MPhil in Global and Area Studies at University of Oxford

Programme overview

A 21-month MPhil drawing on the expertise of the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies' seven regional centres to deliver a Comparative Area Studies programme addressing contemporary global challenges through multidisciplinary approaches. Teaching is by lectures and classes, with essays, presentations and a 30,000-word thesis.

Department: Oxford School of Global and Area Studies | Duration: 21 months full-time | Intake: 4 October 2027 | Study mode: full-time | Location: Oxford, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Six components: Theories and Approaches in Global and Area Studies; Global and Area Studies (comparative and transnational approaches); Research Methods for Social Sciences and Humanities; Area Studies Immersion; Area Studies Options; and the Global and Area Studies Research Thesis. Students present a thesis proposal at a workshop in Trinity term of the first year.

Career pathways

Graduates have found employment in business, finance, law, the civil service, journalism, government and industry, and many have gone on to further research and careers in academia and education.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Entry for 2027-28. A first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in any subject, although preference may be given to candidates who have studied social sciences or humanities (US GPA normally 3.6/4.0). Publications are not required. Three references and supporting documents; interviews are not normally held. No GRE or GMAT. English language (higher level, if first language is not English): IELTS Academic 7.5 overall with at least 7.0 in each component; TOEFL iBT 110 with minimum Listening 22, Reading 24, Speaking 25, Writing 24; C1 Advanced 191 overall and 185 per component; C2 Proficiency 191 overall and 185 per component; Oxford Test of English Advanced 165 overall and 155 per component. Test must have been taken no more than two years before course start. Application deadline: 12:00 midday UK time on 26 January 2027.

Domestic applicants: GBP 30,920 a year (2027/28). Home fee Source

International applicants: GBP 37,030 a year (2027/28). Overseas fee Source

Intake: 4 October 2027

Duration: 21 months full-time

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