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Key facts
| Type | Oxford Qualification - Part-time |
|---|---|
| Start date | Sep 2012 |
| Subject area(s) | History |
| Fees | £3,100 (EU students), £6,600 (Non-EU students). Accommodation will be in additional to tuition fees. |
| Application status | Applications being accepted |
| Application deadline | Fri 29 June 2012 |
| Course contact | If you have any questions about this course, please email ppaward@conted.ox.ac.uk. |
Overview
The Postgraduate Certificate in Historical Studies offers an
exciting new opening for graduates of all disciplines to pursue a
taught postgraduate qualification in historical studies. This
one-year part-time course offers a unique opportunity for
students to combine focused study of key historical themes and
concepts in British and Western European history with either a
broad-based approach to history or with the opportunity to
specialise by period or in a branch of the discipline (political,
social, economic, art, architectural and local). The course
culminates in the research and preparation of a substantial
dissertation.This Historical Studies course offers a stimulating and supportive environment for study. As a student of Oxford University you will also be entitled to attend History Faculty lectures and to join the Bodleian Library. The University’s Museums and Art Gallaries are within easy walking distance.
Open Day
We will hold an Open Day on Tuesday 14 February 2012 from 2:00-4:00pm at Rewley House, 1 Wellington Square, Oxford, for those interested in learning more about the course.
The Open Day will start at 2:00pm and will consist of a discussion with the Course Directors and a tour of the library and Rewley House, the venue where the course will meet. If you have any queries about the course, the admissions process, financial assistance or anything else to do with the course, please feel free to ask us during the Open Day. The Open Day will be followed by refreshments. Participants are asked to arrive 5 minutes early.
If you would like to join us for the Open Day, please RSVP by Monday, 13 February 2012 to Kristine MacMichael at tel: 01865 280154 or email: kristine.macmichael@conted.ox.ac.uk. We look forward to welcoming you!
Who should apply?
The course team welcomes applications from candidates with an undergraduate degree in any subject discipline. This might include candidates who have studied history in the past and wish either to update and hone their historical skills and knowledge or to broaden their approach to the discipline. Candidates are likely to come from a variety of backgrounds and to want to study for personal interest as well as academic progression and career development. All candidates will be expected to demonstrate a lively and sustained interest in the discipline, the commitment to undertake a demanding academic course and the potential to develop the research and writing skills required at postgraduate level. Students who complete the course successfully will be able to apply for Master’s programmes in the Department, University or other institutions.
There will be two application rounds. The first deadline is 9 March 2012 and second is 11 May 2012. We have extended the final deadline to 29 June 2012. We recommend early application for this popular course as places will be offered from the March deadline.
Programme details
Historical Studies Course Structure
Pre-course study materials will be provided on 1 September 2012.
The course has five taught elements which are delivered in weekend units of two, three or four days’ duration. In 2012-2013 the dates will be:
Fri 5 – Sun 7 October 2012 Induction to the Department and University
Introduction to the course
Unit 1: Princes, States and Revolutions
Sat 17 – Sun 18 November 2012
Unit 2: European Court Patronage c.1400
Sat 12 – Sun 13 January 2013
Unit 3: Religious Reformations and Movements
Sat 23 – Sun 24 February 2013
Unit 4: Memory and Conflict
Fri 5 – Mon 8 April 2013
Unit 5: Special Subject
The induction session for Unit 1 will commence at 10.30am. Thereafter teaching will normally commence at 9.00am and finish by 5.00pm or 6.00pm for all units. Teaching for the special subject is spread over four days in order to incorporate private research time. The course provides 70 hours of seminar tuition which will be supplemented by tutorials and three 5-hour online self-study modules.
Course Description
Unit 1: Princes, States, and Revolutions
The first unit examines the interaction between the state and the individual from medieval to modern times and focuses upon authority, resistance, revolution and the development of political institutions. It introduces the development of scholarly debate, key historical themes and the critical analysis of documentary sources. Students explore disorder and rebellion in medieval and early modern England; the causes and impact of the British Civil Wars; and the causes and impact of the French Revolution.
Unit 2: European Court Patronage c.1400
The second unit explores cultural patronage in late medieval Europe and examines the diverse courtly responses to shared concerns and experiences, including the promotion of power and status; the relationship between piety and power; and the impact of dominant cultures. It introduces comparative approaches to history, the critical analysis of visual sources and the methodological issues surrounding the interpretation of material culture and the translation of written sources. Students compare the courts of Richard II of England, Philip the Bold and John the Fearless of Burgundy, Charles V and Charles VI of France, and Giangaleazzo Visconti of Milan.
Unit 3: Religious Reformations and Movements
The third unit examines the role of organised religion and religious movements in the lives of people in the past. It utilises case studies from different historical periods to explore the impact of local circumstances upon the reception and development of new ideas and further encourages engagement with historical debate and the interpretation of documentary and visual sources. Students explore: medieval monasticism; the English and European reformations of the sixteenth century; and religion and society in nineteenth-century England, including the rise of nonconformity, secularism and the Oxford Movement.
Unit 4: Memory and Conflict
The fourth unit focuses upon a central theme in the study of twentieth-century European history: how societies have chosen to remember (and forget) violent conflicts, and the relationship between public and private memory. It explores the challenges faced by historians when interpreting documentary, visual and oral sources in the writing of recent history. Students examine the theoretical context and methodological approaches to the study of memory and consider two case studies: World War I and the Spanish Civil War.
Unit 5: Special Subjects
In the final unit, students study a source-based special subject and research and write a dissertation on a related topic of their own choice. A range of subjects will be offered, varying from year to year, allowing specialization across both time periods and the historical disciplines. Examples include:
Visualising Sanctity: Art and the Culture of Saints c1150-1500
Medieval Towns
The English Nobility c1540-1640
Victorian Women: Change and Continuity in the Nineteenth Century
The British Empire
Nationalism and Internationalism: Fin-de-siècle Europe
'A Bitter Truth': Visual Cultures of the World Wars
The on-line teaching modules
The first module provides a pre-course introduction to history and post-graduate study skills. The second focuses upon the analysis and interpretation of material sources, such as buildings and images and the third upon the analysis and interpretation of a range of documentary sources. All include a range of self-test exercises.
Selection criteria
There may be specific subject requirements for your course, so do check the selection criteria below. These will be used by the University in assessing your application.Read full selection criteria
Course aims
Aims and learning outcomes
The Postgraduate Certificate in Historical Studies course is designed to:
• provide a structured introduction to the study of medieval and modern British and European history
• develop awareness and understanding of historical processes, such as continuity and change, comparative perspectives and the investigation of historical problems
• provide the methodology required to interpret visual arts as historical evidence
• equip students to evaluate and interpret historical evidence critically
• promote interest in the concept and discipline of history and its specialisms
• enable students to develop the analytical and communication skills needed to present historical argument orally and in writing
• prepare students for progression to study at masters level.
By the end of the course students will be expected to:
• display a broad knowledge and understanding of the themes and methodologies studied
• demonstrate a detailed knowledge and understanding of key topics, the historical interpretation surrounding them and the relationship between local case-studies and the national perspective
• utilise the appropriate critical and/or technical vocabulary associated with the disciplines, periods and themes covered
• identify underlying historical processes, make cross-comparisons between countries and periods and explore historical problems
• assess the relationship between the visual arts and the cultural framework within which they were produced
• evaluate and analyse texts and images as historical evidence and utilise them to support and develop an argument
• develop, sustain and communicate historical argument orally and in writing
• reflect upon the nature and development of the historical disciplines and their contribution to national culture
• demonstrate the skills needed to conduct an independent research project and present it as a dissertation within a restricted time-frame.
Certification
Award and Credit Transfer
Successful completion of the course results in the award of the Postgraduate Certificate in Historical Studies. This is a first level postgraduate qualification and carries 60 transferable credit points at level M. The certificate is awarded on a distinction, pass or fail basis, and a transcript will be provided of the grades awarded for each assessment element.
Assessment methods
Assessment
The Postgraduate Certificate in Historical Studies is assessed through coursework. This comprises: four essays of 2,500 words each, two source-based exercises of 1,500 words each and a dissertation of 8-10,000 words. Students will write one essay following each of the first four units and the dissertation following unit 5. There will be a wide choice of assignment subjects for each unit and students will select a dissertation topic relating to their special subject with the advice of the course team. Students 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.
Teaching methods
Tuition and Study
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 students to undertake course exercises in small groups and to give short presentations on prepared topics.
University Lectures
Students are taught by the Department’s own staff but are also entitled to attend, at no extra cost, the wide range of lectures and research seminars organised by the University of Oxford’s History Faculty. Students are able to borrow books from both the Department’s library and the History Faculty Library, and are also eligible for membership of the Bodleian Library.
Student Support
Both academic and pastoral support will be provided by the course direction team and course tutors, including guidance on the development of effective study skills for students returning to study after a break. For advice on educational opportunities, credit transfer, special needs facilities and sources of funding, please contact the Registry on 01865 280355 or via email at registry@conted.ox.ac.uk.
Teaching Staff
The course direction team consists of Drs Elizabeth Gemmill, Christine Jackson and Cathy Oakes.
The course director for 2012 - 2013 will be Dr Cathy Oakes.
Dr Elizabeth Gemmill is a University Lecturer in Local History at OUDCE and a Fellow of Kellogg College. Her research interests are in the medieval English nobility and in the social and economic history of medieval Scotland. Her main publications are on the ecclesiastical patronage of the medieval English nobility and on medieval Scottish prices, trade, and guilds.
Dr Christine Jackson is a University Lecturer in History at OUDCE and a Fellow of Kellogg College. She teaches modern British history c.1500-1700 and her research interests lie chiefly in the social and economic history of the same period. Her publications focus upon urban history, the early modern cloth industry, charitable initiatives to relieve poverty, and the life and historical writings of Edward Herbert, Lord Herbert of Cherbury.
Dr Cathy Oakes is a University Lecturer in Art History, and Director of Studies in Art History at OUDCE, and a Fellow of Kellogg College. She teaches Medieval art history of North West Europe c.1100-c.1500 and her research is principally connected with art and devotion and the interface between visual and literary traditions of the period. Her publications focus on three areas – Medieval iconography, Romanesque art and architecture in England and France, and the historiography of Medieval art.
The course will be taught by the course direction team and other members of Oxford University Department for Continuing Education’s teaching staff. Some special subjects may be offered by visiting lecturers. Those contributing to the course in 2012 - 2013 will include:
Dr Tom Buchanan, Reader in Modern History and Director of Studies in History and Politics, OUDCE and Fellow of Kellogg College
Dr Mark Smith, University Lecturer in Local History, OUDCE and Fellow of Kellogg College
Dr Claire O’Mahony, University Lecturer in Art History, OUDCE and Fellow of Kellogg College
and part-time lecturers from OUDCE.
Apply for this course
Who might apply?
The course team welcomes applications from candidates with undergraduate degrees or an equivalent qualification in any subject discipline. This might include those who have studied history in the past and wish either to update and hone their historical skills and knowledge or to broaden their approach to the discipline. Candidates are likely to come from a variety of backgrounds and to want to study for personal interest as well as academic progression and career development. All candidates will be expected to demonstrate a lively and sustained interest in the discipline, the commitment to undertake a demanding academic course and the potential to develop the research and writing skills required at postgraduate level. Students who complete the course successfully will be eligible to apply to join Masters' programmes within the Department, University or other institutions. It is important to note, however, that successful completion of the course does not confer automatic right of entry to any institution.
Entrance Requirements
As this is a postgraduate course, you are normally expected to have a first degree.
Non-EU Students
Non-EU students must get an appropriate visa to cover their time in England before coming to the UK. For visa information, refer to www.ukvisas.gov.uk. The UK Council for International Student Affairs website at www.ukcisa.org.uk also contains useful information for both EU and non-EU students. Students are responsible for ensuring that they conform to UK immigration law. If you have any doubts about your status, please refer to the University of Oxford International Office website at www.admin.ox.ac.uk/io/.
English Language Ability
A high standard of English, both written and spoken, is required in order to undertake this course. Students whose first language is not English should be aware that proof of their English language ability is required and must consist of one of the Higher Level English Language qualifications, as follows:
• IELTS: 7.5 overall score; minimum 7.0 per component (www.britcoun.org)
• TOEFL: 630 overal score; minimum test of written English score of 5.0.
(www.toefl.org - the TOEFL code for the University of Oxford is 0490)
• TOEFL (Computer-based): 267 overall score; minimum essay writing score of 5.0.
• TOEFL (Internet based): 109 overall score.
• Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): Overall score of B.
How to Apply
The University requires online applications. Paper applications are only acceptable where there is no option to make an online application to the course or in other exceptional cases where it is not possible for you to apply online.
Application Form and Supporting Materials
The application form is obtained by going to the Application and Admissions procedure section of the online prospectus, at Graduate Admissions Office.
For a full explanation of application methods, see www.admin.ox.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply/forms.
Paper applications
If it is not possible for you to apply online, a paper application form can be requested from the Graduate Admissions Office. Please email the Graduate Admissions Office at: graduate.admissions@admin.ox.ac.uk or contact:
The Graduate Admissions Office
University Offices
Wellington Square
Oxford OX1 9FB Tel: (01865 270059 / 60 / 80)
Please note that in order to submit a paper application you must be able to pay the application fee by credit or debit card using our online store. If this is not possible, you may pay by cheque or bankers draft drawn on a UK bank account.
You will need to submit the application form and all supporting materials:
• Three references Note: If you anticipate having difficulty providing 3 referees who have an informed view of your academic ability and suitability for this Programme of Study, please contact the Award Programme Administrator for advice.
• Transcripts of previous higher education results Note: this requirement may be waived for students who have substantive experience but do not have a degree, or whose awarding institution may not be able, for administrative reasons, to supply a transcript. You will need to contact the Programme Administrator (ppaward@conted.ox.ac.uk), in the first instance, before you submit your application. The transcript requirement can then be waived, if appropriate, and your application will be processed by the Graduate Admissions Office without undue delay.
• Current CV/resume
• One piece of written work, approximately 2,000 words and preferably written currently and covering a historical subject
• Personal statement explaining your reasons for wanting to enrol on the course
• English proficiency score (if applicable)
Please note that supporting materials cannot be returned.
Application Deadline
Your completed application form and supporting materials must reach the Graduate Admissions Office by 29 June 2012.
Application fee
Whether you choose to apply online or by post, there is an application fee of £50. The fee is non-refundable and is payable whether your application is ultimately successful or not. Your application cannot be processed unless your £50 application fee is received with your application. The following payment methods are accepted:
Online applications only:
• Credit card – VISA/MasterCard only.
Paper applications only:
• Sterling cheque – drawn on a UK bank and made payable to ‘University of Oxford’
• Sterling banker’s draft made payable to ‘University of Oxford’
• Sterling International Money Order made payable to ‘University of Oxford’.
If you have any questions about the progress of your application, please contact the Graduate Admissions Office (tel: 01865 270059 / 60 / 80; email: graduate.admissions@admin.ox.ac.uk ); or the Course Administrator, (tel: +44 (0)1865 280154; email: ppaward@conted.ox.ac.uk).
Fees and Additional Expenses
The fee for the course in 2012 - 2013 will be £3,100 (EU students) or £6,600 (non-EU students). A non-refundable deposit of £200 is required on acceptance of a place and the remaining sum can be paid in instalments. The fee includes all tuition, and lunch and dinner during the weekend meetings in Oxford. Bed and breakfast accommodation can be booked at the Rewley House Residential Centre for an additional cost.
Financial Assistance for Part-time Students
As a postgraduate student studying on this course at OUDCE you may be able to gain assistance through one of the routes listed below:
• Career Development Loans
• Educational Trusts and Charities
• OUDCE Bursaries
• Access to Learning Funds
Please visit the Departmental website on Student Funding for more information at www.conted.ox.ac.uk/studentsupport/prospectivestudents/financial.php or contact the Registry on 018650 280355 or registry@conted.ox.ac.uk.