English (1830-1914)
The Master of Studies in English (1830-1914) at the University of Oxford is a 9-month, full-time, on-campus program focused on the literary traditions and cultural contexts of 19th-century English literature. This program explores the works and movements that define the period, from the Romantic to the Victorian eras, and examines how literature evolved alongside profound societal and cultural changes during the long 19th century. Students will engage with key authors such as Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, George Eliot, Oscar Wilde, and Thomas Hardy, while also investigating major literary movements like Romanticism, Realism, and Modernism.
Oxford’s MSt in English (1830-1914) equips students with the tools to critically analyze primary texts and understand their historical, social, and cultural significance. This program is ideal for those pursuing careers in literary research, publishing, education, or cultural heritage.
Key information
Key Facts
Program Title: Master of Studies in English (1830-1914)
Degree Type: Master of Studies (MSt)
Duration: 9 Months
Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
Start Date: 5th January 2026
Application Deadline: Refer to university website
Location: University of Oxford, United Kingdom
Field of Study: Language Studies
Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
The MSt in English (1830-1914) is structured to provide a thorough understanding of the literary history of the 19th century. The first term focuses on core literary texts, historical contexts, and theoretical approaches. Students will examine the major works of key authors and movements, exploring their contributions to Romanticism, Victorian realism, and the rise of modernism. In the second term, students will delve into more specialized topics, such as gender and sexuality, empire and colonialism, and industrialization, and explore how these themes intersect with literary production. The program culminates in a dissertation, where students will conduct independent research into a specific aspect of 19th-century English literature, contributing original scholarship to the field.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the MSt in English (1830-1914) are well-equipped for careers in academia, publishing, teaching, research, and cultural heritage. Many students go on to pursue doctoral studies in English literature, comparative literature, or cultural studies. Others work in publishing, media, or arts administration, contributing to literary criticism, editing, and project management in the literary and arts sectors. The program also provides strong foundations for careers in education, archiving, museum curation, and public history.
Why Choose This Program
The University of Oxford offers a unique opportunity to study 19th-century English literature in a world-class academic environment. The program’s interdisciplinary approach provides students with both historical understanding and literary analysis of the Romantic and Victorian periods. Oxford’s renowned faculty, extensive library resources, and research collections ensure that students have access to cutting-edge scholarship and the latest developments in literary studies. The program’s rigorous academic structure and dissertation project offer students the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the field of 19th-century English literature.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +44 (0)1865 270000
Email: admissions@ox.ac.uk
Address: University of Oxford, University Parks, Oxford OX1 2JD, United Kingdom
