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
If you have ever been daunted by terms such as 'modernism', 'magic realism' or 'postmodern', this is the course for you.
- Wed 14 Jan 2026 – 27 Mar 2026
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 14 Jan 2026 – 27 Mar 2026
Online - flexible • Short courses
Middle English literature is not all prayer and piety and men in armour. Find a rich cultural heritage in Middle English poems, plays and prose.
- Wed 14 Jan 2026 – 27 Mar 2026
In-person day/weekend • Short courses
Detective fiction was born in the Victorian period. Join us in Oxford for this in-person day school and learn from leading scholars about the rich diversity of Victorian detectives and detective writing, including, of course, Sherlock Holmes.
- Sat 17 Jan 2026
- 9:45am – 5:00pm
In-person weekly • Short courses
A course for film fans. We will introduce you to film studies by exploring the work of the greatest directors, cinematographers and actors. We will look at the history of Hollywood, and the classical film style it established.
- Mon 19 Jan 2026 – Mon 16 Feb 2026
- 5 meetings
- 7:00 – 9:00pm
Online - flexible • Short courses
Many readers enjoy Austen's novels, but what makes them so special and enduring? Learn to analyse Austen's characteristic style and techniques and thus gain an enhanced appreciation of her art.
- Mon 19 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