Modern South Asian Studies

Modern South Asian Studies at the University of Oxford is a distinguished postgraduate programme designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the history, culture, politics, and society of South Asia in the modern era. The programme offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide range of topics, including colonial and postcolonial history, contemporary political developments, economic changes, social transformations, and cultural expressions across countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan. Students engage with multidisciplinary approaches, drawing on history, politics, sociology, anthropology, and literature to analyze and interpret the multifaceted aspects of South Asian societies.

The course is suitable for students with backgrounds in related fields who seek to deepen their knowledge of South Asia's complex past and present. It combines rigorous academic research with interdisciplinary perspectives, enabling students to critically evaluate key issues facing the region today. The programme includes lectures, seminars, workshops, and opportunities for independent research, culminating in a dissertation that allows students to explore a specific topic of their choice in greater depth.

At Oxford, students benefit from the expertise of leading scholars specializing in South Asian studies, access to extensive research resources, and the vibrant academic community. The programme also offers pathways for careers in academia, policy-making, international development, journalism, and cultural sectors relevant to South Asia. Throughout their studies, students are encouraged to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a nuanced understanding of the historical and contemporary developments shaping the modern South Asian landscape. This programme prepares graduates to contribute meaningfully to scholarly research, policy discussions, and cross-cultural understanding related to the South Asian region.

The MSc in Modern South Asian Studies is an exciting new degree bringing together Oxford’s wealth of expertise on South Asia in a single programme. Students gain access to teaching and expert supervision across departments, the ability to combine courses in both the social sciences and the humanities, rigorous training in one of three tailored modules in research methods, and the option to build in language training.  

As a student on the MSc, you will choose one of two streams: Contemporary India or Modern South Asia. These distinctive streams build on the strong master's courses previously offered by the School of Interdisciplinary Area Studies and the Faculty of Oriental Studies, but offer new flexibility.

The first stream, Contemporary India, is intended for students wishing to explore present-day India’s social, economic and political achievements and challenges, and the connections between the country’s democratic and developmental successes and failures.

The second stream, Modern South Asia, is intended for students aiming to range more broadly across the states and societies of the subcontinent. Students within this stream may pursue any combination of interests, including history, literature, language, religion, economy and interstate relations.

Both streams comprise four components: the core course, a module in research methods, three option papers and the dissertation.

All students attend the core course, introducing modern South Asia across the disciplines. Delivered by faculty members with a range of specialisations, the course explores both individual states within the region and the connections and comparisons between them.

You will also receive training in research methods through one of the following specially tailored programmes:

• research methods for area studies, both qualitative and quantitative (compulsory for the Contemporary India stream)
• qualitative and historical methods
• qualitative methods: literature and language

You will also choose three option papers. If you are pursuing the Contemporary India stream, you must take at least one of the relevant options. For a full list of option papers, please see the course pages on the department website. Please note that the options will change from time to time, and not all will be run every year.

During the course of the year, you will select a topic for your 12,000-word dissertation and receive expert supervision. Students pursuing the Contemporary India stream must select a topic related to contemporary India.

The MSc is jointly taught by staff within the social sciences and humanities, who will also assess your application. The application process is administered by the School of Interdisciplinary Area Studies.

Students on the course will experience a variety of teaching modes, including lectures, seminars, classes, student presentations, and small group teaching. Supervision for the dissertation will be offered as a series of individual meetings between you and your dissertation supervisor.

You will be required to gather relevant materials for your dissertation during the course, usually by working in libraries and archives in the UK but potentially also via fieldwork. 

Assessment is through a combination of coursework, assessed essays, written examinations and the dissertation.  

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong (ie top third) upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in any discipline.

However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first-class degree or the equivalent.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.7 out of 4.0.

The admissions board will consider the entire application and any qualifications beyond the minimum bachelor's degree will be taken into account. These may include a master's degree or professional qualifications.

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: Around 500 words
• Written work: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
• A number of Research Council awards are available each year from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), and Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). 

Modern South Asian Studies at the University of Oxford is a multidisciplinary program that offers students an in-depth understanding of South Asian history, culture, politics, and society. The course is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the region, examining its diverse countries including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives. Students engage with a wide range of academic disciplines such as history, anthropology, political science, sociology, and languages to develop a nuanced understanding of South Asia’s complex socio-economic and cultural landscape.

The program typically combines coursework with research components, allowing students to explore specific topics of interest in greater depth. It emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and cross-cultural understanding, preparing graduates for careers in academia, policy analysis, international development, diplomatic service, or business sectors related to South Asia. The curriculum includes lectures, seminars, and extensive reading lists, with students encouraged to engage with primary sources and contemporary scholarly debates.

Students at Oxford benefit from access to world-renowned faculty members who are experts in South Asian studies, as well as unique resources such as extensive library collections and research centers dedicated to Asian and South Asian studies. The program fosters a collaborative academic environment, often involving guest lectures, conferences, and fieldwork opportunities. Proficiency in relevant languages such as Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, or Sinhala can be advantageous, although language training may also be offered as part of the program.

Most students pursuing Modern South Asian Studies are encouraged to undertake a dissertation or research project, often involving fieldwork or archival research, which culminates in a substantial thesis. The program also emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating historical narratives with contemporary political and social issues. Graduates of this program are equipped with a broad set of skills applicable to various professional paths, from academia and research institutions to government agencies and NGOs.

Admission requirements generally include a strong academic record, proficiency in relevant languages, and a demonstrated interest in South Asian topics. The program is highly competitive and attracts students from around the world, fostering a diverse and dynamic academic community. Overall, Modern South Asian Studies at Oxford offers a rigorous and enriching academic experience for those passionate about understanding one of the most vibrant and historically significant regions in the world.