PGCert in Historical Studies

About the course

This one year part-time course offers an exciting opportunity for graduates of any discipline to pursue a taught graduate qualification in historical studies and to research and write a substantial dissertation. The Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Historical Studies can be studied as a stand-alone course or form the first year of the MSt in Historical Studies.

Teaching

A variety of teaching methods will be used in both the face-to-face and online elements of the course. In addition to lectures, PowerPoint slide presentations and tutor-led discussion, there will be opportunities for you to undertake course exercises in small groups and to give short presentations on prepared topics.

At no extra cost, the wide range of lectures and research seminars organised by the University of Oxford’s History Faculty are also available to you. You will be able to borrow books from both the Department for Continuing Education’s library and the History Faculty Library, and are also eligible for membership of the Bodleian Library.

Assessment

The Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Historical Studies is assessed through coursework comprising.

four essays of 2,500 words each
two source-based exercises of 1,500 words each
a dissertation of 8,000 words.

You will write one essay following each of the first four units and the dissertation following the fifth and final unit. There will be a wide choice of assignment subjects for each unit and you will select a dissertation topic relating to your special subject with the advice of the course team. You will be asked to write a non-assessed book review following the first pre-course online module and the source-based exercises will follow the second and third online modules. Assignment titles, submission deadlines and reading lists will be supplied at the start of the course.

Graduate destinations

Students who complete the course successfully will be able to apply for masters' courses in the Department for Continuing Education in the University of Oxford or other institutions. However, it is important to note that successful completion of the course does not confer an automatic right of entry to any institution.

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the equivalent of the following UK qualifications or their equivalent: a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in any discipline. This might include candidates who have studied history in the past and wish to update and hone their historical skills and knowledge, broaden their approach to the discipline or enhance their level of qualification. Preference may be given to those who have previously studied in an historically related subject. For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA normally sought is 3.5 out of 4.0.