History Summer School
History isn’t just about what happened – it’s about how we make sense of the past and its influence on the present and future. This course tackles the challenges of historical truth, the methods historians use, and their role in shaping our understanding of the past. Along the way, students will engage with fascinating – and sometimes unexpected – case studies that bring these debates to life.
This Summer School is ideal for students considering history or related subjects at university, providing a taste of undergraduate-level study in an engaging and supportive environment. This intensive course will be conducted through seminars, lectures and informal discussions, in order to create a sense of what studying history at undergraduate level is like. This course is designed to challenge and expand students’ historical perspectives. No specific prior knowledge is required – just curiosity and enthusiasm for history!
If you would like to see exactly how the course unfolds across the week, you can read a detailed outline of the online History Summer School programme.
Through thought-provoking topics, students will question their own assumptions and refine their ability to analyse primary and secondary sources with a critical eye. By the end of the course, students will have explored key historiographical debates, analysed diverse historical perspectives, and honed their critical thinking skills – leaving them well-prepared for university study and beyond.
This is an immersive and varied learning experience, combining interactive discussions, lively debates, engaging lectures, group presentations, and close analysis of historical sources. Special emphasis is given to developing students’ skills as critical readers at an undergraduate level, as well as examining images, material sources and oral accounts. Participants will be supported in formulating and presenting their own viewpoints clearly and logically, and will be encouraged to challenge one another’s positions in a constructive and friendly atmosphere.
We’ve created a History Summer School FAQ explaining how the History Summer School works in practice – including academic level, simulations, reading expectations, and who the course is best suited for.
Ready to take the next step? Scroll down for full details on how to apply.
Friendly and Supportive
Attending the History Summer School was an amazing experience that I would recommend to anyone who has an interest in the subject! I left feeling like my mind had ...Seriously Recommended
It is an exhilarating and enjoyable experience. I knew no one else on the course, but with a shared passion for history I felt comfortable right away. Seriously recommend if ...Renewed Enthusiam
The History Summer School at the Debate Chamber is a great way to get ahead in history; I feel like I’ve now got a one-up on the other history students at my...Just Do It!
I learnt an incredible amount on this course! Before this Summer School, I wasn’t sure how to form and present a unique opinion on periods of history. But now...An Invaluable Experience
I found the History Summer School incredibly useful in confirming my desire to study history at university. It certainly gave me a much broader insight into the various topics and...Loved the Debates
The History Summer School was absolutely fantastic! The wide range of historical topics were extremely enjoyable to learn about, and I found out so many intriguing things about the ...Challenging and Thought-Provoking
I first arrived unsure what to expect as I have never previously been on a course like this before. However, I soon thrived on being in an environment where ...Brilliant Tutors
Before the History Summer School, I had no idea what studying history beyond the facts could be like. After the summer school, thanks to the brilliant tutors and the...Flowing Discussion
For me, this course was originally planning to be a sort of wake up from the summer. However, the five non-stop history filled days that we were given meant...Wished it was Longer!
The course was fascinating as it delved into questions that are left unexplored in school History lessons. Each day ventures into a new area or approach to History, ...Excellent Teaching
The history summer school was a brilliant experience! Consisting of a mixture of lectures, debates and plenty of group discussions, our tutors encouraged us to speak and participate at every ...A Taste of University
I find that at school, if you are slightly ahead for your class or on a completely different level to them, you are often held back as you ...Infectious Enthusiasm
The History Summer School provided me with a tantalising insight into the subject at undergraduate level, and has made me even more certain that it is the discipline that I wish...A Rare Opportunity
I absolutely loved the history summer school – we covered such a wide range of eras and topics that there really is something for everyone. My group was lovely,...Over Too Quickly!
The History Summer School was an extremely enjoyable and intellectually stimulating event. The week for which I attended the school seemed to pass far too quickly and by the ...Fantastic Experience
This was a fantastic opportunity to broaden your knowledge about such a fascinating subject as history. I learnt many new skills in a friendly environment and was able to talk ...Truly Fantastic
History Summer School was absolutely amazing, and really, really useful. I found it immensely enjoyable and eye-opening, even to the extent of being enlightening. The opportunity to...Made Friends
The History Summer School confirmed my passion for History and that it is definitely what I would like to pursue at university. Although I live almost 3 hours away, and took ...Valuable Insights
The History Summer School was a perfect supplement to A Level history. It gave me the opportunity to explore alternative approaches to writing history and periods of history which aren’t in...A Wonderful Week
I thoroughly enjoyed the week with Debate Chamber; not only were the topics stimulating but each teacher helped galvanise the group and guide us through some of the tough new ideas...Online – History Summer School Practical Details
📌 Please note: This is the online version of the course. To view the in-person option, click here.
📅 Course Dates: The History Summer School is suitable for students aged 15 – 18, and it will take place on the 10th – 14th August 2026.
⏰ Teaching Hours: The course runs for five days, with live sessions from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm each day, including a lunch break.
💻 Course Format: This is a live online event, held in small seminar groups for fully interactive discussions and debate. Sessions will not be recorded, so students must be available during the scheduled hours and have a reliable audio and video internet connection.
💰 Course Fee: £495
🔒 Booking: Secure your place with a 25% non-refundable deposit. The remaining balance is due eight weeks before the course starts. [See full booking terms and conditions here.]
📞 Questions? Call us on 0800 810 1058 or email [email protected].
Debate Chamber offers a limited number of full and partial bursaries to students who could not otherwise afford to attend. If you would like to apply for a bursary then please complete your bursary application here.