University of Oxford

Overview

The Master of Studies (MSt) in the History of Design at the University of Oxford offers a comprehensive exploration of how design and craftsmanship have influenced everyday life, cultural practices, and built environments from 1851 to the present. This part-time program spans 21 months and combines synchronous online learning with in-person sessions, allowing students to develop critical interpretive skills for analyzing material evidence and conducting dissertation research.

What you'll study

Taught component (coursework)

• Modern Design and the Home
• Design for War and Peace
• Arts and Crafts Traditions: Local and Transnational Perspectives
• Design, Body, Environment
• Machine Age to Digital: Histories and Technologies

Dissertation (independent research)

• Research proposal and dissertation writing under academic supervision
• Focus on a topic within the history of design, utilizing appropriate primary and secondary sources

Entry requirements

Applicants should possess a First Class degree or demonstrate equivalent strong performance in their previous academic endeavors. Proficiency in English is required for non-native speakers.

English requirements

• TOEFL®: An overall score of 110 on the iBT version
• IELTS: A minimum score of 7.5

Career prospects

Graduates of the MSt in the History of Design will be well-equipped for careers in various fields, including academia, museum and gallery curation, design consultancy, and cultural heritage management. The skills acquired during the program will also prepare students for roles in research and analysis, contributing to the understanding of design's impact on society and culture.