English (650-1550) (Taught)

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 MSt in English (650–1550) is a taught course offering training in medieval literature, languages, and manuscript studies, with core seminars, optional papers, and a dissertation supporting advanced research or doctoral preparation.

The MSt in English Language and Literature 650–1550 offers the knowledge and understanding, research materials and opportunities, and the skills and techniques, for undertaking the study of the languages and literatures produced in England, Scotland and Wales before 1550.

The course aims to broaden students’ experience of the literature produced in the British Isles and related areas across nearly a millennium. It also offers unrivalled training in the core skills for research in medieval studies. This includes:

• reading, understanding and editing medieval manuscripts and early printed books;

• developing skills in languages such as Old English and Old Norse; and

• debating a wide range of approaches and methods in the study of medieval literature and culture.

Optional courses with leading scholars help to focus students’ interests, and a dissertation provides the chance to pursue in-depth research to a high quality.

The range of the literature and approaches likely to be encountered is challenging and rewarding. There is no one method or theoretical approach; the course gives you time to learn which sort of medieval studies you wish to practise, or invent. Whatever your past experience and expected career path, the course can help you to become an accomplished medievalist with a wide range of expertise.

Course structure
The course consists of four main components spread over three academic terms, through which you have the opportunity to pursue interests within your chosen MSt course, as well as across period boundaries.

In the first two terms, you will take a core course (A) and a course in book history and theories of text (B), both tailored to your MSt. There is no formal assessment for the A Course, but written work and/or oral presentations may be required.

You will also choose two courses from a wide range of options (C). One is taken in the first term and one in the second term. The courses are taught in weekly, small group seminars. You are not constrained to follow option courses in the designated period and, indeed, option courses often traverse the boundaries of the broad periods and subject groups.

Under the guidance of a specialist supervisor you will also research and write a dissertation, which is submitted in the final term. You will be assigned to a member of academic staff who will act as your supervisor. Students will have the opportunity to present their dissertation ideas at a one-day conference that they organise, usually at the start of Trinity term.

You will also have the opportunity to hear lectures and papers by leading writers, critics, and theorists from inside and outside the University. You are encouraged to participate in the many research seminars and reading groups that run throughout term time, many of which are coordinated by graduates themselves. There is an active and lively graduate organisation funded by the faculty, English Graduates at Oxford (EGO), that organises study skills, training and career development seminars, as well as social events and conferences.