Foundation Certificate in English Literature University of Oxford

Overview

It is modelled on the first year of Oxford University’s BA programme in English Language and Literature, and is taught mainly by members of the University’s English Faculty. The course can be studied face-to-face or mostly online.

The Foundation Certificate in English Literature course at the University of Oxford covers a range of writing from Shakespeare to the twentieth century. It teaches skills in the analysis of literature, including the ability to read closely and to recognise and apply approaches in contemporary literary theory.

As well as taking part in the tutorials, seminars, and day schools at Oxford University's Department for Continuing Education, you will have free access to English Faculty lectures and the excellent resources of the Bodleian Library.

After completing the course, you will be able to apply for second-year entry to an English Literature degree. More than 50 of our students have moved on to full-time study at Oxford University since 1995, while others have gained places at universities such as Warwick, Exeter, UCL, Birkbeck, Oxford Brookes, Cardiff, St Andrews, York, Leeds and Birmingham. (Successfully completing the course does not give you automatic right of entry to any institution.)

How you will study

There are two study options for the Foundation Certificate in English Literature:

Option 1:

Option 1 is taught mainly face-to-face. Each week during term you will take part in a two-hour evening class, usually held on Tuesday evenings, 7.00-9.00 pm at Rewley House. There are ten of these classes per term.

Option 2:

This option is taught mainly online. A variety of online resources, including recorded presentations, will be provided, and you will engage in collaborative group work exercises with other students on the course. On 4 Saturdays of each term you will take part in live teaching sessions, usually from 1.00-4.00 pm (UK time). These will be delivered remotely, using Microsoft Teams.

All students (both options) also attend a one-week, non-residential Shakespeare Summer School, usually held in September between Year 1 and Year 2. There are also six weekend day schools over the two years, usually one per term, which will be recorded for those on option 2 who are unable to attend in person. (See below for more information on these.)