Oxford Next Horizons is a rich, six-month experience designed for mid to late career participants from any field; a carefully curated programme of academic, social, cohort-based and individual activities, with space to explore your unique interests and perspectives. It offers Scholars membership of two vibrant Oxford communities: Harris Manchester College and Rhodes House. Community-building, study, dialogue and participation are therefore at the heart of the programme.
The programme runs from January to June and over two terms of 9 weeks each, Next Horizons Scholars pursue several strands of exploration.
Tuesday Seminars
Exploring Purpose and Life Horizons
A weekly two-hour seminar series, followed by dinner in the College dining hall.
Seminars will explore the questions ‘where am I in my life?’, ‘what makes for a Good Life?’ and ‘what’s next in my life?’. Scholars will generally be expected to undertake some preparatory reading for each session.
In the second half of the second term, Scholars will present their Personal Projects to the cohort.
Wednesday Experiences
This strand provides an opportunity for Scholars to connect with each other and with the wider Rhodes and Harris Manchester communities, as well as to explore the riches of the University. Activities may include:
- Intergenerational activities with Rhodes Scholars in Residence and current Harris Manchester students.
- Special-access visits to libraries, museums and other institutions around Oxford.
- A ‘discussion space’ for the cohort to explore their own priority topics together.
Thursday Lectures
Tackling the World’s Big Challenges
A weekly one-hour lecture series, followed by Q&A and an opportunity to chat to the speaker at dinner.
World-leading speakers from around the University will share their insights into the major global challenges of the present and future, and how Oxford-based research contributes to tackling them.
The dinner will give Scholars a unique opportunity to discuss these ideas informally with the speaker and each other.
Personalised Learning Journey
Scholars independently pursue a Personal Project, the nature of which will vary according to the individual Scholar's priorities. It may be a reflection on the experience of a life transition, exploration of an area of academic interest, or investigation of a major contemporary social challenge.
Projects will culminate in a brief oral precis for presentation and discussion with the full cohort.
Scholars will join fellow participants and an Academic Adviser (a member of senior Oxford faculty) in smaller ‘advising groups’ of broad academic interests, which will meet regularly to discuss their ongoing projects.
Scholars also have an opportunity to participate in Oxford-style one-to-one tutorials (four per term) on topics of interest to them, as well as attending any relevant University lectures.
The keystone of the Personal Project is personal study (independent reading/research) which the Scholar undertakes with guidance from their tutor(s) and Academic Adviser.
The programme is bookended by two retreats. At the Initial Cohort Retreat, a residential weekend at an external venue, Scholars strengthen their bonds as a cohort, and reflect on what they want to get out of their next six months. At the Final Cohort Retreat, a day event, Scholars reflect on their journey and experiences during their time in Oxford.
Other Opportunities
As members of the Harris Manchester and Rhodes House communities, Scholars will have opportunities to engage with the various events and activities taking place there, including:
- Musical events and chapel services at Harris Manchester College (and Scholars may wish to audition for the excellent college choir)
- Distinguished speaker talks and, arts events at Harris Manchester College
- Meet & Mingles with Rhodes Scholars
- Yoga classes at Rhodes House
- A rich and varied programme of public lectures and talks across the wider University of Oxford
Participants will also have the opportunity to connect virtually in advance of the programme. The programme is drawn together in a Final Cohort Retreat where Scholars reflect on their journey and experiences during their time in Oxford.
Applications for the 2026 cohort are now open, and you can apply to join it via the button below. The deadline for 2026 applications is Midnight GMT on 26 January 2025.
If you are interested in future years of the programme, please let us know by emailing nexthorizons@hmc.ox.ac.uk.