University of Oxford
Master of Studies in Historical Studies
The Master of Studies in Historical Studies in History is offered by University of Oxford.
Program Length: 12 MONTHS.
The MSt in Historical Studies builds upon the success of the Postgraduate Certificate in Historical Studies in attracting academically committed and high-achieving students from a wide range of professional and educational backgrounds. The MSt course is the second year of a two-year part-time graduate programme that focuses on British, Western European, and imperial history and promotes a broad approach to historical research across the historical disciplines. It provides an opportunity for successful graduates of the Postgraduate Certificate course to extend their studies for a further year and to receive systematic training in research methods while researching a 15,000 word dissertation.The course will be taught in three residential weekends in October, December, and January and a further dissertation workshop in April. Seminar classes will build upon the skills and knowledge acquired in the Postgraduate Certificate year and focus on the development of the research skills and methodological and theoretical approaches underpinning modern historical research. Individual supervisors are appointed for dissertations.The course will build upon the research and writing skills developed in the Postgraduate Certificate and encourage students to engage actively with theoretical and historiographical approaches underpinning modern historical research. It will prepare students to undertake original archival research and develop a theoretical framework for their dissertation. It will guide and support the planning and writing of the dissertation. It will promote learning through discussion and practice and provide training for progression to doctoral programmes in history in Oxford and elsewhere.
Course Aims
The main aims of the MSt in Historical Studies are:
- To build upon the historical knowledge, skills and methodologies acquired in the Postgraduate Certificate in Historical Studies;
- To advance knowledge and understanding of the theoretical and historiographical approaches underpinning historical research;
- To promote further development of the critical and analytical skills required to interpret and evaluate historical evidence;
- To develop students’ capability to undertake original research in national, local or private archives, galleries or museums and to search and use electronic research resources;
- To support students in conceiving, researching, and writing a substantial dissertation.
Course Content
The three units for the current academic year, 2019-20 are:Unit 1: Using Archives and Analysing Sources.
In this unit students examine the key documentary and material sources and resources for their specialist period selected from three parallel strands covering the medieval, early modern and modern periods. They are encouraged to sharpen their critical and analytical skills and to reflect upon the challenges and opportunities particular sources or categories of source present to users. They are 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 data-bases and guidance provided on using archives and their catalogues.Unit 2: Theoretical Approaches to History.
Students 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, and violence and identity. There is assigned reading but students are also encouraged to consider the application of the chosen approaches to their own research and to subjects that interest them. Students are required to give short presentations, for example, introducing key texts.Unit 3: Writing History.
Students are 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 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. Students give short presentations on their dissertations and take questions and comments from tutors and students.Level and demands
This is a one-year part-time course designed to enable students who have successfully completed the Postgraduate Certificate in Historical Studies programme to study for a Master’s qualification at Level 7. Students who successfully complete the course will be awarded an Oxford University Master of Studies in the Historical Studies. The combined award will carry 180 CATS points. The Master’s qualification will be awarded on a distinction, pass or fail basis. A transcript of marks awarded will be provided.