English 1700-1830

The Bachelor of Arts in English (1700–1830) at the University of Oxford offers students an in-depth exploration of English literature and language during a transformative period in literary history. This program is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the cultural, social, and intellectual contexts that shaped English writing from the early 18th century through the end of the Regency era. Throughout the course, students engage with a wide range of texts, including poetry, prose, and drama by authors such as Alexander Pope, Jonathan Swift, Samuel Johnson, Jane Austen, and Lord Byron, among others. The curriculum emphasizes critical analysis, historical contextualization, and the development of analytical and interpretative skills essential for literary scholarship.

Students enrolled in this program benefit from expert instruction by leading scholars in the field of 18th and early 19th-century literature. The program combines lectures, seminars, and independent research, encouraging students to develop their own viewpoints while engaging critically with primary and secondary sources. The flexible structure allows students to tailor their studies according to their interests, whether focusing on specific authors, literary movements, or thematic explorations such as the Enlightenment, Romanticism, or the evolution of the English novel.

The academic environment at Oxford fosters a vibrant intellectual community, offering access to extensive libraries, archives, and digital resources. Students are encouraged to participate in tutorials, workshops, and discussions that facilitate deep engagement with texts and ideas. Through a combination of historical perspective and literary analysis, graduates emerge with a nuanced understanding of a pivotal period in English literary history, equipping them with skills highly valued in careers across academia, publishing, journalism, and cultural institutions.

The program also emphasizes the development of strong written and oral communication skills, as students regularly produce essays, presentations, and research projects. With our distinguished faculty, rich academic resources, and a vibrant scholarly community, students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts in English (1700–1830) at Oxford are well prepared for advanced postgraduate study or professional pursuits that require sharp analytical abilities, cultural literacy, and intellectual rigor. This program offers a unique opportunity to explore English literature during a period of significant literary innovation and social change, fostering a lifelong appreciation of the literary arts and their impact on society.

The MSt programme consists of four main components, through which you have the opportunity to pursue interests within your chosen MSt strand, as well as across period boundaries. In the first two terms, you will take a core course (A) tailored to your specific programme, a compulsory course in book history and theories of text (B) also tailored to your programme, and choose two courses from a wide range of options (C). Under the guidance of a specialist supervisor you will also research and write a dissertation, which is submitted in the final term. 

The MSt programme is assessed via the submission of four pieces of coursework. In addition to the dissertation, you will submit three essays of 5,000 to 7,000 words – one at the end of the first term, and two at the end of the second term – relating to the B and C courses that have been taken.

All course work will be completed by the end of the second term (Hilary term), leaving the summer term (Trinity term) to complete the dissertation, which is submitted in June.

A. Core course: Literature, contexts and approaches

This is the core course for this MSt. It is formally non-assessed but compulsory. The general classes on literature, contexts and approaches introduce representative key texts and current debates on the literature and cultural history of the period. This course is designed to provide a solid foundation for advanced literary study.

B. Core course: Bibliography, theories of text, history of the book, manuscript studies

This is a compulsory, assessed course, taught via a range of lectures and seminars in each of the first two terms. It is designed to train you for research in English, through the study of bibliography, palaeography, book history and theories of text (appropriate to the relevant period).

C. Special options

The special option courses present an excellent opportunity for you to develop and pursue your research interests, whether related or unrelated to other work undertaken as part of the MSt degree. You are not constrained to follow option courses within the designated period, and indeed, option courses often traverse the boundaries of the broad periods. The courses are taught in weekly, small group seminars.

D. Dissertation

You will write a 10,000- to 11,000-word dissertation on a subject of your choice, but related to the work you have been doing over the year. You will be assigned to a member of academic staff who will act as your supervisor.

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 English literature and/or English language, or exceptionally a related subject. 

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.75 (with at least 3.85 in the major) out of 4.0.

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:One to two pages
• Written work:Either one essay of 4,000 words or two essays of 2,000 words each
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

• Global Education
• Hill Foundation Scholarships
• Ertegun Scholarship Programme 

The Oxford University Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature (1700–1830) offers students an in-depth exploration of English literary and linguistic history during a pivotal period that encompasses the late 17th century, the entire 18th century, and the early years of the 19th century. This program is designed to develop a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of English language and literature from the Restoration through the Romantic era. Students examine a wide range of texts, including poetry, prose, and drama, to analyze stylistic developments, themes, social contexts, and linguistic changes that define this dynamic period.

The curriculum typically includes core modules focusing on the history of the English language, literary analysis, and critical theory relevant to 1700–1830 literature. Courses may cover important authors such as Alexander Pope, Jonathan Swift, Samuel Johnson, William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and Percy Shelley, among others. Students also explore how political, social, and philosophical movements, such as Enlightenment ideals and Romanticism, influenced literary production and language use. Critical skills such as textual analysis, historical contextualization, and argumentative writing are emphasized throughout the program.

Students have the opportunity to engage with primary sources and participate in seminars, workshops, and independent research projects, allowing them to develop both their analytical abilities and their understanding of historical linguistics. The program aims to prepare graduates for careers in academia, publishing, journalism, or other fields requiring strong analytical and communication skills.

Assessment methods include essays, examinations, presentations, and dissertations. The duration of the program is typically three years for full-time students, with some options for part-time study. The university's tutorial system provides personalized feedback and guidance from experts in the field. Access to extensive libraries and archives enriches the learning experience. Overall, the program offers a rigorous and rewarding study of English language and literature during a transformative historical period, fostering critical thinking, cultural literacy, and scholarly expertise applicable to many career paths.