Online courses in literature

Study with Oxford from anywhere in the world
Short online courses
Our short online courses in literature include live-time weekly classes, day schools and flexible online courses.
Credit earned from some of these short courses is transferable towards our Certificate of Higher Education - a part-time undergraduate course in which you study a main subject discipline, but also undertake study in other academic subjects.
Browse short online courses in literature
Certificate in English Literature
Would you like to study literature in more depth and develop solid skills in critical analysis? Our part-time Certificate in English Literature covers a range of writing from Shakespeare to the twentieth century and teaches skills in the analysis of literature, including the ability to read closely and to recognise and apply approaches in contemporary literary theory.
Two study options are available, including one that can be studied mostly online, so you can choose your preferred mode of study to fit around your work, home or family life.
Taught part-time over two years, the course is equivalent to the first year of a full-time undergraduate English degree.
Find out more about the Certificate in English Literature.
Upcoming courses
- Fri 14 Nov 2025 – 15 Nov 2025
- 2:00 – 5:00pm
- Mon 12 Jan 2026 – 27 Mar 2026
- Mon 12 Jan 2026 – 27 Mar 2026
- Mon 12 Jan 2026 – 27 Mar 2026
- Tue 13 Jan 2026 – 24 Mar 2026
- 10 meetings
- 7:00 – 8:00pm
- Wed 14 Jan 2026 – 27 Mar 2026