Master of Science by Coursework in African Studies

Differences from 2019/20 to 2023/24

  • 1. Each candidate will be required to follow a course of instruction in African Studies for three terms, and will, when they enter their names for the examination, be required to produce a certificate from their supervisors to this effect.

  • 2. Candidates will be required to present themselves for examination in the compulsory paper in Themes in African History and the Social Sciences in Trinity Term. In addition, eachEach candidate will be required to submit the following written work:

    • (i) One 43,500 word essay for the compulsory core course in Methodology, Ethics and Research Strategies selected from a list of questions approved by the African Studies Teaching Committee and made available to candidates by Friday of Week 7 of Michaelmas Term. The essay must be submitted notvia the University approved online assessment platform no later than 12 noon on theFriday, firstWeek Monday0 of Hilary Term in the year in which the examination is taken.

    • (ii) One essay of no more than 3,500 words for the compulsory core course in Disciplines in African Studies selected from a list of questions approved by the African Studies Teaching Committee, to be made available to candidates by Friday of Week 8, Michaelmas Term for submission via the University approved online assessment platform not later than 12 noon on Friday, Week 1 of Hilary Term in the year in which the examination is taken. 
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    • (iii) One essay of no more than 3,500 words for the compulsory core course in Debates in African Studies selected from a list of questions approved by the African Studies Teaching Committee to be made available to candidates by Friday of Week 8, Hilary Term for submission via the University approved online assessment platform not later than 12 noon on Monday, Week 1 of Trinity Term.

    • (iiiv) One 14,000 to 15,000 word dissertation, which must include discussion of the comparative reading, historiography, or theory relevant to the dissertation. The title of the dissertation must be approved by the African Studies Teaching Committee not later than 12 noon on the last day of eighthninth week of Michaelmas Full Term in the year in which the examination is taken. TheAn electronic version of the dissertation must be submitted via the University approved online assessment platform not later than 12 noon on Friday of sixthWeek week8 of Trinity FullTerm. TermThe electronic copy must be anonymous and submitted in theWord year in which the examination is takenformat.

    • (iiiv) One 4,500 word essay for one option paper, selected from a list of at least eight questions prepared by the course convenor and made available to candidates by Monday of Week 6 of Hilary Term. The essay must be submitted via the University approved online assessment platform not later than 12 noon on Friday of, Week 23 of Trinity Term in the year in which the examination is taken.

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  • Two typewritten or word processed copies of the written work detailed above must be delivered to the Examination Schools, addressed to the Chair of Examiners for the M.Sc. in African Studies, c/o Examination Schools, High Street, Oxford at the times and days specified. One electronic copy of the dissertation must be submitted along with the physical copies to the Examination Schools. The electronic copy must be anonymous, submitted in word format, and identical in content and length to the physical copies of the dissertation.

  • 3. A candidate must pass all components of the examination in order to pass the degree. A candidate who fails any element of the examination will be permitted to retake or resubmit it on one further occasion within six terms of his or her initial registration. A candidate who fails one or more of the compulsory or optional papers will be required to resit both papers. In the case of a failed essay or dissertation, the resubmitted dissertation can be on the same topic and include previously submitted work.

Schedule

The structure of the course is as follows:

  • (a) Compulsory core course in Methodology, Ethics and Research Strategies: ethics, politics; disciplinary approaches including history, politics, anthropology; conducting interviews: oral traditions, questionnaires, archives on and in Africa; visual materials, photographs and films; practical aspects of research.

  • (b) Compulsory core course in ThemesDisciplines in African History andStudies: the Social Sciences: key featuresevolution of African states; the rise and fall of colonial rule, social and economic change and the dilemmas of development; politics, globalisation and conflict in the post-colonial era;. 

  • (c) environmentalCompulsory historycore course in Debates in African Studies: thematic enquiries into the social, political, cultural and politicseconomic dynamics that shape the African continent today; historical perspectives on the present; global context and comparisons between African and other regions.

     

  • (cd) Optional paper: Candidates must choose one optional paper from a list published annually and distributed to students by the last day of eighth week of Michaelmas Full Term.

Oxford 1+1 MBA programme

  • Candidates registered on the Oxford 1+1 MBA programme will follow an additional two or three-month bridging programme at the end of their third term of the combined programme.  

  • Each candidate will be appointed an academic advisor from the Saïïd Business School to plan an individual course of study which will include as a minimum, the following three compulsory elements:  

  • (i) Normally two meetings during the bridging programme with the senior advisor appointed by the Saïïd Business School at the start of the Oxford 1+1 MBA programme.  

  • (ii) A formatively assessed Integrative Development Plan of up to 3,000 words. Candidates would be required to critically reflect on their learning from the Masters programme and relate this both to their forthcoming MBA programme as well as to their career goals. The meetings with the advisor will frame the design, delivery and discussion of the plan.  

  • (iii) Attendance of the MBA pre-course as described in the joining instructions for the MBA class, unless granted exemption by the MBA Committee on the grounds of prior formal study or work experience.