British and European History from 1500 to the Present

The History of Britain and Europe from 1500 to the Present is a comprehensive undergraduate program offered by the University of Oxford, designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the political, social, cultural, and economic developments that have shaped Britain and Europe over the past five centuries. This course explores a wide-ranging array of themes, including the Reformation, the Enlightenment, the rise and fall of empires, revolutionary movements, the World Wars, and contemporary European integration. Students will engage with primary sources, critical historiography, and a diverse array of scholarly perspectives, fostering analytical skills and historical awareness necessary for understanding complex historical processes.

Throughout the program, students will examine key historical periods such as the Renaissance, the Industrial Revolution, and the Cold War, alongside regional studies of particular countries and movements within Britain and Europe. The curriculum emphasizes the interconnectedness of British and European histories, encouraging students to consider how events and ideas have influenced one another across national boundaries. The program balances chronological progression with thematic modules, enabling students to explore topics such as constitutional development, migration, nationalism, and cultural change in depth.

Students have opportunities for independent research through coursework and dissertations, guided by expert faculty with specializations across different periods and geographical areas. The program also offers a variety of seminars, workshops, and field trips to enrich classroom learning. Graduates from this program are equipped with critical thinking, research, and communication skills, preparing them for careers in academia, journalism, public policy, heritage management, and related fields.

The course is designed for students with a keen interest in history who wish to develop a thorough, nuanced understanding of Britain and Europe’s historical landscape. It combines rigorous academic training with accessible content, making it suitable for students with diverse backgrounds in history and related disciplines. By engaging with the complexities of historical change, students will gain valuable insights into the roots of modern political systems, cultural identities, and societal shifts that continue to influence contemporary Britain and Europe.

Full-time study

The full-time programme offers a nine-month introduction to graduate research. It is designed to meet the needs of students who wish to build upon their undergraduate studies through one year of further study, and also those hoping to proceed to doctoral work. The latter will be encouraged to develop their master’s and doctoral proposals in tandem during the first few months, so that they will be well placed to make doctoral applications in January. You will be invited to present and receive feedback on your work-in-progress at a conference specific to this programme at the start of Trinity term.

Part-time study

The part-time programme offers a 21-month introduction to graduate research. It is designed to meet the needs of students who wish to build upon their undergraduate studies, and also for those who hope to take up doctoral research. The latter will be encouraged to develop their doctoral proposals alongside their work for the master’s programme at the start of their second year, so that they will be well-placed to make doctoral applications. You will be invited to present (and receive feedback on) your work-in-progress at a conference specific to this programme in your second year. Please refer to the course webpage for further details about the part-time structure of the course. 

This course cannot be undertaken on a distance-learning basis. 

Teaching and examination comprise:

• an introductory methodology course, comprising weekly classes on ‘Sources and Resources’ and on ‘Theory and Methods’ during Michaelmas term, complemented by your work with your supervisor on the individual research element of the programme
• an optional subject, taught in eight weekly classes during Hilary term
• a dissertation of not more than 15,000 words on a topic falling within the scope of this MSt, usually within the historical period of your optional subject. 

You are expected to commit the Easter vacation and the first seven weeks of Trinity term to your work on finalising the dissertation, but you will begin developing a research strategy in conjunction with your supervisor from October.

If you wish to apply for the DPhil you will be encouraged to develop your doctoral proposal in consultation with your supervisor during the first few months of your master's course, so that you will be well placed to make a doctoral application.

Please note that not every optional subject listed may be on offer every year, depending in part on levels of student demand. Full details of core and optional papers available are available on the course webpage.

You will have access to a comprehensive menu of skills training for graduate students, as well as a systematic schedule of introductions to the unrivalled research facilities of the University of Oxford. If necessary for your project, you will be encouraged to develop your knowledge of a foreign language in parallel to your course work.

You should not apply to both the MSt and MPhil in this research area. Both courses have the same entry requirements.

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 a relevant discipline in the humanities or social sciences.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.75 out of 4.0.

Applicants are normally expected to have a previous degree in history, but for master's applications a number of candidates will be accepted without. You will need to ensure that you link your proposed dissertation topic with your previous expertise when you present it in your research proposal, or that you explain why you want to switch to study history, and to show that you have already done some background research into it. Your submitted written work should show your writing and research skills in their best light, as it will be important to show that you have the necessary skills required for historical research.

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
• Statement of purpose/personal statement:500 to 1,000 words, typically two to four pages double-spaced
• Written work:Two essays of 2,000 words each or one essay of 4,000 to 5,000 words
• References/letters of recommendation: Three overall, all of which must be academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

The University of Oxford offers a diverse range of financing options for students enrolled in its British and European History programs. These financial support schemes are designed to make study accessible and manageable for both domestic and international students. Scholarships are available based on academic excellence, financial need, and nationality, with prestigious awards such as Clarendon Scholarships providing full coverage of tuition fees and living expenses for outstanding candidates. Additionally, the university administers various departmental bursaries specific to the History faculty, which students can apply for during their application process or upon enrollment.

Funding opportunities extend beyond university-based scholarships. External organizations, foundations, and governmental agencies allocate grants and bursaries that students may be eligible for, particularly those from certain countries or regions. Oxford also offers loan schemes for students who qualify, enabling them to borrow funds to assist with tuition fees and maintenance costs, repayable after graduation. Work-study programs are available as well, allowing students to gain practical experience and earn supplementary income while studying.

The university’s Student Funding Office provides comprehensive guidance on available financial aids, application procedures, and deadlines, ensuring students can access all necessary information to maximize their financial resources. International students may have additional funding pathways through specific scholarships dedicated to non-UK residents. The overall aim of these financing studies is to support students throughout their academic journey, reducing financial barriers and fostering an inclusive learning environment. The university is committed to transparency and fairness in its funding policies, regularly updating available options to reflect changes in government policies and economic conditions.

The MSt in Modern British and European History at the University of Oxford is a distinguished postgraduate program designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the political, social, cultural, and economic developments in Britain and Europe from 1500 to the present. This master's course offers a comprehensive exploration of key historical periods, including the Renaissance, Enlightenment, Industrial Revolution, two World Wars, and contemporary history. The program emphasizes rigorous research skills, critical analysis, and historiographical debates, equipping students to contribute thoughtfully to the field of history. Students are encouraged to engage with primary sources, develop their own research projects, and participate in seminars and discussion groups led by leading experts in the discipline. The program attracts students from diverse academic backgrounds, fostering a vibrant academic community that benefits from Oxford’s extensive resources, including archives, libraries, and special collections. Graduates of this program often proceed to doctoral studies, careers in academia, journalism, public history, where they leverage their detailed knowledge of British and European history to inform policy, education, and cultural preservation. The course typically involves coursework, a research thesis or essays, and may include options for fieldwork or internships related to historical research or heritage management. Over the duration of the program, students develop a nuanced understanding of the complex historical trajectories that have shaped modern Britain and Europe, preparing them for careers that require advanced analytical and research skills.