English Studies (Medieval Period)
Master
In Oxford
Description
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Type
Master
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Location
Oxford
About the course
The MPhil is a two year programme designed for students wishing to attain a thorough grounding in medieval English language and literature and related subjects at an advanced level, either as a preparation for doctoral research or as an autonomous qualification.
Facilities
Location
Start date
Start date
Reviews
Subjects
- Supervisor
- English Language
- IT
- English
Course programme
Oxford is now very rare in offering a two-year taught and research postgraduate course in medieval studies. The time and space this affords makes the Oxford MPhil the very best preparation for later specialist research in medieval literary or cultural history. It also stands alone as a thoroughly satisfying qualification indicating significant levels of critical, linguistic, and historical skill, expertise, and research competence, transferable to any future career.
In the first year, you will follow the MSt in English (650–1550). This already includes a broad grounding in medieval literature and culture, technical training in manuscripts, palaeography, and codicology (depending on courses taken), and the opportunity to pursue specific personal interests in coursework essays and in the MSt dissertation.
In the second year, students have the opportunity both to broaden and deepen their knowledge, adding further options in medieval languages, literatures, authors, philosophy, history and palaeography, taking advantage if they wish of courses offered by specialists in other faculties.
Students finally submit a second, longer dissertation, which may form the basis of doctoral research, or a substantial publication. Those intending to proceed to doctoral work after their MPhil should consult with their course convenors about their second-year option choices early in their first year of study. They may also wish to consult the Director of Doctoral Studies.
The extra time involved in the two-year MPhil allows for internationally-recognised standards of expertise. The opportunities for interdisciplinary engagement are multiple, and the depth of research possible is unparalleled at Master's level.
All course work will be completed by the end of the second term (Hilary term), leaving the summer term (Trinity term) for the writing of the dissertation, which is submitted in June.
SupervisionThe 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. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the Faculty of English.
Graduate destinationsMany English taught-course students go onto doctoral research, both at Oxford and at other universities worldwide. Other graduates pursue careers in occupations including teaching, librarianship and heritage industries, journalism, law, publishing and the civil service.
Students who progress from an Oxford MPhil in English Studies to the DPhil in English may be able to progress more rapidly through the DPhil, completing in 2-3 years rather than 3-4 years. In all cases, fee liability after the MPhil would be limited to two years only.
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.
All graduate courses offered by the Faculty of English Language and Literature
English DPhil
English (1550-1700) MSt
English (1700-1830) MSt
English (1830-1914) MSt
English (1900-Present) MSt
English (650-1550) MSt
English and American Studies MSt
English Studies (Medieval Period) MPhil
World Literatures in English MSt
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Entry requirements
English Studies (Medieval Period)