Short and part-time courses with Oxford University
Need anextra push to finish your novel, poem or play? Want to explore new genres? Whether you're a beginner wondering where to start, or an experienced writer looking to extend your craft, we have a course foryou.
Short courses
Ourshort courses in creative writinginclude in person and online live-time weekly classes, day and weekend schools and flexible online courses.
Courses cover all genres:fiction, poetry, memoir, creative nonfiction, drama, writing for young adults and critical reading. There are courses for beginners and options for those with experience.Class sizes are kept small to maximise interaction between you,your classmates and your tutor.
Credit earned from some of our shortcourses is transferable towards ourCertificate of Higher Education– a part-time undergraduate course in which you study a main subject discipline, but also undertake study in other academic subjects.
- View all short courses in creative writing
- Ways to study: how our short courses work
Summer schools
Join us for one of ourOxfordcreative writing summer courses, and spend a week or longerimmersed in your craft.Accredited and non-accredited options are available; courses take place atRewley House and at Oxford's historic colleges.
- Creative writing summer courses
Part-time Oxford University qualifications
From undergraduate levelto advanced postgraduate study.
- TheUndergraduate Diploma in Creative Writingis a two-year part-time course thathelps you to strengthen your ability in four major areas of literary activity — prose, poetry, drama and analytical reading — while letting youspecialise in the genre of your choice. Choose from two study options: regular in-person meetings in Oxford or mostly online, with a summer school in Oxford.
- TheCertificate of Higher Educationis a flexible, part-time programme which letsyou study a main subject discipline (such as creative writing) while also undertakingstudy in other academic subjects. Ideal for lifelong learners, you can study what you want, when you want, how you want.Thecredits you obtain from taking short online courses, weekly classes and attendance at the Oxford University Summer School for Adults all count towards your final award.
- Delve deeper into creative writing with our MSt in Creative Writing – a two-year, part-time master's programme offering a unique combination of high contact hours, genre specialization, and critical and creative breadth, delivered in a clustered learning format of five residences, two guided retreats and one placement over two years.
Student spotlights
Charles Bush published his debut young-adult novel thanks to the skills and experience gained from completing the Undergraduate Certificate of Higher Education.
Tahmina worked as a senior manager in education before taking a career break to undertake the Undergraduate Diploma in Creative Writing.
While studying the MSt in Creative Writing Daisy worked on a collection of short stories which would later become her debut book.
Upcoming courses
Online - flexible • Short courses
This course is for anyone who would like to learn to read beneath the surface, pay attention to language and form, and become a critical reader.
- Wed 17 Apr 2024 – 28 Jun 2024
Online - flexible • Short courses
Madness, hilarity, doubt and devotion are just some of the many aspects of life explored in the huge wealth of Victorian fiction.
- Wed 17 Apr 2024 – 28 Jun 2024
Online - flexible • Short courses
Is there a true story that only you can tell? This course is designed to provide you with the skills you need to turn experiences, recollections and real-life phenomena into literary works that are enjoyable and accessible to a wider audience.
- Wed 17 Apr 2024 – 28 Jun 2024
In-person weekly • Short courses
This course is for those who have always wanted to write poetry, but have never actually tried, and it will take place within an encouraging and supportive environment.
- Mon 22 Apr 2024 – Mon 08 Jul 2024
- 10 meetings
- 7:00 – 9:00pm
Online - live • Short courses • Lecture series
The Greek word Logos means 'word,' 'reason' and 'order.' It's a central concept in philosophy, religion and science. We will explore Logos in these different fields, providing a powerful framework for understanding the world. 6 lectures withFemi Fadugba.
- Tue 23 Apr 2024 – 28 May 2024
- 2:00 – 3:15pm
Part-time award programmes
Part-time creative writing award-bearing coursesfor those looking togain an Oxford qualification.
For aspiring writers, the Diploma offers involvement in a wide range of literary projects over two years of focused part-time study. Two study options are available including an online option with a summer school in Oxford.
A two-year, part-time master's offering a unique combination of high contact hours, genre specialization, and critical and creative breadth.
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.
View all student spotlights for this subject area
