Historical Studies

The MSt in Historical Studies at the University of Oxford offers an interdisciplinary and flexible approach to the exploration of history, designed for both recent graduates and experienced researchers seeking to deepen their understanding of the past. This programme provides students with the opportunity to engage with a wide range of historical periods, regions, and methodologies, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills essential for historical scholarship. The course is structured to allow students to tailor their studies according to their interests, including options to specialise in particular periods such as the medieval, early modern, modern, or contemporary eras, or to pursue a broader overview across multiple fields.

Throughout the programme, students benefit from the expertise of leading historians and access to Oxford’s extensive library collections and archives, supporting rigorous research and original inquiry. The course combines taught modules, which cover core historiographical debates and research techniques, with a substantial dissertation component that enables students to develop and pursue their individual research projects under expert supervision. This blended approach ensures that students develop both theoretical understanding and practical skills crucial for careers in academia, education, publishing, policy analysis, or other fields requiring critical historical insight.

The MSt in Historical Studies also emphasizes the development of transferable skills such as academic writing, presentation, and research methodologies, preparing students for further postgraduate study or professional roles in various sectors. The programme fosters a collaborative academic environment, encouraging dialogue among peers through seminars, workshops, and conferences. Graduates of the programme have gone on to successful careers in academia, museums and cultural institutions, journalism, public history, and other specialist areas. Overall, this postgraduate course at Oxford provides a rigorous, stimulating, and comprehensive foundation for anyone passionate about understanding the complexities of history and its relevance to contemporary issues.

There are three units:

Unit 1: Using Archives and Analysing Sources

In this unit students examine the key documentary and material sources and resources for their specialist period selected from three parallel strands covering the medieval, early modern and modern periods. They are encouraged to sharpen their critical and analytical skills and to reflect upon the challenges and opportunities particular sources or categories of source present to users. They are introduced to the main historical methods informing the design of research projects, for example macro and micro approaches, quantification and the use of material evidence. Training is also offered in the use of electronic search engines, catalogues and data-bases and guidance provided on using archives and their catalogues. 

Unit 2: Theoretical Approaches to History

Students examine themes and theoretical approaches that have provided the critical framework for, or have influenced, approaches to historical research. Four seminars are offered each year.  In the first instance, these will cover gender, space, and violence and identity. There is assigned reading but students are also encouraged to consider the application of the chosen approaches to their own research and to subjects that interest them.  Students are required to give short presentations, for example, introducing key texts.

Unit 3: Writing History 

Students are encouraged in this unit to reflect upon the challenges historians face in framing, structuring and presenting their research findings. A visiting lecturer and members of the course team share their experience of planning and writing books and handling conceptual issues such as causation, problem solving and controversy and the challenges of presenting qualitative and quantitative research findings. Students give short presentations on their dissertations and take questions and comments from tutors and students. There is a workshop on the organisation and presentation of the dissertation. 

Assessment methods

The Masters will be graded on the 15,000 word dissertation, supplemented by three summative assessment exercises marked pass/fail, namely a 2,500-word survey of secondary literature for the dissertation, a 2,500-word survey of primary sources for the dissertation and a 1,500-word dissertation proposal.  Students are also required to give two oral presentations.

Students will select their own dissertation topic subject to the viability of the proposal and the availability of a suitable supervisor in the year of study. The course focuses on British, Western European and Imperial History and dissertation topics should be selected from the areas covered. Dissertations may encompass or focus on visual and material culture. Students wishing to use sources written in Latin or foreign languages must be proficient in the language or languages required before commencing the course

The final grade awarded for the MSt subsumes the grade awarded for the Postgraduate Certificate in Historical Studies, with a weighting of 60% applied to the Master's grade and 40% to the Postgraduate Certificate grade.

It is necessary to have successfully completed the PGCert in Historical Studies in order to be admitted to this course.

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

It is also essential that applicants demonstrate a strong performance (actual or predicted) on the PGCert in Historical Studies. 

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).

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Research proposal:Up to 1,000 words
• Written work:One essay of up to 2,500 words 
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Funding options for the MSc in Historical Studies at the University of Oxford include a variety of scholarships, grants, and financial aid opportunities. Students are encouraged to explore funding through the university’s dedicated scholarships database, which lists awards specifically available for graduate students in humanities disciplines. The university offers several prestigious scholarships such as the Clarendon Fund, which provides full or partial funding to outstanding graduate students across all disciplines, including History. Additionally, students may be eligible for departmental scholarships or funding through specific college scholarships, depending on their college affiliation and academic merit. External funding sources, including government-sponsored grants, such as the UK Research Councils, may also be available for eligible students, particularly those from the UK or EU. The university’s financial aid office provides comprehensive guidance on applying for these scholarships and loans. International students are advised to seek funding through their home country's scholarship programs or through organizations supporting international graduate study in the UK. Furthermore, part-time work opportunities may be available on campus, allowing students to supplement their funding during their studies, although these are subject to visa regulations and work-hour restrictions. The university continually updates its funding opportunities, and applicants are encouraged to review the official Oxford University and Department of History websites regularly for the latest information. It is important to note that application deadlines for most scholarships are usually several months before the start of the academic year. Prospective students should prepare necessary documents, including academic transcripts, statements of purpose, and references, well in advance. Additionally, students are advised to consider potential costs such as tuition fees, living expenses, books, and academic supplies, and to plan their finances accordingly. The university’s financial support services can also assist students in creating a personal budget plan and exploring external funding avenues. Overall, funding for the MSc in Historical Studies can be obtained through a combination of university scholarships, external grants, part-time employment, and personal savings, ensuring that students from diverse backgrounds can access this prestigious program.

For students who do not live locally, it is possible to book bed and breakfast accommodation at Rewley House for the weekend units. The 2016~17 residential rate was £530 based on 7 nights, £310 based on 4 nights. Please expect a small increase to these costs for 2017.

If you book accommodation at Rewley House for additional periods of study in Oxford, the cost will be in addition to the residential fee.

Early booking is advised. If you enrol on the course at the residential rate, your accommodation during weekend units will be arranged by the Award Programme Administrator. For reservations outside of the weekend units, you’ll need to contact the Residential Centre directly for availability and bookings.