Undergraduate Certificate of Higher Education

This part-time, award-bearing course lets you decide what, how and where you study. Whether you prefer weekly classes in Oxford, online learning, or the immersive experience of our Oxford University Summer School for Adults, every step you take builds credit towards your final award. 

Designed to fit around your life, the course can be completed in two to four years, depending on the pace that suits you. You’ll choose a main subject area to specialise in, while also exploring other subjects that spark your curiosity. 

The Undergraduate Certificate of Higher Education is designed for adults who want to pursue an Oxford qualification while studying subjects they truly enjoy. 

You don’t need any formal academic qualifications to apply – what matters most is your genuine interest, curiosity, and enthusiasm for the areas you wish to study. You’ll also need the time and commitment to work towards a university-level award. 

It’s possible to import credit up to a maximum of 30 CATS points at FHEQ Level 4 from Oxford Lifelong Learning short courses taken in the four years prior to registration. Those starting the programme in autumn 2026 can import up to 30 credits from short courses completed within 4 years prior of September 2026.

The Undergraduate Certificate of Higher Education is designed to be flexible. You can study mainly online (depending on the availability of courses in your chosen subject area), but you must take at least one course in person, in Oxford. 

 Online study options include: 

In-person study requirements: 

You must complete at least 10 CATS points in Oxford, which can be achieved through one or a combination of the following: 

* Where the course is eligible for CATS points. 

To achieve the Undergraduate Certificate of Higher Education, you need to gain a total of 120 CATS points by completing modules (short courses) in Oxford or online. 

Your main subject area (60–80 CATS points) 

You’ll specialise in one of eight subject areas: 

You will need to obtain at least 60 CATS points (but no more than 80) in your chosen main subject area. 

10 of these points will come from taking an introductory course in the main subject area (see below for details*). The remainder of your credits in your main subject area (a minimum of 50 points, up to a maximum of 70 points) will come from taking weekly learning programmes in Oxford or online classes or classes offered in the Oxford University Summer School for Adults (OUSSA) programme.  

These courses are not included in the programme fee. 

You will be assessed through coursework you complete for the individual  (short courses that you take, and through additional assignments designed to develop a broader knowledge and understanding of your main subject area. 

There are three additional written assignments, two of which are 2,500 words in length, and one of which is 3,500 words. There is no written examination at the end of the course. 

To study at this level, you are expected to have some IT skills, access to a computer and the internet. Your course requires you to engage with the Virtual Learning Environment for course materials and uses an online assignment submission system. You will need to have regular access to a computer and the internet, and some level of experience and skill, including the use of Microsoft Word or a similar word-processing package, email and internet browser. 

The computer you use should meet our recommended minimum computer specifications. 

Students who complete the course will be awarded Oxford University’s Certificate of Higher Education. Outstanding performance will qualify you for a Distinction. An Undergraduate Certificate will be awarded on completion of the course. You will be invited to celebrate at the annual Awards Ceremony, held at Oxford’s Sheldonian Theatre. 

The Certificate carries 120 Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS) points at first year undergraduate level (FHEQ Level 4). It is therefore equivalent to the first year of full-time study. Oxford Lifelong Learning does not offer full undergraduate degrees, but students who obtain the Certificate may, if they wish, apply to transfer the credit from the Certificate to another academic institution. The transfer-in of credit is always at the receiving institution's discretion. 

Alternatively, students who complete this award successfully and who wish to continue studying in their main subject area may be interested in applying for other award-bearing courses with Oxford Lifelong Learning. For more information, please see Oxford Qualifications. 

Learn more about the Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS points). 

Stephen is on hand to give you academic advice and guidance. He will help you review your progress, plan your academic pathway to completion of the award, and plan your progression to higher levels of study. 

If you are studying mainly online, your advice and guidance sessions can be conducted by telephone or email, although every student will be expected to meet the Course Director in person at least once during their period of study. In addition, advice and guidance on assignments will be provided by the course tutors and the assessors for additional coursework. There will also be guidance on credit transfer, special circumstances and financial assistance.

For further details please email: certhe@conted.ox.ac.uk 

There will be an induction day for all new students at the start of the academic year. This will include an introduction to Oxford Lifelong Learning and its facilities, to the Library at Rewley House, and to the other libraries and resources within the University that you will be entitled to use. 

If you have a query that is not answered by the information on this page, you may contact the Course Director, Dr Stephen Law. 

Click the 'Apply' button to request the online application link. We will email you the form and application guidance, usually by the next working day.  

You should allow plenty of time to complete the application form and upload all required supporting documents. You should also allow sufficient time for your referee to submit their reference by the application deadline. 

Application deadlines: 

If possible, your referee should be able to comment on your academic ability and background, but where this is not appropriate, please choose a referee who can vouch for your motivation, commitment and potential.  References from family members cannot be accepted.  

Admissions decisions will be based on an assessment of knowledge, relevant experience, academic ability, potential and suitability for a course of study. We welcome applicants who may not hold traditional qualifications but can demonstrate relevant career experience or life skills. 

Even if a course has no specific academic entry requirements then: (a) assessment of an applicant’s academic ability and suitability for the course of study will still take place and (b) since applications for many courses often significantly exceed places available, each application will be judged against the gathered field of applicants for each course each year. 

The University is committed to promoting diversity, equality, inclusion, and widening access, including during the admissions process. We fully endorse the Equality Policy and our admissions procedures are kept under regular review to ensure compliance with this policy. 

• Short-listed applicants will be invited for interview. 

• The final decision on admission to the course rests with the Department. 

English language requirements 

Please check the information on the specific English language requirements for this course. Applicants are required to have the Higher-level scores. 

On 11 May 2021 the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) published new regulations and guidance to be used in assessing the fee status of students commencing courses in August 2021 and later. We will be using this guidance to carry out fee status assessments for students commencing courses in 2026/27, including students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland. If you are an EU national and do not live in the UK then you are likely to be charged Overseas fees. Students with settled and pre-settled status in the UK and some other categories of students who work in the UK can qualify for Home fee status as long as they meet the residence criteria. 

Information on financial support can be found on our website here. 

Financial Declaration 

All undergraduate offer-holders are required to complete a Financial Declaration Form (FDF) to demonstrate how they will meet the financial conditions of admission. If you are offered a place on this course, you will then be asked to submit a completed Financial Declaration Form.  The form demonstrates that you can, or are likely to be able to, afford the course and it is necessary for this to be accepted before you can be considered to have met the conditions of your offer. 

If you are planning on embarking on a new career as a result of your studies, or hope to progress in your current field, you can access help and advice through the University Careers Service.