For many young people, law starts as an interest rather than a plan. They enjoy debating, care about fairness, or follow politics and global events, but don’t yet know what a legal or public-policy career might really look like. That’s where a Law Summer School in Oxford can make a genuine difference. When done well, it doesn’t just teach content – it helps scholars see whether they can honestly imagine themselves in this world.
At the Oxford Scholars Programme (OSP), every scholar begins by choosing one academic course from a range of options, including subjects like Engineering, Business, Medicine, Law, and International Relations & Diplomacy. Those who are curious about legal paths often select Law & Justice or International Relations and Diplomacy to build a strong academic foundation while studying in Oxford.
Alongside this, scholars can then choose a Career Exploration stream, such as Future Lawyer, Future Entrepreneur, Future Doctor or Future Engineer. This second layer is optional but highly recommended, because it connects what scholars learn in the classroom to what these careers look like in real life. You can read more about the Future Lawyer pathway on our dedicated webpage.
For those exploring law and related careers, one of the most powerful experiences is stepping inside the Royal Courts of Justice. Standing in a real courtroom, scholars see how hearings unfold, how different roles interact and how decisions are made. It’s often the first time that law feels less like an abstract idea and more like a living system that affects people every day.
That sense of realism deepens during the mock trial, where scholars act as lawyers, judges and jurors. They prepare arguments, respond to questions, think under pressure and experience what responsibility feels like in a legal context. Many come away from this saying, “I can actually imagine myself doing this.”
The journey continues beyond the courts. A visit to the UK Parliament shows scholars how debates, disagreement and discussion shape laws and policy. Those interested in diplomacy or international relations often find this especially meaningful. At the Blavatnik School of Government, they see how leaders respond to global challenges through policy and public service, and how law, ethics and strategy come together in real decision-making.
A visit to Oxford Town Hall brings things closer to everyday life, showing how local government works, how communities are represented and how leadership functions at the city level. Together, these experiences create a layered picture: law in the courts, law in Parliament, law in policy and law in the community.
When scholars combine an academic course in Law or International Relations & Diplomacy with the Future Lawyer Career Exploration stream, they leave not just with knowledge, but with something far more important at their age: clarity. They begin to understand what excites them, what challenges them and whether a future in law, politics or public service feels right.
If you’re considering a law summer school in Oxford, the Oxford Scholars Programme offers a structured way to explore this path with depth and intention. You can learn more in our programme brochure, or begin your journey by completing the online application form.
