Master of Studies programmes

Oxford's Department for Continuing Education offers part-time MSt programmes in the following disciplines:

We also offer a full-time MSt in Diplomatic Studies. 

What is an MSt?

The term 'MSt' stands for 'Master of Studies', a postgraduate degree awarded in disciplines including art, history and social sciences.

Level and demands

It is likely you will have a first degree, or equivalent, although in some cases other evidence of suitability may be acceptable. More information about entry requirements can be found on each individual programme page.

MSt students are not required to be resident in Oxford, but will normally be required to attend short residencies. 

We also offer postgraduate certificates, postgraduate diplomas, Master of Science degrees (MSc) and DPhil programmes.

College affiliation

All students studying for a degree (including a master's degree) must be a member of a college. There is single application process to the MSt programme within which you can specify a college choice. Your choice of college is up to you, and does not affect the academic viability of your application to the MSt itself.  A number of Oxford colleges accept applications from part-time postgraduates, whereas others do not: please consult the graduate prospectus or enquire with individual colleges. (Even if you are accepted onto the degree, please note that you are not guaranteed a place at your first choice of college).

Applicants may wish to note that the majority of students on part-time degree programmes are members of Kellogg College and most of the tutors and lecturers are Fellows of the College. Kellogg is dedicated to graduate part-time students and has developed a unique expertise in attending to the intellectual, social, IT and welfare needs of part-time, mature graduate students. The College is based a short distance from the Department on the Banbury Road.

Libraries and computing facilities

Registered students receive an Oxford University card, valid for one year at a time, which acts as a library card for the Departmental Library at Rewley House and provides access to the unrivalled facilities of the Bodleian Libraries which include the central Bodleian, major research libraries such as the Sackler Library, Taylorian Institution Library, Bodleian Social Science Library, and faculty libraries such as English and History. Students also have access to a wide range of electronic resources including electronic journals, many of which can be accessed from home. Students on the course are entitled to use the Library at Rewley House for reference and private study and to borrow books. More information about the Continuing Education Library can be found at the Bodleian website. 

The University card also provides access to facilities at Oxford University Computing Service (OUCS), 13 Banbury Road, Oxford. Computing facilities are available to students in the Students' Computing Facility in Rewley House and at Ewert House.