MSt in Islamic Studies and History at University of Oxford

Programme overview

The MSt in Islamic Studies and History is a nine-month full-time course focused on pre-modern Islamic history and thought, covering the central Islamic lands (Egypt, the Fertile Crescent, the Arabian Peninsula, Iran, Central Asia and Anatolia) up to c. 1800. It emphasises research based on primary sources and is designed as preparation for doctoral study.

Faculty: Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (Humanities Division) | Department: Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies | Duration: 9 months, full time | Intake: 3 October 2027 (2027-28 entry) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Oxford, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Students take two elective papers in the first two terms and write a dissertation (or two extended research essays) under supervision. Typical electives include the Qur'an and exegesis, Hadith, Islamic law, Sufism, Islamic theology and philosophy, medieval Middle Eastern and Islamic history, Islamic art and architecture, and Arabic and Persian literature.

Career pathways

Graduates work in business, finance, law, the civil service, journalism, government and industry, and many progress to doctoral research and careers in academia, education and museums.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in Middle Eastern studies, Islamic studies or a relevant cognate field (minimum GPA 3.5/4.0 for US degrees). Applicants must already have substantial general knowledge of Islamic or Middle Eastern studies and history and be able to work, without additional language instruction, with pre-modern Arabic, Persian and/or Ottoman Turkish texts. Applicants should contact potential supervisors before applying. GRE recommended for US applicants but not required. Three referees (academic preferred), transcripts, statement of purpose (500-2,000 words) and two essays of up to 2,000 words each. Interviews not normally held. English language (University higher level): IELTS Academic 7.5 overall with at least 7.0 in each component; TOEFL iBT 110 (minimum Listening 22, Reading 24, Speaking 25, Writing 24); 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 within two years of the start date. Application deadline: 12:00 UK time, 5 January 2027 (2027-28 entry).

Domestic applicants: GBP 26,280 a year (2027/28). Home fee, annual course fee Source

International applicants: GBP 46,350 a year (2027/28). Overseas fee, annual course fee Source

Intake: 3 October 2027

Duration: 9 months full-time

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