Natural sciences
Explore natural phenomena with Oxford University
Short courses in Oxford and online
Our courses in the natural sciences include biology, physics, astronomy and earth science, with some overlap into the medical and environmental sciences. Courses might be hands-on or philosophical, and might address topics as diverse as climate change, particle physics, animal behaviour, the universe or the brain.
Many of our short courses can be studied for credit, which means they can count towards a recognised qualification such as our Undergraduate Certificate of Higher Education.
The video below was filmed during a past day school (Animals as Inventors) and is an example of what students can expect from our face-to-face classes. Presented by Dr Thomas Hesselberg, Director of Studies in Biological Sciences at the Department.
Upcoming courses
Online - live • Short courses • Professional development
A seven-week online course introducing the current state of technology and addressing implications for safety, regulation and innovation. It is for professionals worldwide seeking an overview of this important subject.
- Mon 13 Oct 2025 – 30 Nov 2025
- 7 meetings
In-person day/weekend • Short courses
Join us to explore the universe’s life story, from the Big Bang to its possible fate. Learn how stars, galaxies and cosmic structure formed, and how dark matter, dark energy and modern observations shape our evolving understanding of the cosmos.
- Sat 25 Oct 2025
- 9:45am – 5:00pm
Short intensive • Short courses • Professional development • Hybrid - in person or online
Develop your knowledge of human and veterinary vaccinology as we explore all aspects of vaccinology, from Edward Jenner to modern-day vaccines, with state-of-the-art teaching from leading experts.
- Mon 03 Nov 2025 – 07 Nov 2025
- See programme details
In-person weekly • Short courses
Explore animal history in this five-week introductory course. Discover how humans have studied and represented animals' stories, and enjoy a rare behind-the-scenes visit to the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.
- Thu 06 Nov 2025 – Thu 04 Dec 2025
- 5 meetings
- 3:00 – 5:00pm
Online - flexible • Professional development
Part-time over five weeks, this tutor-led training course can be taken from anywhere in the world. It will appeal to students and practitioners who want to improve their ability to conduct mammal and reptile surveys.
- Wed 07 Jan 2026 – 11 Feb 2026
- 5 meetings
Online - flexible • Short courses
Why do animals behave the way they do? In this course we will look at the full range of behaviours found in the animal kingdom, from simple escape behaviours to complex tool use and their evolution.
- Mon 12 Jan 2026 – 27 Mar 2026
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Environment and sustainability
Courses in the environment, sustainability, urbanism, wildlife conservation and ecology - whether your interest is professional or personal.Ecological survey techniques
Flexible postgraduate and online courses in ecological survey techniques for professionals working in field surveysMedical and health sciences
Postgraduate qualifications, short courses, part-time study and online courses in medical and health sciences at Oxford University.