Taxation

The MSc in Taxation offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of taxation which encompasses perspectives drawn from the fields of law, economics and accounting and aims to provide students with a thorough understanding of policy issues relating to taxation as well as the technical aspects of the subject, and of an understanding of the relationship between the two.

The course is part-time only and undertaken over a period of 24 months. It comprises three compulsory courses - Tax Principles and Policy, Principles of International Taxation, and the Tax Research Round Table – and six electives, typically three per year. Electives will be selected from a list of options which will include courses such as UK Corporate Tax, EU Tax Law, Value Added Tax, Tax and Human Rights, Taxation of Corporate Finance, Transfer Pricing, Tax Treaties, US International Tax and Tax and Public Policy.

The compulsory courses are taught in three one-week residential periods held in Oxford. The first, Tax Principles and Policy, takes place at the start of the programme, typically in September of the first year. The second, Principles of International Taxation, takes place in January of the first year. The third, the Tax Research Round Table, takes place at the start of the second year of the course.

The electives are taught in intensive weekend sessions or in four-day blocks of time spread throughout both years. All teaching takes place in Oxford and attendance is compulsory. The degree features a combination of forms of assessment. Tax Principles and Policy is assessed by way of an exam in Oxford. Principles of International Taxation is assessed by way of two 3,000-word assignments. The Tax Research Round Table course is assessed by way of an extended essay. Elective courses typically are assessed by way of two 3,000 word assignments. A 12,000- word dissertation in lieu of two elective courses is also available, with the permission of a programme director.

All courses are taught by a combination of lectures and interactive classes. Lectures introduce students to topics and provide a high-level overview of key questions and insights to be considered. Classes serve as a forum for the discussion of key issues and consolidate students’ understanding through discussion with the course leaders and their fellow students. Preparation for lectures and classes is directed by detailed reading lists and students are expected to undertake substantial independent reading.

There are opportunities for one-to-one meetings with supervisors but students are also encouraged to form study groups and to participate in discussion groups both face-to-face, during the residential courses, and remotely, through a virtual learning environment and social media, between the residential sessions.

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Law Faculty and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. A supervisor may be found outside the Law Faculty, eg from the Centre for Business Taxation.

Students will generally pursue careers in taxation law and regulation, accountancy, and economics. The Careers Service provides advice and support for students seeking to pursue careers in a wide range of professions. The Law Faculty has an extensive network of relationships within the legal profession and each year offers a number of talks and events run by law firms and barristers’ chambers. Some firms and organisations have approached the MSc in Taxation group directly to offer internships and other opportunities in the past and we hope this will continue.

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.

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Entry requirements