US History

The University of Oxford offers an exceptional programme in History, specializing in US History, designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the social, political, cultural, and economic development of the United States from its colonial origins to the present day. This programme encourages students to critically examine key historical events, movements, and figures that have shaped the nation’s identity and its role on the global stage. Throughout the course, students engage with a diverse range of sources, including archival materials, scholarly texts, and primary documents, enabling them to develop strong analytical and research skills. The curriculum covers vital topics such as the American Revolution, the Civil War, the Civil Rights Movement, and America's evolving political landscape, as well as issues related to race, gender, immigration, and economic change. Students have opportunities to specialize further through optional modules, seminars, and dissertation projects, allowing them to develop a focused expertise within US history. The programme is taught by leading academics in the field, whose research enhances the learning experience and keeps the curriculum current with ongoing scholarly debates. Students benefit from the University’s rich resources, including extensive library collections and archives, which support in-depth research and original inquiry. The course aims to produce graduates equipped with a deep understanding of US history, strong critical thinking skills, and the ability to interpret complex historical data. Graduates of the programme often pursue careers in academia, education, journalism, public history, policy analysis, and other fields requiring advanced research and interpretative skills. Overall, the US History programme at Oxford offers an intellectually rigorous environment that fosters a deep appreciation of American history and prepares students for diverse professional paths.

This nine month programme is intended to immerse you in the historiography and current debates in American history and to provide you with rigorous training in historical research, writing, and argumentation.

Teaching and examination comprise:

• two extended essays of up to 5,000 words on the United States and its precursor colonies. Teaching is usually arranged through tutorials. This element is entitled 'History of the United States, and the colonies that preceded it, since 1600';
• an examination paper in historical methodology and historiography. Teaching is arranged in weekly classes on 'Methods and Evidence in the History of the United States of America' in Michaelmas and Hilary terms. The first term covers the major developments in historical writing from the professionalization of the discipline at the start of the 20th century through to the end of the century. The second term focuses on contemporary debates in historical writing; and
• a dissertation of up to 15,000 words on a topic falling within the scope of the general subject area chosen by you for the extended essays on the United States and its precursor colonies. It is expected that you will write your submitted essays and dissertation on different themes, or covering a different sequence of events in American history. You will begin to formulate and plan your dissertation in conjunction with your supervisor from the beginning of the course, and will submit it during Trinity term.

Please note that not every optional subject listed may be on offer every year, depending in part on levels of student demand. Full details of core and optional papers available are available on the course webpage.

If you wish to apply for the DPhil you will be encouraged to develop your doctoral proposal in consultation with your supervisor during the first few months of your second year, so that you will be well placed to make a doctoral application.

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 relevant discipline in the humanities or social sciences.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.75 out of 4.0.

Applicants are normally expected to have a previous degree in history, but for master's applications a number of candidates will be accepted without. You will need to ensure that you link your proposed dissertation topic with your previous expertise when you present it in your research proposal, or that you explain why you want to switch to study history, and to show that you have already done some background research into it. Your submitted written work should show your writing and research skills in their best light, as it will be important to show that you have the necessary skills required for historical research.

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: 500 to 1,000 words, typically two to four pages double-spaced
• Written work:Two essays of 2,000 words each or one essay of 4,000 to 5,000 words
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

• Global Education
• Hill Foundation Scholarships
• Ertegun Scholarship Programme 

The Master of Studies (MSt) in Modern British and European History at the University of Oxford offers an in-depth exploration of the political, social, economic, and cultural developments in Britain and Europe from the late 18th century to the present day. This program is designed for students who wish to develop a comprehensive understanding of modern history through rigorous academic research and analysis. The curriculum includes a combination of core modules, optional courses, and a substantial research project culminating in a dissertation of approximately 15,000 words. Students have the opportunity to engage with a wide range of topics, including the Industrial Revolution, the expansion and decline of the British Empire, European integration, and contemporary political issues. The program emphasizes critical thinking, historiographical debates, and the development of research skills, preparing graduates for careers in academia, research institutions, policy analysis, or journalism. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, tutorials, and individual supervision, allowing students to pursue their specific interests within the field of modern history. Admission requirements typically include a good undergraduate degree in history or a related discipline, with some preference given to applicants with prior research experience or relevant academic achievements. The program is time-intensive, generally lasting one year full-time or two years part-time, and offers extensive access to university resources, including libraries and archives. Graduates of this program have gone on to successful careers in academia, publishing, government service, and beyond, often emphasizing the program’s focus on developing analytical and research skills that are highly valued in diverse professional contexts. The University of Oxford’s Department for Continuing Education, which administers the program, is renowned for its academic excellence and supportive learning environment, fostering an intellectually stimulating atmosphere for students from around the world who share an interest in understanding the complex history of Britain and Europe.