English and American Studies

The Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies at the University of Oxford offers a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the literary and cultural traditions of both England and the United States. This interdisciplinary program provides students with the opportunity to examine texts, ideas, and historical contexts that have shaped the literary landscapes of these two influential regions. Students engage with a wide range of literary genres, including poetry, prose, drama, and criticism, spanning from the medieval period to contemporary works. The curriculum emphasizes close textual analysis, historical understanding, and critical thinking, encouraging students to develop their analytical skills and contribute original insights to the study of literature and culture.

Throughout the course, students explore themes such as identity, race, gender, politics, and social change, allowing them to understand the interconnectedness of literature and society. The program also integrates the study of linguistic development, literary theory, and cultural history, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to understanding texts and their contexts. Students have the flexibility to tailor their coursework according to their interests, choosing from a variety of optional modules in literature, cultural studies, and language.

The program is designed to develop both critical thinking and communication skills, preparing graduates for careers in academia, publishing, media, public service, and other fields requiring strong analytical and interpretive abilities. Students benefit from world-class faculty members who are experts in their fields and from the university’s rich resources, including extensive libraries and archives. The course encourages independent research, culminating in substantial essays and projects that demonstrate scholarly competence.

With its unique focus on both English and American literary traditions, the program provides students with a nuanced understanding of the cultural and historical forces shaping the Western literary canon. It prepares graduates to engage thoughtfully with complex texts and ideas, fostering a lifelong appreciation for literature and its relevance to contemporary society. The Oxford experience emphasizes academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and the development of skills applicable across diverse professional landscapes.

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 Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies at the University of Oxford is a distinguished undergraduate program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the literary, cultural, and historical contexts of English and American literature. The program offers a rigorous curriculum that combines the study of classic texts with contemporary works, enabling students to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep appreciation for literary diversity.

Students begin their studies by exploring foundational modules that cover the history of English and American literature from its earliest origins to the present day. As they progress, they have the opportunity to specialise in particular genres, periods, or themes, such as Romanticism, Modernism, or contemporary poetry and prose. The program also emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging students to consider historical, philosophical, and cultural perspectives in their analysis.

The programme typically includes lectures, seminars, essay assignments, and independent research projects, fostering a collaborative yet independent academic environment. Students are also encouraged to engage with primary texts in their original language, participate in literary discussions, and attend various academic events organized by the faculty.

Research and critical skills are further cultivated through the opportunity to undertake a dissertation or extended project in the final year, which allows students to explore their personal interests in depth under the supervision of experts in the field.

The department often invites distinguished writers and scholars for guest lectures, enhancing the learning experience and providing insights into contemporary literary and cultural issues. The program benefits from Oxford’s extensive library and archival resources, which support detailed research and offer access to rare and historical texts.

Graduates of the English and American Studies program are well-prepared for a variety of careers, including academia, publishing, journalism, media, arts administration, and further postgraduate study. The program’s emphasis on analytical, communication, and research skills ensures that students are equipped to succeed in diverse professional environments.

While the core structure of the program is consistent, students usually have multiple options for electives and specialization, allowing for a personalized academic experience aligned with their interests. Throughout the course, students develop a nuanced understanding of the ways in which language and literature reflect and influence societal changes, fostering a global perspective on literary traditions.

Overall, the Oxford English and American Studies program is characterized by its academic rigor, extensive resources, and vibrant intellectual community, offering students an exceptional environment to explore the depths of English and American literary heritage.