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
Madness, hilarity, doubt and devotion are just some of the many aspects of life explored in the huge wealth of Victorian fiction.
- Wed 08 Jan 2025 – 21 Mar 2025
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.
- Mon 13 Jan 2025 – 28 Mar 2025
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.
- Mon 13 Jan 2025 – 28 Mar 2025
Online - flexible • Short courses
This course introduces the key characteristics of creative writing. You will be supported with stage-by-stage guidance as you assimilate and employ a range of critical and creative methods. The course includes tutor feedback and participant discussion.
- Mon 13 Jan 2025 – 28 Mar 2025
Online - flexible • Short courses
This course is for those who would like to write but don't know how; who tried once and gave up; or who already write but would like to improve; and for readers who have no desire to write but want a different perspective on how fiction works.
- Mon 13 Jan 2025 – 28 Mar 2025
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.