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Global and Area Studies at University of Oxford - UCAS

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2023 - 20242024 - 2025
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Course summary

The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (October/November 2022). 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 Global and Area Studies draws on the multidisciplinary and area expertise of OSGA's seven regional centres, to deliver an innovative Comparative Area Studies programme, which addresses contemporary global challenges through developing innovative multidisciplinary approaches. The overall objectives of the MPhil are:

  • To provide you with a multi-/interdisciplinary and comparative understanding of different regions of the world;
  • To allow you to work on key thematic global challenges from a comparative area studies perspective;
  • To equip you with the conceptual and theoretical expertise to interrogate the notions of ‘area’, ‘comparative area’ and the implications for disciplinary enquiry;
  • To embed inter-cultural understanding and global citizenship in the study of area;
  • To develop research methods and skills that are appropriate for the comparative study of areas and regions including through the development of new digital approaches for area studies; and
  • To promote a wider international network of area studies scholars and practitioners.
Course structure The course is structured around six study components, facilitating an interdisciplinary approach to comparative study across two or more regions and a critical approach to area studies. Courses are taught through a combination of lectures and classes. You will be required to submit essays and make class presentations. Through a Research Methods element, you will receive relevant training in methodologies to enable you to carry out research and writing for your 30,000 word thesis. The thesis is expected to incorporate a global, transnational or comparative area studies approach and/or to address key cross-region global challenges from an area studies perspective. Option courses will vary from year to year. In addition, lively programmes of seminars, workshops and conferences throughout OSGA will complement the MPhil and you are encouraged to make the most of these opportunities. The six study components are:
  • Theories and Approaches in Global and Area Studies
  • Comparative Area Studies
  • Research Methods for Social Sciences and Humanities
  • Area Studies immersion
  • Specialist Area Studies Options
  • Comparative Area Studies Research Thesis.
First year In your first year you will study the following:
  • Core Course 1- Competing Approaches in Area Studies
  • One Comparative Area Studies Course from a list of options
  • Research Methods: Qualitative Methods
  • One additional research methods course: Quantitative Methods or Historical Methods
  • One Area Studies course from a list of options.
You will also submit a Research Proposal in preparation for the thesis submission Second year In your second year, you will study:
  • Core Course 2 - Global Area Studies Seminar
  • Two Area (or Comparative Area, or other approved) Studies courses from a list of options.
During this year, you will undertake a period of Area Studies immersion. Immersion options include but are not necessarily limited to: a period of overseas or domestic fieldwork research for your thesis; the development of advanced language skills; auditing relevant substantive courses delivered at a partner university or approved alternative; an internship period at a relevant organisation. You will also submit one 30,000 word thesis.

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

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Additional fee information

For complete and up-to-date information about fees and funding for this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.
Global and Area Studies at University of Oxford - UCAS