History including local and social history
Step into the past — uncover the lives, choices and events that shaped the world.
Short courses for adult learners
Whether you're eager to explore a new interest or delve deeper into a historical time period, our short courses are designed for adult learners seeking intellectual enrichment. Taught in person or online, with some courses offered in both formats, so you can choose the study option that best suits you.
► View all short courses in history
► Ways to study: how our short courses work
Part-time undergraduate and postgraduate Oxford University qualifications
Part-time qualifications in history
Part-time qualifications in history
Our part-time undergraduate courses and postgraduate degree programmes in history are designed for adult learners with busy lives.
Part-time qualifications in local history
Part-time qualifications in local history
Our part-time local and social history courses concentrate on cultural and social aspects of local communities throughout history.
Upcoming courses
In-person day/weekend • Short courses
This day event in Oxford will look at middle class women’s lives in Jane Austen’s England: the books they read, the things they consumed, their domestic accomplishments and their involvement with the outside world via the law.
- Sat 28 Feb 2026
- 9:45am – 5:00pm
In-person day/weekend • Short courses
From the Tudors to the twentieth century, join leading historians Professor Kate Williams, Dr Nicola Tallis and Rebecca Rideal for an absorbing study day spotlighting queens who ruled in their own right.
- Sat 07 Mar 2026
- 9:45am – 5:15pm
In-person day/weekend • Short courses
From St Frideswide to Vice Chancellor Irene Tracey, women have always been active in Oxford, even if the University long chose to ignore them. On this walking tour, we’ll uncover the stories of some of Oxford’s most fascinating women.
- Sun 08 Mar 2026
- 10:15am – 12:30pm
Online - live • Short courses • Hybrid - in person or online
As the US marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this series of five lectures focuses on the principal architects of the American revolution and their personal journey from British subjects to citizens of the United States.
- Wed 25 Mar 2026 – 29 Apr 2026
- 11:00am – 12:30pm
Online - live • Short courses
Chivalry was more than medieval knights in shining armour jousting for the love of fair ladies. This course explores how chivalric values profoundly shaped political, literary and artistic cultures from the medieval period through to the present day.
- Tue 14 Apr 2026 – 23 Jun 2026
- 10 meetings
- 6:00 – 7:00pm
Online - live • Short courses
'Magic' was a wide-ranging concept that affected many aspects of medieval society. This course will consider the actual and perceived practices of magic in the medieval period and their consequences.
- Tue 14 Apr 2026 – 23 Jun 2026
- 10 meetings
- 7:00 – 8:00pm
Part-time Oxford qualifications
Undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in history and local history.
Your guide to history at Oxford Lifelong Learning
If you're thinking about studying history part-time at Oxford but you're not sure which course is the right fit for you, then this is the place to start. Hear from the Course Directors of our undergraduate and postgraduate history programmes.Undergraduate Certificate of Higher Education
Study your passion and discover new ideas with Oxford’s flexible, part-time Certificate of Higher Education – designed for learners who want to learn widely, deeply, and on their own terms.Undergraduate Certificate in History
Equivalent to the first year of a full-time undergraduate history degree at Oxford University, this two-year part-time course introduces key historical periods and builds a strong foundation for further study.Undergraduate Diploma in English Social and Local History
Equivalent to second-year undergraduate study, this two-year part-time course explores English society from the early medieval era to the twentieth century, tracing how religion, reform, empire and industry shaped everyday life.Undergraduate Advanced Diploma in Local History
Equivalent to third-year undergraduate study, this one-year part-time online Advanced Diploma helps you develop your skills and methodology in researching local, regional and social history.Postgraduate Certificate in Historical Studies
Equivalent to first-year postgraduate study, this course offers an exciting opening for graduates of all disciplines to pursue a taught postgraduate qualification in historical studies.MSt in Historical Studies
One-year part-time course combining focused study of key historical themes and concepts in British and Western European history.MSt in Literature and Arts
An interdisciplinary programme which encompasses literature, history, art, architectural history, political thought and the history of ideas.MSc in English Local History
The MSc programme draws on knowledge and skills acquired in many years of providing specialist classes in local history.DPhil in English Local History
Drawing on knowledge and skills acquired in many years of providing specialist classes in local history.