Slavonic Studies

This two-year course is normally restricted to candidates who have taken a first degree in a Slavonic language and you are also expected to read secondary literature in at least one European language other than English and the Slavonic languages. If available, you will also be expected to attend lectures on bibliographical, library, and archival resources in the field of Slavonic studies.

In the first year, you will undertake:

• one paper on a Slavonic language (not previously studied)
• either (i) three option papers, or (ii) two option papers and an essay of 5,000 to 7,000 words on a subject of your choice

In the second year, you will undertake:

• two further option papers
• a dissertation of 20,000-25,000 words on a subject of their own choice
• a viva voce examination

Generally student numbers in the MPhil are small and this allows the teaching to be tailored to the particular choices students make. Teaching is provided through a mixture of classes and tutorials. The course offers you, in addition to the second language, training in various philological, literary and historical fields and in associated methodologies (comparative philological method, palaeography, textology, literary theory).

The MPhil in Slavonic Studies thus provides an appropriate introduction for you if you are contemplating higher research in a DPhil or PhD programme in this area.

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Faculty of Medieval and Modern Languages 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 Medieval and Modern Languages.

Many MPhil students proceed to doctoral degrees at Oxford or at other universities. Other graduate destinations include teaching, journalism, law, publishing and the civil service.

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 Medieval and Modern Languages

Medieval and Modern Languages DPhil

Modern Languages MSt

Modern Languages MPhil

Slavonic Studies MPhil

Slavonic Studies MSt

Yiddish Studies MSt

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Entry requirements