Oriental Studies

The Oriental Studies program at the University of Oxford offers a comprehensive and multidisciplinary exploration of the languages, cultures, histories, and societies of Asia and the Middle East. This prestigious program provides students with the opportunity to develop a deep understanding of the region’s diverse civilizations, assess their historical developments, and analyze contemporary issues through rigorous academic inquiry. The curriculum is designed to foster linguistic proficiency in one or more Asian or Middle Eastern languages, including but not limited to Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, Persian, and Hindi, supported by expert tuition and immersive language training. Alongside language acquisition, students engage with core modules covering historical contexts, literary traditions, religious practices, societal structures, and geopolitical dynamics of the regions studied. The program encourages critical thinking and analytical skills through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, and independent research projects, enabling students to explore their particular interests in depth.

Students benefit from the university’s extensive resources, including access to rare manuscripts, archives, and cultural artifacts housed within the Bodleian Library and other specialized collections. The program also emphasizes experiential learning through field trips, cultural events, and potential study abroad placements, providing practical exposure to the regions under study. Academic staff are distinguished scholars in their fields, offering mentorship and guidance tailored to individual research interests. Graduates of the Oriental Studies program typically pursue careers in academia, international relations, NGOs, journalism, translation, diplomatic service, or cultural preservation, equipped with a nuanced understanding of some of the world’s most historically and culturally rich regions. The program’s rigorous interdisciplinary approach ensures that students graduate with a broad perspective and specialized expertise, ready to contribute meaningfully to global discussions about Asia and the Middle East.

The MSt in Oriental Studies is designed for students who hold a BA in the same field as that of their proposed research, or one closely related. As an example, most students who wish to study Arabic for this MSt will have either a BA in Arabic or one in which Arabic has been a majority of the course. The decision on whether a candidate's BA qualifies for the course is taken by the Faculty Board.

The precise content of the course followed by you is fixed by your supervisor in consultation with yourself in order to provide the most useful training for you. The course content is in each case designed to advance your progress towards a research degree after the completion of the MSt. You may therefore be required by the supervisor, under the direction of the Faculty Board, to attend lecture courses, seminars, language classes and tutorials, and also to write more extended pieces of written work.

The course may be taught in a variety of ways, depending on your needs.

If you wish to learn a language these are normally taught in classes. If you wish to concentrate on historical issues  these may be taught primarily in regular tutorials for which you are expected to write essays. Evaluation of the course takes place entirely during the third term, through a combination of essays, examination papers and a dissertation.

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 a field relevant to the proposed area of study.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.5 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:Up to three pages
• 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 

The undergraduate program in Oriental Studies at the University of Oxford offers students a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of Asian civilizations, cultures, languages, history, and societies. The course is designed to provide a broad understanding of the diverse regions encompassed by “Oriental Studies,” including but not limited to East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Students can major in specific areas such as Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Islamic, or Tibetan Studies, or choose a more interdisciplinary approach that combines several regional focuses. The program emphasizes language acquisition, enabling students to develop proficiency in at least one Asian language, often starting from beginner or intermediate levels, with opportunities to progress to advanced levels of reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension.

Throughout the course, students engage with primary texts, contemporary scholarly research, and cultural artifacts to gain a nuanced understanding of historical developments, religious traditions, political systems, social structures, and literary achievements. The curriculum integrates language study with contextual modules that explore history, philosophy, religion, literature, and contemporary issues, fostering a well-rounded academic experience. Students are encouraged to participate in fieldwork, internships, or study abroad programs to deepen their cultural and linguistic understanding, often facilitated through partnerships with institutions in relevant regions.

The program typically spans three to four years, depending on whether students undertake a BA or an integrated master's degree. Assessment methods include written exams, essays, oral examinations, and translations. Graduates from the program have gone on to pursue careers in academia, journalism, diplomacy, international development, translation, and cultural heritage preservation. The Oxford Oriental Studies program benefits from the university’s extensive library resources, research centers, and collaborations with Asian cultural institutions, providing students with unparalleled access to specialist materials and expert faculty members. The program aims to cultivate both language mastery and critical thinking skills, preparing graduates to become informed and engaged global citizens with a deep understanding of Asian histories and societies.