Find out more about studying MPhil in Economic and Social History at University of Oxford? We've gathered all the key details, entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
MPhil - Master of Philosophy
University of Oxford
Full Time
Oct 2026
21 Month
Economic and social history is the study of economic activities and social organisation in the historical past. This two-year specialist course offers a unique framework for research training in economic and social history.
The MPhil in Economic and Social History offers a wide range of options and allows you to specialise in economic and/or social history, or historical demography, although the boundaries between these areas are deliberately permeable. It is intended to introduce you to the wide variety of methods used in the study of economic and social history, as well as to the subject itself.
The explicitly interdisciplinary nature of this MPhil means that the Faculty of History collaborates with other divisions and departments within the University. It is offered jointly by the Faculty of History and the Department of Economics.
History at Oxford stretches from around c. 300 to the present and embraces an exceptionally broad geographical range. It comprises an active research community of up to 800 academics and graduate students.
The MPhil Economic and Social History can be taken as a free-standing degree, or can serve as a springboard to doctoral study. If you wish to apply for the DPhil following the MPhil, you will be encouraged to develop your doctoral proposal during the first few months of the second year of the course, so that you will be well placed to make doctoral applications.
The course comprises two core courses, four option courses, and a research project.
