Short online courses (Flexible)

You will be led through the course on a week-by-week schedule by your expert tutor, but you can access the course according to your own schedule. On Flexible courses, learning activities are structured around the course materials provided, which usually ask you to contribute to the online text-based discussion forums, where you will get to know your tutor and fellow students. Courses might also include individual activities such as quizzes, problem sets or writing exercises, alongside a weekly tutor video message that supports your progress through the course.

All courses are led by an expert tutor. Tutors guide students through the course materials using text-based discussion forums and a dedicated video message, and will also provide individualised feedback on your assignments.

All online courses are taught in small student cohorts so that you and your peers form a mutually supportive and vibrant learning community for the duration of the course. You will learn from your fellow students as well as from your tutor, and they will all learn from you.

Nearly all of our short online courses are entry-level university courses, taught at FHEQ Level 4 (equivalent to the first year of undergraduate study). Most, therefore, require no prior knowledge, just an interest and an enthusiasm to learn. Where prior knowledge will help, this will be clearly indicated on the course page.
As part of your course, you will be expected to submit assignments, which will be marked by your tutor and returned with feedback to aid your progression. Course pages contain details on the nature of these assignments, which vary between subjects.

All courses (with the exception of Ancient Languages) are formally accredited by the University of Oxford. If you pass the assignment component of the course, you will be awarded academic credit in the form of 10 Credit Accumulation and Transfer points. This credit is transferable, for instance, to our own Certificate of Higher Education. 

Upon successfully passing the course, students will also receive a digital credential called a Certificate of Completion, verified by blockchain technology, which can be downloaded or added to an online profile.