English 1830-1914

Degree Programme: English Language and Literature (1830-1914)

The University of Oxford offers a comprehensive and rigorous program in English Language and Literature focusing on the period from 1830 to 1914, a transformative era in British literary history. This course explores the richness and diversity of the English literary landscape during the Victorian and Edwardian periods, examining the evolution of language, literary forms, and cultural themes through a broad and interdisciplinary approach. Students will engage deeply with a wide range of texts, including novels, poetry, essays, and plays, by prominent authors such as Charles Dickens, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Thomas Hardy, Oscar Wilde, and many others. The programme emphasizes critical analysis and helps students develop their own interpretative skills by engaging with historical contexts, literary theory, and linguistic change.

Throughout the course, students will investigate key themes such as social reform, industrialization, gender roles, imperialism, and aesthetic movements, which shaped and reflected the societal transformations of the era. The curriculum combines close textual analysis with broader contextual studies, fostering a nuanced understanding of how literature both influences and is influenced by the cultural and political climate of the time. Furthermore, the program encourages students to explore the development of the English language during this period, including vocabulary expansion, stylistic shifts, and the impact of technological advancements on communication.

The programme also offers specialized modules on particular genres, authors, and themes, providing students with the opportunity to tailor their studies according to their interests. Regular seminars, tutorials, and research projects foster an active learning environment, allowing students to debate, present, and refine their ideas in a scholarly setting. Students are supported by a distinguished faculty renowned for their expertise in Victorian and Edwardian literature and language evolution.

Graduates of this programme will acquire advanced research skills, deep literary knowledge, and a critical approach that prepares them for careers in academia, publishing, journalism, education, or related fields. The university’s rich library collections, digital archives, and scholarly resources ensure that students have access to primary and secondary sources necessary for in-depth research.

Overall, this degree offers an immersive experience into one of the most dynamic periods of English literary history, cultivating analytical abilities, historical awareness, and language proficiency. It is ideal for students passionate about literature, history, and language development, looking to gain a profound understanding of the cultural legacy of the Victorian and Edwardian eras.

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 University of Oxford offers a comprehensive program in the field of English language and literature for the period 1830-1914, aimed at providing students with an in-depth understanding of the development and transformation of English literature during the Victorian era. This program encompasses both linguistic and literary studies, allowing students to explore a broad range of texts, authors, and critical ideas that shaped English cultural history in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The curriculum includes core modules such as the history of the English language, close literary analysis of major Victorian authors including Dickens, Tennyson, Browning, and Hardy, as well as thematic studies covering social, political, and intellectual movements of the period. Students have the opportunity to examine key historical contexts, such as the Industrial Revolution, the expansion of the British Empire, and technological innovations that influenced literary production. Additionally, the program encourages engagement with contemporary critical theories and methodologies, fostering analytical skills and scholarly research capabilities. Teaching methods combine lectures, seminars, tutorials, and independent research, all supervised by leading academics in the field. Assessment may include essays, presentations, and examinations, designed to develop the student's critical thinking and written communication skills. The program also emphasizes the importance of original research, with opportunities for students to undertake independent projects or dissertations. Graduates of the program often go on to pursue careers in academia, publishing, education, journalism, or other fields requiring strong analytical and communication skills. The vibrant academic community at Oxford supports students through a variety of resources, including extensive library collections, digital archives, and collaborative research initiatives. Overall, the program aims to deepen understanding of the rich literary heritage of the Victorian period and prepare students for advanced study or professional careers where critical engagement with historical texts and contexts is essential.