Program Overview

---

University Program Information

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

Subject Areas

• Archaeology and anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Anthropology
• 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

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 the university 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

Undergraduate Diploma in Creative Writing

Key Facts

• Duration: 2 years part-time
• Format: In-person or mostly online
• Starts: October 2026
• Course Director: Dr John Ballam

Course Details

The Diploma gives students the space, structure, and expert guidance to grow as writers. Students can choose between two pathways: in-person in Oxford or online with a summer school in Oxford.

How You Will Study

There are two study options for the Diploma in Creative Writing:

1. In-person: weekend seminars, one-to-one tutorials, and lively group discussions in Oxford.
2. Online: interactive media, online tutorials, and a summer school in Oxford.

Course Content

The course covers prose, poetry, drama, and analytical reading. Students can specialize in their preferred genre and will have the opportunity to work with visiting writers and industry professionals.

Assessment

Students will be assessed on their writing submissions and a final portfolio.

IT Requirements

Students will need to have some IT skills, access to a computer, and the internet.

Study Skills

The university offers a Preparatory Study Skills course to help students develop their academic reading and writing skills.

Teaching Staff

The Course Director is Dr John Ballam, and the teaching panel includes experienced tutors in creative writing.

How to Apply

Applications are accepted until the deadline, and students will need to submit a sample of their work, a statement, and proof of English language ability.

Fees

Fees for the course are Ł4,095 (Home, Islands, and Republic of Ireland students) or Ł7,025 (Overseas students).

Award and Credit Transfer

An Undergraduate Diploma will be awarded on completion of the course, and students may be able to transfer credits to other institutions.