Natural sciences

Explore natural phenomena with Oxford University

Short courses in Oxford and online

Our courses in the natural sciences include biology, physics, astronomy and earth science, with some overlap into the medical and environmental sciences. Courses might be hands-on or philosophical, and might address topics as diverse as climate change, particle physics, animal behaviour, the universe or the brain. 

Many of our short courses can be studied for credit, which means they can count towards a recognised qualification such as our Undergraduate Certificate of Higher Education.

The video below was filmed during a past day school (Animals as Inventors) and is an example of what students can expect from our face-to-face classes. Presented by Dr Thomas Hesselberg, Director of Studies in Biological Sciences at the Department.


Upcoming courses

Online - flexible • Professional development
  • Wed 19 Mar 2025 – 23 Apr 2025
  • 5 meetings
Short intensive • Short courses • Professional development
  • Mon 24 Mar 2025 – 28 Mar 2025
In-person day/weekend • Short courses
  • Sat 29 Mar 2025 – 30 Mar 2025
  • 10.15am Sat - 5.00pm Sun
In-person day/weekend • Short courses
  • Sat 05 Apr 2025
  • 9:15am – 5:15pm
In-person day/weekend • Short courses
  • Sun 06 Apr 2025
  • 9:15am – 5:15pm
In-person weekly • Short courses
  • Tue 22 Apr 2025 – Tue 24 Jun 2025
  • 10 meetings
  • 7:00 – 9:00pm