OVERVIEW
"Lucus Luminum” — a grove of lights. A place where bright minds gather to illuminate the world through inquiry, argument, and reason.
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Lucus Luminum is the most selective course offered by the John Locke Institute. This advanced, week-long seminar is designed for students of exceptional intelligence, curiosity, and ambition — especially those who have distinguished themselves in our summer schools or in the John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize.
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A small number of places are also available for outstanding applicants who have not previously attended our programmes or entered the essay competition.
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Participants will engage in small-group discussions (Precepts), often led by two instructors with differing views. The course explores controversial, conceptually difficult topics in philosophy, politics, economics, and the social sciences. Students are expected to prepare thoroughly, think independently, and argue generously.
17 – 23 August, 2025
AGES 16 - 19
ABOUT BRASENOSE COLLEGE
Lucus Luminum takes place at Brasenose College, one of the oldest and most architecturally striking colleges of the University of Oxford. Although the John Locke Institute is not affiliated with Brasenose or the University of Oxford, we are privileged to use its beautiful rooms, dining hall, and gardens for this extraordinary course.
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Notable alumni: William Golding, Michael Palin, Tim Harford, Sir John Mortimer, Toby Young, Kate Allen, Elias Ashmole, William Webb Ellis, Robert Runcie, Douglas Haig, and multiple prime ministers of Britain and Australia.
Topics You'll Study
A seminar environment where ideas are tested and refined.
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Logic & Epistemology
Ethics & Metaethics
Political Philosophy & Ideology
Capitalism & Market Failure
Government Failure & Political Economy
Game Theory & Rational Choice
Law, Liberty, and the State
Sample Daily Schedule
Morning Lectures and Precepts
Afternoon Dual-Instructor Dialogues
Cultural visits: Ashmolean Museum, Punting on the Cherwell
Evening Roundtables and Salons
Eligibility & Application
Open to John Locke Institute summer school alumni, and recipients of commendation, high commendation, or distinction in the Global Essay Prize. Ten spots are reserved for outstanding new applicants. Apply online through our website.
Why "Lucus Luminum"?
The Latin phrase means "a grove of lights" — a metaphor for a place of intellectual illumination where bright minds challenge and inspire each other.
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE
Arrival
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You should plan to arrive at the summer school on Sunday, 17 August. The check-in time is between 2 pm and 4 pm. We advise you to arrive early to give you enough time to check in, been shown to your room and receive your course timetable. A welcome talk is scheduled for 5 pm. Parents and guardians are welcome to attend.
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If you would like to be met by a driver at the airport on 17th August, we are offering a shuttle service from Heathrow airport at an extra charge. If you plan to take the shuttle please book a flight that arrives no later than 8.45am.
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It is your responsibility to determine whether you need a visa and, if so, what kind of visa you need and how you should apply for it. Every overseas student must have a valid passport to enter the United Kingdom. You can find all the information about UK visas here. For attending a short course in the UK, the Standard Visitor Visa is the one you would need. We can provide individual support on request for those who will need a visa.
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We advise you to purchase travel insurance.
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Departure
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On the departure day, Saturday, 23 August, check out is at 10am.
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We will be running a shuttle to Heathrow airport at an extra cost. If you plan to take the shuttle please book a flight that departs no earlier than 12 midday.
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Our staff will be available to help you on the departure day so you don't miss your flight!
