Advanced Local History

The Master of Studies (MSt) in Advanced Local History at the University of Oxford offers a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of local history, focusing on the detailed study of specific geographical areas, communities, and historical developments at the local level. Designed for scholars, researchers, and history enthusiasts, this programme provides students with the opportunity to engage critically with a wide range of sources, methodologies, and theoretical approaches to understanding the past as it relates to particular localities. Throughout the course, students will examine historical records, archaeological findings, oral histories, and other primary sources to develop a nuanced understanding of regional histories and their broader social, cultural, and economic contexts. The programme emphasizes both the empirical investigation of local histories and the application of advanced analytical techniques, including spatial analysis and digital humanities tools, to interpret historical data. Participants will have access to Oxford’s extensive archives and library resources, enabling rigorous research and original scholarship. The curriculum includes modules covering topics such as the methodology of local history, the impact of local communities on national developments, and the ways in which local histories contribute to understanding broader historical processes. The programme also encourages active engagement with local communities, heritage organizations, and public history initiatives, fostering practical skills alongside academic research. Taught through a combination of tutorials, lectures, seminars, and independent study, the MSt in Advanced Local History aims to produce graduates capable of conducting high-quality research, publishing scholarly work, and contributing to the preservation and promotion of local history. Graduates of this programme are well-equipped for careers in academia, historical consultancy, heritage management, museum curation, and public history projects. With its emphasis on methodological rigor, interdisciplinary approaches, and community engagement, the Oxford MSt in Advanced Local History stands out as a leading programme for anyone committed to exploring and understanding the intricate tapestry of local histories within a broader historical framework.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline July Tuition fee

• GBP 2235 Year (EEA)
• GBP 3820 Year (Non-EEA)

Start date September 2015 Credits 60 credits
Duration full-time 9 months Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode Online Educational variant Part-time Intensity Flexible Part-time variant Flexible Structure Fully structured Student interaction Online group works/assignments Attendance No Attendance Teacher support Continuous support with feedback on request More information Go To The Course Website

Course Content

Course syllabus

The course begins with a short preparatory unit, available from 09 September 2014, to familiarise you with study and discussion online. Module 1 begins in late September 2014 and Module 2 in March 2015.

Module 1: Concepts and Methods of Local History

This module will comprise eight units, making extensive use of original sources and case studies. There will be four written assignments, giving students an opportunity to practise historical skills and to write some local history. The units cover approaches to local history, finding primary and secondary sources, the critical use of evidence, personal testimony as a source, a practical guide to statistics and the use of Excel, record linkage, and effective writing and publication.

Module 2: Databases for Historians

The second module consists of six units and uses data sets for two contrasting communities, the Lancashire port of Liverpool 1650-1750 and the Oxfordshire market town of Woodstock in the 17th century. There will be one written assignment and a final project comprising a longer piece of historical writing using data analysis. Students will explore a database already created in order to practise different methods of querying, then move on to learn how to design, create and use their own database for the analysis of historical data. Two further units introduce some of the exciting ways in which historians are now using databases, with up-to-date examples.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 7 TOEFL paper-based test score : 600 TOEFL iBT® test : 100

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

take an IELTS test.

Requirements

There are no formal entry qualifications for the Advanced Diploma in Local History but you should have some experience of local history at undergraduate level or its equivalent. This might have been gained through taking a course, or through research into family or local history using sources in libraries and record offices, for example.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Technological Requirements

Applicants should be familiar with the use of computers for purposes such as word-processing, using e-mail and searching the Internet. It is also essential to have some experience of Access or another database program before starting the Advanced Diploma. Short introductory courses are often available locally.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Oxford.

Funding

Sources of funding

Student Loans for students on Undergraduate Award Bearing Courses, including the Certificate of Higher Education

Students on Undergraduate Award Bearing courses who do not have an undergraduate degree are eligible to apply for a non means-tested student loan for all or part of their fees. If you apply for a student loan for all or part of your fees you may still apply for a Departmental bursary if you are on a low income (see below).

Departmental bursaries for those on Award Bearing Courses

If you are on a low income or certain income-related benefits you may be eligible to apply for a Departmental bursary, whether you have an undergraduate degree or not, and whether or not you also apply for a student loan.

Access to Learning Fund for those on Award Bearing Courses

The government provides the University with funds to help students on very low incomes with childcare and course costs. Access to Learning Fund grants cannot be used for paying tuition fees.

International Students

We advise international students to contact their local British Council, who can advise on studying in the UK. If you are on a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma course you may find funding opportunities on the Oxford Fees, Funding, and Scholarship Search.

US Loans

Students applying for US loans should contact the US Loans team via their website.

Disabled Students' Allowance for students on Award Bearing, Masters and DPhil programmes

This is a non means-tested allowance aimed at helping people with a disability or learning difficulty (e.g. dyslexia) to study on the same basis as other students.

Professional and Career Development Loans

If you are taking a course in order to develop your career, it may be worth considering a Professional and Career Development Loan. You may qualify if you are taking a postgraduate course or a second Bachelors' degree.

Accreditation

Facts and figures

There are over 22,000 students at Oxford, including 11,772 undergraduates and 9,850 graduate students.

The majority of Oxford’s UK undergraduates come from state schools. Latest figures show that, for UK students attending schools or colleges in the UK, 56.8% of places on undergraduate courses went to applicants from the state sector.

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In 2014-15, Oxford has the most generous no-strings attached financial support for UK and EU undergraduates from the lowest income households. The lowest-income students receive support through bursaries and fee reductions totalling almost £20,000 over three years.

Graduate students make up around 45% of the total student body at Oxford. 62% of them come from outside the UK.

Over 1,000 fully funded scholarships are available for new master’s and doctoral students in 2014.

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Oxford University has won nine Queen's Anniversary Prizes for Higher Education, more than any other university.