Course summary

The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2023). 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 DPhil in Literature and Arts is a part-time doctorate in the Humanities offered by the Department for Continuing Education, focusing on a subject in British cultural history, which falls between the 15th and 20th centuries. The DPhil in Literature and Arts is an advanced research degree by part-time research. Usually this course is intended for students who have already completed the MSt in Literature and Arts, although other suitably qualified students who have completed a master’s degree in the humanities may also apply. Students will often be building on research and skills developed during the MSt in Literature and Arts. The DPhil programme shares the same historical and multi-disciplinary scope as the MSt. It may encompass the disciplines of literature, art and architectural history, history, and history of ideas. Compared to the MSt, however, students will be working independently towards their own deeply researched 100,000 word thesis, building on sustained independent research over a number of years, and focusing on a specific subject in depth. Admission is through the Department for Continuing Education. All graduate students on this course will be members of the department’s Graduate School. The part-time DPhil regulations normally require a minimum of four years' part-time study, equivalent to twelve terms, up to a maximum of eight years part-time study. As a part-time student you will be required to attend course activities and related obligations in Oxford for a minimum of 30 days each year. There will be flexibility in the dates of attendance, which will be determined by mutual agreement with your supervisor. You will have the opportunity to tailor your part-time study and pattern of in-person attendance in liaison with your supervisor. It is expected that you will join all online course activities during your period of study. You will be strongly encouraged to participate in seminars and meetings with staff and other researchers in the University of Oxford. The major commitment of your time will be to individual study and research, involving wide and intense reading, collection of primary evidence, analysis and writing. You will be expected to attend and to contribute to the wide range of research seminars, conferences and workshops organised in the University. You will also have access to specialist training courses offered by the Bodleian Library and IT services.