MPhil in Global and Area Studies

University of Oxford

The MPhil in Global and Area Studies draws on the multidisciplinary and area expertise of the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies' (OSGA) seven regional centres, to deliver an innovative Comparative Area Studies programme, which addresses contemporary global challenges through developing innovative multidisciplinary approaches.

The overall objectives of the MPhil are to:

• provide you with a multi-/interdisciplinary and comparative understanding of different regions of the world;
• allow you to work on key thematic global challenges from a comparative area studies perspective;
• equip you with the conceptual and theoretical expertise to interrogate the notions of ‘area’, ‘comparative area’ and the implications for disciplinary enquiry;
• embed inter-cultural understanding and global citizenship in the study of area;
• develop research methods and skills that are appropriate for the comparative study of areas and regions including through the development of new digital approaches for area studies; and
• promote a wider international network of area studies scholars and practitioners.

Course structure

The course is structured around six study components, facilitating an interdisciplinary approach to comparative study across two or more regions and a critical approach to area studies.