Academic Tutor | Oxbridge Summer Scholars | Law, PPE & Global Issues

About Oxbridge Summer Scholars

Oxbridge Summer Scholars (OSS) is a selective residential academic programme held at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. We welcome high-achieving students aged 14–19 from around the world for an immersive two-week experience that mirrors the academic rigour and tutorial system of an Oxbridge education. Our faculty includes university lecturers, postgraduate researchers, and subject specialists who are passionate about inspiring the next generation of scholars.

About the Law, PPE & Global Issues Stream

The Law, PPE & Global Issues stream is designed for students who want to engage with the big questions of justice, power, and governance — and who aspire to study law, PPE, philosophy, politics, or international relations at university. The curriculum weaves together foundational legal theory, moral philosophy, political thought, and an understanding of pressing global issues such as human rights, international law, conflict, and diplomacy. Each subject is delivered by a dedicated specialist, giving students an authentic taste of how these disciplines are taught at Oxbridge.

The Role

As an OSS Tutor, you will deliver high-quality academic teaching to small groups of motivated international students. You will lead seminars and lectures within your area of expertise, and conduct Oxbridge-style tutorials — one of the programme's defining features — in which students are guided to develop and defend original arguments in close dialogue with an expert. You will also supervise students' individual research projects, offering academic guidance throughout the process.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Delivering engaging, university-level lecture and seminars on topics within your subject area.

• Running Oxbridge-style tutorials with individuals or pairs of students, fostering independent thinking and intellectual confidence.

• Supporting students with their individual research projects, from topic development through to final presentation.

• Preparing teaching materials and reading lists tailored to the interdisciplinary nature of the stream.

• Collaborating with the academic team to deliver a coherent, stimulating curriculum across the programme.

• Providing feedback that is specific, constructive, and encouraging — in the spirit of genuine Oxbridge teaching.

• Being available and approachable during the programme to respond to students' academic questions.

What You Will Teach

Depending on your subject specialism, example topics you might teach include: classical and quantum mechanics (Physics), calculus and proof-writing (Mathematics), algorithms and computational thinking (Computer Science), astrophysics and cosmology (Astrophysics), geophysics and earth systems (Earth Sciences), materials science and nanotechnology (Materials Science), data science and machine learning (Data Science), or engineering design and innovation (Engineering).

Who We Are Looking For

We are recruiting specialist tutors across the subjects that make up this stream. You do not need to cover the entire curriculum — we are looking for tutors with deep expertise in one subject. Whether your background is in Law, Philosophy, Politics, or any other subject listed below, we want to hear from you. You will teach your own specialism and collaborate with fellow tutors to create an intellectually stimulating and interconnected programme.

We are currently recruiting tutors in the following subjects:

• Law

• Philosophy

• Politics

• Economics

• International Relations
  

Applicants should hold a degree in their chosen subject from a leading university.

We particularly welcome Oxford and Cambridge graduates, practising lawyers or barristers, and current postgraduate researchers in law or the social sciences.

You will also bring the following qualities:

• A genuine enthusiasm for your subject and the ability to communicate complex ideas in an accessible and inspiring way.

• Experience teaching, tutoring, or mentoring students at secondary or university level — formal or informal.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity, given the international and diverse nature of our student cohort.

• Reliability, professionalism, and a collaborative approach to working within an academic team.

• Willingness to engage with the interdisciplinary ethos of the stream — connecting your specialism to the broader curriculum.

Requirements

• An undergraduate degree in the relevant subject or a closely related discipline is required. An University of Oxford or University of Cambridge, G5 universities or Russell Group degree is preferred; a Master’s or PhD is an advantage.

• Current enrolment in, or completion of, a postgraduate programme is desirable but not essential.

• Right to work in the United Kingdom.

• Enhanced DBS certificate, or willingness to apply for one prior to the programme start date.

What We Offer

• Competitive daily or per-session rate of pay.

• A stimulating teaching environment with an exceptionally motivated international student cohort.

• The chance to work alongside a talented academic team

• Full programme schedule and teaching materials provided in advance.

• A rewarding opportunity to contribute to students' academic journeys at a defining moment in their education.

Programme Dates & Location

OSS tutors are typically engaged on a per-day basis. Each tutor delivers teaching on one dedicated day within a programme intake, rather than teaching across the full two-week period

16–19 Years Old

• July 5 – 18, Cambridge

• July 12 – 25, Cambridge

• July 19 – August 1, Cambridge

• August 2 – 15, Oxford

• December 7 – 19, Oxford

14–18 Years Old

• July 19 – August 1, Cambridge

• December 7 – 19, Oxford

Please indicate in your application which intake(s) you are available for.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your CV outlining the subject you would like to teach, your academic background in that subject, your teaching experience, and why you are excited to join the OSS faculty. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so we encourage early submission.