University of Oxford
African Studies MSc
University of Oxford

Key Course Facts

Course Description

The MSc in African Studies is a three-term course, designed both as a stand-alone interdisciplinary introduction to current debates about Africa, and as a preparation for doctoral research on Africa. This advanced degree programme provides an excellent foundation for those who wish to expand their knowledge of African studies.

There are five components to the MSc in African Studies:

  • Core Course One: Methodology, Ethics and Research Strategies
  • Core Course Two: Disciplines in African Studies
  • Core Course Three: Debates in African Studies
  • Option paper
  • Dissertation

The teaching on the MSc programme is built around the three core courses listed above.

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 in Michaelmas term, covering the evolution of African states; the rise and fall of colonial rule, social and economic change and the dilemmas of development; politics, globalisation and conflict in the post-colonial era.

The third is taught in Hilary term and covers thematic enquiries into the social, political, cultural and economic dynamics that shape the African continent today; historical perspectives on the present; global context and comparisons between Africa and other regions. 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 three 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.

Entry Requirements / Admissions

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 6.5
    • Graduate Degrees
    • 7.0
    • Undergraduate Degrees
    • (no subscore less than 6.0)
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study African Studies, MSc, if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

Costs

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

University Rankings

Positions of University of Oxford in top UK and global rankings.

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About University of Oxford

The University of Oxford is a prestigious research university located in Oxford, England, and is the oldest English language university in the world. It is made up of 39 partly autonomous constituent colleges, six private halls, and a variety of academic departments which are split into four divisions: Humanities, Mathematical, Physical & Life Sciences, Medical Sciences, and Social Sciences.

List of 389 Bachelor and Master Courses from University of Oxford - Course Catalogue

Student composition of University of Oxford

undergraduates:
12425
postgraduates:
9785
Total:
22210
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  • The Master of Public Policy at Oxford (MPP)
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Where is this programme taught

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