Literature, creative writing and film studies
Read deeply and write boldly
Join us for a short course – in Oxford or online
Start (or finish) your own novel, poem or play; produce critical analyses of classic and contemporary literature; or explore the cinematic works of a country, genre or director.
- View all short courses in literature, creative writing and film
- Ways to study: how our short courses work
Gain credit from short courses
Many of our short courses, including short online courses (live and flexible), weekly classes in Oxford, and some summer schools, can be studied for credit, which means they can count towards a recognised qualification such as our Undergraduate Certificate of Higher Education.
Part-time Oxford University qualifications
From undergraduate level study to advanced postgraduate courses.
- Undergraduate Certificate of Higher Education – gain credit from short courses and create your own bespoke Oxford University qualification
- Undergraduate Certificate in English Literature – choose from two study options, including one mostly online
- Undergraduate Diploma in Creative Writing – choose from two study options, including one mostly online
- MSt in Creative Writing – formed of short residencies and a research placement
- MSt in Literature and Arts – formed of online modules and short residencies
- DPhil in Literature and Arts
Upcoming courses
Online - flexible • Short courses
How did three sisters from a quiet Yorkshire village create some of the most powerful and imaginative works in English literature? Discover the world behind the Brontës' extraordinary writing.
- Wed 21 Jan 2026 – 10 Apr 2026
In-person weekly • Short courses
This beginners' course will provide a solid introduction to some of the key concepts in film theory. Students will deepen their knowledge of the medium and develop their critical thinking skills through close analysis of films and individual sequences.
- Wed 21 Jan 2026 – Wed 25 Mar 2026
- 10 meetings
- 7:00 – 9:00pm
Online - flexible • Short courses
Find your own voice and your own niche in writing for young adults, in sub-genres from realism to the supernatural.
- Wed 21 Jan 2026 – 10 Apr 2026
In-person day/weekend • Short courses
Study the development of British detective fiction from Arthur Conan Doyle to Colin Dexter, taking in the golden age whodunit of Agatha Christie and the postwar crime writing of Margery Allingham.
- Sat 24 Jan 2026
- 9:45am – 5:00pm
Online - flexible • Short courses
This course introduces you to Old English literature: from tales of heroism, courage and fellowship, to poignant elegies of love and loss.
- Mon 26 Jan 2026 – 10 Apr 2026
Online - flexible • Short courses
In this course we shall study five key novels of the twentieth century - by Fitzgerald, Faulkner, Silko, Morrison and Roth.
- Wed 28 Jan 2026 – 10 Apr 2026
Part-time qualifications
Part-time undergraduate and postgradute programmes.
Undergraduate Certificate of Higher Education
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.Undergraduate Certificate in English Literature
A two-year part-time course, equivalent to the first year of a full-time undergraduate English degree. Two study options are available, including a mostly online option.Undergraduate Diploma in Creative Writing
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.MSt in Creative Writing
A two-year, part-time master's offering a unique combination of high contact hours, genre specialisation, and critical and creative breadth.MSt in Literature and Arts
An interdisciplinary programme which encompasses literature, history, art, architectural history, political thought and the history of ideas. Designed around 3 sequential periods of British history, from Early Modern to the early 20th century.Student spotlights
View all student spotlights for this subject area