The MSc in Modern South Asian Studies is an exciting degree bringing together Oxford’s wealth of expertise on South Asia in a single programme. Students gain access to teaching and expert supervision across departments in the Social Sciences and Humanities Divisions. They receive rigorous training in one of two tailored modules in research methods, and subject to timetabling and demand, may have the opportunity to build in Hindi, Urdu, Classical Hindi/Hindavi, Persian, Gujarati, Bengali, Marathi or other language training. Students may pursue any combination of interests, including history, literature, language, religion, economy and interstate relations.
The MSc in Modern South Asian Studies comprises five components: the core course, a module in research methods, two option papers and the thesis. All students attend the core course, introducing modern South Asia across the disciplines. Delivered by faculty members with a range of specialisations, the course explores both individual states within the region and the connections and comparisons between them.
You will receive training in research methods through one of the following specially tailored programmes:
- research methods for area studies, both qualitative and quantitative
- research methods in humanities, including qualitative methods in literature, language and history.
For much of the course, students will work alongside those taking the 21 month MPhil in Modern South Asian Studies.
For parts of the research methods course, you will be taught alongside those studying for other MSc and MPhil courses offered by the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies, as well as doctoral students, opening up further possibilities for interdisciplinary learning and exchange.
You will also choose two option papers. For a full list of option papers, please see the course pages on the department website. Please note that the options will change from time to time, and not all will be run every year.
Students with at least an intermediate or colloquial knowledge of any South Asian language also have the opportunity to take language training either continuing at an advanced level or beginning a new language. Students interested in taking Persian, either at advanced or beginner level, are asked to flag this in their personal statement.
During the course of Michaelmas term, you will select a topic for your thesis and a thesis supervisor will be appointed from whom you will receive expert supervision for the remainder of the academic year. Applicants are advised to consider the research interests of relevant faculty teaching on the programme and to choose a topic where appropriate supervision can be provided. Applicants with a research interest in art history should note that supervision is only available for research that relates specifically to items held in the Ashmolean's collection.
The MSc is jointly taught by staff within the Social Science and Humanities Divisions, who will also assess your application. The application process is administered by the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies.
Students on the course will experience a variety of teaching modes, including lectures, seminars, classes, student presentations, and small group teaching. Supervision for the thesis will be offered as a series of individual meetings between you and your thesis supervisor.
You will be required to gather relevant materials for your thesis during the course, usually by working in libraries and archives in the UK but potentially also via fieldwork.
