Program Overview

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University Program Information

The university offers a wide range of programs, including short and online courses, undergraduate, postgraduate, professional, and research programs.

Subject Areas

• Archaeology and anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • English Local History
• Architectural history
  • Architectural History
  • History of Design
• Business and management
  • Business and management
• Data science, computing, maths
  • Data science, computing, maths
  • IT Systems Analysis and Design (Online)
• Diplomatic studies and law
  • Diplomatic Studies
  • Foundations of Diplomacy Pre-Master's Course (six months, full-time)
• Economics and politics
  • Economics and politics
• Education and study skills
  • Education
• Environment and sustainability
  • Environment and sustainability
  • Sustainable Urban Development
• History of art
  • History of Art
• History, including local and social
  • History
  • English Social and Local History
• Languages and cultural studies
  • Languages and cultural studies
• Literature, creative writing and film studies
  • Creative Writing
  • English Literature
  • Literature and Arts
• Medical and health sciences
  • Medical and health sciences
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
  • Evidence-Based Health Care
  • Nanotechnology for Medicine and Health Care
• Music
  • Music
• Natural sciences
  • Nanotechnology
• Philosophy
  • Philosophy
  • Practical Ethics
• Psychology and counselling
  • Psychodynamic Counselling
  • Psychology and counselling
• Religion and theology
  • Theological Studies
• Technology and AI
  • Technology and AI

Course Format

• Day and weekend events
• In-person learning
• Lecture series
• Online learning
• Professional
• Summer schools
• Weekly learning

Academic Credit

Many courses can be studied for academic credit, which means they can count towards a recognised qualification.

Undergraduate Programs

Certificates

• Archaeology
• Certificate of Higher Education
• English Literature
• History
• History of Art
• Theological Studies

Diplomas

• Archaeology
• Creative Writing
• English Social and Local History
• History of Art

Advanced Diplomas

• British Archaeology
• IT Systems Analysis and Design (Online)
• Local History (Online)

Pre-Master's

• Advanced Pre-sessional Course for Graduate Students (nine weeks, full-time)
• Foundations of Diplomacy Pre-Master's Course (six months, full-time)

Postgraduate Programs

Certificates

• Architectural History
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• Ecological Survey Techniques
• Enhanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• Health Research
• Historical Studies
• Nanotechnology
• Patient Safety and Quality Improvement
• Psychodynamic Counselling
• Qualitative Health Research Methods
• Teaching Evidence-Based Health Care

Diplomas

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Severe Mental Health Problems
• Health Research
• International Wildlife Conservation Practice
• Psychodynamic Practice

Master of Studies (MSt)

• Creative Writing
• Diplomatic Studies
• Historical Studies
• History of Design
• Literature and Arts
• Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
• Practical Ethics
• Psychodynamic Practice

Master of Science (MSc)

• Applied Landscape Archaeology
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• English Local History
• Evidence-Based Health Care
• Evidence-Based Health Care Medical Statistics
• Evidence-Based Health Care Systematic Reviews
• Evidence-Based Health Care Teaching and Education
• Experimental and Translational Therapeutics
• Nanotechnology for Medicine and Health Care
• Surgical Science and Practice
• Sustainable Urban Development
• Translational Health Sciences

Research Degrees (DPhil)

• Archaeology
• Architectural History
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• English Local History
• Evidence-Based Health Care
• Literature and Arts
• Sustainable Urban Development

Professional Programs

Continuing Professional Development

• Business and management
• Cultural heritage
• Data science, computing, maths
• Diplomatic studies
• Education
• Environment and sustainability
• Medical and health sciences
• Nanotechnology and nanomedicine
• Philosophy and ethics
• Psychology and counselling
• Research methods and skills
• Technology and AI
• Urban studies

Research

The university has an active interdisciplinary research community, with a strong focus on the humanities and social sciences.

The Department

The Department for Continuing Education is committed to providing a stimulating and enriching environment for students.

News and Events

The university regularly publishes news and hosts events, including conferences, seminars, and workshops.

Student Information

The university provides a range of resources and support for students, including libraries, student services, and career guidance.

Connect with Us

The university is active on social media and encourages students to stay in touch and connect with each other.

Support Lifelong Learning

The university relies on donations to support its work and provide opportunities for students.

Program Details

Laughter and Redemption: The Genres and Modes of Comedy

Overview

This course explores the genres and modes of comedy, from ancient Greek New Comedy to modern-day sitcoms.

Programme Details

The course includes seminars, lectures, and discussions, with a focus on the theory and practice of comedy.

Daily Schedule

Seminars meet each weekday morning, with afternoons free for individual study or exploring the city.

Seminars

• Monday: What is comedy?
• Tuesday: Happily ever after: the enduring appeal of the romantic comedy
• Wednesday: Comedies of manners
• Thursday: Satire
• Friday: The edges of comedy

Recommended Reading

• Bevis, Matthew (2012). Comedy: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press.

Certification

• Certificate of Attendance
• Digital badge

Fees

• Fee option 1 (single en suite accom and meals per person): Ł2380.00
• Fee option 2 (single standard accom and meals per person): Ł2270.00
• Fee option 3 (double en suite accom and meals per person): Ł2260.00
• Fee option 4 (twin en suite accom and meals per person): Ł2260.00
• Fee option 5 (twin set standard accom and meals per person): Ł2260.00
• Fee option 6 (no accom; incl lunch and dinner per person): Ł1660.00

Funding

There are no sources of funding available for this program.

Payment

All fees are charged on a per week, per person basis.

Cancellations and Refunds

Please see the terms and conditions for our open-access courses.

Tutor

Dr Richard Rowley teaches early modern literature and Shakespeare, as well as courses on comedy and tragedy.

Teaching Methods

The course uses a range of teaching methods, including seminars, lectures, and discussions.

Application

The enrollment deadline is 1 May 2026. Most courses fill quickly, so early registration is strongly recommended.

Level and Demands

The course is aimed at non-specialists, with no prior knowledge required. There are no assessments for this course.

Accommodation

The course fee includes breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, with accommodation available at Christ Church.