MSc in African Studies at University of Oxford

Programme overview

A nine-month, three-term course giving an interdisciplinary and comparative understanding of Africa, its contemporary societies and the historical processes that shaped the continent. It can be taken as a stand-alone introduction or as preparation for doctoral research.

Duration: 9 months full-time | Intake: 4 October 2027; applications more likely to receive earlier decisions if received by 12:00 midday UK time, Friday 13 November 2026; final deadline Tuesday 26 January 2027 | Study mode: full-time | Location: Oxford, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Two core courses in Michaelmas term, Researching Africa: Strategies, Methods and Ethics and Understanding Modern Africa, two option papers in Hilary term, and a dissertation submitted at the end of Trinity term with optional fieldwork at the end of Hilary term. Students spend around six hours a week in classes and lectures.

Career pathways

Graduates go on to work with NGOs, the civil service, international organisations and the media, or progress to doctoral study in disciplines such as Politics and International Relations, Development Studies, History, Anthropology or Geography.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in a relevant humanities or social science discipline (US bachelor's degree: GPA normally 3.5 out of 4.0). Substantial professional experience in relevant fields or work in an African country is considered; familiarity with African or other developing countries is desirable but not essential. No GRE or GMAT scores; publications not required. Interviews are not normally held. Three referees are required. Supporting documents are required with the application. English language (higher level, for applicants whose first language is not English): IELTS Academic 7.5 overall with at least 7.0 in each component; TOEFL iBT 110 (Listening 22, Reading 24, Speaking 25, Writing 24; TOEFL tests taken from 21 January 2026 are not accepted until a review of the revised test is complete); C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency 191 overall and 185 per component; Oxford Test of English Advanced 165 overall and 155 per component. Tests must be taken no more than two years before the course start.

Domestic applicants: GBP 22,720 a year (2027/28). Home fee, full-time Source

International applicants: GBP 40,730 a year (2027/28). Overseas fee, full-time Source

Intake: 4 October 2027

Duration: 9 months full-time

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