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. 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