Program Overview

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Introduction to the MPhil in History (History of War)

The MPhil in History (History of War) is a graduate degree that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the history of war from the fall of the Roman Empire to the present day. This course offers a unique opportunity for students to engage with the broader context of war and its impact on society, economy, culture, and environment.

About the Course

The MPhil in History (History of War) is a full-time course that requires attendance in Oxford. The course is designed to give students a thorough training in historical research, improve their ability to conceptualize and engage with historical problems, and enlarge their understanding of the historical and historiographical context in which their own research is set.

Course Structure

The course consists of two compulsory core courses, a research masterclass, two optional subject courses, and an original research project. Students will also have access to a wide range of skills training, including document and object handling, palaeography, oral history, text analysis software, GIS software, and statistical analysis.

Attendance

The course is full-time and requires attendance in Oxford. Full-time students are subject to the University's Residence requirements.

Resources to Support Your Study

As a graduate student, you will have access to the University's wide range of resources, including libraries, museums, galleries, digital resources, and IT services. The Bodleian Libraries is the largest library system in the UK, with over 13 million printed items and access to e-journals.

Supervision

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Faculty of History. Students will be assigned a supervisor who will provide advice, guidance, and support throughout the course.

Assessment

The course is assessed through a combination of essays, seminars, and a dissertation. The Historical Methods course is assessed by an essay on historical methods, while the Writing History course is assessed by an essay submitted at the end of Trinity term.

Graduate Destinations

About a quarter of master's students proceed to doctoral work at Oxford, while others continue academic study at other institutions or pursue careers in law, finance, management consultancy, civil service, and other fields.

Changes to the Course

The University reserves the right to make changes to the course, including changes to the curriculum, teaching, and assessment.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for the course, applicants must have a strong academic record, including a high upper second-class degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline. Applicants must also demonstrate a proven and potential academic excellence, as well as a strong motivation for studying the history of war.

Degree-Level Qualifications

Applicants must have a minimum of 68% overall and 68% for the dissertation in a relevant discipline.

English Language Proficiency

The course requires proficiency in English at the University's higher level. Applicants must meet the minimum scores required to meet the University's higher level, which includes IELTS, TOEFL, C1 Advanced, and C2 Proficiency.

References

Applicants must provide three references, which should be academic and support the applicant's intellectual ability, academic achievement, motivation, and ability to work in a group environment and sustained individual and self-motivated investigation.

Supporting Documents

Applicants must provide a statement of purpose and research proposal, as well as written work, such as an academic writing sample.

Funding

The University offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities for graduate students. Applicants can search for funding opportunities using the University's fees, funding, and scholarship search tool.

Costs

The course fees for the academic year are Ł17,910 for home students and Ł43,730 for overseas students. The fees cover teaching, as well as other academic services and facilities provided to support studies.

Additional Costs

There are no compulsory elements of the course that entail additional costs beyond fees and living costs. However, students may need to choose a dissertation, project, or thesis topic that requires additional expenses, such as travel expenses, research expenses, and field trips.

Living Costs

The estimated living costs for a single, full-time student in Oxford are between Ł1,405 and Ł2,105 per month.

College Preference

Students enrolled on the course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college. Applicants can express a preference for one of the colleges listed, or ask the University to find a college for them.

How to Apply

Applicants can start or continue an application using the University's online application system. The application form will include questions that collect information that would usually be included in a CV/résumé.

Proposed Field and Title of Research Project

Applicants must enter their proposed field or area of research, as well as a preliminary research proposal and title for their intended dissertation.

Proposed Supervisor

Applicants do not need to identify a potential supervisor in their application. However, they are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the research expertise within the faculty when preparing their research proposal.

Referees

Applicants must register three referees, who should be academic and support the applicant's intellectual ability, academic achievement, motivation, and ability to work in a group environment and sustained individual and self-motivated investigation.

Official Transcript(s)

Applicants must provide official transcripts that give detailed information of the individual grades received in their university-level qualifications to date.

Statement of Purpose and Research Proposal

Applicants must provide a statement of purpose and research proposal, which should be written as one combined piece. The statement should convince the faculty that the applicant has the right intellectual qualities, academic knowledge, and skills to undertake the course.

Written Work

Applicants must provide an academic writing sample, which should be from their current or most recent completed qualification. The work will be assessed for the applicant's understanding of problems in the area, ability to construct and defend an argument, powers of analysis, and powers of expression.

After You've Submitted Your Application

The application will be assessed against the entry requirements detailed on the course page. The faculty will consider the applicant's academic record, references, statement of purpose, and research proposal, as well as their English language proficiency and funding situation.