English Local History (Research)

The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2025). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.

The DPhil in English Local History is a part-time research-based course focused on individual study. Topics may typically include medieval power, early modern elites, poverty, religion, and community in England, supported by seminars and supervision.

The DPhil in English Local History draws on Oxford Lifelong Learning's knowledge and skills, which have been acquired over many years of providing specialist classes in local history, and profiting from close links with local, social and economic historians elsewhere in the University.

This course is overseen by the University’s Continuing Education Board, and admission is through Oxford Lifelong Learning. All graduate students on this course are members of the department’s graduate school.

As a research student you may be required to undertake appropriate research training provided within the University. In addition, you will be strongly encouraged to participate in seminars and informal meetings with staff and other researchers. The major commitment of time will be to individual study and research, involving wide and intense reading, data collection and analysis, and writing. Support in making decisions about research is provided by the course team.

It is only possible to study for a DPhil (doctorate) in English Local History by part-time research. The part-time DPhil regulations require a minimum period of four years’ part-time study (equivalent to two years’ full-time). However, except where students are building on research and research skills developed by taking the MSc in English Local History the average time taken is approximately six years (equivalent to three years’ full-time).