English and American Studies MSt

<strong>The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2025). 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.</strong> <br/><br/>The MSt in English and American Studies is a taught course combining English and American literature, with core seminars, book history, special options, and a dissertation, offering a foundation for advanced literary research or doctoral study.<br/><br/>Course structure<br/>The course consists of four main components spread over three academic terms, through which you have the opportunity to pursue interests within your chosen MSt course, as well as across period boundaries. <br/><br/>In the first two terms, you will take a core course (A) and a course in book history and theories of text (B), both tailored to your MSt. There is no formal assessment for the A Course, but written work and/or oral presentations may be required.<br/><br/>You will also choose two courses from a wide range of options (C). One is taken in the first term and one in the second term. The courses are taught in weekly, small group seminars. You are not constrained to follow option courses in the designated period and, indeed, option courses often traverse the boundaries of the broad periods and subject groups.<br/><br/>Under the guidance of a specialist supervisor you will also research and write a dissertation, which is submitted in the final term. You will be assigned to a member of academic staff who will act as your supervisor. Students will have the opportunity to present their dissertation ideas at a one-day conference that they organise, usually at the start of Trinity term.<br/><br/>You will also have the opportunity to hear lectures and papers by leading writers, critics, and theorists from inside and outside the University. You are encouraged to participate in the many research seminars and reading groups that run throughout term time, many of which are coordinated by graduate students themselves. There is an active and lively graduate organisation funded by the faculty, English Graduates at Oxford (EGO), that organises study skills, training and career development seminars, as well as social events and conferences.