Online courses > Short online courses for the general public > FAQs

English Language Requirements

A good standard of written English is required for participation in any of our courses. Applicants whose first language is not English should be aware that proof of their English language ability may be required and must consist of one of the English Language qualifications listed below:

• British Council IELTS English Language at 7 points (academic module)
• TOEFL English Language at 600 points
• Computer-based TOEFL 250 points
• Internet-based TOEFL 100 points
• Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (grade C or above)

Applicants without one of these qualifications are also welcome to enrol but should be aware that they may be at a disadvantage if their English language proficiency is not of a comparable level.

Computing Skills

You must be familiar with the use of computers for purposes such as email and searching the Internet. If you want to brush up your computing skills before coming on the course, we suggest that you try out the free BBC Webwise Online Course.

We also have an online study skills course if you are new to studying at the higher education level or want to refresh your skills.

Minimum speficiations from computers

For details of minimum hardware and software requirements from your computer please see our Online Support site.

What is an Online Course like?

When you have successfully logged into your course, you will find a link to our courseware guide which explains how to navigate the course and some of the technical features that may be available in your course. The courseware guide is available here and we suggest that you take a few moments to look through this as it will help you become familiar with navigating your way through the online platform.

What can I expect in the first week?

Each of our online courses has an introductory "ice breaker" session that gives you a gentle introduction to the online course study environment and will include some activities designed to get you working online and introducing yourself to your fellow classmates (using the online student common room forum), working offline reading a chapter or two of your course text book and perhaps even asking you to post a comment about those chapters to the online discussion forum (see the General Philosophy Forum).

You will be required to do these types of activities throughout the duration of the course and it is worthwhile remembering that the more you contribute to the forum discussion sessions and take part in the course activities, then it is more likely that you will get much more out of your online course experience as a whole.

What can I expect from my online tutor?

Oxford's online courses are facilitated by our highly dedicated subject-matter specialists. The role of our online tutors is to provide academic support for you and your fellow classmates by supervising and monitoring all student and course activities and by personally contributing to the forum discussions and providing individual feedback on assignments and exercises.

As an example of the type of contributions you can expect from your online tutor, we suggest that you take the time to look through the General Philosophy Forum. The online tutor for this forum discussion is Peter Wright, if you look at Peter's postings you will see how he steers the students, offers an explanation of certain terms and suggests where students can find further supplementary reading resources.

What resource materials will I need?

Each course may have its own text book(s) that you will need to purchase prior to the course start date. It is worthwhile remembering that you may have to spend a further £20 or £40 on a course book(s) to accompany your online course study.

It is strongly advisable that you purchase the course text book(s) as this resource is used throughout the online course to stimulate course discussions, inform your own comments as well as being used as the main resource for your final assignment. In addition to the course text book(s), you will be asked to use the online resources within the course platform, as well as look for other online resources to supplement your own learning outside of the course platform.

How much time will I need to study each week?

You can expect to do around 10 hours of study per week - although much of this will take place offline and will include reading course books and assignment writing. You will also be expected to contribute to the online discussion forums.

Do I have to be online at specific times

As we have students studying from around the world the courses are designed to fit around your lifestyle from wherever you may be studying, and you can access the course whenever it is convenient for you. All discussions take place via online forums. These are, however, not live; students can add their comments/questions at any time. No physical attendance is required for our short (level one) online courses. All study, communication and assessment submission is undertaken through the course site.

How is the course assessed?

The course is accredited and you are expected to take the course for credit. The course assessment will be based on the contributions you make to course discussions and other online fora, plus a written assignment. For your written assignment you may choose to submit a workbook of answers, a report, or an essay. To be awarded credit, you must participate and complete written contributions satisfactorily. Successful students will receive credit, awarded by the Board of Studies of Oxford University Department for Continuing Education. The award will take the form of 10 units of transferable credit at undergraduate Level 1 of the Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS).

Do I get a Certificate on completion of an online course?

We do not award Certificates for completion of our courses but we will automatically issue a credit transcript to all students who successfully complete one of our short (level one) courses. Paper Transcripts are posted out about 6-8 weeks after a course finishes. If you successfully complete an online short course you would be awarded 10 CATS points. Assignments are not graded but are marked either pass or fail.

Students who complete a non-accredited course will receive a Statement of Participation instead of a credit transcript.

Can I get an online degree from Oxford?

Oxford University does not allow the credit from our online short courses to be transferred towards a degree at any level. The credit can be put towards an award from another institution but that is at the discretion of the receiving institution. You would not be able to combine our short courses into a programme of study; each course simply 'stands alone'.

Is there a deadline for online enrolments?

We will continue to accept applications right up until the day before a short course commences, if there are still places available. Since we limit numbers on our courses, and some courses fill up well in advance of the start date, we recommend that you enrol as soon as you are able to.

Why is the fee different for EU and Non-EU students?

The fees for EU students are supplemented by each of the European Union Governments and as non-EU students do not have access to this type of funding, they have to make up the shortfall in the course fees themselves.