History including local and social history
Step into the past — uncover the lives, choices and events that shaped the world.
Short courses for adult learners
Whether you're eager to explore a new interest or delve deeper into a historical time period, our short courses are designed for adult learners seeking intellectual enrichment. Taught in person or online, with some courses offered in both formats, so you can choose the study option that best suits you.
► View all short courses in history
► Ways to study: how our short courses work
Part-time undergraduate and postgraduate Oxford University qualifications
Part-time qualifications in history
Part-time qualifications in history
Our part-time undergraduate courses and postgraduate degree programmes in history are designed for adult learners with busy lives.
Part-time qualifications in local history
Part-time qualifications in local history
Our part-time local and social history courses concentrate on cultural and social aspects of local communities throughout history.
Upcoming courses
Online - flexible • Short courses
This course is the ideal introduction to English garden history. It provides an overview of five centuries of development, from baroque formalism through the naturalistic landscape style, right up to contemporary cutting-edge planting style.
- Mon 26 Jan 2026 – 10 Apr 2026
Online - flexible • Short courses
Uncover why the inter-war years gave rise to political extremism and dictatorships across Europe.
- Mon 26 Jan 2026 – 10 Apr 2026
Online - flexible • Short courses
Step into the turbulent world of Elizabethan England, a time of plots, power struggles and discovery, and uncover how ordinary people lived through one of the most dramatic eras in English history.
- Mon 26 Jan 2026 – 10 Apr 2026
Online - flexible • Short courses
From the rise of the modern state to the forces shaping world politics today, this course explores the ideas, ideologies and systems that influence global events, and impact our everyday lives.
- Mon 26 Jan 2026 – 10 Apr 2026
Online - flexible • Short courses
A modern, democratic, multicultural Britain developed throughout the twentieth century. This course will examine the key social, economic and political influences that have shaped modern Britain.
- Mon 26 Jan 2026 – 10 Apr 2026
Online - flexible • Short courses
The civil wars that swept across the British Isles in the 17th century left few lives untouched. This course will explore the causes, conduct and significance of the English civil wars.
- Wed 28 Jan 2026 – 10 Apr 2026
Part-time Oxford qualifications
Undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in history and local history.
Your guide to history at Oxford Lifelong Learning
If you're thinking about studying history part-time at Oxford but you're not sure which course is the right fit for you, then this is the place to start. Hear from the Course Directors of our undergraduate and postgraduate history 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 History
Equivalent to the first year of a full-time undergraduate history degree at Oxford University, this two-year part-time course introduces key historical periods and builds a strong foundation for further study.Undergraduate Diploma in English Social and Local History
Equivalent to second-year undergraduate study, this two-year part-time course explores English society from the early medieval era to the twentieth century, tracing how religion, reform, empire and industry shaped everyday life.Undergraduate Advanced Diploma in Local History
Equivalent to third-year undergraduate study, this one-year part-time online Advanced Diploma helps you develop your skills and methodology in researching local, regional and social history.Postgraduate Certificate in Historical Studies
Equivalent to first-year postgraduate study, this course offers an exciting opening for graduates of all disciplines to pursue a taught postgraduate qualification in historical studies.MSt in Historical Studies
One-year part-time course combining focused study of key historical themes and concepts in British and Western European history.MSt in Literature and Arts
An interdisciplinary programme which encompasses literature, history, art, architectural history, political thought and the history of ideas.MSc in English Local History
The MSc programme draws on knowledge and skills acquired in many years of providing specialist classes in local history.DPhil in English Local History
Drawing on knowledge and skills acquired in many years of providing specialist classes in local history.