Understanding Space and Time



Overview

A non-mathematical overview of the current scientific understanding of space and time. Including an introduction to Einstein's theory of relativity, its consequences and applications.

Understanding space and time is more exciting than ever, as scientists continue to detect gravitational signals from merging black holes in distant galaxies, and to debate new evidence concerning the rate of expansion of the universe and the existence of dark energy.

Using the minimum amount of mathematics, this course offers a conceptually based introduction to the current scientific understanding of space and time, and a chance to learn about recent developments at the cosmic frontier.

Programme details

Course starts: 24 Apr 2026

This is an in-person course which requires your attendance at the weekly meetings in Oxford on Thursdays, 2.00-4.00pm.

  • Week 1: Space and time before Einstein
  • Week 2: The arrow of time
  • Week 3: The special theory of relativity
  • Week 4: Spacetime
  • Week 5: Curved space
  • Week 6: The general theory of relativity
  • Week 7: The geometry of the universe
  • Week 8: The big bang and cosmic inflation
  • Week 9: Beyond big bang
  • Week 10: Causality, parallel universes and time machines

Certification

Academic credit

Credit Accumulation Transfer Scheme (CATS Points)

Please note, students who do not register for assessment and accreditation during the enrolment process will not be able to do so after the course has begun. If you wish to gain credit from completing this course you must register to do so before the course starts.

Only those who have registered for assessment and accreditation will be awarded CATS points for completing work to the required standard. Please note that assignments are not graded but are marked either pass or fail.

Learn more about the Credit Accumulation Transfer Scheme.

If you are enrolled on the Certificate of Higher Education at the Department you need to indicate this on the enrolment form but there is no additional registration fee for assessment and accreditation.

Digital certificate of completion 

Students who are registered for assessment and accreditation and pass their final assignment will also be eligible for a digital Certificate of Completion. Information on how to access the 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 attended. You will be able to download the certificate and share it on social media if you choose to do so.

Fees

Description Costs
Course fee (with no assessment) £300.00
Assessment and Accreditation fee £60.00

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. See details of our concessionary fees for short courses.

Tutor

Dr Marina Debattista

Marina Debattista has a PhD in Physics, specialising in quantum field theory, and is currently interested in the popularisation of science.

Course aims

  • To provide an introduction to the concepts of space and time and to the basic ideas, principles and applications of Einstein's theory of relativity.
  • To provide a basic understanding of the modern scientific conception of space and time.
  • To introduce the principles of Einstein's special theory of relativity and general theory of relativity, emphasising the conceptual and descriptive content, especially in relation to space and time.
  • To provide an overview of our current model of the Universe and the evidence on which it is based.

Teaching methods

  • Power point presentations
  • Classwork/discussions/debates
  • Reading scientific papers
  • Video presentations/computer simulations

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course students will have been given the opportunity to:

  • Understand the basic principles of physical theories of space and time
  • Communicate their understanding using the appropriate scientific terminology
  • Assess the validity and reliability of relevant scientific information

Assessment methods

Only those students who have registered for assessment and accreditation, in advance of the course start date, can submit coursework/assignments for assessment.

Assessment

The summative assessment is a 1500 word essay on a topic to be selected from a list of proposed topics.

There will also be a formative assessment of a 500 word piece, to be submitted during the course.

Application

How to enrol

Please use the 'Book now' button on this page. Alternatively, please complete an enrolment form.

How to register for accreditation and assessment

To be able to submit coursework and to earn credit (CATS points) for this course, if you wish to do so, you will need to register and pay an additional £60 fee. You can do this by ticking the relevant box at the bottom of the enrolment form or when enrolling online. 

Students who do not register for CATS points during the enrolment process will not be able to do so after the course has begun.

If you are enrolled on the Certificate of Higher Education at the Department you need to indicate this on the enrolment form but there is no additional registration fee.

Level and demands

The Department's Weekly Classes are taught at FHEQ Level 4, ie first year undergraduate level, and you will be expected to engage in a significant amount of private study in preparation for the classes. This may take the form, for instance, of reading and analysing set texts, responding to questions or tasks, or preparing work to present in class.

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support