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University of Oxford: Historical Studies
| Institution | University of Oxford |
|---|---|
| Department | University of Oxford Department For Continuing Education |
| Web | http://www.ox.ac.uk/study |
| graduate.admissions@admin.ox.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | +44 (0)1865 270059 |
| Study type | Taught |
MSt
Summary
The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2024). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.
MSt The MSt in Historical Studies is the second year of a two-year part-time graduate course that focuses on British, Western European and imperial history and promotes a broad approach to historical research across the historical disciplines. It provides systematic training in research methods and the opportunity to research a substantial dissertation.
The course forms part of Oxford University Department for Continuing Education's graduate programme in historical studies. Successful completion of the PGCert in Historical Studies is mandatory for admission to this master's year.
The MSt course builds upon the skills and knowledge developed in the PGCert and encourages students to engage actively with theoretical and historiographical approaches underpinning modern historical research.
Course structure There are three units:
Unit 1: Using Archives and Analysing Sources In this unit you will examine the key documentary and material sources and resources for your specialist period selected from three parallel strands covering the medieval, early modern and modern periods. You will be encouraged to sharpen your critical and analytical skills and to reflect upon the challenges and opportunities particular sources or categories of source present to users. You will be introduced to the main historical methods informing the design of research projects, for example macro and micro approaches, quantification and the use of material evidence. Training is also offered in the use of electronic search engines, catalogues and databases and guidance provided on using archives and their catalogues.
Unit 2: Theoretical Approaches to History You will examine themes and theoretical approaches that have provided the critical framework for, or have influenced, approaches to historical research. Four seminars are offered each year. In the first instance, these will cover gender, space, violence and identity. There is assigned reading but you will also be encouraged to consider the application of the chosen approaches to your own research and to subjects that interest you. You will be required to give short presentations, for example, introducing key texts.
Unit 3: Writing History You will be encouraged in this unit to reflect upon the challenges historians face in framing, structuring and presenting their research findings. A visiting lecturer and members of the course team will share their experience of planning and writing books and handling conceptual issues such as causation, problem solving and controversy and the challenges of presenting qualitative and quantitative research findings and using digital data. You will give a short presentation on your dissertation and take questions and comments from tutors and students. There is a workshop on the organisation and presentation of the dissertation.
Teaching and learning The units are taught in three weekend residences providing 38 hours of teaching, seminar discussion and presentations. Most students also have the opportunity to receive up to five hours individual supervision for their dissertations. You will be expected to spend at least fifteen hours per week in private study preparing for the weekend residences and researching and writing your dissertation.
You will also have access to the extensive range of seminars, lectures and training sessions offered by this department and other departments, faculties and centres within the University. The Humanities Division and History Faculty offer a wide range of graduate seminars, lectures and training and special events.
For the full descriptions, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas |
| Location | University of Oxford University Offices Wellington Square Oxford OX1 2JD |
Postgraduate Certificate - PgCert
Summary
The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2024). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.
PGCert This one year part-time course offers an exciting opportunity for graduates of any discipline to pursue a taught graduate qualification in historical studies and to research and write a substantial dissertation. The Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Historical Studies can be studied as a stand-alone course or form the first year of the MSt in Historical Studies.
Course structure The course consists of the following five units and additional online modules:
Unit 1: Princes, States, and Revolutions The first unit examines the interaction between the state and the individual from medieval to modern times and focuses upon authority, resistance, revolution and the development of political institutions.
Unit 2: European Court Patronage c.1400 The second unit explores cultural patronage in late medieval Europe and examines the diverse courtly responses to shared concerns and experiences, including the promotion of power and status; the relationship between piety and power; and the impact of dominant cultures.
Unit 3: Religious Reformations and Movements The third unit examines the role of organised religion and religious movements in the lives of people in the past.
Unit 4: Memory and Conflict The fourth unit focuses upon a central theme in the study of twentieth-century European history: how societies have chosen to remember (and forget) violent conflicts, and the relationship between public and private memory.
Unit 5: Special Subjects In the final unit, students study a source-based special subject and research and write a dissertation on a related topic of their own choice.
Online teaching modules The first module provides a pre-course introduction to history and post-graduate study skills. The second focuses upon the analysis and interpretation of material sources, such as buildings and images and the third upon the analysis and interpretation of a range of documentary sources. All include a range of self-test exercises.
Teaching format There are five weekend units, during which supported learning will be provided in a variety of formats: PowerPoint presentations, tutor-led discussion, group discussion, and student presentations on prepared topics. During the final, Special Subject weekend (Unit 5), there will also be one to one tutorials with the dissertation supervisor.
It is anticipated that students will need to spend about 12-14 hours per week in private study, as they will work on the online modules, read widely, and research and prepare their assignments and dissertation.
The department runs training sessions, a termly research seminar and dinner, an arts and humanities seminar series and social events. In addition, the wide range of lectures and research seminars organised by the University of Oxford’s History Faculty and other departments, faculties and centres within the University will be available to you. The Humanities Division offer a wide range of graduate seminars, lectures and training and special events.
For the full descriptions, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas |
| Location | University of Oxford University Offices Wellington Square Oxford OX1 2JD |
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