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Master of Science by Coursework in African Studies

  1. The programme shall be under the supervision of the African Studies Teaching Committee of the School of Global and Area Studies. 
  2. Candidates will be required to follow a course of instruction in African Studies for three terms. 
  3. Candidates will complete a course in Researching Africa: Strategies, Methods and Ethics assessed by a portfolio of assignments. Candidates must submit a 2,000 word reflective journal by noon on Thursday of week 8 of Michaelmas term and a 2,500 annotated bibliography by noon on Thursday of week 0 of Hilary term. 
  4. Candidates will complete a course in Understanding Modern Africa, assessed by a three-hour written examination in Michaelmas term. 
  5. Candidates will take two option papers from a list of those approved by the African Studies Teaching Committee. Candidates must submit a 4,000 word essay for each option paper by noon on Thursday of week 1 of Trinity term. 
  6. Candidates will submit a dissertation of not more than 12,000 words by noon on Thursday of week 8 of Trinity term. 
  7. Option paper essays, the portfolio and the dissertation must be submitted using the University approved online submission system. Technical information on the requirements for online submissions is provided in the Student Handbook. 
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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 Saïd Business School to plan an individual course of study which will include as a minimum, the following two compulsory elements: 

  • (i) Normally two meetings during the bridging programme with the senior advisor appointed by the Saïd 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.