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Oxford Lifelong Learning at the University of Oxford Department for Continuing Education
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    • Short and online courses
    • Undergraduate
    • Postgraduate
    • Professional
    • Research
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  • Short and online courses

    Subject areas

    • Archaeology and anthropology
    • Architectural history
    • Business and management
    • Data science, computing, maths
    • Diplomatic studies and law
    • Economics and politics
    • Education and study skills
    • Environment and sustainability
    • History of art
    • History, including local and social
    • Languages and cultural studies
    • Literature, creative writing and film studies
    • Medical and health sciences
    • Music
    • Natural sciences
    • Philosophy
    • Psychology and counselling
    • Religion and theology
    • Technology and AI

    Course format

    • Day and weekend events
    • In-person learning
    • Lecture series
    • Online learning
    • Professional
    • Summer schools
    • Weekly learning

    Join us in Oxford or online

    Our open-access short courses include day events, weekly learning classes and summer schools. Learn more about our short courses.

    Academic credit

    Many courses can be studied for credit which means they can count towards a recognised qualification.

  • Undergraduate

    Certificates

    • Archaeology
    • Certificate of Higher Education
    • English Literature
    • History
    • History of Art
    • Theological Studies

    Diplomas

    • Archaeology
    • Creative Writing
    • English Social and Local History
    • History of Art

    Advanced Diplomas

    • British Archaeology
    • IT Systems Analysis and Design (Online)
    • Local History (Online)

    Pre-Master's

    • Advanced Pre-sessional Course for Graduate Students (nine weeks, full-time)
    • Foundations of Diplomacy Pre-Master's Course (six months, full-time)

    Summer schools

    • Oxford University Summer School for Adults

    Gain an Oxford undergraduate qualification

    Undergraduate certificates, diplomas and advanced diplomas. What are these types of courses?

    Flexible study

    Most of our undergraduate courses are part-time and designed with flexibility in mind, with online study options available for some programmes.

  • Postgraduate

    Certificates

    • Architectural History
    • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
    • Ecological Survey Techniques
    • Enhanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
    • Health Research
    • Historical Studies
    • Nanotechnology
    • Patient Safety and Quality Improvement
    • Psychodynamic Counselling
    • Qualitative Health Research Methods
    • Teaching Evidence-Based Health Care

    Diplomas

    • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
    • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Severe Mental Health Problems
    • Health Research
    • Psychodynamic Practice
    • Wildlife Conservation

    Master of Studies (MSt)

    • Creative Writing
    • Diplomatic Studies
    • Historical Studies
    • History of Design
    • Literature and Arts
    • Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
    • Practical Ethics
    • Psychodynamic Practice

    Research Degrees (DPhil)

    • Archaeology
    • Architectural History
    • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
    • English Local History
    • Evidence-Based Health Care
    • Literature and Arts
    • Sustainable Urban Development

    Master of Science (MSc)

    • Applied Landscape Archaeology
    • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
    • English Local History
    • Evidence-Based Health Care
    • Evidence-Based Health Care Medical Statistics
    • Evidence-Based Health Care Systematic Reviews
    • Evidence-Based Health Care Teaching and Education
    • Experimental and Translational Therapeutics
    • Nanotechnology for Medicine and Health Care
    • Surgical Science and Practice
    • Sustainable Urban Development
    • Translational Health Sciences

    Flexible qualifications

    More than 35 part-time graduate certificates, diplomas, masters programmes and doctorates are available. Find out more about our postgraduate courses.

    Graduate School

    The Graduate School exists to provide a stimulating and enriching environment for postgraduate students.

    Pre-Master's

    Advanced Pre-sessional Course for Graduate Students (nine weeks, full-time)

    Foundations of Diplomacy Pre-Master's Course (six months, full-time)

  • Professional

    Continuing professional development

    • Business and management
    • Cultural heritage
    • Data science, computing, maths
    • Diplomatic studies
    • Education
    • Environment and sustainability
    • Medical and health sciences
    • Nanotechnology and nanomedicine
    • Philosophy and ethics
    • Psychology and counselling
    • Research methods and skills
    • Technology and AI
    • Urban studies

    See also

    • Oxford qualifications
    • Short and online courses
    • Summer schools for professionals

    Courses designed for professionals

    From short courses and training to flexible postgraduate programmes; update your skills, change career, or earn a qualification. Learn more about our CPD courses.

    Continuing professional development

    • Business and management
    • Cultural heritage
    • Data science, computing, maths
    • Diplomatic studies
    • Education
    • Environment and sustainability
    • Medical and health sciences
    • Nanotechnology and nanomedicine
    • Philosophy and ethics
    • Psychology and counselling
    • Research methods and skills
    • Technology and AI
    • Urban studies

    See also

    • Oxford qualifications
    • Short and online courses
    • Summer schools for professionals
  • Research

    Research community

    Research at Oxford Lifelong Learning extends across the disciplines and is supported by a research culture that encourages interdisciplinary initiatives.

    • Academic staff profiles
    • Part-time DPhil programmes
    • Research areas
    • Research students

    Graduate School

    The Graduate School offers a supportive and stimulating environment for both internal and external postgraduate students and researchers.

    • Graduate School training
    • Research by Graduate School students

    Research forums

    • Artificial Intelligence (AI) Steering Group
    • Lifelong Learning Pedagogies forum
    • Research Ethics Colloquium
    • The Vice-Chancellor’s Colloquium

    Research

    We have an active interdisciplinary research community, with a strong focus on the humanities and social sciences.

    See more

    Postgraduate programmes
    Rewley House Lecture Series

  • About us

    The Department

    • Academic staff profiles
    • Mission, vision and values
    • Our history
    • Student spotlights
    • Vacancies and tutor panel
    • Visiting Fellowships Scheme

    News and events

    • News
    • Open events
    • What’s on

    Our venues

    • Accommodation
    • Conferences
    • Dining and catering
    • Facilities

    Student information

    • Continuing Education Library
    • Oxford qualifications
    • Student resources and support

    Connect with us

    • Contact us
    • Find us
    • Stay in touch

    Support lifelong learning

    • Donate to support our work

    News

    Dr Selva Ramachandran presents research on accessible technologies at international conference
    Dr Selva Ramachandran, Departmental Tutor at Oxford Lifelong Learning, recently presented his research on inclusive technologies at an international conference in New York.
    Oxford academics shortlisted for national award for Civil War learning programme
    Dr Ismini Pells and Professor Andy Hopper are shortlisted for a Museums and Heritage Award for The World Turned Upside Down, a free, collaborative programme using books, podcasts and online tools to bring the British Civil Wars to life for students.
    Seminar Series: Medieval Society and Landscape, 2026
    A fascinating series exploring medieval history and archaeology, from societies to landscapes.

Historical, social and cultural studies


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Short online courses in History, Social and Cultural Studies at Oxford University

Explore the rich diversity of the human story, past and present, with our short online courses in archaeology, local and global history, and anthropology.

Choose your pace and learning style

► Whether you prefer live weekly sessions with real-time discussions or a more flexible, self-paced format, there’s a course to suit your schedule. All courses are structured weekly to help keep learners motivated and on track.

Expert-led, designed learning

► Every course is crafted by experienced Oxford academics to provide a rich, research-informed learning experience. You’ll join a small cohort and benefit from close guidance, personalised feedback, and detailed comments on written work to deepen your understanding.  

Join a global learning community

► Connect with a vibrant network of learners and tutors from around the world. Many students develop lasting connections, benefiting from social and professional networking opportunities during and after the course. 


Upcoming courses

A Fight for Liberty? Revolution in Britain, America, and France, 1642–1799

Online - live • Short courses
Why did revolution break out again and again during the tumultuous 17th and 18th centuries? And why did they play such a key role in shaping the very nature of modern western political culture? Explore with us this fascinating topic!
  • Thu 16 Apr 2026 – 25 Jun 2026
  • 10 meetings
  • 2:00 – 3:00pm

Greek Mythology

Online - flexible • Short courses
What are Greek myths? Who told them and why? How can we interpret them? Why are they still so powerful? How much history do they contain? This course will explore these fascinating tales from the past and attempt to make sense of them.
  • Wed 22 Apr 2026 – 03 Jul 2026

Ancient Egypt: An Introduction

Online - flexible • Short courses
From royal pyramids, court artisans and powerful pharaohs, to grandiose temples, mysterious gods and foreign invasions, participants will experience the world of ancient Egypt, its highs and lows, and the rich tapestry of its culture.
  • Mon 27 Apr 2026 – 10 Jul 2026

Archaeology in Practice

Online - flexible • Short courses
How do archaeologists recognise and interpret the lives of past peoples and their societies? An introduction to the methods and techniques of archaeological enquiry, from initial site survey and excavation to scientific analysis.
  • Mon 27 Apr 2026 – 10 Jul 2026

Britain and Its Empire

Online - flexible • Short courses
This course examines the rise and fall of the British Empire and its manifold legacies in Britain and beyond.
  • Mon 27 Apr 2026 – 10 Jul 2026

The Wars of The Roses: Power, Politics and Personalities

Online - flexible • Short courses
The recent discovery of Richard III's remains in Leicester highlights the dynamic new research being conducted into the period known as the Wars of the Roses. This course asks students to engage with the latest work on this exciting and tumultuous period.
  • Mon 27 Apr 2026 – 10 Jul 2026

More information

Find out more about how our short online courses are taught ►

History including local and social history

Part-time courses in history, including local and social, at Oxford University. From short online courses to graduate degrees.

Archaeology

Short courses and part-time programmes in archaeology, ancient history, Egyptology and anthropology at Oxford University.

Languages and cultural studies courses

Learn a new language or understand how culture shapes communication with an Oxford University short course in Oxford or online.

Short online courses (Flexible)

Flexible courses have no live meetings. You study structured online course materials and do not have to be online at any specific time.

Short online courses (Live)

Live courses combine online course materials you can explore in your own time with a weekly live video webinar led by an expert tutor.

Scott Gratson

Scott completed the Certificate of Higher Education, specialising in history, so he could study with Oxford while living and working in the United States. He has since completed the online Advanced Diploma in Local History.

Christine James

After a first degree in biology, student (and mother of two) Christine James returns to her former love - history.

Contact us

Oxford Lifelong Learning at the Department for Continuing Education
University of Oxford
Rewley House, 1 Wellington Square
Oxford
OX1 2JA
+44 (0)1865 270360
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Information

  • About us
  • Online and virtual courses
  • Day and weekend classes
  • Weekly learning courses
  • Professional development
  • Oxford qualifications
  • Summer schools
  • Academic staff profiles
  • Support lifelong learning
  • Jobs and vacancies
  • Terms and conditions

Student and staff

  • Student support
  • Using the library
  • Using Moodle
  • Canvas login
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