MSt in Slavonic Studies

University of Oxford

About the course

The MSt in Slavonic Studies is designed to introduce students who already possess a good knowledge of Russian or another Slavonic language to areas of Slavonic studies that were not part of their first degree course. You are able to select from a wide range of philological, literary and historical subjects as a preparation for advanced research in this field.

Good knowledge of Russian or another Slavonic language from your first degree course is expected. Applicants selected for this course will have shown clear evidence of linguistic potential and a serious interest in acquiring new knowledge and skills. You will take a selection of subject options individually related to your requirements and educational background; these options are organised in a way which encourages study in depth, while maintaining some degree of breadth.

Study is at a relatively advanced and intensive level using a selection of subjects which were not available in your first degree course, either as a preparation for research or for other professional purposes.

Because numbers of students are small, teaching can be tailored to the particular choices which a student makes and is done through a mixture of classes and tutorials, requiring meetings with tutors or supervisors, usually on a once a week basis, in addition to weekly language classes.

The MSt in in Slavonic Studies offers you an appropriate introduction to higher research in a DPhil or PhD programme in this area.

Assessment

The examination consists of four papers. a paper in translation from unseen texts in a Slavonic language which the candidate has not already studied to degree standard, and three other papers selected from a wide range of philological, literary and historical subjects.

Graduate destinations

Many MSt students proceed to doctoral degrees at Oxford or at other universities. Other graduate destinations include teaching, journalism, law, publishing and the civil service.