Admissions Manager for a private taxi quote. Please note this will cost more than our Shared Transfer Service from Heathrow, Kings Cross St. Pancras (& Gatwick for Earlscliffe students)
Important:
Flights must be booked on the arrival and departure dates so that all students can arrive and depart the course at the correct times.
The course offers a high degree of challenge, but the tutor can modify it based on the students’ comfort with English and aptitude for learning new material. At SBC we take great satisfaction and treat it as a matter of highest priority that all can participate in class.
For this course to have a significant impact, a level of B1 or higher is necessary.
In recognition of the students’ accomplishments, a graduation ceremony is held at the end of the programme, where each student receives a certificate.
Our in-house academic team has produced a wide variety of SBC handouts for students. Students need their own pens to participate in class; however, SBC notebooks and folders are provided during the first class.
Our in-house academic team has produced a wide variety of SBC handouts for students. Students need their own pens to participate in class; however, SBC notebooks and folders are provided during the first class.
Despite the fact that there is no pre-reading for this course, it would be beneficial for students to keep improving their English in the meantime.
A thorough awareness of world issues can be attained through studying International Relations. It’s an interesting and significant topic that emphasises economics, culture, education, and political science heavily and looks at how these factors affect society. In a classroom often containing students from as many as ten different countries, studying International Relations at SBC is a wonderful environment in which to explore different global issues.
English continues to be one of the most important languages of communication on a worldwide scale, and the UK has always played a vital political role in international affairs.
With an English-language degree in politics or international relations from the UK, you’ll be well-equipped to interact, negotiate, and conduct business with partners and clients anywhere in the world. In a vibrant multinational learning environment, at SBC you will gain the perfect preparation for a course in International Relations.
SBC has allowed me to see the world through a whole different lens. I heard diverse opinions and stories from other students, which enabled me to not only be a good listener, but understand them as if I was in their shoes. These skills are indispensable for both my future career and my life.
Be part of the solutions in our interconnected world. To begin the summer of a lifetime simply fill out our enquiry form below and one of our expert admissions team will be in touch.
