English

The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in English at the University of Oxford is a highly esteemed postgraduate degree designed for students who wish to undertake advanced research in English literature, language, and criticism. This rigorous programme provides an exceptional opportunity for emerging scholars to delve deeply into selected areas of English Studies, including medieval, Renaissance, Restoration, Romantic, Victorian, modern, and contemporary literature, as well as language and textual analysis. The MPhil is structured to foster both broad disciplinary understanding and specialized expertise, encouraging students to critically engage with primary texts, theoretical frameworks, and scholarly debates.

Students enrolled in the MPhil benefit from access to world-class resources, including extensive libraries, digitized archives, and seminars led by leading academics in the field. The programme typically spans one year full-time or two years part-time, during which students undertake comprehensive coursework, participate in lively seminars, and produce a substantial thesis of approximately 15,000 words. This research component allows students to explore their individual interests in depth, supported by dedicated supervision from Oxford's distinguished faculty members.

Throughout the MPhil in English, students develop advanced skills in textual analysis, critical thinking, and scholarly communication. The programme emphasizes original research, methodological rigor, and engagement with both historical and contemporary literary issues. Graduates often pursue Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) studies or enter careers in academia, publishing, writing, journalism, and other sectors that require high-level analytical and interpretive skills. The MPhil in English at Oxford offers an intellectually stimulating environment, fostering lifelong connections with peers and mentors, and preparing students for the next stage of their academic or professional careers.

Under the guidance of your supervisor, you will complete a thesis of 80,000 to 100,000 words. A typical term will involve a great deal of independent research, punctuated by meetings with the supervisor who will be able to suggest direction and address concerns throughout the writing process. It is expected that you will have at least two substantial supervisions in each term.

You will be enrolled as Probationary Research Student and then apply to transfer to full DPhil status during your first year. A further assessment of your work and progress takes place during the third year of the programme. 

There is no specific coursework requirement for an English research degree, however you will have the opportunity to attend a wide range of classes, seminars and lectures in order to learn bibliographic and research skills, interact with other researchers or gain new perspectives on their work. You may also be encouraged to attend the research skills courses available as part of the master's (MSt) programme, depending on how much of this training has been covered previously.

You are encouraged to gain teaching experience, so long as it does not interfere with your own progress, and are invited to attend Faculty-run preparatory teaching workshops and seminars.

Applicants are expected to be predicted to achieve or to have achieved a master’s degree in a relevant subject (preferably English literature or English language) with distinction.

Applicants are normally expected to have achieved a first-class or a strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in English literature or English language.

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
• Research proposal: Around two pages
• Written work: Either two essays of 2,000 words each or one essay of 4,000 words
• 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 distinguished Master of Science (MSc) in English Language and Literature, designed for individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of the English language, its history, development, and literary tradition. The program provides a comprehensive exploration of the evolution of English from its earliest origins to its modern forms, including detailed analysis of linguistic structures, phonetics, semantics, and stylistic features. Students engage with a broad spectrum of literary texts spanning from the medieval period through to contemporary literature, examining the socio-historical contexts that have shaped English literature over the centuries. The curriculum emphasizes critical analysis, scholarly research methods, and linguistic theory, enabling students to develop rigorous analytical skills and contribute original insights to the field.

The course typically involves a combination of lectures, seminars, and independent research projects, all guided by leading academics in the discipline. It offers opportunities for specialization in areas such as historical linguistics, medieval and modern literature, stylistics, or digital humanities. Students are also encouraged to participate in conferences, workshops, and collaborative research initiatives, fostering a vibrant academic community. The program prepares graduates for a variety of careers, including academia, publishing, journalism, education, and cultural management. It also serves as an excellent foundation for further postgraduate study, such as a DPhil (PhD) in English Studies.

The University of Oxford ensures that the program maintains high academic standards, providing access to extensive resources such as the Bodleian Libraries, special collections, and digital archives. Admission requirements typically include a relevant undergraduate degree with a strong academic record, proficiency in English, and a compelling personal statement demonstrating interest and motivation in the subject. The program duration is usually one year for full-time students and up to two years for part-time students. Graduates of the course benefit from Oxford’s global reputation, extensive alumni network, and the experience of studying within one of the world’s most prestigious universities.