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

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

The Department

Academic Staff Profiles

The department has a team of experienced academic staff who teach and conduct research in their respective fields.

Mission, Vision, and Values

The department's mission, vision, and values are focused on providing high-quality education and research opportunities.

Our History

The department has a long history of providing continuing education programs.

Student Spotlights

The department features student spotlights to showcase the achievements and experiences of its students.

Vacancies and Tutor Panel

The department occasionally has vacancies and offers opportunities to join its tutor panel.

Visiting Fellowships Scheme

The department offers visiting fellowships to scholars and researchers from around the world.

News and Events

News

The department publishes news and updates on its activities and achievements.

Open Events

The department hosts open events to showcase its programs and facilities.

Whats On

The department has a calendar of events that includes lectures, seminars, and workshops.

Student Information

Continuing Education Library

The department has a library that provides resources and support for continuing education students.

Oxford Qualifications

The department offers Oxford qualifications that are recognized worldwide.

Student Resources and Support

The department provides student resources and support to help students succeed in their studies.

Connect with Us

The department encourages students and alumni to connect with it through social media and other channels.

Support Lifelong Learning

The department relies on donations and support to continue providing lifelong learning opportunities.

Course Details

Chaucer's Canterbury Tales

This course explores Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, one of the most important and entertaining literary works in English.

Overview

The course will read a selection of tales, including The Wife of Bath's Prologue and Tale, the Nun's Priest's Tale, and the Pardoner's Tale.

Programme Details

The course will include seminars, lectures, and discussions, as well as optional plenary excursions and social activities.

Daily Schedule

Seminars will meet each weekday morning, and afternoons will be free for individual study or exploring Oxford.

Seminars

The course will cover topics such as Chaucer in context, The Canterbury Tales in context, and the General Prologue to the Canterbury Tales.

Recommended Reading

Students are required to bring a prose version of The Canterbury Tales in Modern English, and optional reading includes The Cambridge Chaucer Companion and Oxford Guides to Chaucer.

Certification

Students will receive a Certificate of Attendance and a digital badge of attendance.

Fees

The course fee includes accommodation, meals, and tuition, and ranges from Ł1660 to Ł2380 depending on the accommodation option.

Funding

There are no sources of funding available for this course.

Payment

Payment is required in full at the time of booking, and a course change administration fee of Ł50 will be charged for any changes.

Level and Demands

The course is aimed at non-specialists, and no prior knowledge is required.

Accommodation

Students can stay in typical Oxford student accommodation at Christ Church, and meals are taken in the college's dining hall.

Tutor

The course tutor is Dr. Victoria Condie, who teaches medieval literature at the University of Cambridge.

Teaching Methods

The course will use a range of teaching methods, including short lectures, seminars, and discussions.

Application

The enrolment deadline is 1 May 2026, and students can apply online or by completing an enrolment form.

Enrolment Form

The enrolment form is available online, and students should complete it electronically and return it by email or post.

Terms and Conditions

The department's terms and conditions apply to all courses, and students should read them carefully before applying.