Oxford Math Summer Intensive

A Week-Long Exploration of Mathematical Problem-Solving

Location: Oxford University
Date: 21st Aug – 29th Aug

Welcome to an Unforgettable Mathematical Adventure

Program Overview

Join us for an extraordinary 7-day journey into the captivating world of mathematics at one of the world’s most prestigious institutions. The OxMath Summer Intensive is designed specifically for ambitious students aged 16-18 who are ready to discover new ways of thinking and problem-solving through the elegant lens of mathematics.

Immersive Experience

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Oxford University’s historic colleges and gardens, this intensive program combines rigorous intellectual exploration with collaborative team activities, cultural experiences, and the opportunity to connect with like-minded peers from around the world. This isn’t just a summer program—it’s a chance to transform the way you think about mathematics and its power to illuminate the world around us.

Program Highlights

  • Direct mentorship from Oxford Professors and Academics
  • Hands-on exploration of 10 powerful mathematical strategies
  • Certificate from Oxford Mathematics Department
  • Personal recommendation letter
  • Immersive Oxford University experience
  • Team challenges and collaborative problem-solving
  • Explore Oxford Univeristy and participate in exciting activities

Oxford Math Summer Intensive Organizers

Simonyi Professor for the Public Understanding of Science at the University of Oxford

Marcus du Sautoy

About me

Marcus Peter Francis du Sautoy is a Fellow of New College, Oxford. He holds the prestigious title of Charles Simonyi Professor for the Public Understanding of Science and is also. A Professor of Mathematics at University of Oxford. His research spans number theory, symmetry, group theory, and zeta functions—traditional mathematical areas—with a strong emphasis on making mathematics accessible to a wider public. Du Sautoy is well‑known for his media presence: he has presented television and radio programs, written for major newspapers, and authored numerous books.

Experience
  • Renowned author of influential popular mathematics and science books
    – The Music of the Primes, Symmetry
    – Finding Moonshine
    – What We Cannot Know
    – and many more
  • Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
  • Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) and the American Mathematical Society

National Science Foundation International Fellowship, Oxford University

Dr. Randall Perry

About me

Dr. Randall Perry is the founder of Frontier Challenges and serves and serves as chair for multiple international youth educational initiatives. A former Senior Research Investigator and Royal Society Fellow at Imperial College London, he has focused his career on science education, astrobiology, and organic geochemistry of Mars. He has published widely, authored six adventure novels, and is active as a filmmaker and speaker. Beyond academia and education, Dr. Perry is an explorer, licensed pilot, and artist.

Experience
  • B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. from the University of Washington, with NASA certification in Astrobiology, and former Senior Research Investigator and Royal Society Fellow at Imperial College London.
  • Director of Frontier Challenges, Global Space Design Challenge Ltd (hosting summer camps at Imperial College London).
  • Distinguished academic researcher at Imperial College London and a National Science Foundation Fellow at the University of Oxford.

Led  by Oxford Math Department academics, this programme offers far more than traditional classroom learning. You’ll explore powerful mathematical strategies drawn from his groundbreaking book Thinking Better: The Art of the Shortcut, applying these insights to real-world challenges and developing skills that will serve you throughout your academic journey and beyond.

Why Choose
Oxford Math Summer Intensive?

Learn from leading Mathematical Professors

Experience hands-on learning Academics from Oxfords Math Department. The summer intensive aims to hone your passion for mathematics by introducing them to complex ideas and transform how you see mathematical thinking.

Master Powerful Problem-Solving Strategies

Discover the ten transformative strategies from Thinking Better: The Art of the Shortcut and learn to apply them in academic challenges, competitive scenarios, and everyday decision-making situations.

Experience Oxford’s Academic Excellence

Immerse yourself in the beauty and intellectual tradition of one of the world’s most prestigious universities, walking the same halls that have inspired centuries of mathematical innovation and discovery.

Earn Prestigious Recognition

Receive an official certificate from the Oxford Mathematics Department and a personal recommendation letter—credentials that will distinguish your college applications and open doors to future opportunities.

Build Essential Life Skills

Enhance your critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and teamwork abilities through engaging activities, collaborative challenges, and presentations that prepare you for academic and professional success.

Program Details & Enrollment Information

Essential Information

The OxMath Summer Intensive welcomes motivated students aged 15-18 from around the world who are passionate about mathematics and eager to challenge themselves intellectually. No advanced mathematical background is required—just curiosity, enthusiasm, and a willingness to think deeply about problems.

The program takes place at the historic University of Oxford, where students will be housed in college accommodations and have access to world-class facilities. All meals, instruction, materials, and activities are included in the program fee. Small group sizes ensure personalized attention and meaningful interaction with Oxford University Academics and the instructional team.

What’s Included:

• 7 full days of instruction and activities

• Accommodation in Oxford University colleges

• All meals and refreshments

• Course materials and resources

• Certificate from Oxford Mathematics Department

• Personal recommendation letter

• Guided tours and cultural activities

• Evening talks and social events

Key Dates & Requirements

Age Group

Students aged 15-19 years old (current high school students in grades 9-12)

Programme Dates

21st Aug – 29th Aug

Location

University of Oxford, United Kingdom. Students stay in historic college accommodations.

Program Fee

Contact us for detailed fee information.

Application Deadline

Rolling admissions until programs are full. Early application strongly recommended to secure your place.

Spaces are limited to ensure an intimate learning environment. Apply early to guarantee your spot in this transformative experience!

Your Weeklong Journey: Daily Schedule Overview

Day 1: Arrival & Orientation

Students arrive at Oxford University in the afternoon for a warm welcome. Enjoy a guided historical walk around Oxford’s iconic colleges, discovering the university’s rich mathematical heritage, followed by ice-breaker activities and an introduction to the week ahead.

Days 2: Mathematical Puzzles & Creative Problem Solving

Mathematical puzzles and outdoor team challenges promote collaboration and creative problem-solving. Working in diverse teams, you’ll tackle real-life mathematical puzzles that require both individual insight and collaborative strategy.

Days 3-4: Core Strategies

Dive into Pattern Searching, Algebra, and Probability through interactive lectures, hands-on exercises, and real-world applications. Each day builds upon the previous, creating a comprehensive foundation.

Days 5-6: Advanced Concepts

Explore Calculus, Geometry & Visualization, and Game Theory through practical sessions, group challenges, and strategic simulations that bring mathematical concepts to life.

Day 7: Synthesis & Celebration

Comprehensive review and group presentations where students showcase their mastery by solving complex problems. Closing ceremony with certificate presentation, recommendation letters, and celebration of achievement.

Day 8: Departure Day

After breakfast with the OxMath team, student make their departure. 

Ten Strategies for Thinking Better

Throughout the intensive program, students master the complete toolkit of mathematical strategies from Marcus du Sautoy’s acclaimed book.
These powerful approaches transcend mathematics itself, providing frameworks for clearer thinking in all areas of life. 

Pattern Searching

Identify recurring patterns in problems and leverage them to find elegant solutions efficiently. 

Probability

Use algebraic reasoning to transform complex problems into manageable symbolic representations. 

Geometry & Visualization

Develop spatial reasoning by visualizing complex problems in multiple dimensions. 

Computational Thinking

Understand how algorithms and computational approaches accelerate problem-solving.

Number Theory

Discover the elegant properties of prime numbers and their surprising applications. 

Algebra

Use algebraic reasoning to transform complex problems into manageable symbolic representations.

Calculus

Harness the power of calculus to optimize outcomes and understand rates of change. 

Game Theory

Explore strategic decision-making in competitive and cooperative environments. 

Logical Reasoning

Sharpen systematic thinking skills to solve problems with clarity and precision. 

Optimization

Learn techniques for maximizing or minimizing real-world variables to achieve optimal outcomes. 

Ready to Begin Your Mathematical Journey?