MSt in Modern Languages at University of Oxford

Programme overview

A one-year full-time MSt for graduates with a high level of attainment in a foreign language and degree-level literary study, allowing advanced work in one or more linguistic and literary contexts, including the faculty's comparative pathway. It builds on undergraduate study and prepares for a research degree or reflection on methods of literary and cultural analysis.

What you will study

A core course on method and purpose in the literary humanities (Objects of Study, Language and Textuality, Materialisms and Historicisms, Politics and Identity), a research topic, two special subject options (for example Francophone Literature or Latin American Cinema) and a dissertation of 10,000-12,000 words.

Career pathways

Many MSt students proceed to doctoral degrees at Oxford or elsewhere; other destinations include teaching, journalism, law, publishing and the civil service.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A first-class or strong upper second-class UK undergraduate degree with honours in the relevant modern language, or a similar course with substantial modern language components, or equivalent; most successful applicants have a high first-class degree or equivalent. Degree-level competence in at least one of French, German, Italian, Modern Greek, Portuguese, Russian, a Slavic language (e.g. Czech, Polish, Ukrainian) or Spanish is normally required; applicants without it may be considered with CEFR C1 proficiency certificates (no more than 24 months old). US bachelor's applicants normally need a minimum GPA of 3.6 (most successful applicants 3.7). No GRE/GMAT. Application includes three referees (at least two academic), transcripts, a statement of purpose (maximum 700 words) and two written essays (maximum 2,000 words each; at least one in English). Interviews are not normally held, though MSt candidates may be interviewed to clarify their application. English (higher level, international applicants whose first language is not English): IELTS Academic 7.5 overall with at least 7.0 in each component; TOEFL iBT 110 overall (Listening 22, Reading 24, Speaking 25, Writing 24); C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency 191 overall with 185 per component; Oxford Test of English Advanced 165 overall with 155 per component. Application deadline for 2027-28 entry: 12:00 midday UK time on 5 January 2027; final deadline to be considered for Oxford scholarships 2 March 2027.

Domestic applicants: GBP 18,980 a year (2027/28). Home fee Source

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

Intake: 4 October 2027

Duration: 9 months full-time

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