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University of Oxford: English Studies (Medieval Period)
| 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 |
Master of Philosophy - MPhil
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 MPhil in English Studies (Medieval Period) is a two-year taught and research course offering advanced study in medieval English language, literature, and culture, with training in manuscript studies and two dissertations.
Oxford is now very rare in offering a two-year taught and research postgraduate course in medieval studies. The time and space this affords makes the Oxford MPhil the very best preparation for later specialist research in medieval literary or cultural history. It also stands alone as a thoroughly satisfying qualification indicating significant levels of critical, linguistic, and historical skill, expertise, and research competence, transferable to any future career.
The extra time involved in the two-year MPhil allows for internationally-recognised standards of expertise. The opportunities for interdisciplinary engagement are multiple, and the depth of research possible is unparalleled at master's level.
Course structure In the first year, you will follow the MSt in English (650–1550). This already includes a broad grounding in medieval literature and culture, technical training in manuscripts, palaeography, and codicology (depending on courses taken), and the opportunity to pursue specific personal interests in coursework essays and in the MSt dissertation.
The first year consists of four main components spread over three academic terms, through which you have the opportunity to pursue interests within the MSt in English (650–1550), 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
In the second year, students have the opportunity both to broaden and deepen their knowledge, adding further options and taking advantage if they wish of courses offered by specialists in other faculties. Students finally submit a second, longer dissertation, which may form the basis of doctoral research, or a substantial publication.
You will 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 graduates 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 MPhil is a two-year course designed for students wishing to attain a thorough grounding in medieval English language and literature and related subjects at an advanced level, either as a preparation for doctoral research or as an autonomous qualification.
Oxford is now very rare in offering a two-year taught and research postgraduate course in medieval studies. The time and space this affords makes the Oxford MPhil the very best preparation for later specialist research in medieval literary or cultural history. It also stands alone as a thoroughly satisfying qualification indicating significant levels of critical, linguistic, and historical skill, expertise, and research competence, transferable to any future career.
Course structure In the first year, you will follow the MSt in English (650–1550). This already includes a broad grounding in medieval literature and culture, technical training in manuscripts, palaeography, and codicology (depending on courses taken), and the opportunity to pursue specific personal interests in coursework essays and in the MSt dissertation.
In the second year, students have the opportunity both to broaden and deepen their knowledge, adding further options in medieval languages, literatures, authors, philosophy, history and palaeography, taking advantage if they wish of courses offered by specialists in other faculties.
Students finally submit a second, longer dissertation, which may form the basis of doctoral research, or a substantial publication. Those intending to proceed to doctoral work after their MPhil should consult with their course convenors about their second-year option choices early in their first year of study. They may also wish to consult the Director of Doctoral Studies.
The extra time involved in the two-year MPhil allows for internationally-recognised standards of expertise. The opportunities for interdisciplinary engagement are multiple, and the depth of research possible is unparalleled at master's level.
You will 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 graduates 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 |
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