CELTIC STUDIES OXFORD UNIVERSITY - POSTGRADUATE

label Masterate autorenew 2025-09-29, 16:53
Oxford has a large, varied, and active teaching and research community in Modern Languages. There are over 90 members of the Faculty, working in the following languages: French (including Occitan, language only); German (including Yiddish); Italian; Spanish (including Latin American); Portuguese (including Brazilian); Catalan; Galician; Sardinian; Rheto-Romance; Romanian (language only); Medieval and Modern Greek; Celtic; Russian; Czech; Polish and other Slavonic languages.Their research interests spread across the full chronological range of these languages and into most areas of linguistics and literary study. At any one time there are approximately 150 graduate students pursuing research or taught courses. This means that even in the numerically smaller languages there is the necessary critical mass to ensure intellectual stimulus and interaction both among graduates and with supervisors and other Faculty members. To widen such contacts, first-year graduates are assigned one or more advisers as well as the official supervisor responsible for guiding their work. The Faculty has a staff-student consultative committee on which graduate students have their own representatives.The higher degrees offered are summarised in the table below. They vary in length from one to three or more years and provide opportunities for advanced study in a particular branch of the subject, for the acquisition of research skills, or for a substantial research project in its own right.Master of Studies (MSt) in Medieval and Modern Languages1-year degree by coursework portfolio and dissertation. This is both a self-contained course and the normal introductory year for those going on to either of the following two degrees:Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) 3-4 year research degree by thesis only (max 80,000 words)Master of Letters (MLitt) 2-3 year research degree by thesis only (max 50,000 words)Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Medieval and Modern Languages 2-year degree by coursework portfolio and thesis (max 25,000 words)Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Celtic Studies 2-year degree by written examination and thesis (max 25,000 words)Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Slavonic Studies Two-year degree by written examination and thesis (max 25,000 words)Master of Studies (MSt) in Celtic Studies One-year degree by written examination and dissertation (max 10,000 words)Master of Studies (MSt) in Slavonic Studies One-year degree by written examination with optional dissertation (max 10,000 words)Master of Studies (MSt) in Women's Studies 1-year degree by written work and dissertation (max 15,000 words)Master of Studies (MSt) in Yiddish Studies One-year degree by written examination and dissertation (max 10,000 words)Master of Studies (MSt) in Film Aesthetics One-year degree by written work and dissertation (max 10,000 words)LinguisticsSee under Comparative Philology and General Linguistics, p. 30. The following sections should be read together with the current issue of the Modern Languages Graduate Studies Handbook. You should consult this before completing your application form, and it is available directly from the Department.Master of Studies in Medieval and Modern LanguagesThe one-year MSt in Medieval and Modern Languages is suitable both for candidates wishing to proceed subsequently to a research degree by thesis (DPhil or MLitt: see below) and for those who, for whatever reason, wish to spend only one year at Oxford. All candidates study two Special Subjects which they may either devise for themselves, in consultation with their supervisor, or take from a list of options (see the Modern Languages Graduate Studies Handbook). The degree has three components: (i) the Special Subjects, examined by a portfolio of essays prepared in consultation with the candidate's supervisor; (ii) a theoretical or methodological component, for which candidates follow a course in Methods of Criticism and Theory of Literature, or History of Ideas in Germany since 1750, or Methods of Scholarship, and for which they submit an essay of around 5,000 words; and (iii) a dissertation of not more than 10,000 words on a topic agreed with their supervisor and approved by the Modern Languages Academic Policy Committee.If you hope to proceed to a research degree by thesis, this degree will allow you, from the moment you arrive in Oxford, to work towards the identification of a precise thesis subject and to gather your research materials. Under the direction of your supervisor and with the benefit of the unique resources of Oxford University, you will follow custom-designed courses which will enable you to acquire the necessary research skills as well as deepening your knowledge of your research topic. You will thus be able to make rapid progress with your research within a supportive and flexible academic environment. The degree is especially suited to candidates applying for a one-year AHRC graduate studentship in the expectation of applying for a further three-year grant for the DPhil.Many candidates, however, are unsure when they apply whether they wish to stay on to do a research degree; others may want to study in Oxford for a year before continuing their studies abroad, or going on to non-academic careers. The MSt in Medieval and Modern Languages (or alternatively one of the more specialised taught courses; see below) is also suitable for such candidates. It allows you to build upon your undergraduate studies, acquire some knowledge of literary theory or methods of scholarship, and write a substantial dissertation on a topic that interests you. It thus provides a self-contained qualification that can lead on to further study, but which is also valuable in its own right.Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) and Master of Letters (MLitt)The DPhil and the MLitt are degrees by thesis. Students work with a supervisor who is a specialist in their subject; in cases where two areas of expertise are essential, joint supervision is arranged. For general information on these degrees, see p. 23.Many students will find that the one-year MSt in European Literature (see above) is the best route to advanced research. However, those already in possession of a relevant Master's degree, or those who have made a start on their research elsewhere, may register immediately for probationer DPhil or MLitt status.If you wish to study one of the taught courses it is possible to apply for admission to DPhil or MLitt status at a later stage. Please note, however, that such transfers are not automatic but are subject to the approval of the Faculty Board. Those applying for research into the linguistics of the languages studied in the Faculty may be advised to register initially for the MPhil (see below for the list of options), and to apply for admission to the DPhil at a later stage.Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Medieval and Modern Languages, in Celtic Studies, and in Slavonic StudiesThese are two-year courses designed for those who want to take their studies further and add to their qualifications, but without restricting themselves to writing a thesis and without taking more than two years over further study. The qualification is suitable for people with a non-academic career in view, as well as for those hoping to teach at university or non-university level, and also as a starting point for later doctoral work. While working for the MPhil you will have regular contact with a supervisor who will provide or arrange specialist supervision as necessary and advise you on the choice of a thesis topic and special subjects.MPhil in Medieval and Modern LanguagesThis course is designed to allow those who already have a high level of attainment in a foreign language or languages (including Latin and Classical Greek) and have studied literature to degree level, to undertake advanced work in one or two literatures, working in either Medieval Studies, Renaissance Studies, or Modern Literary Studies. You may select one or two literatures from a wide variety of European languages including English. You will take three Special Subjects. Two of these Special Subjects may, but need not, be chosen from the list of options offered by the Faculty for the MSt in Medieval and Modern Languages.The course also offers you the opportunity to follow a seminar series on Methods of Criticism and Theory of Literature; or, if you have chosen either Medieval or Renaissance Studies, to acquire skills in the study of literary manuscripts or early books; or History of Ideas in Germany since 1750. For this seminar series you will submit an essay of between 3,000 and 5,000 words. The MPhil also involves a dissertation of not more than 25,000 words, the subject of which must relate either to one or more of the Special Subjects offered or to a more general theoretical or methodological topic, in which case examples may be chosen from one of your special fields. (For further details and the list of Special Subjects, see the Modern Languages Graduate Studies Handbook.)MPhil in Celtic StudiesThis course is designed to offer a wide range of subjects, including Archaeology, Art, History and Law in addition to Language and Literature, with the opportunity to concentrate on the study of aspects of the history and culture of Celtic peoples from antiquity to the present day. The subjects taught are in four groups: (a) Historical and Comparative Celtic Linguistics; (b) Irish Literature up to the Cromwellian Wars; (c) Welsh Literature up to the Reformation; (d) Special Subjects.In addition to a thesis of approximately 20,000 words, each candidate offers three papers, either (i) two papers, one on each of two prescribed subjects, and a third paper on a Special Subject, or (ii) one paper on a prescribed subject, and two other papers, one on each of two Special Subjects.Details of this course are found in the Modern Languages Graduate Studies Handbook, which you should consult before completing the application form. It should be noted that an element of Celtic can also be included in MPhil courses in European Literature, English Studies, and General Linguistics and Comparative Philology.MPhil in Slavonic StudiesThis course is designed to help those who already possess a good knowledge of Russian or another Slavonic language to acquire a grounding in areas of Slavonic Studies which were not part of their first degree course, as a preparation for advanced research in this field. All candidates study at least one Slavonic language which they have not previously studied to degree standard. They also take up to four other subjects chosen from a wide range of philological, literary and historical options, and at least one paper in research methods such as palaeography, textual criticism and methods of literary criticism.At the end of the first year of the course candidates take a Qualifying Examination, consisting of four papers, identical to the MSt in Slavonic Studies (see separate entry). Candidates who choose to offer an optional dissertation (of not more than 8,000 words) in the Qualifying Examination may incorporate it into the thesis (of approximately 20,000 words) which they subsequently offer for the MPhil examination; the MPhil thesis may in turn be incorporated into a DPhil thesis. In addition to the thesis, at the end of the second year candidates for the MPhil examination offer two more papers from those listed under the MSt syllabus.Further details of this course are found in the Modern Languages Graduate Studies Handbook, which should be consulted before completing the application form. It should be noted that the study of individual Slavonic languages and literatures can also be undertaken in the MPhil courses in European Literature, General Linguistics and Comparative Philology, and Russian and East European Studies.Master of Studies (MSt) in Celtic Studies, in Slavonic Studies, in Yiddish Studies and in Women's StudiesThese are one-year courses providing a valuable qualification and focus for those graduate students who are able to spend only one year at Oxford. These courses are suitable for a number of different types of candidate: students from overseas; those who definitely do not want to go on to further study beyond the one-year course; or those who are undecided about continuing beyond the one-year course or who are as yet unsure about the specific topic they wish to study after their Master's degree. They are organised on the same lines as the MPhil, with similar procedures for admission and examination.MSt in Celtic StudiesThe range of subjects in this course is the same as that for the MPhil, except that students, in addition to a dissertation of 8,000 to 10,000 words, offer only two papers. The latter are either one paper on each of two prescribed subjects or, one paper on a prescribed subject and one paper on a Special Subject to be chosen from the list of Special Subjects prescribed for the MPhil in Celtic Studies. (For further details see the Modern Languages Graduate Studies Handbook.)MSt in Slavonic StudiesThis course is designed to introduce students who already possess a good knowledge of Russian or another Slavonic language to areas of Slavonic Studies which were not part of their first degree course. The examination for the MSt consists of four papers: a paper in translation from unseen texts in a Slavonic language which the candidate has not already studied to degree standard, and three other papers selected from a wide range of philological, literary and historical subjects. It is identical to the Qualifying Examination in the first year of the MPhil course in Slavonic Studies (see separate entry), and candidates who achieve Distinction in the MSt examination may proceed directly to the second year of the MPhil course.Candidates who hope to go on to advanced research have the opportunity of taking a paper in research methods such as palaeography, textual criticism, methods of literary criticism, and of offering in lieu of one paper a dissertation (of 8,000 to 10,000 words) on a topic chosen in consultation with the supervisor. This dissertation may be used as the basis for the piece of work submitted to support transfer to Probationer Research Status, or may subsequently be incorporated in an MPhil dissertation.Further details of this course are found in the Modern Languages Graduate Studies Handbook, which should be consulted before completing the application form. It should be noted that the study of individual Slavonic languages and literatures can also be undertaken in the MSt courses in European Literature, General Linguistics and Comparative Philology, and the MPhil course in Russian and East European Studies. MSt in Yiddish StudiesThis MSt is designed to enhance the linguistic proficiency, academic competence, and cultural literacy of aspiring scholars, instructors, and educators in the field of Yiddish language and literature.The course offers a variety of subjects central to the history and linguistic and socio-cultural fabric of pre-modern Ashkenazic (Yiddish-speaking) society and modern Yiddish language, literature, and culture. The wide selection of subjects will be taught by Yiddish specialists working at the University and at the Oxford Centre for Hebrew and Jewish Studies. (Applicants should, however, ascertain in advance which of the special subjects will be available in any given year.)MSt in Women's StudiesThe MSt in Women's Studies is an interdisciplinary course offered under the Faculties of Modern Languages, Classics, English, and History. See Women's Studies for further details.MSt in Film AestheticsThe MSt in Film Aesthetics is a one-year interdisciplinary course in films and film theory, involving specialists from areas of the humanities such as music, philosophy and social anthropology. See Film Aesthetics for further details.Transfer between degrees after admissionThere is provision for transfer from a taught course to a research degree before completing the course, or for admission to a research degree after successfully completing a taught degree. However, such transfers are not automatic, but subject to the approval of the Faculty Board. (For details of transfer procedures please refer to the Modern Languages Graduate Studies Handbook.)Research facilities and travel grantsThe rich resources of the Bodleian and Taylor Institution Libraries - the latter being the principal Modern Languages Library in the University - are mentioned on pp. 16-18. Research students will also find useful the Modern Languages Faculty Library (the main undergraduate lending library), the Sackler Library, the Maison Franaise, and the History and English Faculty Libraries. In addition, various college libraries have valuable collections for Modern Languages students in particular fields: for example, Jesus College has an important Celtic collection. The Faculty also houses the European Humanities Research Centre which fosters interdisciplinary research across the Humanities, organises research conferences and colloquia, and has an active publications programme under the Legenda imprint. The EHRC website can be found at: www.ehrc.ox.ac.uk.A limited number of studentships are available for candidates for research degrees who are eligible for UK state funding or an ORS award. Two Senior Paget Toynbee Prizes (each of £1,000 in value) may be offered each year for an essay in any of the following fields: 'The Works of Dante', 'Old French Language and Literature', and 'Old Provenal Language and Literature'. A Rhys Graduate Studentship in Celtic Studies and a Rhys essay prize in Celtic Studies are offered each year. In addition, a number of smaller travel grants are awarded from trust funds to assist graduate students with their work. Details of most of these scholarships, prizes, and grants are published in the Scholarships and Prizes supplement to the University Gazette or are circulated to those research students who may be eligible. Copies of the supplement are available for consultation in colleges or at the Graduate Studies Office, and a limited number are available from the OUP Bookshop, 116 High Street, Oxford OX1 4BZ, price £0.75 (£1.25 by post). An up-to-date online version is available via the Oxford University WWW Service at www.ox.ac.uk/gazette/Various colleges offer Junior Research Fellowships and Senior Scholarships for those wishing to pursue graduate studies in Oxford.AdmissionThe normal qualification for admission to study for a higher degree is a first or good upper second-class honours degree, or the equivalent, in the relevant language, or proof of linguistic ability commensurate with advanced literary study. Applicants for the MSt in Slavonic Studies must have taken either Russian (as sole language or as one of two languages) or Czech (with Slovak) in the Oxford Honour School of Modern Languages, or hold a comparable degree in a Slavonic language from another university, or must satisfy the Committee that they possess the necessary qualifications in a Slavonic language to profit by the course.All candidates should provide three letters from academic persons closely acquainted with their work. The Committee would be particularly grateful if referees would express an opinion on the candidate's aptitude for research.Applicants wishing to study for a higher degree in Modern Languages are advised to submit their application at the earliest possible date. They will be required to submit examples of written work in a related area to their proposed field of study. UK candidates will normally be expected to come to Oxford for interview; all such interviews will be arranged by the Modern Languages Graduate Office. Non-native speakers of English will be required to satisfy the Committee that they possess an adequate knowledge of the English language.For students wishing to be considered for a graduate studentship, it is likely that a deadline for applications will be imposed. Please consult the Modern Languages Graduate Studies Handbook for further details. A number of the studentships may only be tenable at certain colleges.