Oxford University’s Department for Continuing Education offers a wide range of opportunities for adult learners of all ages and backgrounds, from short courses, day events and summer schools to part-time undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

More than 14,000 adult learners from across the globe are enrolled on part-time continuing education programmes with the Department annually, with students ranging in age from 18 into their 90s. Our subject areas include creative writing, literature, art history, philosophy, history, music, archaeology, economics, natural sciences, languages, and more.

Short open-access courses are taught online and in Oxford – so you can join from wherever you are in the world. Explore a topic in depth over one or two days with multiple speakers, hone your skills in small workshops, or extend your knowledge over several weeks with a weekly learning programme.

Or, join us for a summer school in Oxford. Live and study at one of Oxford’s historic colleges or at Rewley House, experience dining in hall, and explore the world’s most famous university city. Choose from more than 100 one-week introductory courses on a variety of fascinating subject areas, or opt for a longer, specialist summer school in a single topic.

Our part-time undergraduate and postgraduate programmes are designed for the specific needs of adult learners so you can study alongside work and family commitments. Some undergraduate award courses have online study options and two are taught entirely online. Postgraduate programme formats vary but most are taught as a blend of short residencies in Oxford with online components.

Join our worldwide community of students and choose from more than 1,000 courses to enrich and extend your knowledge. Whether you wish to study for pleasure, advance in your career, or gain a qualification, we have a part-time course for you.

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Oxford University’s Department for Continuing Education