English Local History

It is possible to study for a DPhil (doctorate) in English Local History by part-time research. Students undertaking the DPhil part time normally study for four to six years. This compares with a full-time DPhil which normally takes three to four years to complete.

The part-time DPhil regulations require a minimum period of four years’ part-time study (equivalent to two years’ full-time). However, except where students are building on research and research skills developed by taking the MSc in English Local History the average time taken is approximately six years (equivalent to three years’ full-time).

The MSc and DPhil programmes are overseen by the University’s Continuing Education Board, and admission is through the Department for Continuing Education. All graduate students on these courses are now members of the department’s new graduate school.

If you are research student you may be required to undertake appropriate research training provided within the University. In addition, you will be strongly encouraged to participate in seminars and informal meetings with staff and other researchers. The major commitment of time will be to individual study and research, involving wide and intense reading, data collection and analysis, and writing.

Supervision on the DPhil programme is provided by specialist tutors from the department, elsewhere in Oxford and further afield. An impression of interests represented in the department’s teaching and research supervision can be seen in the advanced paper subjects offered as part of the master’s course:

• Power and patronage in the later medieval localities
• Kinship, culture and community: provincial elites in early modern England
• Poverty and the Poor Law in England 1660-1800
• Enclosure and rural change, 1750-1850
• Religion and community in England, 1830-1914

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 any relevant subject. A good master's level qualification is usually, though not always required.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA normally sought is 3.7 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).

Other experience will be carefully considered and may be taken into account. No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Research proposal:Up to 1,000 words
• Written work:Two essays of 2,000 words each
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

The University of Oxford offers a diverse range of financing options to support students enrolled in its programs, including those studying English Local History. Funding opportunities at Oxford are designed to accommodate the needs of both domestic and international students, ensuring access to high-quality education regardless of financial background. Students can explore scholarships, grants, bursaries, and loans that are available through the university, colleges, and external organizations. The university's financial aid office provides detailed guidance on application procedures and eligibility criteria for each funding source. For UK residents, there are numerous government-sponsored loan programs, such as the Student Loan Company loans, which cover tuition fees and living costs. International students are encouraged to seek scholarships offered specifically for international applicants, or to utilize external funding opportunities from their home countries. Oxford also offers a range of college-specific financial awards, which may be merit-based or need-based, and can significantly reduce the financial burden for successful applicants. Additionally, students may find part-time work opportunities both within the university and in the local community, which can contribute to their living expenses. The university’s comprehensive approach to student financing underscores its commitment to fostering accessible education. Prospective students are advised to start exploring funding options early in the application process, as deadlines and eligibility criteria vary. Success in securing funding often involves submitting detailed financial statements and demonstrating academic merit or financial need. The university regularly updates its information on funding programs, so staying informed through official channels is essential. Overall, Oxford’s financing studies initiatives aim to ensure that talented students from all backgrounds can pursue studies in English Local History without undue financial stress, supporting their academic and professional development in the field.

The University of Oxford offers a comprehensive program in Local History that aims to provide students with in-depth knowledge and understanding of the history of local areas within England. This programme explores the development of towns and cities, rural communities, and the social, economic, and cultural factors that have shaped local histories over time. Students engaging in this course will have the opportunity to study a wide range of topics, including archaeological findings, local governance, historical geography, and the influence of broader national and international events on regional communities.

The curriculum is designed to develop both theoretical knowledge and practical research skills. Participants will learn how to analyze historical documents, interpret archaeological data, and utilize geographical information systems (GIS) to map historical changes. Fieldwork may also be incorporated, allowing students to engage directly with local sites, archives, and museums to gain firsthand research experience.

This degree program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, combining history with archaeology, geography, and urban studies. Such an approach enables students to gain a nuanced understanding of the complex factors shaping local history. Small group tutorials, seminars, and research projects are key components of the programme, fostering close academic mentorship and active participation.

Students will have access to Oxford’s rich library collections, archives, and research centers dedicated to regional history. The programme may also provide opportunities for internships, collaborative projects with local heritage organizations, and participation in conferences, all of which aim to enhance professional development and employability post-graduation.

Graduates of the Local History program at Oxford are equipped with the analytical skills, historical knowledge, and research capabilities necessary for careers in academia, heritage management, local government, and cultural preservation. The interdisciplinary and research-oriented nature of the course prepares students to contribute meaningfully to the understanding and preservation of local histories across England and beyond.