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
Online - flexible • Short courses
In this course we shall study five key novels of the twentieth century - by Fitzgerald, Faulkner, Silko, Morrison and Roth.
- Mon 27 Jan 2025 – 11 Apr 2025
In-person day/weekend • Short courses
Climate change has been a feature of Science Fiction narratives for longer than it has been recognised as a scientific reality. This day school takes a look at climate fiction across science fiction film, literature, graphic novels and gaming.
- Sat 01 Feb 2025
- 9:45am – 5:00pm
Online - live • Short courses • Hybrid - in person or online
W.B. Yeats was one of the most influential and important poets of the twentieth century. During his long career, his poetry had many forms. This day school looks at his work during the 1920s and 30s. Join us in Oxford or online.
- Sat 08 Feb 2025
- 9:45am – 5:00pm
In-person day/weekend • Short courses
An inspiring and informative weekend event exploring the essentials of writing prose fiction with award-winning writer Rebecca Abrams.
- Sat 15 Mar 2025 – 16 Mar 2025
- 9.45am Sat - 5.00pm Sun
In-person day/weekend • Short courses
Acclaimed as a wunderkind of theatre and radio, Welles was seemingly destined to dominate 1940s Hollywood. By analysing key movies such as Citizen Kane, The Magnificent Ambersons and The Lady of Shanghai, we will chart his fascinating fall from grace.
- Sat 29 Mar 2025
- 10:15am – 5:30pm
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
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
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.