Literature, creative writing and film studies

Develop your own creativity and examine that of others
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 - live • Short courses
Short enough to write in a single day, flash fiction is an agile, innovative form that brings character, mood and language to the forefront. Whether you're a beginner or experienced writer, join us for this online workshop.
- Fri 14 Nov 2025 – 15 Nov 2025
- 2:00 – 5:00pm
Online - flexible • Short courses
A practical course covering all aspects of novel writing from character creation and story development to final edit.
- Mon 12 Jan 2026 – 27 Mar 2026
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.
- Mon 12 Jan 2026 – 27 Mar 2026
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.
- Mon 12 Jan 2026 – 27 Mar 2026
Online - live • Short courses
Gain an appreciation of different forms of nature writing and produce your own texts in a supportive environment with this short online course.
- Tue 13 Jan 2026 – 24 Mar 2026
- 10 meetings
- 7:00 – 8:00pm
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
Part-time qualifications
Part-time undergraduate and postgradute programmes.