Economic and Social History

This two-year specialist programme offers a unique framework for research training in economic and social history. It offers a wide range of options and allows you to specialise in economic and/or social history, or historical demography, although the boundaries between these areas are deliberately permeable.

This course is intended to introduce you to the wide variety of methods used in the study of economic and social history, as well as to the subject itself.

The core qualifying papers provide an opportunity to evaluate a range of different approaches; they impart a common language, and create a close and friendly community, in which ideas are shared, and strong personal ties are forged, developing a community that provides a base from which to venture out and experience the other rewards of Oxford, intellectual, social, and cultural.

Teaching and examination comprise:

• 'What happened and why: an introduction to themes and approaches in economic and social history', a required course for all students, focusing on social sciences methodologies and approaches and taught through a series of lectures and parallel classes during Michaelmas term (submitted mid-December);
• a course in quantitative methods and computer applications for economic and social history: You will be allocated to either the standard or the advanced course, depending on your previous training. More advanced students will be able to take a quantitative methods course provided as part of the MPhil in Economics, subject to satisfying admission criteria;
• four advanced papers, usually taught in small classes, mostly during Hilary term. Assessment is usually by three-hour written examination, but candidates may choose to be assessed for up to two of their advanced papers by two extended essays of up to 5,000 words each; and
• a dissertation of not more than 30,000 words on a topic of your choice, approved by your supervisor, and submitted at the beginning of Trinity term in the second year of the programme.

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.

The standard course in quantitative methods and computer applications for economic and social history is a simple and very informal introduction to elementary quantitative methods covering some of the techniques most widely used in research in the historical and social sciences and emphasizing the relevance of the historical issues. No prior knowledge of mathematics or statistical theory is expected.

The advanced course is intended for students who have already been introduced to some form of quantitative methods, with the first few sessions serving as a refresher course in elementary quantitative methods. The course aims to ensure that you are aware of the range of quantitative techniques available for analysing problems in economic and social history. You will be taught how to use a number of popular statistical and econometric packages. Teaching sessions will involve computer classwork.

If you wish to apply for the DPhil you will be encouraged to develop your doctoral proposal during the first few months of the second year of the course, so that you will be well placed to make doctoral applications.

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

1. Academic ability

Proven and potential academic excellence

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.

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

2. English language requirement

Higher level

3. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

• Three references (letters of recommendation)
• Official transcript(s) of previous university-level degrees
• 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

• Clarendon Scholarships. This unique scheme offers around 140 new, fully-funded scholarships each year to academically outstanding graduate students, as well as providing a lively and stimulating community of scholars.
• Hill Foundation Scholarships. The Hill Foundation Scholarships fund Russian students to study for full-time graduate courses in any subject at Oxford. The Hill Foundation is a charity which aims to create a community of Oxford scholars and alumni who will work to improve Russian life and culture.The scholarship will cover 100% of University and college fees and a grant for living costs (of at least £14,296). Awards are made for the full duration of your fee liability for the agreed course.