University Program Information

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

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 Formats

• 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

Research Community

Research at Oxford Lifelong Learning extends across the disciplines and is supported by a research culture that encourages interdisciplinary initiatives.

Research Areas

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

Research Forums

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

Course Details

Getting Started in Nature Writing

• Code: O25P749CRZ
• Credit: 10 CATS points
• Fees: Ł360.00
• Dates: Tue 13 Jan 2026 - Tue 24 Mar 2026
• Time: 7:00-8:00pm (UK)
• Location: Online (Live)

Course Aims

• To allow students to gain an appreciation of different forms of nature writing and to produce their own texts in a supportive environment.
• To read and understand a variety of nature writing.
• To analyse the ways in which nature writing sustains the reader's interest.
• To provide a positive atmosphere in which students can explore their reading and writing from first draft to finished piece and give constructive feedback to others.

Teaching Methods

This course takes place over 10 weeks, with a weekly learning schedule and weekly live webinar held on Microsoft Teams.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course students will be expected to:

• respond to different forms of nature writing with growing confidence and understanding;
• be able to write in a manner which engages and sustains the interest of the reader;
• be able to transform their own experiences into original writing;
• be able to modify approaches to nature writing varieties.

Assessment Methods

You will be set two pieces of work for the course. The first of 500 words is due halfway through your course. This does not count towards your final outcome but preparing for it, and the feedback you are given, will help you prepare for your assessed piece of work of 1,500 words due at the end of the course. The assessed work is marked pass or fail.

Level and Demands

This course is open to all and no prior knowledge is required. This course is offered at FHEQ Level 4 (i.e. first year undergraduate level), and you will be expected to engage in independent study in preparation for your assignments and for the weekly webinar.

English Language Requirements

We do not insist that applicants hold an English language certification, but warn that they may be at a disadvantage if their language skills are not of a comparable level to those qualifications listed on our website.

IT Requirements

Any standard web browser can be used to access course materials on our virtual learning environment, but we recommend Google Chrome. We also recommend that students join the live webinars on Microsoft Teams using a laptop or desktop computer rather than a phone or tablet due to the limited functionality of the app on these devices.

University of Oxford

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Overview:

The University of Oxford is a renowned public research university located in Oxford, England. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, with a rich history dating back to the 12th century. The university is comprised of 39 constituent colleges and a number of departments and faculties, covering a wide range of academic disciplines.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The university offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience, with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and personal development. Students can expect to be part of a close-knit community within their chosen college, while also having access to the wider university's resources and facilities. The university boasts a rich cultural scene, with numerous museums, libraries, and gardens, as well as a thriving arts and music scene.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Academic Excellence:

Oxford is consistently ranked among the top universities globally, known for its world-class research and teaching.

Prestigious Reputation:

A degree from Oxford holds significant weight and opens doors to various career paths.

Unique College System:

The college system provides a unique and supportive environment for students, fostering close relationships with peers and tutors.

Global Community:

Oxford attracts students from all over the world, creating a diverse and international learning environment.

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Academic Programs:

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including:

Humanities:

Classics, History of Art, Music, Theology and Religion, English Language and Literature, Linguistics, Philology & Phonetics, Philosophy, Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, History, Medieval and Modern Languages.

Mathematical, Physical & Life Sciences:

Computer Science, Life Sciences, Physics, Biology, Earth Sciences, Materials, Statistics, Chemistry, Engineering Science, Mathematics.

Medical Sciences:

Biochemistry, Experimental Psychology, Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Pharmacology, Primary Care Health Sciences, Women's & Reproductive Health, Clinical Medicine, Medicine, Paediatrics, Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics, Psychiatry, Clinical Neurosciences, Oncology, Pathology, Population Health, Surgical Sciences.

Social Sciences:

Anthropology and Museum Ethnography, Economics, Global and Area Studies, Internet Institute, Politics and International Relations, Archaeology, Education, Government, Law, Social Policy and Intervention, Business School, Geography and the Environment, International Development, Oxford Martin School, Sociology.

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Other:

The university also offers a range of services and facilities for students, including libraries, museums, sports facilities, and student support services. It is actively involved in research and innovation, with a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability.