MSt in the History of Design

The MSt in the History of Design is a master's degree offered part-time over two years, taught through synchronous virtual and face-to-face teaching. The course is aimed at candidates who wish to develop a critical understanding of the history of design.

About the Course

The MSt in the History of Design focuses on design produced worldwide since 1851. Students progress from a grounding in material and historical analysis to dissertation research. The course explores the fascinating histories of objects and environments created amidst the advent of modernity. The syllabus examines a variety of forms of design and craft: graphic design, decorative arts, industrial design, fashion, design for performance and display, the designed space of interiors, the built environment, and landscape.

Core Themes

Core themes of the course include the rivalries between historicism and modernity; local and transnational identities; handicraft and industrial and digital processes; consumption, politics, and sustainability; critical debates about manufacturers, mediators, and audiences in advice literature, advertising, and film writing.

Course Structure

Teaching and learning take a variety of forms in this course. Three mandatory residencies focused upon face-to-face site visits to the University of Oxford's unique museums and libraries and to collections nearby are blended with synchronous virtual seminars and workshops timed to be accessible worldwide outside conventional working hours. In keeping with the Oxford ethos, individual tutorials with course tutors and independent research are fundamental.

Attendance

This course is part-time. You will be required to attend three residences in Oxford during the course. The weekend delivery format of this course has been designed to facilitate the study of those candidates whose employment or caring duties require part-time forms of study, whilst maintaining their momentum and progressing to a postgraduate qualification.

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.

Supervision

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Department for Continuing Education, and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Under exceptional circumstances, a supervisor may be found outside the Department for Continuing Education.

Assessment

Formal assessment is by means of analytical essay and dissertation writing, underpinned by informal assessment methods such as termly oral presentations by yourself to the group about your independent research.

Year 1

• Michaelmas term: Materials and techniques case-study essay
• Hilary term: Historical methods and sources essay
• Trinity term: Research project

Year 2

• Michaelmas term: Advanced paper option extended essay
• Hilary term: Advanced paper option extended essay
• Trinity term and summer (to September): Dissertation

Graduate Destinations

Upon successful completion of this course, some students have gone on to further graduate study, such as doctoral research and career progression in the museum and heritage sector, creative industries, and university teaching.

Changes to This Course

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration.

Course Components

Compulsory Study

• Materials and Techniques of Design
• Historical Methods
• Histories of Design You will also submit a final dissertation.

Options

• Modern Design and the Home
• Design for War and Peace
• Arts and Crafts Traditions: Local and Transnational Perspectives
• Design, Body, Environment
• Machine Age to Digital: Histories and Technologies

Entry Requirements

Proven and Potential Academic Excellence

The requirements described below are specific to this course and apply only in the year of entry that is shown.

Degree-Level Qualifications

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:

• a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in cognate humanities subjects

English Language Proficiency

This course requires proficiency in English at the University's higher level. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement.

Other Qualifications, Evidence of Excellence, and Relevant Experience

Professional experience in the design, heritage, and museum sectors, cultural media, craft, and design, interior, and landscape design, etc., may be an advantage.

References

You will need to register three referees who can give an informed view of your academic ability and suitability for the course.

Supporting Documents

You will be required to supply supporting documents with your application.

Performance at Interview

Interviews are normally held as part of the admissions process.

Funding

For entry in the academic year, the collegiate University expects to offer over 1,100 full or partial graduate scholarships across a wide range of graduate courses.

Annual Course Fees

The fees for this course are charged on an annual basis.

• Home: ｣7,900
• Overseas: ｣15,190

Additional Costs

Please note that this course requires that you attend in Oxford for three residential weekends per year, and you may incur additional travel expenses for this.

Living Costs

In addition to your course fees and any additional course-specific costs, you will need to ensure that you have adequate funds to support your living costs for the duration of your course.

College Preference

Students enrolled on this course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college. The following colleges accept students on the MSt in History of Design:

• Blackfriars
• Campion Hall
• Kellogg College
• Linacre College
• St Catherine's College
• Wycliffe Hall

How to Apply

Our guide to getting started provides general advice on how to prepare for and start your application.

Application Fee Waivers

An application fee of ｣75 is payable for each application to this course. Application fee waivers are available for the following applicants who meet the eligibility criteria.

Completing Your Application

You should refer to the information below when completing the application form, paying attention to the specific requirements for the supporting documents.

Referees

Three overall, academic preferred. Whilst you must register three referees, the department may start the assessment of your application if two of the three references are submitted by the course deadline and your application is otherwise complete.

Official Transcript(s)

Your transcripts should give detailed information of the individual grades received in your university-level qualifications to date.

Personal Statement

A maximum of 500 words. The statement should focus on experience of and particular research interests in the history of design rather than personal achievements, general interests, and aspirations.

Written Work

One essay of a maximum of 2,000 words. You should provide a sample of academic writing about visual culture in English with footnote references.

University of Oxford

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Overview:

The University of Oxford is a renowned public research university located in Oxford, England. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, with a rich history dating back to the 12th century. The university is comprised of 39 constituent colleges and a number of departments and faculties, covering a wide range of academic disciplines.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The university offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience, with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and personal development. Students can expect to be part of a close-knit community within their chosen college, while also having access to the wider university's resources and facilities. The university boasts a rich cultural scene, with numerous museums, libraries, and gardens, as well as a thriving arts and music scene.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Academic Excellence:

Oxford is consistently ranked among the top universities globally, known for its world-class research and teaching.

Prestigious Reputation:

A degree from Oxford holds significant weight and opens doors to various career paths.

Unique College System:

The college system provides a unique and supportive environment for students, fostering close relationships with peers and tutors.

Global Community:

Oxford attracts students from all over the world, creating a diverse and international learning environment.

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Academic Programs:

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including:

Humanities:

Classics, History of Art, Music, Theology and Religion, English Language and Literature, Linguistics, Philology & Phonetics, Philosophy, Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, History, Medieval and Modern Languages.

Mathematical, Physical & Life Sciences:

Computer Science, Life Sciences, Physics, Biology, Earth Sciences, Materials, Statistics, Chemistry, Engineering Science, Mathematics.

Medical Sciences:

Biochemistry, Experimental Psychology, Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Pharmacology, Primary Care Health Sciences, Women's & Reproductive Health, Clinical Medicine, Medicine, Paediatrics, Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics, Psychiatry, Clinical Neurosciences, Oncology, Pathology, Population Health, Surgical Sciences.

Social Sciences:

Anthropology and Museum Ethnography, Economics, Global and Area Studies, Internet Institute, Politics and International Relations, Archaeology, Education, Government, Law, Social Policy and Intervention, Business School, Geography and the Environment, International Development, Oxford Martin School, Sociology.

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Other:

The university also offers a range of services and facilities for students, including libraries, museums, sports facilities, and student support services. It is actively involved in research and innovation, with a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability.