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
This course introduces you to Old English literature: from tales of heroism, courage and fellowship, to poignant elegies of love and loss.
- Mon 25 Sep 2023 – 08 Dec 2023
In-person weekly • Short courses
A compelling introduction to comparative literature in which you will explore side by side two best-selling contemporary writers from different cultures, but of global appeal, whose novels converge in testing the boundaries between self, other, and world.
- Mon 25 Sep 2023 – Mon 27 Nov 2023
- 10 meetings
- 7:00 – 9:00pm
In-person weekly • Short courses
Everyone has an interesting life story and this course will enable you to present your own. We shall consider different ways of exploring the life of an individual in ways which recognise each person as unique.
- Mon 25 Sep 2023 – Mon 27 Nov 2023
- 10 meetings
- 10:30am – 12:30pm
In-person weekly • Short courses
As Irish writing continues to enjoy a very high international profile and reputation, this course offers an opportunity to enjoy a selection of outstanding contemporary works of fiction.
- Mon 25 Sep 2023 – Mon 27 Nov 2023
- 10 meetings
- 10:30am – 12:30pm
In-person weekly • Short courses
Actively develop your film idea to build your awareness of its value and needs in this interactive seminar. Expand this into a pitch, then learn to communicate what you bring to the story, and why it is worth turning into a film or TV programme.
- Mon 25 Sep 2023 – Mon 27 Nov 2023
- 10 meetings
- 7:00 – 9:00pm
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 (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.