M.Phil in English Studies (Medieval Period)

The course convenors are Daniel Wakelin (St Hilda's College) and Helen Barr (Lady Margaret Hall).

Oxford is now very rare in offering a two-year taught & research postgraduate course in medieval studies. The time and space this affords makes the Oxford MPhil. the very best preparation for later research in any aspect of medieval literary or cultural history; it also stands alone as a thoroughly satisfying qualification indicating significant levels of critical, linguistic, and historical skill, expertise, and research competence, transferable to any future career.

Students begin by following the programme of the one year course. This already includes a broad grounding in medieval literature and culture, technical training in manuscripts, paleography, and codicology (depending on courses taken), and the opportunity to pursue specific personal interests in coursework essays and in the M.St. dissertation. In the second year students have the opportunity both to broaden and deepen their knowledge, adding further options in medieval languages, literatures, authors, philosophy, history, and palaeography, taking advantage if they wish of courses offered by specialists in other faculties.

Students finally submit a second, longer dissertation, which often forms the basis of doctoral research, or a substantial publication. Those intending to proceed to doctoral work after their M.Phil. should consult with their course convenors about their second-year option choices early in their first year of study.

The extra time involved in the two-year M.Phil. allows for internationally-recognised standards of expertise to be attained before a doctorate is even embarked upon. The opportunities for interdisciplinary engagement are multiple, and the depth of research possible is unparalleled at Master's level.