Humanities

Oxford is at the forefront of Humanities research internationally, and attracts outstanding students, academics and researchers from across the globe. As a result, graduate students have the opportunity to undertake their studies and research in a stimulating, challenging, and highly rewarding intellectual environment. Students have access to an immense range of research material including electronic resources - through Oxford’s impressive library system, based on the Bodleian; through the work produced by research projects and through the rich and diverse holdings of its museums.

The Ashmolean Museum re-opened in November 2009 following a major extension that has doubled the existing gallery space and created additional dedicated teaching rooms and state-of-the-art conservation facilities. In addition to materials and support focused on conveying subject-specific knowledge, there is a wide range of facilities aimed at the personal and professional development of students; strengthening their existing skills and developing new skills, and preparing them for careers after they have completed their studies.

Humanities comprises about one third of the University in terms of academic staff and students, with approximately 1,500 graduate students. We offer taught graduate and research degrees in a very wide range of subjects. Some of these subjects are relatively new, and cross the boundaries of traditional disciplines. Others are areas of academic research that have long been recognised as of central importance, and they include some that few other universities are still able to support. In every case our objective is to sustain and to teach the highest standards of scholarship. The liveliness of intellectual activity is evidenced by numerous open lectures and seminars, in addition to those for specific courses.

Oxford University received its largest ever funding for research in Humanities after being awarded more than £30 million by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). The funding, which comes through the AHRC’s new Block Grant Partnership Scheme, guarantees studentships for 407 doctoral students and 290 Master’s students from the UK and other EU countries over five years, starting in 2009-10. The awards fall within 21 different AHRC subject areas, from Archaeology to Religious Studies, and are available for students in all faculties in the Humanities Division, as well as several departments in Social Sciences.

Whether you are planning a career in academia or in another field, a graduate degree from Oxford, with its worldwide reputation for excellence, will greatly enhance your employability.