MSt in History

The MSt may be taken on a full-time (9 months) or part-time (21 months) basis. It is deliberately flexible, combining broad exposure to historical theory and method with opportunities to specialise. 

 

Michaelmas Term

Core course -  Historical Methods
  • Fortnightly two-hour classes. 
  • This new core course combines the best elements of two previous courses, Sources and Historiography and Theories and Methods, into a single, integrated learning experience. You will be taught as a group within your Strand, allowing the material to be tailored to your area of study while still covering essential concepts for all students. The course blends general theoretical and methodological approaches as well as specialised historiographical topics.
First optional subject
Dissertation
  • Three or four meetings with your supervisor to plan your research, reading, which seminars you should attend, and identify any training you need.
  • Prepare your research proposal for submission
  • Start initial reading

Skills training

You should discuss any additional skills you need to undertake your research in your first meeting with your supervisor. Additional lectures, classes, or tutorials will take place in Michaelmas and Hilary terms, either in the History Faculty or another department. A range of general and specific training is available including:

  • Document and object handling
  • Palaeography
  • Oral history
  • Text analysis software
  • GIS software
  • Statistical analysis

There is a separate section on language training

 

Hilary Term

Second optional subject
Core course -  Historical Methods
  • Submit extended essay on historical methods for assessments
Dissertation
  • Submit an annotated bibliography and research proposal in 0th week
  • Three meetings with your supervisor to plan your remaining work and finalise the structure of your dissertation
  • Work with primary and secondary sources
Skills training  

Trinity Term

Dissertation
  • Complete research
  • Present your research in a dissertation workshop
  • Submit a full draft to supervisor by the start of 6th week
  • Revise dissertation as needed
  • Submit dissertation at the end of term.
MSt in History (part-time)

Part-time students should be fully integrated into the MSt programme as well as Faculty and University research culture and therefore must be in Oxford in person for two days per week for classes, working in libraries, and participating in relevant research seminars and research events. The part-time course is exactly the same as the full-time course, but spread over two years. Students can choose to take their optional courses in year 1 or year 2.

  • Core course in Historical Methods – Michaelmas Term Year 1
  • One option course in year one and one in year two, in either Michaelmas or Hilary Terms.
  • Dissertation work spread over both years
  • Skills training can be spread over both years or completed in year one