Oxford University, as a world-renowned academic institution, primarily awards degrees (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorates) to its matriculated students. However, there are two main avenues for non-matriculated students to engage with English language learning and gain recognition from Oxford University or an affiliated entity in Oxford:
- Oxford University Language Centre (OULC): This is the University’s own department dedicated to language learning, including Academic English for its current and prospective students, and some courses for the wider public (often internal or affiliated individuals). They typically issue Certificates of Attainment or Certificates of Completion for their courses.
- Oxford University Department for Continuing Education (OUDCE): This department offers a wide range of short courses, summer schools, and part-time qualifications (including undergraduate certificates and diplomas) that are accessible to the public. While they don’t offer “English language diplomas” in the sense of a general FLE course, they do have Academic English courses and, for those pursuing a full qualification, their Certificates and Diplomas are indeed awarded by the University of Oxford.
- Private Language Schools in Oxford: Many reputable private English language schools are located in Oxford (e.g., Oxford International Study Centre, Oxford School of English, St Clare’s). These schools are British Council accredited and offer various courses (General English, IELTS prep, Business English), issuing their own certificates of completion. While they are in Oxford, their diplomas are not directly “from Oxford University.” I will include a prominent one as an example but clarify its nature.
Here is a list with courses directly from Oxford University Language Centre and Oxford University Department for Continuing Education and an offer from a reputable private school in Oxford, with the course level, intensity, learning mode, and prices (in GBP £, as this is England).
English Language Courses with Oxford Affiliation / In Oxford
I. Oxford University Language Centre (OULC)
Certificates Awarded: Certificate of Attainment / Certificate of Completion. These attest to the student’s level and completion of the course, issued by the University. Courses are Primarily Academic English for Oxford University students, staff, and partners, but some courses are open to the general public.
| Level (CEFR) | Course Name / Focus | Intensity (Hours/Week) | Duration | Mode | Price (approx. £) per term/session | Details |
| B2-C1 | Term-time Academic English Courses | ~2-3 hours | 8-10 weeks | In-person | £305 (General Public) | Focuses on academic reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills essential for university study. Different levels available. |
| B2-C1 | Academic Writing with AI | ~2 hours | 8-10 weeks | In-person | £305 (General Public) | Explores academic writing techniques, potentially incorporating modern tools like AI for learning. |
| C1-C2 | Pre-Sessional Course in Academic English | Intensive (full-time) | 6-9 weeks | Online / In-person | Varies, typically £4,000 – £6,000+ | Highly intensive program for students who need to meet Oxford’s English language requirements before starting a degree. Often includes assessments for progression. Specific prices usually provided upon application. |
II. Oxford University Department for Continuing Education (OUDCE)
Certificates Awarded: Undergraduate Certificates and Diplomas awarded by the University of Oxford (for longer, academic programs). For short courses, Digital Certificates of Completion or Digital Badges. Lifelong learning, including various subject areas. English language offerings are generally focused on academic or specific skills rather than general fluency courses for all levels.
| Level (CEFR) | Course Name / Focus | Intensity (Hours/Week) | Duration | Mode | Price (approx. £) | Details |
| B2/C1 | English Grammar and Pronunciation for non-native speakers | Varies (e.g., ~2 hours) | 10 weeks | In-person / Online | ~£200 – £400 | Short courses focusing on specific aspects of English language for non-native speakers. Check their website for specific current offerings. |
| C1-C2 | Professional Development for English Language Teachers | Full-time | 2 weeks | In-person | Varies, ~£1,000+ | A specialized course for English language teachers, not a general language acquisition course. Issues a Certificate of Completion. |
| N/A | Advanced Pre-sessional Course for Graduate Students | Full-time | 9 weeks | In-person | Varies | Intensive preparation for graduate study at Oxford, for students who have received an offer. Leads to a Certificate of Completion. |
| N/A | Summer School for Adults (with English language focus) | Varies | 1-3 weeks | In-person | £1,500 – £3,000+ | Broader summer programs that may include English language components or be taught entirely in English. Check specific program details. |
III. Reputable Private Language Schools in Oxford (Not University)
Certificates Awarded: School-specific Certificates of Completion, preparation for external exams (IELTS, Cambridge). These are excellent schools in Oxford, their certificates are from the school itself
| Level (CEFR) | Course Name / Focus | Intensity (Hours/Week) | Duration | Mode | Price (approx. £) per week | Details |
| A1-C2 | General English (Standard / Intensive) | 15-22.5 hours | 1 week – 1 year+ | In-person | £285 – £385 | Covers all four skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking). Flexible duration. Levels from Beginner to Advanced. |
| B1-C2 | IELTS / Cambridge Exam Preparation | 22.5 – 30 hours | 4-12 weeks | In-person | £395 – £450 | Focused preparation for academic (IELTS) or general (Cambridge FCE, CAE, CPE) English proficiency exams. |
| B2-C1 | Business English / English for Specific Purposes | 22.5 – 30 hours | 2 weeks+ | In-person | £400 – £500 | Specialized courses for professional contexts (e.g., Business, Law, Medicine). |
| All | One-to-One Tuition | Flexible | Flexible | In-person | £75 – £85 per hour | Highly personalized lessons tailored to individual needs and goals. |
Note:
- “Diploma” for non-matriculated students, this typically refers to a Certificate of Completion from the Oxford University Language Centre or the Department for Continuing Education’s own Certificates and Diplomas for more extensive part-time academic programs. It does not refer to the undergraduate or postgraduate degrees awarded by the main university.
- Prices: All prices are per week or per term/session (as of late 2024 / early 2025 information) and do not usually include accommodation, living expenses, visa fees, or registration fees (which can be £50-£100+ for initial enrolment).
- Dates and Availability: Courses have specific start dates and may require advance booking, especially pre-sessional or summer programs.
- Visa Requirements: For non-UK residents, studying in the UK will require a student visa, which has its own requirements regarding course length and accredited institutions.
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