Online courses in creative writing and literature
Study with Oxford from anywhere in the world
Short online courses
Be creative or immerse yourself in the creativity of others from the comfort of your home. Learn techniques in writing fiction, poetry or short stories, read literature ranging from Old English to contemporary, or brush up on literary theory or your critical reading skills.
Our short online courses in creative writing and literature include online courses with live-time sessions, flexible online courses, and day and weekend schools.
Browse short online courses in creative writing and literature
Credit earned from some of these short courses is transferable towards our Certificate of Higher Education - a part-time undergraduate course in which you study a main subject discipline, but also undertake study in other academic subjects.
Undergraduate programmes
Our undergraduate programmes in Creative Writing and English Literature are designed with flexible study options, allowing you to choose the mode of learning that best fits around your work, home, or family commitments.
Upcoming courses
- Fri 14 Nov 2025 – 15 Nov 2025
- 2:00 – 5:00pm
- Mon 12 Jan 2026 – 27 Mar 2026
- Mon 12 Jan 2026 – 27 Mar 2026
- Mon 12 Jan 2026 – 27 Mar 2026
- Tue 13 Jan 2026 – 24 Mar 2026
- 10 meetings
- 7:00 – 8:00pm
- Wed 14 Jan 2026 – 27 Mar 2026
Related courses and student spotlights:
Literature, creative writing and film studies
Short, part-time and online courses in literature, creative writing and film studies at the University of Oxford.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.Charles Bush
Charles Bush published his debut young-adult novel thanks to the skills and experience gained from completing the Undergraduate Certificate of Higher Education.