History including local and social history
Enrich and extend your knowledge
Short courses for adult learners
Explore a new topic or revisit a favourite subject over the course of a few days, a few weeks or a term. Our short courses run in person or online, with some offered in both formats – so you can choose the study option best for you.
- View all short courses in history (including local and social)
- Ways to study: how our short courses work
Many of our short courses, including flexible online courses, weekly classes (both in Oxford and online) and some summer schools, can be studied for credit, which means they can count towards a recognised qualification such as our Undergraduate Certificate of Higher Education.
Interested in ancient history? Then take a look at our courses in archaeology, ancient history and anthropology.
Part-time Oxford University qualifications
From undergraduate level study to advanced graduate courses.
Upcoming courses
Online - live • Short courses
Augustine, the famous 5th-century North African bishop: profound philosopher, brilliant writer and preacher, fierce debater. Together we will read a wide selection of his works, including some transcripts of his sermons, to let him speak for himself.
- Tue 18 Apr 2023 – 27 Jun 2023
- 11 meetings
- 12:00 – 1:00pm
Online - live • Short courses
This online course provides an overview of how to trace family history in Britain from the present day to the 16th century using a range of digital and archival sources.
- Tue 18 Apr 2023 – 27 Jun 2023
- 11 meetings
- 2:30 – 3:30pm
Online - live • Short courses
We will explore the evolving history of Russia through a critical period of immense conflict and changes. Topics covered include: the post-Napoleonic era; Crimean war; the First World War; the October Revolution; the Stalinist takeover.
- Wed 19 Apr 2023 – 28 Jun 2023
- 11 meetings
- 3:30 – 4:30pm
Online - live • Short courses
Frederick's Prussia became one of the most powerful military states in German Europe by the time of his death, transforming the country. He championed 'Enlightenment' philosophy and the arts. This course will examine his legacy and historical importance.
- Thu 20 Apr 2023 – 29 Jun 2023
- 11 meetings
- 2:00 – 3:00pm
Online - flexible • Short courses
This course examines the rise and fall of the British Empire and its manifold legacies in Britain and beyond.
- Mon 24 Apr 2023 – 07 Jul 2023
Part-time qualifications
Part-time awards and graduate degrees in history and local history
Undergraduate Certificate of Higher Education
A flexible, part-time route to an Oxford University qualification. Gain credit from flexible short online courses, weekly classes, and the Oxford University Summer School for Adults. Explore a wide range of subjects in this multidisciplinary programme.Foundation Certificate in History
The two-year part-time Foundation Certificate in History introduces key historical periods and is equivalent to the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree in History at Oxford University.Undergraduate Diploma in English Social and Local History
A part-time modular course lasting two years, which covers English society from the early medieval period to the late twentieth century. Taught mainly through residential weekends, the course makes excellent use of Oxford’s historical resources.Undergraduate Advanced Diploma in Local History (Online)
Advance your skills and methodology in researching local, regional and social history with this one-year, part-time online advanced diploma. Taught completely online, the course is taught at third-year undergraduate level.Postgraduate Certificate in Historical Studies
A taught postgraduate qualification in Historical Studies.MSt in Historical Studies
One-year part-time course combining focused study of key historical themes and concepts in British and Western European history.MSt in Literature and Arts (MLA)
An interdisciplinary programme which encompasses literature, history, art, architectural history, political thought and the history of ideas. Designed around 3 sequential periods of British history, from Early Modern to the early 20th century.MSc in English Local History
The MSc programme draws on knowledge and skills acquired in many years of providing specialist classes in local history.DPhil in English Local History
Drawing on knowledge and skills acquired in many years of providing specialist classes in local history.