Economic and Social History

This course is intended to introduce you to the wide variety of methods used in the study of economic and social history, as well as to the subject itself. The core qualifying papers provide an opportunity to evaluate a range of different qualitative and quantitative methodological approaches; they impart a common language, and create a close and friendly community, in which ideas are shared, and strong personal ties are forged, developing a community that provides a base from which to venture out and experience the intellectual, social and cultural rewards of Oxford.

Teaching and examination comprise:

• 'What happened and why: an introduction to themes and approaches in economic and social history', a required course for all students, focusing on social sciences methodologies and approaches and taught through a series of lectures and parallel classes during Michaelmas term (evaluated by essay, submitted in mid-December);
• a course in quantitative methods and computer applications for economic and social history: You will be allocated to either the standard or the advanced course, depending on your previous statistical and/or econometric training. More advanced students will be able to take a quantitative methods course provided as part of the MPhil in Economics, subject to satisfying admission criteria (evaluated by assignment, submitted at the start of Week 1 of the first Hilary term);
• four advanced papers, usually taught in small classes, mostly during Hilary and/or Trinity term. Assessment varies but is usually by a three-hour examination, two extended essays of up to 5,000 words each, or a single extended essay of 8,000 to 10,000 words; and
• a dissertation of not more than 30,000 words on a topic of your choice, approved by your supervisor, and submitted at the beginning of Trinity term in the second year of the programme.

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.

The standard course in quantitative methods and computer applications for economic and social history is a simple and very informal introduction to elementary quantitative methods covering some of the techniques most widely used in research in the historical and social sciences and emphasizing the relevance of the historical issues. No prior knowledge of mathematics or statistical theory is expected.

The advanced course in quantitative methods is intended for students who have already been introduced to some form of quantitative methods, with the first few sessions serving as a refresher course in elementary quantitative methods. The course aims to ensure that you are aware of the range of quantitative techniques available for analysing problems in economic and social history. You will be taught how to use a number of popular statistical and econometric packages. Teaching sessions will involve computer classwork. Under certain circumstances, very accomplished students may undertake a more advanced statistics paper from elsewhere in the University, such as the MPhil in Economics.

If you wish to apply for the DPhil you will be encouraged to develop your doctoral proposal during the first few months of the second year of the course, so that you will be well placed to make doctoral applications.

You should not apply to both the MSc and MPhil in Economic and Social History. Both courses have the same entry requirements and it is possible to transfer from one to the other while on course.

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Faculty of History and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Under some circumstances a supervisor outside the Faculty of History may be nominated.

About a quarter of master’s students proceed to doctoral work at Oxford; others continue academic study at other institutions. Other career destinations are as diverse as, but broadly in line with, undergraduate history career destinations: law, finance, management consultancy, civil service etc.

Changes to this course and your supervision

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. In certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study.

Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.

For further information, please see our page on changes to courses.

Other courses you may wish to consider

If you're thinking about applying for this course, you may also wish to consider the courses listed below. These courses may have been suggested due to their similarity with this course, or because they are offered by the same department or faculty.

Courses suggested by the faculty

Economics MPhil

All graduate courses offered by the Faculty of History

Economic and Social History MPhil

Economic and Social History MSc

Global and Imperial History MSt

History DPhil

History MSt

History MPhil

History (History of Science and Medicine & Economic and Social History) DPhil

History of Art DPhil

History of Art and Visual Culture MSt

History of Science, Medicine and Technology MPhil

History of Science, Medicine and Technology MSc

Late Antique and Byzantine Studies MSt

Late Antique and Byzantine Studies MPhil

All graduate courses offered by the Department of Economics

Economic and Social History MPhil

Economic and Social History MSc

Economics DPhil

Economics MPhil

Economics for Development MSc

Financial Economics MSc

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Entry requirements