Course 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