Literature and creative writing summer schools
Join us this summer and explore historic Oxford
Discover Oxford University's literature and creative writing study holidays in Oxford.
Whether you wish to learn for personal enrichment, academic progression or professional development, we have a summer programme for you.
Live and study at Oxford's historic colleges or at Rewley House, experience dining in hall, and explore the world famous university city. Residential and non-residential options are available.
Creative Writing Summer School
A three-week intensive writing retreat held at Exeter College – the environment that nurtured J R R Tolkien, Philip Pullman, Martin Amis and many others. Under the guidance of experienced tutors, you will write, develop your technique, sharpen your critical faculties and discuss your work in small, focused seminars.
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English Literature Summer School
Examine a variety of significant texts and literary movements from Old English to the present day in this three-week summer school. Live and study at Exeter College, one of Oxford University's oldest colleges, attend daily lectures given by leading scholars and enjoy a range of social events.
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Oxford University Summer School for Adults
The Oxford University Summer School for Adults (OUSSA) is a residential summer programme held at Rewley House in central Oxford, offering 60 week-long accredited courses for adult learners. Subjects covered include literature and creative writing. Credit earned from OUSSA is transferable towards our flexible and part-time Undergraduate Certificate of Higher Education.
Learn more about the Oxford University Summer School for Adults >
Oxford Experience
The Oxford Experience is a residential summer programme held at Christ Church. Aimed at non-specialists aged 18 and above, the programme offers over 80 week-long courses in a range of subjects including literature and creative writing. Seminars meet each weekday morning, with afternoons free for course-related field trips, individual study, or exploring the many places of interest in and around Oxford.
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Inspiring Oxford
Inspiring Oxford offers over 40 exciting week-long courses to choose from. You will stay and study in historic Brasenose College, in the heart of Oxford, and all courses are pitched at an introductory level for non-specialists aged 18 and above. You will have two small group seminars each weekday morning in the course option of your choice, followed by a plenary lecture before lunch. Afternoons are free to explore the many places of interest in and around Oxford or participate in the programme's optional social activities. Courses cater to a diverse range of interests including creative writing and literature.
Upcoming courses
- Sun 06 Jul 2025 – 12 Jul 2025
- Sat 12 Jul 2025 – 19 Jul 2025
- 9:00am – 12:30pm
- Sat 12 Jul 2025 – 19 Jul 2025
- 9:00am – 12:30pm
- Sun 13 Jul 2025 – 19 Jul 2025
- Sun 13 Jul 2025 – 19 Jul 2025
Stay in touch with Oxford
Literature, creative writing and film studies
Short, part-time and online courses in literature, creative writing and film studies at the University of Oxford.The Oxford Experience
Introductory level. A one-week summer programme of more than 80 courses aimed at non-specialists. Held at Christ Church, Oxford.Oxford University Summer School for Adults
Undergraduate level. A residential summer programme offering week-long accredited courses for adult learners. Held at Rewley House on iconic Wellington Square.Specialist and advanced summer schools
For those who want in-depth learning for personal, academic or professional advancement, these intensive courses are held at historic Oxford colleges.Summer meetings
From 1888, students began consolidating their year's extension lectures by attending intensive 'summer meetings'.Munira Chudasama
Munira Chudasama, 74, is a woman on a mission: to explore educational opportunities at the very best universities around the world.Mark Staarup
As a student on our Oxford University Summer School for Adults (OUSSA) Mark broadened his business school experience, and gained course credit for his degree programme in Copenhagen.