This course offers a comprehensive journey through the fascinating science of black holes, exploring their formation from stellar collapse, their unique properties, and their role in shaping galaxies and the cosmos. Beginning with the classical foundations of gravity, the course progresses through Einstein's revolutionary ideas of spacetime, providing students with insights into general relativity and the dramatic physics of singularities. We delve into quantum phenomena, such as Hawking radiation, and examine current theoretical puzzles, including the black hole information paradox. The course covers diverse classes of black holes, from stellar to supermassive and primordial, highlighting groundbreaking discoveries from gravitational wave astronomy and the Event Horizon Telescope. Sessions are taught through a mix of clear theoretical discussions, illustrative thought experiments, and engaging explorations of recent scientific breakthroughs.
The Life and Times of Black Holes
This is an in-person course which requires your attendance at the weekly meetings which take place in Oxford.
Overview
Programme details
Course starts: 20 Jan 2026
Week 1: Black Holes and Newtonian Gravity.
Week 2: Special Relativity and Spacetime Geometry.
Week 3: Gravity as Geometry.
Week 4: Stellar Evolution and Black Hole Formation.
Week 5: Schwarzschild Black Holes.
Week 6: Kerr and Charged Black Holes.
Week 7: Singularities and Theoretical Challenges in General Relativity.
Week 8: Quantum Field Theory, Hawking Radiation, and the Information Paradox.
Week 9: Supermassive and Primordial Black Holes.
Week 10: Black Holes and the Frontiers of Physics.
Recommended reading
All weekly class students may become borrowing members of the Rewley House Continuing Education Library for the duration of their course. Prospective students whose courses have not yet started are welcome to use the Library for reference. More information can be found on the Library website.
There is a Guide for Weekly Class students which will give you further information.
Recommended reading is optional and you are not required to purchase these books to study this course.
Optional preparatory reading:
- Black Holes: A Very Short Introduction / Blundell, Katherine
- Gravity: Cracking the Cosmic Code / Chown, Marcus
- A Brief History of Time / Hawking, Stephen
- Astrophysics for People in a Hurry / Tyson, Neil deGrasse
- Death by Black Hole: And Other Cosmic Quandaries / Tyson, Neil deGrasse
Certification
Credit Accumulation Transfer Scheme (CATS) Points
Only those who have registered for assessment and accreditation will be awarded CATS points for completing work to the required standard. Please note that assignments are not graded but are marked either pass or fail. Please follow this link for more information on Credit Accumulation Transfer Scheme (CATS) points
Digital Certificate of Completion
Students who are registered for assessment and accreditation and pass their final assignment will also be eligible for a digital Certificate of Completion. Information on how to access the digital certificate will be emailed to you after the end of the course. The certificate will show your name, the course title and the dates of the course attended. You will be able to download the certificate and share it on social media if you choose to do so.
Please note students who do not register for assessment and accreditation during the enrolment process will not be able to do so after the course has begun.
Fees
| Description | Costs |
|---|---|
| Course fee (with no assessment) | £300.00 |
| Assessment and Accreditation fee | £60.00 |
Funding
If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, you are a full-time student in the UK or a student on a low income, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. Please see the below link for full details:
Tutor
Dr Andrea Russo
Andrea completed his Ph.D. at Universe College London, where he studied different aspects of Quantum Gravity and Quantum Information Theory under Prof. Jonathan Oppenheim. He is currently following three different research directions, ranging from reformulating Quantum Field Theory without the explicit use of time to studying the implications of stochastic effects in a hybrid classical-quantum theory of matter on spacetime. Andrea’s most recent works have been in the field of Classical-Quantum gravity, where he explored a consistent way of coupling quantum fields and classical gravity, with the goal of avoiding the problem of quantum gravity altogether. Andrea has studied mathematical physics at the University of Nottingham and obtained his Master's degree in Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics at Cambridge University.
Course aims
To introduce students to the fundamental physics of black holes, from classical gravity to modern theoretical and observational developments.
Course Objectives:
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To explain clearly and conceptually the underlying principles of Newtonian gravity, special and general relativity, in the context of black hole physics.
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To provide an understanding of the life cycle of stars, mechanisms of black hole formation, and the physical nature of singularities and horizons.
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To critically discuss modern observational evidence and contemporary theoretical challenges in black hole research, including Hawking radiation, the information paradox, and cosmological implications.
Teaching methods
The course will be delivered through a combination of structured lectures, interactive discussions, and guided problem-solving exercises. Students will be encouraged to ask questions throughout and contribute their own ideas during guided discussions, especially when exploring conceptual paradoxes and contemporary debates.
Short thought experiments, case studies of real astronomical discoveries, and analysis of current research findings will foster critical engagement.
Supplementary reading materials and optional online resources (articles, videos, simulations) will be provided each week to deepen understanding. No fieldwork is required.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be expected to:
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Demonstrate a clear understanding of the physical principles underlying black holes, including gravitational collapse, spacetime singularities, and quantum effects such as Hawking radiation.
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Be familiar with the overall concepts of theoretical frameworks related to black holes, including general relativity, quantum field theory in curved spacetime, and current models that address the information paradox.
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Evaluate recent observational discoveries, such as gravitational wave detections and black hole imaging, and explain their significance for modern physics and cosmology.
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Develop independent critical thinking skills when approaching open questions in physics, enhancing personal confidence and learning autonomy in understanding complex scientific topics.
Assessment methods
The summative assessment for the course is a portfolio of five pieces of coursework. The coursework might consist of short essays and/or mathematical and physical problems. Students will also be given the opportunity to submit a practice piece of coursework as a formative assignment.
Only those students who have registered for assessment and accreditation will submit coursework.
Application
To be able to submit coursework and to earn credit (CATS points) for your course you will need to register and pay an additional £60 fee per course. You can do this by ticking the relevant box at the bottom of the enrolment form or when enrolling online. Please use the 'Book now' button on this page. Alternatively, please complete an Enrolment form for short courses | Oxford University Department for Continuing Education
Students who do not register for assessment and credit during the enrolment process will not be able to do so after the course has begun. If you are enrolled on the Certificate of Higher Education you need to indicate this on the enrolment form but there is no additional registration fee.
Level and demands
The Department's Weekly Classes are taught at FHEQ Level 4, i.e. first year undergraduate level, and you will be expected to engage in a significant amount of private study in preparation for the classes. This may take the form, for instance, of reading and analysing set texts, responding to questions or tasks, or preparing work to present in class.
To be able to submit coursework and to earn credit (CATS points) for your course you will need to register and pay an additional £60 fee per course. You can do this by ticking the relevant box at the bottom of the enrolment form or when enrolling online. Please use the 'Book' or 'Apply' button on this page. Alternatively, please complete an Enrolment form for short courses | Oxford University Department for Continuing Education
Students who do not register for assessment and credit during the enrolment process will not be able to do so after the course has begun. If you are enrolled on the Certificate of Higher Education you need to indicate this on the enrolment form but there is no additional registration fee.