Natural sciences
Explore natural phenomena with Oxford University
Short courses in Oxford and online
Our courses in the natural sciences include biology, physics, astronomy and earth science, with some overlap into the medical and environmental sciences. Courses might be hands-on or philosophical, and might address topics as diverse as climate change, particle physics, animal behaviour, the universe or the brain.
Many of our short courses can be studied for credit, which means they can count towards a recognised qualification such as our Undergraduate Certificate of Higher Education.
Upcoming courses
Short intensive • Short courses • Professional development
This five-day course provides an overview of the regulatory, financial, clinical and commercial challenges faced by those wishing to bring innovative nanotechnologies to market.
- Mon 06 Jul 2026 – 10 Jul 2026
Summer schools • Short courses
Journey through the cosmos: from Earth and the Solar System to distant galaxies and black holes. This visually rich course explores the universe’s origins, evolution, and the ongoing search for life beyond our planet.
- Sun 02 Aug 2026 – 08 Aug 2026
- 9:00am – 12:55pm
Summer schools • Short courses
Explore what makes a planet habitable. This course traces Earth’s unique story, from the origins of the Universe to modern planetary science, examining how life emerges and what it means for our search for worlds beyond our own.
- Sun 09 Aug 2026 – 15 Aug 2026
- 9:00am – 12:55pm
Short intensive • Short courses • Professional development • Hybrid - in person or online
Develop your knowledge of human and veterinary vaccinology as we explore all aspects of vaccinology, from Edward Jenner to modern-day vaccines, with state-of-the-art teaching from leading experts.
- Mon 05 Oct 2026 – 09 Oct 2026
- See programme details
Short intensive • Short courses • Professional development
This five-day course introduces physical scientists, engineers and non-scientists to biological systems and terminology relevant to nanotechnology, and showcases current applications and new developments in bionanotechnology.
- Mon 05 Oct 2026 – 09 Oct 2026
Short intensive • Short courses • Professional development • Hybrid - in person or online
An overview of pre-clinical testing and pathway from pre-clinical testing to field trials, discussions of vaccine immunogenicity, phases of vaccine testing from Phase I to IV, and the development and manufacturing of vaccines with our expert presenters.
- Mon 02 Nov 2026 – 05 Nov 2026
- See programme details
Environment and sustainability
Courses in the environment, sustainability, urbanism, wildlife conservation and ecology - whether your interest is professional or personal.Ecological survey techniques
Flexible postgraduate and online courses in ecological survey techniques for professionals working in field surveysMedical and health sciences
Postgraduate qualifications, short courses, part-time study and online courses in medical and health sciences at Oxford University.