MSc in African Studies

at University of Oxford

There are four components to the MSc in African Studies:
 

1. Core Course 1: Methodology, Ethics and Research Strategies
2. Core Course 2: Themes in African History and the Social Sciences
3. Option paper
4. Dissertation.

The teaching on the MSc programme is built around the two core courses. The first core course examines research methodologies and strategies, including the politics of researching and writing on Africa, and is taught in Michaelmas term through a weekly lecture and seminar. The second is a weekly lecture and seminar over two terms (Michaelmas and Hilary term) covering key questions in African history and the social sciences, giving close attention to critical debates and current issues. The core courses form compulsory elements of the degree programme and are open only to students taking the MSc in African Studies.

In addition to the two core courses, you will take an optional paper on a particular theme and within a specific discipline. A wide selection of optional papers is available each year. Optional papers are taught in Hilary Term, through a weekly lecture and seminar. 

Finally, you will write a dissertation of on a research topic of your choosing, which must include discussion of the comparative reading, historiography, or theory relevant to the dissertation. You will undertake fieldwork at the end of Hilary term and will be provided with thesis supervision throughout the year. 

Students dedicate six hours per week to classes and lectures and they will typically meet their thesis supervisor once every fortnight

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 in a relevant discipline in the humanities or social sciences.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.7 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
 

• Substantial professional experience in relevant fields, or work in an African country, will be taken into account. 

• Familiarity with African or other developing countries is desirable but is not essential.

• Publications are not required.

English language proficiency

Minimum scores required to meet the University's higher level requirement

IELTS Academic 

7.5

TOEFL iBT, including the 'Home Edition'

110

Home    
£17,250

Overseas    
£30,910

Graduate destinations

This advanced degree programme provides an excellent foundation for those who wish to expand their knowledge of African studies, prior to working for NGOs, the civil service, international organisations, and the media, or in other professional capacities.

Students who complete the degree to a sufficient standard may transfer to doctoral programmes in disciplinary departments, such as Politics and International Relations, Development Studies, History, Anthropology or Geography, or to the interdisciplinary DPhil in Area Studies (Africa).

Staff with expertise in African studies supervise doctoral theses across all of the main disciplinary departments of the university, and students can continue to work with the same supervisor who has guided their MSc work, where this is appropriate. Students who wish to progress from the MSc to doctoral studies can begin their doctoral research over the summer following completion of the MSc.