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 graduate courses.
- Undergraduate Certificate of Higher Education (gain credit from short courses)
- Foundation 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
Online - flexible • Short courses
A practical course covering all aspects of novel writing from character creation and story development to final edit.
- Mon 09 Jan 2023 – 24 Mar 2023
Online - flexible • Short courses
Every day we meet people with interesting life stories. Our lives are made up of tragic, uplifting and humorous experiences which shape us as individuals. We love, fight, apologise, account for and endure through whatever comes our way.
- Mon 09 Jan 2023 – 24 Mar 2023
Online - flexible • Short courses
Some of the great writers of the Victorian period were women. Find out how they portrayed women's issues and lives in such compelling fiction.
- Mon 09 Jan 2023 – 24 Mar 2023
Online - flexible • Short courses
Is there a true story that only you can tell? This course is designed to provide you with the skills you need to turn experiences, recollections and real-life phenomena into literary works that are enjoyable and accessible to a wider audience.
- Mon 09 Jan 2023 – 24 Mar 2023
Online - flexible • Short courses
If you have ever been daunted by terms such as 'modernism', 'magic realism' or 'postmodern', this is the course for you.
- Wed 11 Jan 2023 – 24 Mar 2023
Part-time qualifications
Part-time undergrduate awards and graduate degrees.
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 English Literature
A two-year part-time course, equivalent to the first year of a full-time undergraduate English degree. Two study options are available, including a mostly online option.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.