Academics in London

Studying in London as part of the Oxford Launch program introduces you to college-level learning in one of the world’s most dynamic global cities. Students and families can expect a supportive first-year academic environment that blends Oxford College’s approach to liberal arts education — discussion-based, relationship-centered, and academically curious — with the cultural richness of London.  Our approach emphasizes small classes, close faculty relationships, and meaningful experiences that extend learning beyond the classroom, while keeping your academic transition to college at the center.  

Your Fall Semester

 All Oxford Launch: London students enroll in five courses during the fall semester:  

  • Your Oxford-taught Discovery Seminar 
  • Your Oxford-taught General Education course 
  • Three additional courses taught by IES Abroad faculty, selected from subjects such as:  
  • Humanities and social sciences 
  • Arts and culture 
  • Global or London-focused topics 
  • Interdisciplinary electives 

 Full course listings for Fall 2026 will be available in the London Essentials Canvas course this summer. 

Students will use the London Essentials Canvas course to select their preference for their Discovery Seminar and additional Oxford faculty taught course by July 1.  

Students will use the MyIESabroad portal to select their IES Abroad courses during IES course registration in Summer 2026. 

Oxford College Faculty & Courses 

For Fall 2026, Dr. Leyla Eghbalzad and Dr. Anouar El Younssi will serve as the Oxford College faculty in London. Each will teach their Discovery Seminar and one additional General Education course that fulfills Oxford’s curriculum requirements. 

Your Discovery Seminar faculty member will also serve as your academic adviser during your two years at Oxford, providing continuity, mentorship, and support from your first semester in London through your transition to the Oxford campus. 

Below are brief previews of the Oxford‑taught courses. Full course descriptions and faculty bios will be available in the London Essentials Canvas course. 

Discovery Seminars 

Mind the Gap: Understanding Trauma and Resilience from a Global Perspective 
Taught by Dr. Eghbalzad 
This course explores how trauma and resilience are shaped by culture, history, and community. Students will examine psychological and social frameworks for understanding healing in diverse global contexts. 

Understanding Arab/Muslim Societies through Literature and Film 
Taught by Dr. El Younssi 
This seminar introduces students to literary and cinematic works that engage themes of identity, social justice, and human rights across the Arab and Muslim worlds. 

General Education Courses 

Introduction to Psychology (PSYC 111) 
Taught by Dr. Eghbalzad 
This course introduces major questions in psychology, encouraging students to connect theories of emotion, decision‑making, and behavior with real‑world experiences. 

Arabic Literature: East‑West Encounters via London 
Taught by Dr. El Younssi 
Students explore themes of cultural encounter and representation through literature from the Middle East and North Africa, with attention to historical and social contexts. 

IES London Courses 

In addition to their Oxford courses, students take three classes taught by IES Abroad faculty. These courses draw on London’s global character and may explore topics related to the humanities, social sciences, arts, culture, and contemporary issues.  

IES instructors are experienced in teaching U.S. university students and integrate local site visits, cultural exploration, and interdisciplinary approaches into their curriculum. Many IES faculty are chaired professors, published scholars, or leading practitioners in their fields, and all are trained in cross-cultural instruction. You can learn more about IES Abroad’s academic standards here. 

The full list of Fall 2026 IES course offerings will be available in Canvas and the MyIESabroad portal this summer. 

Where You’ll Take Classes: The IES London Center 

All courses, both Oxford‑taught and IES‑taught, will be taught at the IES London Center, located in Gray’s Inn, a historic legal district that has housed England’s legal institutions for centuries. The Center features modern classrooms with Smart‑Board technology, bright lounge spaces, and fully accessible facilities, all within a quiet courtyard just a few minutes’ walk from Chancery Lane Underground station. Housed within the Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn, one of London’s four ancient Inns of Court, the Center places you in a uniquely historic setting while offering a comfortable, welcoming home base for your academic life in London. 

Learning Beyond the Classroom 

London becomes an active part of the academic experience. Classes may incorporate visits to museums, theaters, archives, markets, and cultural institutions that deepen students’ understanding of course themes and provide exposure to the city’s diverse communities. 

Students also participate in group excursions outside of London designed to highlight the cultural, historical, and regional diversity of the United Kingdom. 
 Full excursion details and schedules will be available in Canvas. 

Academic Support in London

Students receive comprehensive academic support throughout the semester, including: 

Advising 
  • Your Discovery Seminar professor serves as your faculty advisor. 
  • You will be assigned a professional academic advisor from Oxford’s Advising Support Center (ASC), who supports course planning, degree progress, and your transition to Oxford’s spring semester. 
 Library & Research Support 
  • Oxford College Library provides virtual research consultations, chat support, and guidance on finding and using scholarly sources. 
  • Additional academic resources are available through IES London, including on-site study spaces and local library access.