Program Overview

Introduction to the MSt in English

The MSt in English (6501550) is a taught course offering training in medieval literature, languages, and manuscript studies. The course provides students with the knowledge and understanding, research materials and opportunities, and the skills and techniques necessary for undertaking the study of languages and literatures produced in England, Scotland, and Wales before 1550.

Course Structure

The course consists of four main components spread over three academic terms. In the first two terms, students take a core course and a course in book history and theories of text, both tailored to their MSt. Students also choose two courses from a wide range of options, one taken in the first term and one in the second term. Under the guidance of a specialist supervisor, students research and write a dissertation, which is submitted in the final term.

Attendance and Resources

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

Dissertation supervision is normally six supervision sessions, not exceeding six hours in total. The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Faculty of English, and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff.

Assessment

The MSt is assessed via the submission of four pieces of coursework, including a dissertation. The outcomes of the MSt examination are pass, fail, merit, or distinction. Candidates must achieve a pass mark on each element of the examination to be awarded the MSt. A short transcription test is also assessed on a pass/fail basis.

Graduate Destinations

Many English taught-course students go on to doctoral research, both at Oxford and at other universities worldwide. Other graduates pursue careers in occupations including teaching, journalism, law, publishing, and the civil service.

Changes to the 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.

Entry Requirements

• Degree-level qualifications: A first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honors in English literature and/or English language, or exceptionally a related subject.
• GRE General Test scores: No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.
• English language proficiency: This course requires proficiency in English at the University's higher level.
• References: Three academic references are expected, with a minimum of two academic references.
• Supporting documents: Official transcript(s), a statement of purpose, and written work are required.

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. Most scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and/or potential.

Costs

• Annual course fees: The fees for this course are charged on an annual basis, with Home students paying Ł17,910 and Overseas students paying Ł43,730 for the academic year.
• Living costs: The range of likely living costs for a single, full-time student is between Ł1,405 and Ł2,105 for each month spent in Oxford.

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 English:

• 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 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

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.
• Official transcript(s): Your transcripts should give detailed information of the individual grades received in your university-level qualifications to date.
• Statement of purpose: A maximum of 1,000 words, explaining your motivation for applying for the course at Oxford, your relevant experience and education, and the specific areas that interest you and/or you intend to specialize in.
• Written work: Either two essays of a maximum of 2,000 words each or one essay of a maximum of 4,000 words, academic essays or other writing samples from your most recent qualification, written in English.