History including local and social history

Journey back through history and uncover the secrets of our past

Short courses for adult learners

Whether you're eager to explore a new interest or delve deeper into a historical time period, our short courses are designed for adult learners seeking intellectual enrichment. Taught in person or online, with some courses offered in both formats, so you can choose the study option that best suits you.

► View all short courses in history

► Ways to study: how our short courses work

More interested in ancient history? Take a look at our short courses in archaeology, ancient history and anthropology.

Part-time Oxford University qualifications

Explore the curious, the mysterious or the perplexing with a part-time undergraduate or postgraduate programme. Exchange ideas and develop questions with a group of like-minded peers sharing experience and knowledge in a range of historical contexts. 

Part-time qualifications in history

Part-time qualifications in history

Our part-time undergraduate courses and postgraduate degree programmes in history are designed for adult learners with busy lives

Part-time qualifications in local history

Part-time qualifications in local history

Our part-time local and social history courses concentrate on cultural and social aspects of history and on different strata of society.


Upcoming courses

In-person day/weekend • Short courses
  • Sat 12 Oct 2024
  • 9:45am – 5:00pm
Online - live • Short courses • Lecture series • Hybrid - in person or online
  • Wed 16 Oct 2024 – 20 Nov 2024
  • 11:00am – 12:15pm
Online - live • Short courses • Lecture series • Hybrid - in person or online
  • Fri 18 Oct 2024 – 22 Nov 2024
  • 2:00 – 3:15pm
Online - live • Short courses • Lecture series • Hybrid - in person or online
  • Fri 18 Oct 2024
  • 2:00 – 3:15pm
In-person day/weekend • Short courses
  • Sat 19 Oct 2024 – 20 Oct 2024
  • 9.45am Sat - 5.00pm Sun