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Academics

Fields of Study: Humanities, Social Sciences, Sciences

Select two courses from a specially curated list of courses for this six-week summer program. Course offerings range from literature to economics, philosophy, engineering, and quantum mechanics. Small classes, discussion-based learning, and opportunities to work closely with British faculty are defining features of this program.

Unique study opportunities

  • Take on a research project on a topic of your interest, learn new research skills, and present your findings with the support of an academic mentor. (additional fee applies)
  • Review artist movements throughout history and how it affects our view of fine art.
  • Study behavioral economics.
  • Get an introduction to quantum mechanics.

Language

Language of Instruction: English

Language Study: None

Courses and credit

Requirements While Abroad

To successfully complete this program:

  • Take two courses (6 quarter/4 semester UC units each) for a total of 12 quarter/8 semester UC units.
  • Take all courses for a letter grade (pass/no pass grading is not available).

Current Program Courses

​There are twelve courses offered, and you can choose any two courses for the program. Exeter recommends selecting one course within your major area of study, and another course on a subject that is new and different.

In place of one of the courses, you can register in an Individual Research Tutorial (IRT). The IRT gives you the opportunity to choose a topic of your interest and develop an extended research essay under the direct tutelage of an expert. You also participate with other IRT students in an introductory class on conducting self-directed research, and a mid-session class on shaping your findings into a final research paper. Succeeding in an IRT requires prior knowledge in the chosen field of research, a high degree of self-motivation, engagement, and the ability to work independently.

Additional or optional coursework, internships, and research for academic credit are not possible on this program.

Catalogs and resources

Academic culture

​The program is based on the tutorial system, one of the key strengths of an Oxford undergraduate education. Each course includes four tutorials as well as twelve lectures and six seminars. In tutorials, you are taught in small groups, and you have the unique opportunity to learn to defend, analyze, and critique ideas and topics. Academically more rigorous than standard lecture courses at UC, the tutorial system is challenging but it ensures that you get direct, expert guidance as you undertake in-depth study in a chosen area of research. Instructors are drawn from Exeter College, Oxford University faculty, and from other distinguished universities.

Grades

You will earn direct UC credit and grades for all coursework. Grades for this program are usually available in early to mid-October.

If you intend to put yourself on your campus degree list for graduation while on UCEAP, consult your campus advisors before departure about possible delays in the degree verification process.