| Science - NEW FROM SEPTEMBER 2027 |
| Human Biology and Global Health | | This course explores how the human body works and how biological principles help us understand major global health challenges. Beginning with cell structure, biological molecules and the digestive and circulatory systems, students build a clear foundation in human biology before examining exercise, immunity, infectious disease and reproductive health. Alongside core scientific knowledge, the course emphasises the Nature of Science through topics such as observation and inference, correlation and causation, scientific consensus, and the ethical dimensions of medical decision making. Students will develop key transferrable skills including self management, problem solving, teamwork, communication and critical thinking as they analyse real world case studies ranging from cardiovascular disease and coeliac disease to pandemics, antibiotic resistance and global nutrition issues. The course concludes with an independent global health project in which students research a major contemporary issue and present evidence based solutions. | | Environmental Biology | | Environmental Biology introduces students to the scientific principles that explain how ecosystems function and how human activity is reshaping the natural world. Beginning with the foundations of ecology, biodiversity and energy flow, the course develops core biological knowledge through hands on data collection, fieldwork and analysis. Students explore conservation strategies, population ecology, the carbon cycle, climate change, tipping points and sustainable resource use, engaging with real scientific datasets from organisations such as NASA, the IPCC, the WWF and local Oxford ecology projects. Throughout the semester, the nature of science is emphasised through topics such as sampling bias, uncertainty in ecological modelling, ethical decision making and the challenges of interpreting long term environmental data. Key transferrable skills—including problem solving, teamwork, communication, systems thinking and project planning—are embedded in weekly activities, debates and case studies ranging from rewilding and deforestation to green technology and circular economies. The course concludes with a sustainability design project in which students research, plan and present an evidence based intervention addressing a contemporary environmental issue. | | Introduction to Computer Science | | Why do computers use binary? How are colours, sounds and images stored as numbers? How does a CPU execute billions of instructions every second? These are just some of the questions explored in Introduction to Computer Science. This course introduces the fundamental principles that underpin modern computing by exploring how computers represent, process and communicate information, and how computational thinking is used to solve complex problems. Alongside studying algorithms, computer architecture and operating systems, students will develop practical programming skills using Python, applying their knowledge to design, implement, test and refine software solutions to a range of real-world problems. Students will also begin to explore how programmers organise and manage data efficiently, developing the skills needed to design increasingly sophisticated software solutions. Through a combination of practical programming exercises, problem-solving activities and discussion of contemporary computing technologies, students develop logical reasoning, analytical thinking and independent learning skills, providing an excellent foundation for undergraduate Computer Science and related STEM disciplines. | | Applied Computer Science | | How do streaming services recommend what to watch? How does Google search billions of web pages in seconds? How can software be designed to be reliable, secure and scalable? Building on the foundations established in the Autumn semester, this course develops the programming and software engineering skills expected of students progressing to undergraduate Computer Science. Students extend their knowledge of Python through object-oriented programming, learning how software is designed, modelled using UML, tested and maintained using professional software engineering practices. They will explore the data structures that underpin efficient software development, before applying these concepts to the design and implementation of relational databases using SQL. The course also introduces computer networking, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and machine learning, while encouraging students to consider the ethical and societal implications of emerging technologies. Through practical programming, independent problem solving and real-world case studies, students develop the technical knowledge, analytical thinking and confidence required for university-level Computer Science. |
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| English Literature |
| Introduction to English Literature | | Refine your English as you learn from England's greatest writers and poets. This course will take you on a journey through English literature from Shakespeare to the present day and is intended to foster close critical readings of significant works in their original literary and historical contexts. Students will be given the opportunity to engage in detail with different kinds of texts, including poems, plays, novels, and essays. They will learn appropriate technical terms as they proceed and will be encouraged to reflect on the development of English literature while focusing on individual writers and their critical reputations. The course includes field trips to sites in Oxford to explore the city's famous authors and literary settings. | | Oxford and Fantasy Literature | | The literary genre of 'fantasy fiction' was forged in Oxford. The four most successful and influential fantasy worlds were created in here: Lewis Carroll's 'Wonderland', J.R.R. Tolkien's 'Middle-earth', C.S. Lewis's Narnia' and the darker, contemporary world created by Philip Pullman for 'His Dark Materials'; so, these texts form the heart of this class. We will explore the physical and intellectual landscape of Oxford and how it influenced the imaginary worlds of these authors. The course considers the nature of myth, allegory and symbolism in the fantasy genre; also, we will study the medieval literature which inspired it – from the Anglo-Saxon riddle and elegy to medieval romance and Arthurian literature. We will also consider film adaptations, and whether fantasy is less an escape from the modern world than a way to understand and criticise its values. |
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| Communications and Film |
| Film Studies | | ‘Cinema is truth twenty-four times a second’ (Jean-Luc Godard, 1963). The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the theory, history and criticism of film. We will be discussing different ways of interpreting movies and applying some of these ideas to various film texts. Some of the analytical models we will employ, such as semiotics or psychoanalysis, will explore the complex language of the medium (how film communicates); others, such as genre and auteur criticism, will examine the ideological relationship between cinema and society (what film communicates). Special emphasis will be placed on the multiple relationships between Hollywood and World Cinema, and between literature and film. There will be screenings throughout the course, and clips from a diverse range of exemplary films will be shown in class. | | Cross-Cultural Communication | | ‘Cross-cultural communication is a process of creating and sharing meaning among people from different cultural backgrounds using a variety of means’ (The SAGE Encyclopedia of Communication Research Methods, 2017). Drawing on a broad range of critical tools and theoretical perspectives – literary theory, cultural studies, anthropology, media studies, film studies, and the digital humanities – we will apply these methods and concepts to a wide variety of cultural texts and media forms (including literature, journalism, photography, film, television, music, and digital media). In particular, we will examine the ways in which individuals tend to define themselves with and against ‘others’ and consider the implications of this psychosocial and political dynamic. This course will provide students with theoretical and practical frameworks through which to explore and understand cross-cultural issues in the contemporary world. |
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| Politics and Philosophy |
| Introduction to Politics | | What is Politics? How do different political systems work and what do terms like 'state', 'democracy' or 'civil society' really mean? Is the politics of today less ideological, or are ideologies now just less visible? These and other questions will be addressed in this introductory course in Politics. The class will consider the nature of democracy, constitutions and political parties and how presidential, parliamentary and authoritarian systems are constructed and function. The course also analyses how politics relates to religion, the media and wider society and relates models and ideologies to real case studies and contemporary issues. Students look beyond the classroom with field trips, such as a visit to the Houses of Parliament, and supplementary lectures at the Oxford University Blavatnik School of Government. Students are drawn from a variety of countries and bring knowledge of their own diverse political cultures to the classroom. | | International Relations | | International Relations is now more important to the study of politics than ever as our world becomes more economically integrated and connected, and yet less politically stable. This course examines how globalization, ideology, political culture and religion influence the dynamic relationship between states -- and how political theory can help us to understand this constantly changing global landscape. Topics discussed during the course include: the roles and functions of international bodies such as the UN, the nature of armed conflict, the Cold War and international role of a 'superpower' and the threat posed by international terrorism. This course takes place in a very international classroom and draws on the different perspectives expressed by our diverse student body. Seminars are supplemented by lectures and talks organized by the Oxford University Islamic Studies Centre, the Oxford Union and Oxford Brookes University's Human Rights Centre. | | Introduction to Philosophy | | The Introduction to Philosophy examines chronologically some of the key thoughts and thinkers in the history of Western Philosophy to see how philosophical thought has progressed, and how it applies to other disciplines. Beginning with the question of what Philosophy is, the course moves through Classical and Modern eras to contemporary Continental thought. Philosophers considered include Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Hobbes, Locke, Kant, Nietzsche and Wittgenstein. Throughout the course the central ideas of key thinkers are examined at an accessible introductory level. By the end of the semester students will have a good grounding in areas such as knowledge of the external world, the existence of God and existentialism and will have learned ways of improving the quality of their critical thinking. The course will not only question what we think we know and how we come to know it, but allow students to identify the application of philosophical ideas and how they operate in the applied fields of religion, politics and morality. | | Ethics (or Ethics, Values and the Law) | | Ethics considers, from a philosophical perspective, what is meant by ‘good’, ‘bad’, ‘right’ and ‘wrong’. By approaching different theories concerning these concepts, including Utilitarianism and Kantian ethics, the nature of moral problems in everyday life will be illuminated and examined. Over the duration of the semester students will develop a multi-faceted appreciation of what is at stake in moral debates. The course considers both ethical theories and 'practical ethics', debates concerning how those theories may be applied. The first few weeks will focus solely on theoretical ethics, to equip the students, then the bulk of the semester will alternate between theoretical and practical ethics as the class considers crime and punishment, euthanasia, war and peace, freedom of speech and other ethical challenges we face both as societies and as individuals. | | Ethics, Values and the Law (or Ethics) | | Do we have free will? How far should we be bound by the law? Are there 'natural' rights? How do we find a balance between giving an individual liberty and ensuring this does not cause others harm? These and other questions will be considered in Ethics, Values and the Law as we address the relationship between political and moral philosophy. The course examines the notions of authority, freedom and responsibility and how individual freedom and moral responsibility is measured against the role of the state and the practice of the law. There are practical examples considered from environmental ethics, freedom of speech and medical ethics and students will be encouraged to consider and debate these subjects during the seminars. |
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| Psychology |
| Introduction to Psychology | | How does the human brain work? Why do we sleep? What do dreams mean? What do babies think? How do humans learn language? Does our behaviour change in a group? How do we study human thought and behaviour? This course is designed to answer these questions, and many others, by providing an overview of the scientific study of human thought and behaviour. Students will also be introduced to key theories and concepts across biological, developmental, cognitive and social psychology covering topics such as learning, memory, language, thinking, sleep, motivation, personality and social influences. Students supplement their in-class education with relevant study visits including the Wellcome Collection, to study health and medicine, and the Freud Museum in London to explore the origins of psychoanalysis. Students will also have the opportunity to experience ‘real life’ psychology by taking part in psychology experiments at a university psychology department. |
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| History and Law |
| Introduction to British History | | Oxford is the perfect place to survey 1,000 years of British history, from the reign of King Alfred, who built the first city walls here, to the First World War, which transformed Britain's place in the world and its social order. This history course is a topic-based survey and will show the development of Britain from the creation of a single English kingdom, to the Norman invasions of Britain, Magna Carta, the Black Death, Reformation, Queen Elizabeth, the 17th century civil wars and the emergence of modern Britain, with its empire and colonies. Each week we will examine how historians use a variety of materials as source material: coins, jewels and archaeological treasures; written sources such as chronicles, laws, and government documents; private letters and portraits; oral history, film and propaganda. We will visit historic sites in Oxford and London, Blenheim Palace and Oxford University's world class Ashmolean Museum. The course gives you the opportunity to learn about Oxford and Britain, understand our history and appreciate how historians have used both written sources and material culture to tell the story of Britain. | | Introduction to Law | | Explore the dynamic world of law with Introduction to Law, a foundational course designed to equip students with a thorough understanding of the principles and structures that govern legal systems, particularly the English Legal System. This course serves as a gateway to the study of law, introducing key concepts, terminologies, and frameworks that underpin modern legal practices. Through an engaging curriculum, students will explore the primary branches of law, including constitutional law, criminal law, civil law, contract law, tort law, international law and more. Each topic provides a balanced blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, helping students grasp how laws are formulated, interpreted, and enforced across various jurisdictions. Whether you are considering a career in law, business, public policy, or international relations, or simply wish to deepen your understanding of the legal frameworks that impact daily life, Introduction to Law offers the essential tools and knowledge to navigate and appreciate the complexities of legal systems worldwide. |
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| Art History and Visual Arts |
| Oxford Art and Architecture | | Matthew Arnold famously said of Oxford that she is a ‘sweet City with her dreaming spires’ and ‘Lovely all times she lies.’ This course gives students an opportunity to explore those dreaming spires and many other significant buildings and art collections in a city famed for its architectural beauty and history. There is a continuous tradition of civic, ecclesiastical and collegiate architecture in Oxford spanning over a thousand years. Our broadly chronological survey of art and architecture in Oxford will also allow you to understand developments in art and architecture across Europe. The course will be taught primarily through study excursions to Oxford colleges, buildings and museums. Students will have the opportunity to focus on a particular architect, artist, building, collection, or individual work of art, for further independent study in greater depth. | | Fundamentals of Drawing | | This introductory course develops students' skills and techniques while they engage with Oxford’s rich culture: visiting museums, galleries, exhibitions and working outside by rivers and in parks. The course aims to initiate or develop the students’ practical abilities in drawing and other creative processes. It is suitable for all levels of ability, including beginners, and adapts to the student’s personal interests and aptitudes. The student builds up a body of artworks in the school’s award-winning art studio using a variety of techniques which can include etching, silk screening and textiles. Projects typically include response to an exhibition at The Ashmolean Museum, landscape drawing in the Oxford Botanic Gardens and responses to the human figure, from both the Ashmolean Museum's 'Cast Gallery' and life drawing. Students keep up their personal artists' journal, improving their skills as they discover Oxford. | | Painting | | This course approaches painting from practical and historical viewpoints, and the student’s personal development interweaves investigations into art history and contemporary practice. We work in Oxford’s museums and galleries, including the Ashmolean Museum, or go painting outside ‘en plein air’ as well as using the many facilities in the college’s award-winning studio. It’s suitable for all levels of ability including beginners and adapts to the student’s personal interests and aptitudes. An experimental and eclectic approach is encouraged, to increase the students' visual thinking and imaginative response. | | Photography | | How does photography capture and communicate our experience of the world? Why are some photographs better than others? These and other questions will guide a lively exploration of photography on both a practical and theoretical level. We will investigate some inspiring ways to improve the quality of our pictures, and make full use of Oxford’s galleries and uniquely photogenic environment. This will be consolidated by college-based lessons that use both digital editing and older, darkroom techniques. The course introduces the students to contemporary critical theory, with emphasis on questions of meaning, power and identity and the production, distribution and consumption of the photograph within various media. The course will conclude with students making a portfolio of their best images, and displaying them in a small exhibition for others to enjoy. |
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| Business and Economics |
| International Business in the News | | International Business in the News examines global economies and markets, multinational businesses and foreign trade practices. Students will study the global challenges companies face. They will learn to appreciate how economic developments and political decisions have profound impacts on the pattern of world trade. This course will help students develop a global perspective and will allow them to see how globalisation has brought about an increasing 'connectedness' of businesses, markets, people and information across countries. Yet we will discuss how we cannot take globalisation for granted, especially given circumstances like the pandemic crisis, which may lead us into a more protectionist world. We will analyse the repercussions of these new challenges for international business. We will use case studies from current affairs to discuss the economics and politics of international trade. | | Introduction to Economics | | Economics is a significant social science which not only prepares students to study business but helps us understand the world around us. This introductory course will give you an understanding of the range of behaviours that economists investigate, introduce you to the basic tools that we use to analyse the economy, and apply these tools to public policy issues. It offers students the opportunity to explore microeconomic concepts such as market supply and demand, externalities, and industrial organisation, as well as macroeconomic concepts such as money, interest rates, inflation and unemployment. The course will examine, through readings and case studies, different economic models, the impact of globalization, what makes an economy grow and how -- and if -- a state should intervene in the market. | | Fundamentals of Marketing | | Fundamentals of Marketing is an introductory course designed to help students understand the exciting, dynamic, and challenging field of marketing. Primary emphasis will be focused on providing the student with the traditional and contemporary elements of marketing: specifically, how marketing relates to an organization’s strategy and decision-making. Topics include market research; branding, consumer behaviour, digital marketing and understanding the 'marketing mix' of product, price, place, promotion, physical evidence, people and process. The course will consider how businesses strategize and create a competitive advantage in a global marketplace, but also how business increasingly needs to consider sustainability, ethical issues and 'corporate social responsibility'. Teaching will comprise a mix of methodologies and include discussions and presentations based on readings or case studies. | | Entrepreneurship and Innovation | | Entrepreneurship and Innovation is about creativity, strategic thinking, and decision-making, whether working independently or within a team. This Entrepreneurial Business Ventures course is designed for those who want to explore both the process of innovation and the realities of launching and sustaining a venture. Throughout the course, you will develop your own ideas while contributing to a team-based environment that mirrors real-world business challenges. Balancing individual accountability with teamwork, you will refine financial plans, marketing strategies, and leadership skills while navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship. Through critical analysis, practical exercises, and case studies, you will examine different entrepreneurial pathways; including startups, intrapreneurship, and social enterprise; and assess the risks and rewards of business creation. You’ll also reflect on your personal entrepreneurial characteristics, gaining deeper insight into the mindset and skills needed for success. By engaging in both independent work and collaborative problem-solving, this course offers a dynamic learning experience where you'll turn ideas into action, adapt to challenges, and develop entrepreneurial thinking that extends beyond the classroom. Are you ready to shape the future, both as an individual innovator and as part of a team? |
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| Mathematics |
| College Algebra | | College Algebra is intended for students who wish to improve their understanding of basic mathematics or who wish to attain the standard level of College Mathematics required for general courses. The course is designed to highlight the application of Mathematics to everyday life problems and is particularly useful for students who intend to study social sciences, management, business or other courses that do not require the additional topics of Trigonometry and Calculus. | | Introduction to Probability and Statistics | | This course covers the basics of statistical rules and their application, modern probability theory and its use in statistical analysis and the application of probability and statistics to everyday problems. This course is useful for students of the social sciences, management, business, marketing, medicine and many other disciplines. |
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| Languages |
| Chinese (Beginners), French, Spanish or Italian (Beginners, Intermediate or Advanced) | | St Clare’s is an International College and offers a wide range of language courses at all levels: Chinese, Japanese, French, Italian and Spanish are available and other ancient and modern languages may be available on request. Languages are taught as tutorial classes, usually one-to-one, and the tutorial can either follow our syllabus or be adapted to your level, needs or the demands of an external exam you may be working towards. Contact us to discuss your options. |
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