Short courses and events
Study with Oxford online or in person
Start or continue your learning journey with Oxford Lifelong Learning at any time of life!
You’ll join a highly diverse learning community: students of all ages, from all backgrounds and from all over the world. Learn more about the different types of open-access short courses we offer below.
- Day and weekend events run in person or online, with some offered in both formats. Explore a topic in depth over one or two days with multiple speakers, hone your skills in small workshops and hands-on practical sessions, or explore the city of Oxford with a walking tour.
- Lecture series are a series of weekly lectures on a given topic, providing a comprehensive introduction to your chosen subject. All can be watched online, with many taking place in a hybrid format – so you can choose to attend online or in person.
- Weekly learning programmes include courses that meet weekly in Oxford, online courses with live sessions, and flexible online courses.
- Professional development short courses are designed with academic experts from across the University and beyond, allowing professional learners from across the globe the opportunity to benefit from Oxford University's excellence in research and teaching.
- Summer schools: Join us in Oxford for personal enrichment, academic progression or professional development. Many summer schools can be taken for credit; others require no coursework and are non-assessed.
Upcoming courses
In-person weekly • Short courses
Discover Rogers’ Person-Centred Approach and its influence on counselling, psychology, medicine, education, diplomacy, and (even) sales. A fascinating course for both personal interest or professional growth.
- Mon 19 Jan 2026 – Mon 23 Mar 2026
- 10 meetings
- 6:00 – 9:00pm
In-person weekly • Short courses
Improve your language skills to interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity in a wide range of contexts. New students, who have not completed 'Part 1' whose proficiency in the language is appropriate for the course level are very welcome.
- Mon 19 Jan 2026 – Mon 23 Mar 2026
- 10 meetings
- 4:30 – 6:30pm
In-person weekly • Short courses
Join this interactive course to further develop your basic Chinese (Mandarin) language skills and enjoy exploring the culture. For those who have completed Beginners - Part 1 and new students who have studied the language formally for one term.
- Tue 20 Jan 2026 – Tue 24 Mar 2026
- 10 meetings
- 5:00 – 7:00pm
In-person weekly • Short courses
Consolidate your proficiency in French language and express your opinions on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. A progression course for students who completed French: Intermediate - Part 1.
- Tue 20 Jan 2026 – Tue 24 Mar 2026
- 10 meetings
- 7:00 – 9:00pm
In-person weekly • Short courses
Explore the language and culture of Japanese-speaking countries through this interactive class. A Lower Intermediate continuation course providing progression for students who completed Japanese: Lower Intermediate - Part 1.
- Tue 20 Jan 2026 – Tue 24 Mar 2026
- 10 meetings
- 7:00 – 9:00pm
In-person weekly • Short courses
The course explores the lives and experiences of women in England and France between the sixth and sixteenth centuries.
- Tue 20 Jan 2026 – Tue 24 Mar 2026
- 10 meetings
- 10:30am – 12:30pm
Archaeology
Short courses and part-time programmes in archaeology, ancient history, Egyptology and anthropology at Oxford University.Architectural history
Short courses in architectural history at Oxford University.Business and management skills
Expert-led, flexible CPD courses designed for professionals, managers, and entrepreneurs. We deliver cutting-edge insights in leadership, strategy, and more—helping you stay ahead in an evolving business landscape.Data science, computing and maths
Qualifications, short courses, part-time study and online courses in data science, computing and mathematics at Oxford University.Diplomatic Studies and Law
Short courses and full-time study in diplomatic studies and law at Oxford University.Economics and politics
Short, part-time and online courses in economics and politics at Oxford University.Education and study skills
Short, part-time and online courses in education and study skills at the University of OxfordEnvironment and sustainability
Courses in the environment, sustainability, urbanism, wildlife conservation and ecology - whether your interest is professional or personal.History of art
Study art history part-time with Oxford University. Join a short course in Oxford or online, or further your knowledge with an undergraduate or postgraduate programme.History including local and social history
Part-time courses in history, including local and social, at Oxford University. From short online courses to graduate degrees.Languages and cultural studies courses
Learn a new language or understand how culture shapes communication with an Oxford University short course in Oxford or online.Literature, creative writing and film studies
Short, part-time and online courses in literature, creative writing and film studies at the University of Oxford.Medical and health sciences
Postgraduate qualifications, short courses, part-time study and online courses in medical and health sciences at Oxford University.Music
Short, part-time and online courses in music at the University of Oxford.Natural sciences
Short, part-time and online courses in biology, physics, chemistry and other natural sciences at the University of Oxford.Philosophy
Short courses, summer schools and postgraduate courses in philosophy and ethics at the University of Oxford.Psychology, counselling and psychotherapy
Short, part-time and online courses in psychology, counselling and psychotherapy at the University of Oxford.Religion and theology
Short courses in religion and theology at Oxford University.