History of Design

This course is not accepting applications this cycle, but is expected to reopen to applications in September 2020. The information on this page has been retained to provide an indication of the course content in previous years. Fees and costs are only valid for the year which is shown and will usually increase annually. The University is under no obligation to deliver the same course in the future. This page may be updated at any time prior to the course re-opening to applications.

This 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 of the course include the rivalries between historicism and modernity; internationalist and nationalist tendencies; handicraft and industrial processes; consumption and sustainability; critical debates about makers and audiences in advice literature and aesthetic writing.

The development of a framework of interdisciplinary interpretative skills useful to understanding the history of design is a core aim. By providing grounding in the analysis of the techniques and materials deployed in creating things or places, the programme enables you to grapple with material evidence which enriches this distinctive field of historical research. The analysis of the historiography of political and aesthetic debates articulated by makers, critics and historians about design, its forms and purposes locates how these objects and sites embody historical memory, identity and ideology.

Teaching and learning takes a variety of forms in this programme. Three Saturdays each term are devoted to lectures and seminar group discussion. In keeping with the Oxford ethos, individual tutorials with the Course Director and independent research in the intervening month are also a central element of the course as well as site visits, both to the University of Oxford's unique museum and library collections and to those nearby in London and the regions. 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.

• Michaelmas term: Materials and techniques case-study essay (2,500 words)
• Hilary term: Historical methods and sources essay (3,000 words)
• Trinity term: Research project (5,000 words)

• Michaelmas term: Advanced paper option extended essay (5,000 words)
• Hilary term: Advanced paper option extended essay (5,000 words)
• Trinity term and summer (to September): Dissertation (15,000 words)

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.

Upon successful completion of this course some students have gone on to further graduate study, such as doctoral research.

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 department

Architectural History DPhil
Literature and Arts DPhil

All graduate courses in the humanities offered by this department

Architectural History DPhil

Architectural History PGCert

Continuing Education DPhil

Creative Writing MSt

English Local History DPhil

English Local History MSc

Historical Studies PGCert

Historical Studies MSt

History of Design MSt

Literature and Arts MSt

Literature and Arts DPhil

Practical Ethics MSt

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Entry requirements