Program Overview

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Introduction to the MPhil in History (US History)

The MPhil in History (US History) is a graduate program that provides students with rigorous training in historical research, writing, and argumentation. The program is designed to give students a thorough understanding of the historiography and current debates in American history.

About the Course

The MPhil in History (US History) is a full-time course that requires attendance in Oxford. The course has a sustained period devoted to archival research and writing, and is designed to give students a thorough training in historical research. The course can serve as either a free-standing graduate qualification or as a springboard to doctoral study.

Course Structure

The course structure includes:

• Two compulsory core courses
• A research masterclass
• Two optional subject courses
• An original research project

Course Components

The course components include:

Compulsory Study

• Core course: Historical Methods
• Core course: Writing History
• Core course: Research Masterclass
• Research project

Options

• Two subject courses chosen from a list of around 30 courses offered each year

Entry Requirements

The entry requirements for the MPhil in History (US History) include:

• An undergraduate degree with a minimum of 68% overall and 68% for the dissertation in a relevant discipline
• English language proficiency at the University's higher level
• No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are required
• Other qualifications, evidence of excellence, and relevant experience may be considered

Funding

The University offers over 1,100 full or partial graduate scholarships across a wide range of graduate courses. Students can use the fees, funding, and scholarship search tool to identify opportunities and find out how to apply.

Costs

The annual course fees for the MPhil in History (US History) are:

• ｣17,910 for Home students
• ｣43,730 for Overseas students The fees cover teaching, academic services, and facilities, but do not cover accommodation, residential costs, or other living costs.

Living Costs

The estimated living costs for a single, full-time graduate student in Oxford are between ｣1,405 and ｣2,105 per month.

College Preference

Students can express a preference for one of the colleges that accept students for the MPhil in History (US History). The colleges include:

• Balliol College
• Blackfriars
• Brasenose College
• Campion Hall
• Christ Church
• Corpus Christi College
• Harris Manchester College
• Hertford College
• Jesus College
• Keble College
• Kellogg College
• Lady Margaret Hall
• Linacre College
• Lincoln College
• Magdalen College
• Mansfield College
• Merton College
• New College
• Oriel College
• Pembroke College
• The Queen's College
• Regent's Park College
• Reuben College
• St Anne's College
• St Antony's College
• St Catherine's College
• St Cross College
• St Edmund Hall
• St Hilda's College
• St Hugh's College
• St John's College
• St Peter's College
• Somerville College
• Trinity College
• University College
• Wadham College
• Wolfson College
• Worcester College
• Wycliffe Hall

How to Apply

To apply for the MPhil in History (US History), students should:

• Complete the application form
• Provide a statement of purpose and research proposal
• Upload written work, such as an academic writing sample
• Register three referees
• Pay the application fee

After Submitting the Application

After submitting the application, students can use the Applicant Self-Service tool to manage their application. The application will be assessed against the entry requirements, and students will be notified of the outcome.

Admission Status

The MPhil in History (US History) is open to applications for entry in the next academic year.

Deadlines

The deadlines for application are:

• 12:00 midday UK time on Wednesday 7 January 2026 for most Oxford scholarships
• 12:00 midday UK time on Wednesday 7 January 2026 for final application deadline for entry in the next academic year

Further Information

For further information about the MPhil in History (US History), students can contact the Faculty of History or visit the University's website.