Oxford Spring School is a week-long course organised by the Department of Politics and International Relations at the University of Oxford. It offers graduate students and researchers from universities across the UK and abroad a unique opportunity to learn cutting-edge methods in social science.
The course includes multiple course options in quantitative and qualitative methods. Oxford Spring School runs around March and April in both in-person and online formats every year. The experience includes social networking opportunities such as a welcome reception and formal dinner.
Dates for Oxford Spring School 2027 will be announced in autumn 2026.
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Oxford Spring School 2026 Overview
Oxford Spring School 2026 ran from Monday 23 March to Friday 27 March.
In-person attendees had the option of booking accommodation at Lady Margaret Hall. The experience included a formal three-course dinner at Lady Margaret Hall on Thursday 26 March. Online participants had their own virtual welcome reception and networking opportunities.
Students had the ability to take one or two of these courses throughout the week:
Qualitative Methods: Interviews and Fieldwork
Advanced Qualitative Methods
Machine Learning
Causal Inference 1: Social Science Experiements
Causal Inference 2: Design-Based Approaches
Text Analysis
Data Analysis for the Social Sciences
Large Language Models
Tutor Marnie Howlett on her experience this year
Student Dianyi Yang on the diversity of participants
Tutor Tom Robinson on applying learning going forwards
Student Hannah Forsterling on her experience
Tutor Kalina Zhekova on her teaching approach
Oxford Spring School 2026 Testimonials
“It was a wonderful experience, and I sincerely thank you for organizing it. The overall atmosphere, the students, instructors, and organizers were all excellent. Lady Margaret Hall is also a beautiful place. I will definitely consider applying again next year.” Nurlan Rahimli
“Overall, extremely positive. I think the format is excellent, learning a 'method' in a week is super useful and makes you think a lot about the philosophy of science etc. The deep dive kind of teaching methodology is really helpful. The lecturers were good too and the food, catering, breaks, etc. all great!” Anonymous
“As a part-time student, I don't get the immersive experience provided by full-time study, but Spring School delivered. I've come away with more of an idea of what methods I will use, and how to apply them, and met some interesting people.” Anonymous
“The Oxford Spring School strengthened my foundations by turning abstract concepts into practical understanding. It refined my analytical thinking and methodological clarity, which will directly enhance the rigor and precision of my research, particularly in empirical analysis and interpretation.” Gülcan Doğanay
“I hope to use text analysis in my research and LLMs to improve my research workflow, and the courses I took gave me valuable tools for both.” Anonymous
"great opportunity to learn from researchers and practitioners at the cutting edge on applied research tools” Anonymous
“Both courses I took were very well delivered and had great content - enjoyable and informative. Good class size and mix of online and in-person students.” Anonymous
“The instructor is an expert in his field and has effectively shared know-how in the most efficient way. Data analysis with R was exciting, interesting and has opened a lot of possibilities for my now that I have gained valuable skills in data analysis.” Anonymous
“Data Analysis for the Social Sciences seem intimidating at first, but the lecturer was so effective that every session was the best math/statistics class I have ever attended. After a comprehensive week-long input on theory and coupled by practice/application PLUS the CODING, I am confident in applying my new skills set and revived love for math into practice by doing research and hopefully publishing on Q1 Q2 journals. The Oxford Spring School 2026 is the best decision I made this year--- Definitely!” Anonymous
"The tutor was an excellent choice - highly knowledgeable, with great communication skills, and a genuinely engaging and enjoyable person. I learned a great deal and enjoyed every moment of the course.” Nurlan Rahimli
