| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-01-01 | - |
| 2024-06-01 | - |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The MA by Research in English program at Oxford Brookes University fosters independent research and advanced knowledge development. Students receive personalized supervision and training in research methodologies. The program encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, provides ample research opportunities, and offers career guidance for personal and professional advancement.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Located in a city with an unparalleled literary history and one that cherishes the power of the written and spoken word, the School of Education, Humanities and Languages is a place to be both inspired and inspiring. Our teaching, learning and research is rooted in strong disciplinary foundations whilst encouraging bold interdisciplinary collaborations within the school, across Oxford Brookes University and beyond. Staff in English offer supervision across a range of subject areas, and have an excellent track record of supervising PhDs and MAs by Research. The School of Education, Humanities and Languages is a vibrant and inclusive research community whose work is supported by a variety of research councils, charities and international agencies, among them the Arts and Humanities Research Council, the Leverhulme Trust and the Wellcome Trust.
Assessment:
Assessment methods used on this course: You will embark on a substantial piece of independent research (an MA thesis of up to 30,000 words) guided by your supervisor in regular meetings. A shorter assessment of 5,000 words, conceived as a formative essay precedes the dissertation in the programme. A viva voce examination is held at the end.
Teaching:
You will also receive training in research methods and skills appropriate to the stage they have reached and the nature of their work. This includes:
- guidance on planning and writing your thesis
- using bibliographic and archival resources (both electronic and printed)
- handling research data
- making conference presentations
- preparing and submitting material for publication.
Careers:
We are passionate about fostering the careers of our researchers and ensure that they gain research skills training, leadership experience and teaching practice as part of the doctoral programmes we offer. Bespoke careers advice is also embedded into our programme as we think this is a key element of your personal and professional development during your time with us.
Other:
The MA by Research in English builds on the School’s expertise to give you a unique and clearly focused programme of study. You will have the opportunity to develop a high level of subject knowledge, together with the ability to develop and undertake independent research in your own particular area of interest. The programme will be attractive to applicants seeking to pursue intellectual interests beyond first degree level for further personal or professional development. The MA route is also designed to prepare you to undertake further research at MPhil or PhD level. At the heart of the MA by Research is the close working relationship between candidate and supervisor. While the final thesis must be the candidate’s independent work, it is the supervisor who offers advice on refining the topic (if necessary), on primary sources, on secondary reading, on research techniques and on writing the final thesis. Supervisors and candidates meet frequently throughout the year, and not less than twice a term. Each research student in the Faculty will be allocated £700 (£350 for MA by Research students) towards the costs associated with specific research activities during the research programme. Close supervision from experts in your chosen research area, including joint supervision across departments for interdisciplinary projects. Plentiful opportunities to present your work. Depending on your chosen subject you may have the opportunity to attend:
- research seminars with presentations from high profile external guest speakers
- specialist seminars organised by individual research groups and clusters
- methodology workshops. You will also be encouraged to submit publications to leading research journals. You may have the opportunity to develop your teaching, mentoring and demonstrating skills by undertaking paid teaching activities for up to six hours a week. You may also be required to attend the Associate Teachers course which is run by the University Oxford Centre for Academic Enhancement and Development. As a core part of the Faculty’s Doctoral Training Programme, the School offers also high quality research training and study facilities that can be accessed by both full-time and part-time students. PhD students can also apply for reader access to the Bodleian Library. All our research students also become part of the University’s Graduate College, which runs a comprehensive programme of training sessions and workshops.
Tuition fees
2024 / 25 Home (UK) full time £4,886 Home (UK) part time £2,443 International full time £16,900 International part time £8,450 Tuition fees 2024 / 25 Home (UK) full time £4,886 Home (UK) part time £2,443 International full time £16,900 International part time £8,450
Payment Information
Tuition fee instalments for the semester are due by the Monday of week 1 of each semester. If the leaving date is after week 4, full fees for the semester are payable.
Oxford Brookes University: A Summary
Overview:
Oxford Brookes University is a public university located in Oxford, England. It is known for its strong academic reputation, particularly in areas like business, law, and health sciences. The university boasts a diverse student body and offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Services Offered:
Oxford Brookes University provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Accommodation:
On-campus and off-campus housing options are available to students.Support and Wellbeing:
The university offers a variety of support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health resources.Student Life:
Students can participate in a variety of clubs, societies, and sports teams.Library Services:
The university library provides access to a vast collection of books, journals, and online resources.IT Services:
Students have access to computer labs, wireless internet, and other IT support services.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Oxford Brookes University offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience. Students can enjoy:
Oxford City:
The university is located in the historic city of Oxford, which offers a wealth of cultural attractions, museums, and shops.Campus Activities:
Students can participate in a variety of clubs, societies, and sports teams.Brookes Union:
The student union provides a range of services and activities, including social events, volunteering opportunities, and representation for students.Sports:
The university has a strong sports program, with facilities for a variety of sports.Key Reasons to Study There:
Strong Academic Reputation:
Oxford Brookes University is consistently ranked highly in national and international rankings.Diverse Student Body:
The university attracts students from all over the world, creating a diverse and enriching learning environment.Excellent Career Prospects:
The university has a strong track record of preparing graduates for successful careers.Location:
Oxford is a beautiful and historic city, offering a unique and stimulating environment for students.Academic Programs:
Oxford Brookes University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various faculties, including:
Business and Law:
The university is known for its strong programs in business, finance, and law.Health Sciences:
The university offers a variety of programs in nursing, midwifery, and other health-related fields.Arts and Humanities:
The university offers programs in subjects such as English, history, and creative writing.Science and Technology:
The university offers programs in subjects such as engineering, computer science, and environmental science.Entry Requirements:
- MA by Research: The minimum entry requirement for the degree of MA by Research is a lower second-class UK honours degree or equivalent qualification.
- PhD:
- MPhil/PhD route: The minimum entry requirement is:
- a first-class or upper second-class UK honours degree
- a relevant master’s qualification
- or an equivalent qualification.
- Applications from those holding qualifications other than the above will be considered on their merits and in relation to the nature and scope of the work proposed.
- Research Degree involving Creative Work: Minimum of three years full-time and four years part-time.
- Research Degree involving preparation of an Edition of Works:
- a recent master’s degree in a discipline appropriate to the proposed research. The master’s needs to have included research training and a research project.
- In exceptional cases, applicants who have a good honours degree (or equivalent) may apply if they have appropriate research or professional experience at postgraduate level which has resulted in published work, written reports or other appropriate evidence of accomplishment.
- PhD by Published Work: Applicants should normally have had a very clear and demonstrable association with Oxford Brookes University (e.g. as a past student or member of staff, as an associate lecturer undertaking regular teaching at Brookes, or as a research collaborator with an established member of staff).
Language Proficiency Requirements:
Applicants whose main language is not English must meet the Faculty’s English language requirements. The minimum IELTS score required for entry to the research degree programme is 6.5–7 overall. In addition, we require a minimum of 6.5 in each component of the test. We do not accept IELTS certificates that are over two years old.
