MPhil in Celtic Studies

at University of Oxford

This two-year course is normally restricted to those who have taken a first degree in a relevant subject area; however, it is also suitable for students with no previous background in Celtic, but with sufficient linguistic ability to acquire grounding in Welsh and/or Irish quickly.

Generally, student numbers in the MPhil programme are relatively small and this allows the teaching to be tailored to the particular choice you may make. Teaching is provided through a mixture of classes and tutorials.

You may be required to take an intensive course in a modern Celtic language as a condition of admission, either in the long vacation prior to the admission or in the long vacation following the third term of your course of instruction.

The MPhil in Celtic Studies provides an appropriate introduction for you if you are contemplating higher research in a DPhil or PhD programme in this area.

Students are required to take two core options, from a choice of: (i) Celtic linguistics; (ii) Welsh literature; or (iii) medieval Irish literature; plus one special option, which may develop one of these areas in more depth; or may be another ancient or modern Celtic language and its associated culture; or may be on a historical or other relevant topic. You will write a dissertation that typically arises out of one of the options studied; and will also be required to develop a reading knowledge of a modern Celtic language which you have not previously studied to degree level.

Proven and potential academic excellence

Degree-level qualifications

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:
 

• a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours as a minimum, in a relevant course of academic study, such as Welsh, Irish or Celtic studies, linguistics, literature or history.

Applicants for the MPhil must show clear evidence of the linguistic ability to acquire one or two Celtic languages within the duration of the course. Applicants selected for this course will have shown clear evidence of linguistic ability and a serious interest in acquiring new knowledge and skills.

Entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a high first-class degree or the equivalent.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.75 out of 4.0.

GRE General Test scores

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

Other qualifications, evidence of excellence and relevant experience

Details of any publications would be of interest to the assessors and should be included in the application.

English language proficiency

IELTS Academic

7.5  

TOEFL iBT, including the 'Home Edition'

110

Home    
£13,050

Overseas    
£29,700

Many MPhil students proceed to doctoral degrees at Oxford or at other universities. Other graduate destinations include teaching, journalism, law, publishing, and the civil service.