Jeremy Bentham Scholars
Lifelong learning in Oxford
At The Oxford Exchange, our innovative approach to education will help you re-discover your 'inner academic'. Become a Jeremy Bentham Scholar with us and take the courses you always wanted to take. Adult learners: register your interest below and receive a 2026 Prospectus and Application.
Experience Oxford England with The Oxford Exchange
RESIDENTIAL Courses IN OXFORD, ENGLAND
Join other adult lifelong learners for 1-2 week sessions in Oxford. Participants live in Oxford University college accommodations and have breakfast and dinner in the college dining hall. Classes take place in Oxford University lecture halls and seminar rooms, and participants enjoy access to the private grounds of an Oxford college for the duration of the course.
PERSONAL ENRICHMENT
Have you ever dreamed of attending Oxford University? You may not have gained entrance to the University as places are very competitive, but you can spend 1-2 weeks living, learning, socialising, and contemplating in the magical setting of an Oxford college.
Tutoring & ACADEMIC COACHING
Get guidance and support from our academic coaches. Our coaches can help you improve your study skills, time management, and overall academic performance.Get personalized attention and support from our expert tutors. Whether you need help with a specific subject or want to improve your overall academic performance, our tutors can help you achieve your goals.
Unlock Your Potential with The Oxford Exchange
Transform Your Future with The Oxford Exchange
This summer, I had the illuminating opportunity to join a global cohort of learners, professionals, and educators at the University of Oxford as a Jeremy Bentham Scholar through The Oxford Exchange. The amazing Directors Craig Tiedman and Lousie Formby opened doors and ensured experiences most people in the world will live a lifetime without. Through their rigorous program, I was able to step back into the role of a student and dive into diverse disciplines.
While I excelled in Shakespeare, Ancient History, and Literature, I surprised myself on how Global Politics, International Relations, and Comparative Law also peaked my interest. Not only were the professors enthusiastic about their topics but I was blessed with an outstanding and brilliant cohort who made each seminar an engaging experience. I am beyond fortunate to connect with extraordinary professors whose passion and kindness has inspired the next step in continuing my education.
Will I ever be able to express my gratitude fully? Perhaps not. How can I explain the lifetime friendships, riveting network, and downright fun I have experienced within my time at Oxford. I've lived a lifetime in a week and I will carry these memories -- more importantly these special people -- with me forever.
Racquel (Jeremy Bentham Scholar 2025)
The Oxford Exchange - 2026 Summer Courses for Adults
The Oxford Exchange - OXFORD SUMMER COURSES
JEREMY BENTHAM SCHOLARS MMXXVI
Some of our past Scholars have referred to this ten-day intensive experience as addressing one's "incomplete education". For example, perhaps you specialised in the sciences, yet you always wanted to study Shakespeare, or International Relations, but never had the chance? This is your opportunity!
The core team at The Oxford Exchange have been designing and delivering online and residential courses for adult students and professionals for many years. In the summer of 2026, we will offer standalone Oxford residential courses for inquisitive adults. This particular course will be in its fourth season in 2026.
Who may apply: Adults - Individuals ages 18+ who are either current undergraduate or postgraduate students, professionals, or retirees who believe in the power of lifelong learning.
What is on offer for 2026? We offer a 10-day session in residence in the same Oxford college accommodations in which postgrads reside during term time. Bentham Scholars will take courses from our Studia Humanitas section and subjects from our "PPE" section. We also offer writing electives.
STUDIA HUMANITATIS (HUMANITIES) + CREATIVE WRITING
WHEN: 5 July - 15 July 2026
WHERE: OXFORD, ENGLAND
INSTRUCTION LEVEL: Oxford Undergraduate and Postgraduate levels
LITERATURE: Our Tutors have covered the works of Chaucer, Shakespeare and early classics of English Literature in past courses. We offer seminars that discuss the beginning of the "English Novel" and Victorian Literature (Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, Charles Dickens, and Rudyard Kipling). In the past, VIP Guest Tutors have also discussed authors such as Virginia Woolf, CS Lewis, JRR Tolkien, and others.
BRITISH HISTORY:: In this course, we discuss the concept of 'Britishness' and explore British influences on the world we know today. Our tutor will present specific events and movements in British History and contextualise it to the central themes of the 2026 overall course.
PPE (PHILOSOPHY, POLITICS, ECONOMICS) + INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
PHILOSOPHY, POLITICS, ECONOMICS (PPE): This course is inspired by Oxford's classic PPE course that has been taken by many a Prime Minister and world leader. At the discretion of the Tutor teaching the course, in the past we have added Security Studies, Peace & Conflict Studies, and Law to the mix.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (IR): Do you wonder how states and leaders create foreign and domestic policy? How do states interact with one another on the world stage, and who are the political philosophers who influenced the creation of the modern state? This course covers the theoretical aspects of IR in a comprehensive manner.
ELECTIVES
CREATIVE WRITING: FICTION WRITING: We get right to the business of writing in this course because we believe every person has a story to tell. Our Tutor discusses key aspects of great works of fiction including character development, plot and story evolution, pacing, dialogue, and other essential elements of writing.
WRITING FOR THE MEDIA / RESEARCH & WRITING: This elective will focus on non-fiction writing in the context of academic (Oxbridge style) research and writing methods. We also explore writing for the media through the lens of the BBC and the London think tank world.
A Scholar's Reflection...
Jonathan - Bentham Scholar 2025
The Jeremy Bentham Scholars Program delivered everything I expected and more. I had reservations about taking a rigorous course at Oxford, ranging from living in a dormitory, studying alongside brilliant young people, and the possibility of having to prepare for examinations.
I’m grateful for having the opportunity to experience the Oxford method of instruction including classroom, group, and tutorials which permitted me the opportunity to weave together themes regarding the individual and society drawn from courses covering the classics, politics, philosophy, economics, Shakespeare, and international relations. I also had the opportunity to complete a creative writing elective to hone my writing skills under the exemplary tutelage of Ms. Stephanie Hale who was extremely generous with her time, including reviewing and returning email messages on the weekend.
Never in my wildest imagination did I ever expect to step foot on the sacred grounds of Oxford. I commend The Oxford Exchange for democratizing access to Oxford for those willing to apply themselves. I will never forget the opportunities Oxford afforded me. Please pass on my very best wishes to Craig and Louise for a job well done. In my opinion, Craig and Louise are ambassadors to the world on behalf of Oxford.
I also commend the instructors and hardworking staff members inside the dining hall, porters, and janitorial staff. Well done!
The Oxford Exchange - Core Courses
BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP: The INTENSIVE MBA
PPE (Philosophy, Politics, Economics) + INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
PPE (Philosophy, Politics, Economics) + INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Thinking of applying for an MBA programme? It is an expensive endeavour and requires commitment and usually an exit from the job market for one to two years. Take our course in Oxford first to not only get a glimpse of what an MBA entails, but also to get a jump on the competition. This is an intensive course that introduces the student to the major elements of an MBA programme including: Marketing, Operations Management, Organisational Behaviour, Accounting & Statistics, Finance, and Entrepreneurship.
PPE (Philosophy, Politics, Economics) + INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
PPE (Philosophy, Politics, Economics) + INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
PPE (Philosophy, Politics, Economics) + INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Do you wonder how states and leaders create foreign and domestic policy? How do states interact with one another on the world stage, and who are the political philosophers who influenced the creation of the modern state?
This course is inspired by Oxford's classic PPE course that has been taken by many a Prime Minister and world leader. We add International Relations Theory and Law to the mix, and you have a very comprehensive course to choose.
studia humanitatis (Humanities studies): Classics & Literature
PPE (Philosophy, Politics, Economics) + INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
studia humanitatis (Humanities studies): Classics & Literature
Ever wonder how some people seem so well-rounded and can quote poetry by heart whilst offering informed opinions on ethics, morality, and human nature? You probably suffer from 'an incomplete education'. Perhaps you had an overbearing parent who influenced you to get a "practical" degree in medicine or business.
Now is your chance to get a crash course in the humanities in the historic setting of Oxford. Depending on student demand, we normally cover literature, classics, philosophy, and history.
Creative Writing: Fiction and Screenwriting
PPE (Philosophy, Politics, Economics) + INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
studia humanitatis (Humanities studies): Classics & Literature
Do you have dreams of writing a novel, getting it published, and selling the rights of your story to Hollywood? Did you know that more and more first-time authors are getting published and that television and film producers are in greater need of fresh new stories?
We get right to the business of writing in this course because we believe every person has a story to tell. We teach you character development, plot and story evolution, pacing, dialogue, and other essential elements of writing.
Elite Courses for Adults in Oxford - Summer 2026
2026 PROPOSED COURSE DESIGN - A TYPICAL OXFORD SUMMER COURSE
Tutorials: Each student is assigned to an tutor and is expected to complete an "Oxford Essay" (piece of creative writing) to present to the cohort at the end of the course. This is an opportunity for our adult students to challenge themselves and dive deep into a subject of interest.
Seminars: Our tutors will guide the cohort through themed discussions that reference subjects in postgraduate seminar-style. ALL PARTICIPANTS (current undergraduate students, graduate students, alumni, professionals, retirees) will participate in "All Cohort" seminars, Group seminars (organised by interest and experience),
Guest Lecturers & Discussions: One late afternoon or early evening, we will offer the opportunity for a prominent scholar to share their research or a book with the class. These tutorials are usually followed by dinner where the Guest Tutor is invited to dine with the students and further the discussions over a meal.
Local Study Trips: Students can use their free time to take shorter trips to places such as Blenheim Palace (Winston Churchill's childhood home), the Cotswolds, Chedworth Roman Villa, and other sites.
Local Tours: Students can explore Oxford through daily tours of the colleges where famous Oxonians studied (Adam Smith, John Locke, Thomas Hobbes, Shelley, etc.). View Chaucer's original Canterbury Tales, and tour Christ Church. There will be time to also visit the Ashmolean Museum (Britain's first public museum, the world's second university museum), the Pitt Rivers Museum, and other sites.
High Table Dinner: The cohort will experience a formal dining experience.
Activities: In the past, our staff have lead the cohort in a series of activities which may include Punting on the Isis, Pub Quiz, Pub Crawls, Movie Nights, Picnic in the Parks, and more.
End of Course Celebration: After each participant has presented their Oxford Essay to the cohort, we will gather to celebrate the end of the course, followed by dinner and drinks.
PARTICIPANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO:
Network and Build Global Connections: Our students come from all over the globe. Network with other lifelong learners in a magical summer setting in England. Socialize over meals or pub crawls in historical English settings.
Relax and Contemplate: Enjoy studying and reading in libraries and bookshops scattered about the city of Oxford. Read a book in the beautiful college gardens or in the back garden of a pub. Enjoy some downtime by enjoying a light “Movie Night” in the college or other social activities that may be on offer..
Plan Your Next Academic Journey: Each student is assigned a tutor. Fancy writing up a PhD proposal or writing papers for academic journals? Our tutors have all been through those challenges and will be able to advise you.
Write a Final Oxford Essay: Of course, you are also required to write an Final Essay to hand in to your tutor at the end of the course, so get ready to be challenged!
These elements above are examples of past features of our courses for adults. For a more accurate depiction of your course of interest, please request an enrolment form and course description from us: oex@oxfordexchange.org
August 2025 Cohort of Jeremy Bentham Scholars
Jeremy Bentham Scholars
Our Bentham Scholars excel! From our class of '25, one of our students has already gained entrance to Cambridge University. The cohort was amazing!