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 - live • Short courses • Hybrid - in person or online
How have the events of the century since the 1922 partition of Ireland shaped contemporary Irish literature? We will discuss a range of works by Irish writers (poets, fiction-writers and playwrights), from both sides of the border, from the past 20 years.
- Sat 15 Apr 2023
- 9:45am – 5:00pm
Online - flexible • Short courses
A practical course covering all aspects of novel writing from character creation and story development to final edit.
- Wed 19 Apr 2023 – 30 Jun 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.
- Wed 19 Apr 2023 – 30 Jun 2023
Online - flexible • Short courses
This course is for anyone who would like to learn to read beneath the surface, pay attention to language and form, and become a critical reader.
- Wed 19 Apr 2023 – 30 Jun 2023
Online - flexible • Short courses
Madness, hilarity, doubt and devotion are just some of the many aspects of life explored in the huge wealth of Victorian fiction.
- Wed 19 Apr 2023 – 30 Jun 2023
Part-time qualifications
Part-time undergrduate awards and graduate degrees.