Area Studies

"Area Studies at the University of Oxford offers an interdisciplinary and comprehensive exploration of the cultures, histories, societies, and political developments of specific geographic regions around the world. This programme is designed to equip students with an in-depth understanding of particular areas, such as the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Europe, or Latin America, fostering a nuanced perspective on global issues and regional dynamics. Students will engage with a wide range of academic disciplines, including history, politics, anthropology, linguistics, and international relations, allowing for a multifaceted analysis of complex regional topics. The programme emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and cross-cultural communication, preparing graduates for careers in academia, government, international organisations, journalism, or the private sector. Participants will benefit from Oxford's distinguished faculty, rich academic resources, and an international community of scholars. The course structure typically includes coursework, seminars, research projects, and opportunities for fieldwork, encouraging active learning and original research. Students are encouraged to tailor their studies according to their interests and career aspirations, with a flexible academic timetable and access to a wide array of specialised modules. The programme aims to produce graduates who are not only experts in their chosen region but also capable of engaging with global challenges through a regional lens. By fostering a deep understanding of regional contexts and intercultural differences, Area Studies at Oxford prepares students to contribute meaningfully to international discourse, policymaking, and cross-cultural understanding. Graduates of the programme will leave with a broad, critical perspective on regional issues, strong research abilities, and a network of academic and professional contacts that will support their future endeavors in various international fields."

The School of Interdisciplinary Area Studies is recognised as the top centre for area studies in the world, carrying out cutting-edge research within a vibrant and exciting environment. As a DPhil student at the school, you will have access to outstanding research projects, seminar series, workshops and conferences and will have the chance to develop your work alongside academic staff who are experts in their fields.

Candidates for the DPhil are normally admitted with Probationer Research Student (PRS) status. As a PRS, you will develop your research proposal and skills, and produce a draft section or sections of your thesis, in order to apply for Transfer of Status which will end your probationary period as a research student. Once you have been admitted to full DPhil status, you are normally expected to complete your studies by the end of your ninth term as a doctoral student.

As a DPhil student at the school, you will be assigned one or two supervisors, depending on your thesis subject. These supervisors will advise and guide you as you progress through the different stages of your research.

Your first year will include participation in the first-year DPhil seminar series and you will have the opportunity to attend other courses offered by the school as identified in your Training Needs Analysis. Your Training Needs Analysis will be discussed with your supervisor and reviewed on a regular basis. During this year, you will focus on developing your research questions, conceptual framework and methodological approaches for your thesis and you should expect to be submitting material for your Transfer of Status as the academic year comes to an end.

In your second year you will continue to implement your research plan through theoretical engagement and/or fieldwork, data collection and analysis.

If you intend to undertake fieldwork as part of your research, you will be expected to attend a fieldwork safety course available through the Social Sciences Division.

Your third year requires you to participate in at least one conference, in the UK or internationally, presenting your work to a non-specialist audience, and to submit materials for Confirmation of Status during your seventh term as well as working towards the completion of your thesis.

Ongoing support will be provided by your supervisor(s) during your studies and feedback will be received from peers and faculty members at the first-year DPhil seminars. Written feedback will be provided as part of the Transfer and Confirmation of Status procedures and after the final viva voce.

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in any relevant subject.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.6 out of 4.0. 

Applicants are also normally expected to be predicted or to have achieved a distinction grade at master's level in a relevant subject which includes appropriate research methods training. Or where a distinction has not been achieved, an overall grade of 67% and above in the master's degree course examinations and a distinction in the thesis element of that master's course will be considered. 

Applicants will be expected to demonstrate their commitment to a specific region for graduate work, and will have had training appropriate to the doctoral research they wish to pursue.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Research proposal: 2,500 words
• Written work: Two essays of 2,000 words each
• References/letters of recommendation: Three overall, all of which must be academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The University of Oxford offers a comprehensive financing package for students enrolled in Area Studies programs, designed to support international and domestic students financially throughout their studies. Funding opportunities include a diverse range of scholarships, bursaries, and grants tailored specifically to postgraduate students in the discipline. Many scholarships are sponsored by the university itself, charitable foundations, government bodies, and private organizations, reflecting Oxford’s commitment to attracting talented students from around the world. For example, the Clarendon Fund allocates substantial international scholarships that cover tuition fees in full and often include a maintenance stipend to assist with living expenses.

Additionally, there are college-specific bursaries and awards available to students who meet particular criteria such as nationality, academic achievement, or financial need. Many of these scholarships require separate application processes, and students are advised to check the available options at the time of their application to ensure timely submission. The university also participates in national and international loan schemes that enable students to borrow funds to cover tuition and living costs, which can be repaid after graduation.

Furthermore, for students from certain countries, government-sponsored loans or grants may be available, facilitating full or partial funding. Oxford's financial aid office provides detailed guidance on eligibility and application procedures for overseas financial support. Some students may also seek external funding through organizations related to their home country or the field of Area Studies, which the university supports through advice and resources.

The university encourages prospective applicants to explore all available funding options early in their application process. It also offers financial planning workshops and personalized advice through its financial aid services to help students effectively manage their budgets during their studies. Overall, Oxford’s suite of financing options aims to ensure that deserving students can undertake their postgraduate studies in Area Studies without undue financial hardship, fostering a diverse academic community committed to excellence in research and scholarship.

The MSc in Area Studies at the University of Oxford is a comprehensive postgraduate program designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of specific geographical, cultural, political, and social contexts within a particular region of the world. This program aims to equip students with advanced research skills and regional expertise, preparing them for careers in academia, policy analysis, international development, diplomacy, journalism, and other fields requiring specialized regional knowledge. The curriculum typically includes a combination of core modules, regional options, and research components, allowing students to tailor their studies according to their interests and career goals. Students are encouraged to engage critically with current issues affecting their chosen area, examining historical contexts, contemporary developments, and future prospects through rigorous analysis and field research where applicable. The program fosters a multidisciplinary approach, integrating perspectives from political science, economics, history, anthropology, and cultural studies to provide a well-rounded understanding of the region. In addition to coursework, students undertake independent research projects, culminating in a dissertation that demonstrates their ability to conduct original and critical analysis of their area of study. The program also offers opportunities for networking with experts, attending seminars and conferences, and gaining practical experience through internships or collaborative projects. Graduates of the MSc in Area Studies often pursue careers in international organizations, governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, or continue their studies at doctoral level. The university's reputation for academic excellence, combined with access to extensive regional archives and expert faculty, makes this program a valuable choice for those committed to understanding complex regional dynamics and contributing to global discussions on regional issues.