Literature, creative writing and film studies
Develop your own creativity and examine that of others
Join us for a short course – in Oxford or online
Start (or finish) your own novel, poem or play; produce critical analyses of classic and contemporary literature; or explore the cinematic works of a country, genre or director.
- View all short courses in literature, creative writing and film
- Ways to study: how our short courses work
Gain credit from short courses
Many of our short courses, including weekly learning programmes (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.
Part-time Oxford University qualifications
From undergraduate level study to advanced postgraduate courses.
- Undergraduate Certificate of Higher Education (gain credit from short courses)
- Undergraduate Certificate in English Literature (choose from two study options including one mostly online)
- Undergraduate Diploma in Creative Writing (choose from two study options including one mostly online)
- MSt in Creative Writing (formed of short residencies and a research placement)
- MSt in Literature and Arts (formed of online modules and short residencies)
- DPhil in Literature and Arts
Upcoming courses
In-person weekly • Short courses
This course is for those who have always wanted to write poetry, but have never actually tried, and it will take place within an encouraging and supportive environment.
- Mon 22 Apr 2024 – Mon 08 Jul 2024
- 10 meetings
- 7:00 – 9:00pm
Online - live • Short courses • Lecture series
The Greek word Logos means 'word,' 'reason' and 'order.' It's a central concept in philosophy, religion and science. We will explore Logos in these different fields, providing a powerful framework for understanding the world. 6 lectures with Femi Fadugba.
- Tue 23 Apr 2024 – 28 May 2024
- 2:00 – 3:15pm
In-person weekly • Short courses
This course offers an account of the most significant themes and examples of popular science fiction cinema from the 1980s to the present, exploring powerful new imaginings of the impact of radical technological change on human identity and society.
- Tue 23 Apr 2024 – Tue 25 Jun 2024
- 10 meetings
- 7:00 – 9:00pm
In-person weekly • Short courses
Thomas Hardy is one of the greatest novelists in the English language. This course explores some of Hardy’s major novels, together with a selection of his poems, short stories, and essays, to provide a richer understanding of his work and thought.
- Tue 23 Apr 2024 – Tue 25 Jun 2024
- 10 meetings
- 2:00 – 4:00pm
In-person weekly • Short courses
Ever wanted to know more about poetry but didn't know where to start? If so, this lively and accessible course is for you. Together, we will close read a selection of poetry from c.1850 to now, from Britain and Ireland, in relation to its wider contexts.
- Wed 24 Apr 2024 – Wed 26 Jun 2024
- 10 meetings
- 4:30 – 6:30pm
Part-time qualifications
Part-time undergraduate and postgradute programmes.
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.Undergraduate Certificate in English Literature
Find out more about our part-time Undergraduate Certificate in English Literature by watching our info session recording.Undergraduate Diploma in Creative Writing
For aspiring writers, the Diploma offers involvement in a wide range of literary projects over two years of focused part-time study. Two study options are available including an online option with a summer school in Oxford.MSt in Creative Writing
A two-year, part-time master's offering a unique combination of high contact hours, genre specialization, and critical and creative breadth.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.