Courses

Oxford University’s Department for Continuing Education welcomes students of all ages and backgrounds, from anywhere in the world. We offer a wide range of adult education courses: from day events, weekly classes and summer schools to part-time undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

Find out more about the different course types below, or view all upcoming courses.

Open-access short courses

  • Day and weekend events run in person or online, with some offered in both formats. Explore a topic in depth over one or two days with multiple speakers or hone your skills in small workshops and hands-on practical sessions.
  • Weekly learning programmes are studied over one or two terms. These include courses that meet in Oxford, online courses with live-time sessions, and flexible online courses. Most of these courses are taught at undergraduate level, require coursework and may be studied for credit.
  • Lecture series are a series of six weekly lectures on a given topic, providing a comprehensive introduction to your chosen subject. All are held in person in Oxford, with the majority also being livestreamed.

Oxford qualifications and professional development

  • Undergraduate award courses (certificates, diplomas and advanced diplomas) are equivalent to, or taught at, first, second and third-year undergraduate level. Some have online study options and two are taught entirely online.
  • Postgraduate programmes (certificates, diplomas, master's degrees and DPhils) are a great way to continue your studies and further your knowledge, progress in your career, or learn for personal enrichment. Some are taught mostly online, some are formed of short residencies in Oxford.
  • Professional development programmes (CPD) include short courses and Oxford qualifications and are geared toward working professionals in many fields, including the health and medical sciences, technology, business, environment and sustainability. 

Summer schools

Join us for a study holiday in Oxford – for personal enrichment, academic progression or professional development. Many summer schools can be taken for credit, while others require no coursework and are non-assessed.

Find a course for you

Our search tool allows you to search and filter based on your own preferences.


Upcoming courses

Online - live • Short courses • Hybrid - in person or online
  • Sat 07 Dec 2024
  • 9:45am – 5:00pm
In-person day/weekend • Short courses
  • Sat 07 Dec 2024
  • 10:15am – 5:30pm
Online - live •
  • Mon 09 Dec 2024
  • 11:00am – 2:00pm
Online - flexible • Short courses
  • Wed 08 Jan 2025 – 21 Mar 2025
Online - flexible • Short courses
  • Wed 08 Jan 2025 – 21 Mar 2025