History including local and social history
Step into the past — uncover the lives, choices and events that shaped the world.
Short courses for adult learners
Whether you're eager to explore a new interest or delve deeper into a historical time period, our short courses are designed for adult learners seeking intellectual enrichment. Taught in person or online, with some courses offered in both formats, so you can choose the study option that best suits you.
► View all short courses in history
► Ways to study: how our short courses work
History Discovery Session – Friday 28 November 2025, 12:30 - 13:30 GMT
If you’re thinking about studying history part-time at Oxford University but not sure which course is the right fit, join our one-hour online session to explore your options and have all your questions answered.
Part-time undergraduate and postgraduate Oxford University qualifications
Part-time qualifications in history
Part-time qualifications in history
Our part-time undergraduate courses and postgraduate degree programmes in history are designed for adult learners with busy lives.
Part-time qualifications in local history
Part-time qualifications in local history
Our part-time local and social history courses concentrate on cultural and social aspects of local communities throughout history.
Upcoming courses
Online - flexible • Short courses
This course examines the rise and fall of the British Empire and its manifold legacies in Britain and beyond.
- Mon 12 Jan 2026 – 27 Mar 2026
Online - live • Short courses
The First World War was a cataclysmic event. This course examines international relations before 1914, the countries which fought the war, how it started, the expectations of the participants, and assesses the war's historical significance,
- Mon 12 Jan 2026 – 23 Mar 2026
- 10 meetings
- 2:00 – 3:00pm
Online - flexible • Short courses
The recent discovery of Richard III's remains in Leicester highlights the dynamic new research being conducted into the period known as the Wars of the Roses. This course asks students to engage with the latest work on this exciting and tumultuous period.
- Mon 12 Jan 2026 – 27 Mar 2026
Online - live • Short courses
Augustine, the famous 5th-century North African bishop: profound philosopher, brilliant writer and preacher, fierce debater. Together we will read a wide selection of his works, including some transcripts of his sermons, to let him speak for himself.
- Tue 13 Jan 2026 – 24 Mar 2026
- 10 meetings
- 2:30 – 3:30pm
Online - live • Short courses
'Magic' was a wide-ranging concept that affected many aspects of medieval society. This course will consider the actual and perceived practices of magic in the medieval period and their consequences.
- Tue 13 Jan 2026 – 24 Mar 2026
- 10 meetings
- 2:00 – 3:00pm
Online - flexible • Short courses
Revolution was a powerful dynamic in European politics and society from 1789 to 1848. This course will examine this tremendous era of change.
- Wed 14 Jan 2026 – 27 Mar 2026
Part-time Oxford qualifications
Undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in history and local history.
Undergraduate Certificate of Higher Education
A flexible, part-time route to an Oxford University qualification. Gain credit from flexible short online courses, weekly classes, and the Oxford University Summer School for Adults. Explore a wide range of subjects in this multidisciplinary programme.Undergraduate Certificate in History
The two-year part-time Undergraduate Certificate in History introduces key historical periods and is equivalent to the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree in History at Oxford University.Undergraduate Diploma in English Social and Local History
A two-year, part-time course, which covers English society from the early medieval period to the late twentieth century. Trace the impact of religion, reform, empire, industry and more, through the lens of everyday people and communities.Undergraduate Advanced Diploma in Local History
Advance your skills and methodology in researching local, regional and social history with this one-year, part-time online advanced diploma. Taught completely online, the course is taught at third-year undergraduate level.Postgraduate Certificate in Historical Studies
The Postgraduate Certificate in Historical Studies offers an exciting opening for graduates of all disciplines to pursue a taught postgraduate qualification in historical studies.MSt in Historical Studies
One-year part-time course combining focused study of key historical themes and concepts in British and Western European history.MSt in Literature and Arts
An interdisciplinary programme which encompasses literature, history, art, architectural history, political thought and the history of ideas. Designed around 3 sequential periods of British history, from Early Modern to the early 20th century.MSc in English Local History
The MSc programme draws on knowledge and skills acquired in many years of providing specialist classes in local history.DPhil in English Local History
Drawing on knowledge and skills acquired in many years of providing specialist classes in local history.