Taught courses
Taught courses usually involve a range of core and optional course elements. Independent study is supported by seminars and lectures. Assessment may be by coursework, as well as by written examinations and a dissertation.
Types of taught course
We have provided descriptions below of the different types of graduate-level taught courses that are available to study at Oxford. These are also known as postgraduate taught or PGT courses.
Master of Studies (MSt)
Students studying full-time are normally required to undertake one year (three terms) of study followed by an examination. The exact composition will vary according to the course, but will usually involve a range of core and optional course elements often including research methods and the submission of a dissertation (usually of around 10,000–15,000 words). Study is supported by seminars and lectures. Assessment may be by coursework as well as by written examination papers and dissertation. Some course elements may be common with Master of Philosophy (MPhil) courses and it is possible in some cases to form the foundation of an application to either the related MPhil or DPhil.
Master of Science (MSc)
These degrees are generally offered in Science or Social Science subjects and typically require students to undertake one year of full-time study, although sometimes part-time options are available. The exact composition of the degree will vary according to the course, but will often comprise a range of core and optional modules, supported by teaching in the form of lectures and seminars. Assessment is by a combination of course assignments (in many cases including a dissertation of around 10,000–15,000 words) and sometimes but more rarely, written examinations.
Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
This course is of a higher standing than the Master of Studies (MSt) and full-time study normally lasts for two years (six terms). In the first year, some of the course elements may be common with the MSt and MSc and at its end candidates may be required to pass a qualifying test before continuing. Some MPhils are organised so that the first year is taught and the second is predominantly research based. In the second year, students are expected to complete a substantial dissertation (usually up to 30,000 words) and to sit written examinations. Although the majority of MPhils are recognised as taught courses, the MPhil in Law and the MPhil in Socio-Legal Research are formally classed as research courses and are both one year in duration.
Other master’s-level degrees (BCL, BPhil, EMBA, MBA, MFA, MJur, MPP, and MTh)
The University offers a range of other master’s-level degrees:
- Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL)
- Bachelor of Philosophy (BPhil)
- Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Fine Art (MFA)
- Magister Juris (MJur)
- Master of Public Policy (MPP)
- Master of Theology (MTh)
Please see the relevant course page for further details about each course.
Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) and Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert and PGCE)
A number of one-year (three-term) as well as some part time (1 to 3 years) diplomas and certificates are available to graduate students. These include the Postgraduate Certificate in Education, which is a teacher training course for graduates that is more commonly referred to as the PGCE.
topChoosing a taught course
Why should I choose a taught course?
If you choose a taught course, you'll study your chosen subject area at an advanced level usually leading to one of the master’s-level qualifications listed above. Your course will consist of a range of core and optional modules and you will be assigned an academic supervisor who will be on hand to offer advice and support, and to help guide your programme of study.
How long will a taught course last?
Many of our taught courses are shorter than those at other institutions, making them intensive and fast-paced. A full-time taught course typically lasts nine to twelve months, but some MPhils take two years to complete. A part-time taught course typically lasts two to four years.
How will I be assessed?
Your course will consist of a range of core and optional modules. Assessment methods will vary by course, and may include coursework, assignments, written examinations, a dissertation, etc. Refer to the course pages for more information.
Where can I find more advice?
Our guide to getting started provides more advice about the factors you might want to consider when choosing a course. We strongly encourage to read this before deciding on which course you'd like to apply for.
topTaught courses A-Z listing
Our A-Z course listing provides a comprehensive list of Oxford's graduate taught courses, ordered by title. You can filter your search by department or keyword.
top