Undergraduate literature courses

Study literature part-time at Oxford University

Immerse yourself in literature and develop your skills in critical analysis with a part-time course in literature.

Certificate in English Literature

Our part-time Certificate in English Literature offers an exciting opportunity to study English Literature at degree level. It 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.

The course is taught part time over two years. Choose from two study options: one taught mainly face-to-face in the evenings, and the other taught mainly online. It is equivalent to the first year of a university undergraduate English degree. Many students use this programme as their pathway towards a BA in English.

Explore more below:

Undergraduate Certificate in English Literature

Undergraduate Certificate in English Literature

A two-year part-time course, equivalent to the first year of a full-time undergraduate English degree. Two study options are available, including a mostly online option.

Undergraduate Certificate of Higher Education

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.


Upcoming courses

Online - live • Short courses
  • Fri 14 Nov 2025 – 15 Nov 2025
  • 2:00 – 5:00pm
Online - flexible • Short courses
  • Mon 12 Jan 2026 – 27 Mar 2026
Online - flexible • Short courses
  • Mon 12 Jan 2026 – 27 Mar 2026
Online - flexible • Short courses
  • Mon 12 Jan 2026 – 27 Mar 2026
Online - live • Short courses
  • Tue 13 Jan 2026 – 24 Mar 2026
  • 10 meetings
  • 7:00 – 8:00pm
Online - flexible • Short courses
  • Wed 14 Jan 2026 – 27 Mar 2026