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University of Oxford: English and American Studies
| Institution | University of Oxford |
|---|---|
| Department | English Language and Literature |
| 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 2025). 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.
The MSt in English and American Studies is a taught course combining English and American literature, with core seminars, book history, special options, and a dissertation, offering a foundation for advanced literary research or doctoral study.
Course structure The course consists of four main components spread over three academic terms, through which you have the opportunity to pursue interests within your chosen MSt course, as well as across period boundaries.
In the first two terms, you will take a core course (A) and a course in book history and theories of text (B), both tailored to your MSt. There is no formal assessment for the A Course, but written work and/or oral presentations may be required.
You will also choose two courses from a wide range of options (C). One is taken in the first term and one in the second term. The courses are taught in weekly, small group seminars. You are not constrained to follow option courses in the designated period and, indeed, option courses often traverse the boundaries of the broad periods and subject groups.
Under the guidance of a specialist supervisor you will also research and write a dissertation, which is submitted in the final term. You will be assigned to a member of academic staff who will act as your supervisor. Students will have the opportunity to present their dissertation ideas at a one-day conference that they organise, usually at the start of Trinity term.
You will also have the opportunity to hear lectures and papers by leading writers, critics, and theorists from inside and outside the University. You are encouraged to participate in the many research seminars and reading groups that run throughout term time, many of which are coordinated by graduate students themselves. There is an active and lively graduate organisation funded by the faculty, English Graduates at Oxford (EGO), that organises study skills, training and career development seminars, as well as social events and conferences.
| 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 |
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.
The English master's programmes are designed to serve both as an autonomous degree for students wishing to pursue more advanced studies in English literature, and as a solid foundation for doctoral research.
Course structure The MSt programme in English and American Studies consists of four main components, through which you will study the history and criticism of American literature alongside the history and criticism of Literature in English.
In the first two terms, you will take a core course (A) that offers a ‘state-of-the-field’ overview of American literary studies and a compulsory course in book history and theories of text focused on materials emerging from Colonial American and US contexts (B). You will also choose two courses from a range of options in American Literature, Literature in English, and World Literature (C). Under the guidance of a specialist supervisor you will also research and write a dissertation, usually one primarily on American materials, which is submitted in the final term.
A. Core course: Literature, contexts and approaches This is the core course for this MSt. It is formally non-assessed but compulsory. The classes on American literature, contexts and approaches introduce representative key texts and current debates on the literature and cultural history of Colonial America and the US. This course is designed to provide a solid foundation for advanced literary study in American literature and culture.
B. Core course: Bibliography, theories of text, history of the book, manuscript studies This is a compulsory, assessed course, taught via a range of lectures and seminars in each of the first two terms. It is designed to train you for research in English, through the study of bibliography, palaeography, book history and theories of text in the Colonial American and US national contexts.
C. Special options The special option courses present an excellent opportunity for you to develop and pursue your research interests, whether related or unrelated to other work undertaken as part of the MSt degree. You are not constrained to follow option courses in American literature and, indeed, option courses often traverse the boundaries of the broad periods and subject groups. The courses are taught in weekly, small group seminars.
D. Dissertation You will write a dissertation on a subject of your choice, but related to the work you have been doing over the year in the English and American Studies strand of the MSt program. You will be assigned to a member of academic staff who will act as your supervisor.
| 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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