The Origins of the First World War



Overview

The First World War was a cataclysmic event in world history. It led to enormous loss of life and tremendous physical damage to towns and cities. This course examines the origins of this terrible conflict.

Initially the course will examine the nature of international relations before 1914 and the politics, social structures and economies of the states which were the main participants in the war. Then the course will analyse the specific events which eventually pushed the world into an unprecedented international war. At the outbreak of war we will consider the expectations of the populations of the countries involved and the way in which the brutal reality of the conflict shattered these illusions.

Finally we will assess the significance of the First World War in the history of the twentieth century. To what extent do we still live with the consequences of that human tragedy today?

This course combines online study with a weekly 1-hour live webinar led by your tutor. Find out more about how our short online courses are taught.

Programme details

This course begins on the 15 Sep 2025 which is when course materials are made available to students. Students should study these materials in advance of the first live meeting which will be held on 22 Sep 2025, 2:00-3:00pm (UK time).

Week 1: International relations in the nineteenth century

Week 2: The quest for empire

Week 3: Economic rivalries

Week 4: France and Britain

Week 5: The Russian Empire and Asia

Week 6: Germany

Week 7: Austro-Hungary and the Balkans

Week 8: Countdown to conflict

Week 9: Outbreak of war: illusions and reality

Week 10: Aftermath and consequences

Certification

Credit Application Transfer Scheme (CATS) points 

Coursework is an integral part of all online courses and everyone enrolled will be expected to do coursework. All those enrolled on an online courses are registered for credit and will be awarded CATS points for completing work at the required standard.

See more information on CATS points

Digital credentials

All students who pass their final assignment will be eligible for a digital Certificate of Completion. Upon successful completion, you will receive a link to download a University of Oxford digital certificate. Information on how to access this digital certificate will be emailed to you after the end of the course. The certificate will show your name, the course title and the dates of the course you attended. You will be able to download your certificate or share it on social media if you choose to do so. 

Please note that assignments are not graded but are marked either pass or fail. 

Fees

Description Costs
Course Fee £360.00

Funding

If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, you are a full-time student in the UK or a student on a low income, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. Please see the below link for full details:

Concessionary fees for short courses

 

Tutor

Mr Carl Wade

Carl Wade originally studied history at Jesus College, Cambridge. He has written and taught courses for OUDCE since 2004 in modern European and German history.

Course aims

The aim of the course is to analyse the origins of the First World War and to assess the long-term historical consequences of the events of 1914-1918

Course objectives:

1. To examine the historical background which led to the outbreak of the First World War, and to explore the political, social and economic reasons which caused the conflict to occur.

2.  It also seeks to establish the long-term historical consequences of the conflict and to analyse the effect it has had on the politics and society of the world in the early-twenty-first century.

3. Extensive use will be made of  a variety of original visual and documentary materials to illuminate the developments and debates of the period, and to encourage students to engage with those arguments and debates.

Teaching methods

Learning takes place on a weekly schedule. At the start of each weekly unit, students are provided with learning materials on our online platform, including one hour of pre-recorded video, often supplemented by guided readings and educational resources. These learning materials prepare students for a one-hour live webinar with an expert tutor at the end of each weekly unit which they attend in small groups. Webinars are held on Microsoft Teams, and provide the opportunity for students to respond to discussion prompts and ask questions. The blend of weekly learning materials that can be worked through flexibly, together with a live meeting with a tutor and their peers, maximise learning and engagement through interaction in a friendly, supportive environment.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course students will be expected to :

1.  have an understanding and knowledge of the chronology of events leading up to the outbreak of the First World War.

2.  demonstrate an ability to assess and evaluate a variety of arguments and sources with reference to the period, and to be able to express their views interacting with other students and in written form.

3.   become familiar with the structures of academic learning and be confident expressing their argument in a group environment.

Assessment methods

You will be set two pieces of work for the course. The first of 500 words is due halfway through your course. This does not count towards your final outcome but preparing for it, and the feedback you are given, will help you prepare for your assessed piece of work of 1,500 words due at the end of the course. The assessed work is marked pass or fail.

Application

Please use the 'Book' or 'Apply' button on this page. Alternatively, please complete an Enrolment form for short courses | Oxford University Department for Continuing Education

 

Level and demands

The Department's short online courses are taught at FHEQ Level 4, i.e. first year undergraduate level. FHEQ level 4 courses require approximately 10 hours study per week, therefore a total of about 100 study hours.

English Language Requirements

We do not insist that applicants hold an English language certification, but warn that they may be at a disadvantage if their language skills are not of a comparable level to those qualifications listed on our website. If you are confident in your proficiency, please feel free to enrol. For more information regarding English language requirements please follow this link: https://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/about/english-language-requirements

 

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support