OUSSA Frequently Asked Questions

Useful facts about the Oxford University Summer School for Adults

Oxford University Summer School for Adults FAQs

If you can't find what your looking for below, please do not hesitate to contact us at oussa@conted.ox.ac.uk. We look forward to hearing from you.

Accreditation and assessment

Q: Do I have to write any essays for this course?

A:  Yes, this is a standard requirement for the Oxford Summer School for Adults programme.

You will have to submit a pre-course essay and an essay during the course. Your tutor will mark your on-course essay and you will received CATS points depending on your result. To find out more information concerning CAT Points being awarded please follow this link. 

Q. What accrediation does OUSSA provide?

OUSSA is an accredited summer school taught at undergraduate level; each one-week course carries 10 CATS (Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme) points at FHEQ (Framework for Higher Education Qualification) Level 4. Learn more about CATS points

Credit is awarded by the Board of Studies of Oxford University Department for Continuing Education.Students will receive a transcript of the amount awarded. Replacement transcripts are available for a nominal sum. 

Q: Can I take the course without seeking credit?

A:  No. The course is accredited and there is no option not to seek credit.

Q: Will I receive a certificate?

A: All participants receive a Certificate of Attendance at the end of their course.

Before you arrive

Q: How will I receive my course materials?

A:  All course materials are sent by email. If you do not have an email address, hard copies will be given to you on the day.

Q: Do I need to bring my books with me?

A: This should be listed on your course description, which will be emailed to you. If you are in any doubt, feel free to email us.

Q: Will I receive a visa support letter?

A: These are provided on a request-only basis, following full payment of course fees. Please email oussa@conted.ox.ac.uk. It is the responsibility of the participant to ensure they have taken the necessary steps to be admitted to the UK.

Q: What type of visa should I apply for?

A: Programme staff are not able to advise on visas. Please refer to the Department's advice on visas.

Q: What happens if I need to cancel my course?'

A: Please read the terms and conditions, this will give you more information with regards to the cancellation process.

Q: What is the weather like in England?

A: Unpredictable with both sun and showers during the summer!

 

Q: What level of English language proficiency do I need to attend an OUSSA course?

A: As students are expected to participate fully in seminar discussions and are required to produce written work it is important that applicants can demonstrate an appropriate level of proficiency in the four language skills - listening, reading, writing and speaking.

If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence of your proficiency in the form of an original certificate or a certified copy that is not more than two years old on the date the summer school starts. You must satisfy one of the following requirements:

  • IELTS Academic - minimum overall score of 7.5, with not less than 7.0 in each of the four components

  • TOEFL iBT - minimum overall score of 110, with not less than 22 for listening, 24 for reading, 25 for speaking and 24 for writing

  • C1 Advanced (formerly known as Cambridge English: Advanced or CAE) - minimum overall score of 191, with not less 185 in each of the four components.

For further information on English language qualifications:

The requirement to provide English language test scores may be waived in either of the following circumstances:

  • If you have completed a full-time degree-level programme at a recognised institution where teaching and assessment throughout the course was undertaken entirely in English, and the programme was completed with a gap of no more than two academic years to the course to which you are applying. If you studied this course in a country that is not majority English speaking, you will need to provide evidence that the course was taught in English. This can either take the form of a link to the appropriate page of the institution’s website or a statement from the institution confirming this.
  • If you have worked for a minimum of two years in a majority English speaking country where the main language for the role was English, and your role involved daily professional use of each of the four language components (reading, writing, listening and speaking).

Registration, accommodation and facilities

Q: Where do I go on the first day?

A:  Registration on the first day of your course will be in the reception at Rewley House.

1 Wellington Square
Oxford
Oxfordshire
OX1 2JA

Map and accessibility details

Q: I’m arriving in Oxford the day before my course begins. Can I book accommodation a day early?

A: This cannot be organised through OUSSA programme, but you may be able to book B&B accommodation directly with Rewley House.

If this is unavailable, you could also try an Oxford college. Useful websites for this are:

Q: What if I arrive after registration has closed?

A: If you will be arriving after 16:30, please contact the programme administrator beforehand if possible (oussa@conted.ox.ac.uk). You should enter Rewley House via the front door. On arrival report to the reception desk where they will have your welcome pack and further information.

Q: Can I bring guests to dinner?

A:  Absolutely – with the exception of the opening (Saturday) and closing (Friday) dinners. Tickets for guest meals can be purchased from reception.

Q: When can I check into my accommodation?

A:  Rooms are available from 13.30 on the first Saturday of your course.

Q: Are the bedrooms air conditioned?

A: No, as it’s an old historic building. Fans are available in each room.

Q: Will the bedrooms have a fridge?

A: No. but there is a fridge in the pantry in the building where bedrooms are located.

Q: Do the bedrooms have hair dryers? 

A: All bedrooms have hair dryers.

Q: Is Wi-Fi available at the Department’s facilities?

A: Yes, although due to the thick walls some areas have better access than others.

Q: When must I check out of my accommodation?

A:  You must check out by 10:30(am) on the final Saturday of your course.

Q: Is there anywhere close by to purchase essentials?

A: Yes, there are two supermarkets (Tesco Express and Sainsbury’s) nearby.

Q: Will I be given a Bodleian Library Card?

A: No. If you have a particular need to use Bodleian resources, you may be able to apply as an independent researcher. For details please see: www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/join-the-libraries/apply.

Concessionary fee

Q. Do you offer concessionary fees for OUSSA?

A concessionary fee is available for non-residential attendance only; participants will be responsible for finding their own accommodation.

This concessionary fee may be offered if you meet at least one of the following criteria:

  •  those in receipt of a UK state benefit: eg Job Seekers’ Allowance, Income Support, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, Housing Benefit, Employment and Support Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance or Severe Disablement Allowance;
  •  those whose sole source of income is a DWP State Retirement Pension and Pension Credit;

  •  those who are full-time students in Higher Education in the UK.

Documentary evidence in the form of a letter signed by the council offices or job centre will be required. Please note that evidence must be no more than four weeks older than the date of your application.

Concessionary fees start at £1200, and may be slightly extra where field trip fees apply.

To apply for the concessionary rate, please contact the Programme Administrator at oussa@conted.ox.ac.uk.