UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD · UNITED KINGDOM
MPhil in History (Early Modern History 1500-1700)
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
21 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 21 monthsProgram Duration
- Full-time, on-campusAttendance Mode
- Archival research focusKey Feature
- Prepares for DPhil studyCareer Pathway
- World-leading Early ModernistsFaculty Expertise
- Extensive library resourcesResearch Support
The MPhil in History (Early Modern 1500-1700) at the University of Oxford is a 21-month full-time postgraduate program designed for students interested in British, European, and World history during the early modern period. This course provides comprehensive training in historical research, focusing on developing your ability to conceptualize historical problems and understand their broader historical and historiographical context. It can serve as a standalone qualification or as a foundation for doctoral study. The program delves into major historical transformations from the Reformation to the Enlightenment, exploring themes such as new encounters between civilizations, visual and material culture of the Renaissance and Baroque, the evolution of the self, changes in warfare, state growth, gender relations, and social hierarchies. You will engage with one of the largest communities of Early Modernists globally, benefiting from the multidisciplinary research activities of Oxford's Centre for Early Modern Studies and a vibrant research culture of seminars and workshops.
Curriculum
The MPhil in History (Early Modern 1500-1700) is structured around two compulsory core courses, a research masterclass, two optional subject courses, and a significant original research project. This framework is complemented by a flexible skills training program, offering both general historical and field-specific expertise. The program integrates lectures, classes, and tutorials, primarily in Michaelmas and Hilary terms of the first year.
- Year 1
- Historical Methods
- Writing History
- Year 2
- Research Masterclass
Frequently asked questions
- What are the estimated living costs for this program?
- Estimated living costs for 2025-26 range from £17,100 to £24,420 for 12 months. These estimates cover food, accommodation, personal items, social activities, study costs, and miscellaneous expenses, and do not include travel, fieldwork, visa costs, or the immigration health surcharge.
- What is the duration of the MPhil program?
- The MPhil in History (Early Modern History 1500-1700) is a 21-month full-time postgraduate program.
- What are the academic entry requirements?
- Specific academic requirements are not detailed in the provided information. However, applicants generally need to meet the University's standard English language proficiency requirements at a higher level.
- How do I apply for this program?
- Applications are submitted through the University's online system. Applications for the 2026-27 academic year are currently closed, but you can register to receive email updates for the 2027-28 application cycle.
- Are there any scholarships available for international students?
- The New College Graduate Awards are available, which are generous college awards. To be considered, you must specify New College as your first choice college in your University application by the University's January application deadline.
- What kind of research support and skills training is provided?
- You will be assigned a supervisor and have access to extensive library resources, including the Bodleian Libraries. Skills training covers areas such as palaeography, oral history, and digital resources, with language training also available.
Entry requirements
University StandardHigher level
Offers are contingent on appropriate supervision being available. Contacting a potential supervisor beforehand does not guarantee an offer of a place or their capacity to supervise.
Fees
Tuition (international)Information not provided on source page for international tuition.
Tuition (home)Information not provided on source page for home tuition.
LivingEstimated living costs for 2025-26 range from £17,100 to £24,420 for 12 months, based on a single, full-time student with no dependants. This includes food, accommodation (including utilities), personal items, social activities, study costs, and miscellaneous expenses.
Living cost estimates are based on a university survey and may vary depending on individual lifestyle. Additional costs, such as travel to and from Oxford, fieldwork, visa costs, and the immigration health surcharge for international students, are not included in these figures. The immigration health surcharge must be paid upfront for the entire duration of your course plus any additional visa validity period.
How to apply
1. Search for your courseUse the online search tool on the Graduate Admissions page to find the specific MPhil in History (Early Modern History 1500-1700) course and check its application status.
2. Review application guideFamiliarize yourself with the comprehensive 'Application Guide' provided by the University of Oxford's Graduate Admissions to understand the entire application process, including requirements and deadlines.
3. Prepare required documentsGather all necessary documents for your application. These typically include academic transcripts, English language test results (if applicable), references, and a research proposal or statement of purpose relevant to your chosen course.
4. Submit your applicationComplete and submit your application through the University's online portal by the specified deadline for your desired intake year. Pay any associated application fees.
5. Specify college choice (for scholarships)If you wish to be considered for New College graduate awards, ensure New College is specified as your first choice college in your application.
6. Await decision and follow post-application instructionsAfter submitting, monitor the 'After you apply' section of the graduate admissions website for information on what to expect, including interview processes and decision timelines.
Scholarships
New College Graduate AwardsGenerous college awards (specific amounts not detailed)
Frequently asked questions
What are the estimated living costs for this program?
+
Estimated living costs for 2025-26 range from £17,100 to £24,420 for 12 months. These estimates cover food, accommodation, personal items, social activities, study costs, and miscellaneous expenses, and do not include travel, fieldwork, visa costs, or the immigration health surcharge.
What is the duration of the MPhil program?
+
The MPhil in History (Early Modern History 1500-1700) is a 21-month full-time postgraduate program.
What are the academic entry requirements?
+
Specific academic requirements are not detailed in the provided information. However, applicants generally need to meet the University's standard English language proficiency requirements at a higher level.
How do I apply for this program?
+
Applications are submitted through the University's online system. Applications for the 2026-27 academic year are currently closed, but you can register to receive email updates for the 2027-28 application cycle.
Are there any scholarships available for international students?
+
The New College Graduate Awards are available, which are generous college awards. To be considered, you must specify New College as your first choice college in your University application by the University's January application deadline.
What kind of research support and skills training is provided?
+
You will be assigned a supervisor and have access to extensive library resources, including the Bodleian Libraries. Skills training covers areas such as palaeography, oral history, and digital resources, with language training also available.