MSt in Korean Studies at University of Oxford

Programme overview

The MSt in Korean Studies is aimed at students with Korean language proficiency and develops advanced language and research skills through the study of Korean texts, linguistics and culture. It prepares students for independent research on Korea's past and present and is taught mainly through tutorials.

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 follow either the History and Culture track (prescribed Classical Koreanology texts from the third to twentieth century) or the Language and Culture track (Korean Linguistics texts). Both include language study (Modern Korean, or Classical Chinese, Modern or Classical Japanese or Middle Korean for advanced students), a bibliography and techniques paper, and a thesis.

Career pathways

Graduates have gone on to doctoral research at Oxford and elsewhere and hold academic posts in the UK, Europe and Korea; others have entered business, finance, law, the civil service, journalism, government and industry.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in any subject (minimum GPA 3.5/4.0 for US degrees). Applicants must be able to read Modern Korean and submit a transcript showing S-TOPIK scores with a target level of 4. No GRE/GMAT. Three referees (academic preferred), transcripts, statement of purpose (max 1,000 words) and two essays of up to 2,000 words each. Interviews may be held (about 30 minutes of questions and 30 minutes of a short language examination, online if outside Oxford). 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

Explore more study programmes

Arts & Humanities