Daily schedule
After registration on Sunday afternoon, we invite you to a welcome meeting in the Amersi Lecture Theatre in New Quad, where you will meet your tutors. Join us in Deer Park afterwards for our opening drinks reception, followed by dinner in Brasenose’s historic dining hall (informal dress).
Seminars take place on weekday mornings. Most afternoons are free, allowing you time to explore Oxford, enjoy a variety of optional social events (see details below), or to sit back and relax in one of the college's atmospheric quads.
Your course culminates on Friday evening with a closing drinks reception and gala farewell dinner at which Certificates of Attendance are awarded. For this special occasion smart dress is encouraged (no requirement to wear dinner suits or gowns).
Social programme
We warmly invite all Inspiring Oxford students to take part in our optional social programme, with all events provided at no additional cost. Events are likely to include:
- Croquet on the quad
- Chauffeured punting from Magdalen Bridge
- Expert-led walking tours of Oxford
- Optional visit to an Oxford Library or the Ashmolean Museum
- River Thames afternoon cruise
- Quiz night in the college bar
- Scottish country dance evening (where you do the dancing!)
Seminars
Monday
Introduction to the Dark Triad and Dark Psychology
Begin the week with an exploration of the Dark Triad, narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy, and discover how these traits underpin dark psychological behaviours. We discuss how thoughts and emotions are transformed into actions aimed at manipulating, influencing, and controlling others. You will gain an understanding of how these traits emerge in both personal and professional contexts, and why they are often linked to toxic environments.
Through interactive discussion and reflection, you’ll start developing the awareness needed to recognise dark psychological patterns and understand their role in creating and sustaining conflict.
Tuesday
Manipulation and Paltering
Today we focus on two subtle but powerful tools of psychological influence: manipulation and paltering. We define these terms and explore how they are used to gain advantage, distort perception, and undermine trust.
You’ll examine real-world examples and communication patterns, identifying how small distortions of truth can shape behaviour and decision-making. Practical exercises will help you spot manipulative tactics in conversation and media, while learning strategies to respond assertively and protect integrity in your interactions.
Wednesday
Gaslighting and Exploitation
Delve deeper into gaslighting and exploitation, two of the most psychologically damaging behaviours in the dark psychology spectrum. You’ll learn how gaslighting erodes confidence, distorts reality, and weakens resilience, while exploitation leverages vulnerability for control or personal gain.
Through case examples and guided analysis, we’ll explore how these behaviours manifest in relationships, leadership, and organisations, and how to rebuild confidence after being targeted. You will gain tools to recognise early warning signs, maintain self-trust, and create boundaries that protect against such manipulation.
Thursday
Triangulation and Conflict
Today, we turn theory into application. Through real-life case studies, we analyse how triangulation, the act of pulling a third party into a conflict to destabilise relationships, fuels dysfunction in teams and organisations.
We’ll study the psychological mechanisms behind conflict escalation, examining how dark personality traits distort group dynamics. You’ll work through interactive exercises to diagnose sources of conflict, understand power imbalances, and practise strategies to de-escalate and restore communication.
Friday
Reverse Psychology, Confidence Reversal, and Power Dynamics
On our final day, we explore the complex interplay between reverse psychology, confidence reversal, and power zones in conflict. We examine how these tactics manipulate perception and control outcomes, often shifting power subtly between individuals or groups.
You will learn to map power dynamics, understand psychological triggers in conflict, and practise techniques for regaining equilibrium and authority in challenging situations.
We conclude with a reflective session, integrating the week’s insights, and look at how you might apply your new understanding of dark psychology to manage conflict with clarity, confidence, and emotional intelligence.
