Short course
Understanding Space and Time
Course status:
Closed to new applications
Dates:
08/08/2026 - 15/08/2026
Study format:
Summer schools
Fees:
From £1,375.00 to £2,310.00
A non-mathematical overview of the current scientific understanding of space and time. Including an introduction to Einstein's theory of relativity, its consequences and applications.
Understanding space and time is more exciting than ever, as scientists continue to detect gravitational signals from merging black holes in distant galaxies, and to debate new evidence concerning the rate of expansion of the universe and the existence of dark energy.
Using the minimum amount of mathematics, this course offers a conceptually based introduction to the current scientific understanding of space and time, and a chance to learn about recent developments at the cosmic frontier.
This course is part of the Oxford University Summer School for Adults (OUSSA) programme.
Apply for this course
Apply using the button below.
Join the waiting list
Programme details
Seminars
Participants are taught in small seminar groups of up to 10 students, and receive two one-on-one tutorials with their tutor.
Course aims
This course aims to provide an introduction to the concepts of space and time and to the basic ideas, principles and applications of Einstein’s theory of relativity.
Accommodation
Residential options are outlined below.
Please see the ‘application’ section above for guidance on how to book or request the right accommodation for you.
Residential option
This includes accommodation and all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner).
View full details of Rewley House accommodation.
Non-residential option
We also offer places on a non-residential basis whereby participants can take classes and have meals (lunch and dinner) at Rewley House, having arranged their own accommodation elsewhere.
Location: Rewley House 1 Wellington Square, Oxford, OX1 2JA
Programme details
Seminars
Participants are taught in small seminar groups of up to 10 students, and receive two one-on-one tutorials with their tutor.
Programme details
Seminars
Participants are taught in small seminar groups of up to 10 students, and receive two one-on-one tutorials with their tutor.
Sunday
Seminar 1: Space and time before Einstein
Seminar 2: The arrow of time
Monday
Seminar 3 and 4: The Special Theory of Relativity
Tuesday
Seminar 5: Spacetime
Seminar 6: Curved space
Wednesday
Seminar 7: The General Theory of Relativity
Seminar 8: The geometry of the universe
Thursday
Seminar 9: The big bang and cosmic inflation
Seminar 10: Anatomy of a black hole
Friday
Seminar 11: Beyond big bang
Seminar 12: Causality, parallel universes and time machines
Programme timetable
The daily timetable will normally be as follows:
Saturday
14.00–16.30 – Registration
16.30–17.00 – Orientation meeting
17.00–17.30 – Classroom orientation for tutor and students
17.30–18.00 – Drinks reception
18.00–20.00 – Welcome dinner
Sunday – Friday
09.00–10.30 – Seminar
10.30–11.00 – Tea/coffee break
11.00–12.30 – Seminar
12.30–13.30 – Lunch
13.30–18.00 – Afternoons are free for tutorials, individual study, course-related field trips or exploring the many places of interest in and around Oxford.
18.00–19.00 – Dinner (there is a formal gala dinner every Friday to close each week of the programme).
A range of optional social events will be offered throughout the summer school. These are likely to include: a quiz night, visit to historic pubs in Oxford, visit to Christ Church for Evensong and after-dinner talks and discussions.
Teaching methods
The teaching methods used during this course may include:
- Short lectures/presentations
- Physical handouts
- Seminars/group discussions
- Video recording
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course students will have been given the opportunity to:
- understand the basic principles of physical theories of space and time;
- communicate their understanding using the appropriate scientific terminology; and
- assess the validity and reliability of relevant scientific information.
Assessment methods
Participants are required to undertake preparatory reading and complete a pre-course assignment of 1,500 words. Although this does not count towards credit, it is seen as an important way of developing your ideas and is mandatory. The pre-course assignment is typically due in the first week of June.
You will be assessed during the summer school by either a 1,000 word written assignment or a presentation supported by individual documentation. To successfully gain credit (10 CATS points) students should attend all classes and complete the on-course assignment.
Participants will also attend two one-on-one tutorials with their tutor during the week.
Please see the ‘certification’ section for more details about CATS points.
Dr Marina Debattista Debattista – Tutor
Marina Debattista has a PhD in Physics specialising in quantum field theory and is currently interested in the popularisation of science.
Certification
Certificate of Attendance
All participants who complete the course will receive a physical Certificate of Attendance.
Digital badge
You will also be issued with an official digital badge of attendance. After the course, you will receive an email with a link and instructions on how to download this. You will be able to share this on social media and add to your email signature if you wish to do so.
Academic credit
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.
CATS points will be awarded to students who attend all classes and complete the on-course assignment to the required standard. Please see the ‘assessment methods’ section below for more details.
Certificate of Higher Education
Credit (CATS points) earned from OUSSA can be transferred towards our flexible Certificate of Higher Education. This part-time, award-bearing course lets you decide what, how and where you study by gaining credit from short courses, including short online courses, in-person weekly classes and OUSSA.
For full details, including transfering credit gained from OUSSA to the programme, see our Certificate of Higher Education programme page.
Accommodation
Residential options are outlined below.
Please see the ‘application’ section above for guidance on how to book or request the right accommodation for you.
Fees
| Description | Costs |
|---|---|
| Fee Option 1 (Single en suite – inc. Tuition and Meals) | £2205.00 |
| Fee Option 2 (Double en suite – inc. Tuition and Meals) 1 person | £2310.00 |
| Fee Option 3 (Twin en suite – inc. Tuition and Meals) per person | £1850.00 |
| Fee Option 4 (No Accommodation – inc. Tuition, Lunch & Dinner) | £1375.00 |
Module code: O25I510SSR
Most courses fill quickly so early registration is strongly recommended. If your preferred course is fully booked, you may wish to add yourself to the waiting list and the Programme Administrator will contact you should a place become available.
Please note, the programme is only open to those over the age of 18.
Online enrolment (single person accommodation and non-residential)
Single accommodation, double room for 1 person and non-residential places should be booked online by clicking on the ‘Book now’ button at the top of this page.
Online enrolments require payment in full at the time of registering.
Enrolment form (multi-occupancy or accessible accommodation)
Those requiring twin, double or accessible accommodation (including ground/lower floor accommodation) should complete an enrolment form as these rooms cannot be booked or requested online.
Please send the completed enrolment form to the email address below. Both the PDF and Word option of the form below are editable, so you can complete them online before saving and sending to us as an email attachment. You do not need to print and scan them. (Please use these forms only if you are making a twin or double booking for two people.)
- Enrolment form – editable PDF
- Enrolment form – Microsoft Word
Those who have specific requirements (eg an accessible bedroom) should contact the Programme Administrator directly at oussa@conted.ox.ac.uk or OUSSA, University of Oxford Department for Continuing Education, 1 Wellington Square, OXFORD, OX1 2JA, UK.
Oxford University Summer School for Adults (OUSSA)