Study days

We offer Study Days for Key Stages 4 and 5, working in partnership with the University's Gardens, Libraries and Museums, and academic departments.

Designed to provide academic enrichment, these events stimulate students’ curiosity about a topic relevant to their studies. They also offer insight into research and academic life at university.

Study Days may include:

talks from academics
hands-on practical sessions facilitated by academic researchers or museum staff
opportunities to meet and talk with PhD students and researchers
museum object-handling and guided tours linked to special exhibitions.

Interested?

Email learning@hsm.ox.ac.uk

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Women in Astronomy (KS4) - 7 March 2024

Aimed at girls in Years 10 & 11, this study day — in collaboration with the University's Astrophysics Department — highlights the role of women in astronomical research past and present. Includes a keynote talk, interactive workshops and a Q&A panel discussion.

Developing Vaccines: Challenges and Choices (KS5) - 9 February 2024

Hosted by the History of Science Museum and Bodleian Libraries, this KS5 Study Day will delved into the most recent research as well as the history of vaccination. Students met Oxford research scientists at the forefront of research.

Developing Vaccines: Challenges and Choices (KS4) - 8 February 2024

Hosted by the History of Science Museum and Bodleian Libraries, this KS4 Study Day will delved into the most recent research as well as the history of vaccination. Students met Oxford research scientists who are at the forefront of research.

Resisting Silence (KS5) - 16 November 2023

The History of Science Museum and Pitt Rivers Museum hosted a hands-on study day for Key Stage 5 students.

We examined the interpretation of slavery through museum collections and students had opportunities to hear from experts, develop their thinking and handle objects from the collections.

Women in Astronomy (KS4) - 3 March 2023

Aimed at girls in Years 10 & 11, this study day — in collaboration with the University's Astrophysics Department — highlights the role of women in astronomical research past and present. Includes a keynote talk, interactive workshops and a Q&A panel discussion.

Frankenstein Revisited (KS5) - 20 October 2022

Explore the impact of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein through sessions on Frankenstein and the Media, Frankenstein and Science, Mary Shelley: Close Encounter and a lecture on the consolations of nature in Frankenstein.

Luke Jerram COVID-19 vaccine glass sculpture (single nanoparticle)

Vaccines Past Present ... Future? (KS5) - 18 March & 11 November 2022

A study day in collaboration with the Bodleian Library delving into the history of vaccination, including recent progress in vaccine research. Includes meeting with Oxford research scientists, and will be ideal for A level students interested in medicine, biology, and international development.

Women in Astronomy (KS4) - 11 March 2020

Aimed at girls in years 10/11 this study day will highlight the role of women in astronomical research. In collaboration with the University’s Department of Astrophysics.

Past Present ... Future? (KS4) - 4 March & 16 November 2022

A study day in collaboration with the Bodleian Library delving into the history of vaccination, including recent progress in vaccine research. Includes meeting with Oxford research scientists, and will be ideal for GCSE students interested in medicine, biology, and international development.

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Typhoidland (KS5) - 14 February 2020

A study day in collaboration with the Bodleian and academic departments exploring the science of vaccination and the battle against typhoid. Will include academic lectures, exhibitions and hands-on workshops.

Typhoidland (KS4) - 13 February 2020

A study day in collaboration with the Bodleian and academic departments exploring the science of vaccination and the battle against typhoid. Will include exhibitions and hands-on workshops.

A New Renaissance? (KS3) - 11 December 2019

A cross-curricular cultural capital study day in collaboration with the Ashmolean and Bodleian exploring parallels between the historical Renaissance and today’s information revolution.

Frankenstein Revisited (KS5) - 22 November 2019

A study day in collaboration with the Bodleian Library for A-level English Literature students exploring Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein. Includes a contemporary theatrical performance, academic lectures, and hands-on science and archival workshops.

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Frankenstein Revisited (KS4) - 21 November 2019

A study day in collaboration with the Bodleian Library for GCSE English Literature students exploring Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein. Includes a contemporary theatrical performance and hands-on science and archival workshops.

Bioart and Bacteria Anna Dumitriu Exhibition Engineered Antibody copyright Anna Dumitriu

BioArt and Bacteria (KS4 & KS5) - March 2018

A study day linked with the special exhibition Bioart and Bacteria of artwork created by internationally renowned bioartist Anna Dumitriu, drawing on contemporary science in the field of antibiotics and microbiology. It included workshops about the development of penicillin in wartime Oxford and the rise of antimicrobial resistance in modern medicine. Students met with researchers and enjoyed hands-on art and science activities.

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Back from the Dead: Penicillin and Antibiotics (KS4 & KS5) - 2016 and 2017

Study day linked with the special exhibition Back from the Dead about the amazing story of the development of penicillin in wartime Oxford, the rise of antimicrobial resistance in modern medicine, and challenge to modern scientific research. Workshops, exhibition tours, and hands-on activities with researchers.

Astrophysics (KS5) at the Department of Physics

A study day exploring ideas about the Universe, from a brief history of cosmology to current knowledge about the origins of the Universe. A full programme of lectures in the morning delivered by academics at the cutting edge of research from the University’s Department of Astrophysics, followed by practical workshops after lunch.

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Imaging, Medical and Scientific (KS5) at the Department of Physics

A study day about the use of imaging techniques in a range of scientific practices. A full programme of lectures in the morning including MRI scanning, electron microscopy and the history of scientific imaging, followed by practical workshops in University departments after lunch.

Penicillin (KS5) at the Sir William Dunn School of Pathology

During the Second World War, Oxford researchers Florey and Chain developed methods for extracting penicillin and carried out the first successful treatment of a human. Along with Alexander Fleming, they were awarded a Nobel Prize in 1945. A series of lectures traced the history of the discovery and development of production methods of penicillin, modern methods of synthesizing antibiotics, and the use of antibiotics in medical treatment. Workshops took place in the afternoon.

Understanding Einstein (KS5) at the Department of Physics

To celebrate the centenary of the theory of Special Relativity, a study day exploring various aspects of Einstein’s life and work. A series of lectures in the morning included a basic introduction to Einstein’s theory of relativity, the great quantum debate, the development of laser technology and an assessment of the impact of his work on modern astronomy.

Contact us

Chris Parkin, Learning Producer
Email: learning@hsm.ox.ac.uk
Phone: +44 (0)1865 287 406 / 287 019

Enquire now

Bookings and visit information

Plan your visit and make a booking.

Study days

Key Stages 4 & 5

Interested?