Program Overview

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University Programs

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
  • Certificate of Higher Education
  • English Literature
  • History
  • History of Art
  • Theological Studies
• Architectural history
• Business and management
• Data science, computing, maths
• Diplomatic studies and law
• Economics and politics
• Education and study skills
• Environment and sustainability
• History of art
• History, including local and social
• Languages and cultural studies
• Literature, creative writing and film studies
• Medical and health sciences
• Music
• Natural sciences
• Philosophy
• Psychology and counselling
• Religion and theology
• 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

Research Degrees (DPhil)

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

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

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.

Research Community

• Academic staff profiles
• Part-time DPhil programmes
• Research areas
• Research students

Graduate School

The Graduate School offers a supportive and stimulating environment for both internal and external postgraduate students and researchers.

Research Forums

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Steering Group
• Lifelong Learning Pedagogies forum
• Research Ethics Colloquium
• The Vice-Chancellors Colloquium

Course Details

George Orwell: Life and Politics

• Code: O25I607SSR
• Credit: 10 CATS points
• Fees: From ｣1375.00
• Dates: Sat 15 Aug 2026 - Sat 22 Aug 2026
• Time: 9:00am-12:30pm
• Location: Rewley House, 1 Wellington Square, Oxford, OX1 2JA

Overview

This course will introduce students to the life and work of George Orwell, exploring his most important works and the events that shaped his life.

Programme Details

• Seminars: Participants are taught in small seminar groups of up to 10 students, and receive two one-on-one tutorials with their tutor.
• Programme Timetable: The daily timetable will normally include seminars, tea/coffee breaks, lunch, and afternoons free for tutorials, individual study, or exploring Oxford.

Certification

• Certificate of Attendance: All participants who complete the course will receive a physical Certificate of Attendance.
• Digital Badge: Participants will also be issued with an official digital badge of attendance.
• Academic Credit: The course carries 10 CATS (Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme) points at FHEQ (Framework for Higher Education Qualification) Level 4.

Fees

• Fee Option 1 (Single en suite - inc. Tuition and Meals): ｣2205.00
• Fee Option 2 (Double en suite - inc. Tuition and Meals) 1 person: ｣2310.00
• Fee Option 3 (Twin en suite - inc. Tuition and Meals) per person: ｣1850.00
• Fee Option 4 (No Accommodation - inc. Tuition, Lunch & Dinner): ｣1375.00

Funding

Concessionary rates are available on a non-residential basis for those who qualify.

Tutor

• Dr Geoff Andrews: A historian in the politics department of The Open University and a tutor for many years at Oxford Universitys Department for Continuing Education.

Course Aims

• To build on and broaden any prior knowledge of Orwells work, drawing on recent biographies and topical debates over the continuing relevance of his ideas.
• To provide students with an extensive understanding of the writings, ideas, and politics of George Orwell.

Teaching Methods

• Short lectures/presentations
• Physical handouts
• Seminars/group discussions
• Student presentations

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will have been given the opportunity to gain:

• A good understanding of George Orwells life and his contribution to politics.
• The ability to select and draw on a range of sources for the completion of a written assignment.
• The confidence to discuss, debate, and present arguments in class discussion.

Assessment Methods

Participants are required to undertake preparatory reading and complete a pre-course assignment of 1,500 words. Although this does not count towards credit, it is seen as an important way of developing ideas and is mandatory. The pre-course assignment is typically due in the first week of June.

Application

Most courses fill quickly, so early registration is strongly recommended. If the preferred course is fully booked, students may wish to add themselves to the waiting list, and the Programme Administrator will contact them should a place become available.