05 Feb 07

OUP's rich online library containing more than 1,500 titles has been made available to students on short online courses run by the Department for Continuing Education (OUDCE). For a payment to OUP included in their enrolment fee, students on OUDCE short online courses have access to key online titles in a joint initiative between Continuing Education and OUP. The offer includes all students on the online 10-week courses available to the public, which include philosophy, art history, archaeology, and English literature.

Online resources included in the agreement are the entire Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford English Dictionary Online, Oxford Reference Online, Grove Art Online, Grove Music Online, Oxford Scholarship Online and American National Biography Online.

Dr Ranvir Singh, a teacher in London, is in the first cohort of students to benefit. Dr Singh started OUDCE online courses in Political Philosophy and Philosophy of Religion in January. He said: 'Being part of a generation that loves internet searches, it feels comfortable to continue studying through this medium. The addition of art and music adds to the whole multi-sensory experience of study and provides easy and focused access to a wealth of resources.'

Courses can now include direct links to OUP's online resources. Course director Professor Sandie Byrne who writes and tutors online courses for OUDCE said: 'The suite of publications at Oxford Reference Online is an invaluable resource for students, particularly for those not affiliated to an educational institution, and those who might not otherwise have easy access to a library. It enables students of English literature to place the texts they study in their biographical, historical, cultural, and literary contexts.'

Kate Jury, Marketing Director of the Academic Division of OUP, remarked: 'This is the start of an exciting new partnership with the OUDCE, which offers major benefits to both course authors and students. Authors will be able to develop online courses drawing on a vast range of prestigious Oxford reference materials, providing a rich and seamless learning experience for the OUDCE's many students.'