ATHENA SCHOLARS

Recognising the inherent leadership qualities in every Athena Scholar, the aim of this track is to instil a deep understanding of what PPE (Philosophy, Politics & Economics) and International Relations (IR) entail. We provide analytical lenses through which to observe interactions among state and non-state actors. As political leaders must understand economics and business, we also include intensive seminars in Business Leadership & Entrepreneurship.

* Core Themes: Political Systems, International Relations, Security Studies, Diplomatic Studies, and Economics & Business Leadership.

* Issue Areas: Global Health Systems, Climate Change, and Conflict & Peace Studies.

Track 1 is carefully designed alongside Track 2 as a hybrid course, introducing 21st-century geopolitical scenarios and international relations theory. This part of the programme is designed to help develop future female leaders and build their knowledge of 21st-century international relations, from Women, Peace & Security (WPS) to humanitarian aid. Through various theoretical lenses, the student will work with other cohort members in seminars focused on Design Thinking methods.

This track is taught at the university level and is centred on the practical skills needed to be an effective leader. We explore ways in which effective strategic communications strategies have shaped public understanding of the world we live in today, and how to effectively shape and manage the narrative.

* Core Themes: Foreign Policy Analysis, Think Tank Report Writing, Writing Op-Eds, Strategic Communications (StratCom) and Public Affairs, and Working with the Media.

* Interdisciplinary Modules: We offer intensive seminars in English Literature (Shakespeare: rational actor models), Classics (political philosophy), and Creative Writing.

Track 2 is specifically designed to enhance, broaden, and strengthen essential skills for success in analysing foreign and domestic policy, reading and interpreting news and policy papers, and thinking and writing effectively and creatively. This part of the programme will broaden and strengthen essential knowledge within each Athena Scholar and help her build skills for success in public settings, from confidence in public speaking to presentation skills and writing.

Each student is assigned an Oxford Tutor who will help guide the student on creating a piece of written work. Tutors may also assist the Athena Scholar in preparing for university and defining their future academic trajectory.

* Athena Scholars All-Cohort Classes: Skills for Success (CV writing, University Applications). NEW for 2026: Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT) small group tutorials taught by an Oxford and Cambridge-educated Law Professor.

* Athena Scholars Individual Tutorial Sessions: Each Athena Scholar has 1:1 meetings with an Oxford Exchange Tutor to discuss her individual goals and to set a plan for achieving those goals.

Our courses are designed to give you real-world experience so that each Athena Scholar can look beyond the academic content and techniques and more fully understand the "why" of studying a subject in university.

We believe that everyone should have access to an affordable education. That's why we offer competitive tuition rates as The Oxford Exchange is a UK non-profit education organisation. Each Athena Scholar is awarded some sort of scholarship.