MSc in Modern South Asian Studies
University of Oxford
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MSc - Master of Science

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University of Oxford

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Full Time

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Start date

OCT-25

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Duration

9 months

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Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

Location

University of Oxford

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

OCT-25

Duration

9 months

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Asian Studies
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Course info

About the courseThe MSc in Modern South Asian Studies is a nine month, taught masters course, offered jointly by the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies (OSGA) and the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies. You will study this important region, with its rich history and its complex present-day societies, from a number of disciplinary and analytical perspectives, culminating in a thesis.The MSc in Modern South Asian Studies is an exciting degree bringing together Oxford’s wealth of ...Read more

About the course

The MSc in Modern South Asian Studies is a nine month, taught master's course, offered jointly by the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies (OSGA) and the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies. You will study this important region, with its rich history and its complex present-day societies, from a number of disciplinary and analytical perspectives, culminating in a thesis.

The MSc in Modern South Asian Studies is an exciting degree bringing together Oxford’s wealth of expertise on South Asia in a single programme. Students gain access to teaching and expert supervision across departments in the Social Sciences and Humanities Divisions. They receive rigorous training in one of two tailored modules in research methods, and subject to timetabling and demand, may have the opportunity to build in Hindi, Urdu, Classical Hindi/Hindavi, Persian, Gujarati, Bengali, Marathi or other language training. Students may pursue any combination of interests, including history, literature, language, religion, economy and interstate relations.

The MSc in Modern South Asian Studies comprises five components: the core course, a module in research methods, two option papers and the thesis. All students attend the core course, introducing modern South Asia across the disciplines. Delivered by faculty members with a range of specialisations, the course explores both individual states within the region and the connections and comparisons between them.

You will receive training in research methods through one of the following specially tailored programmes:

research methods for area studies, both qualitative and quantitative

research methods in humanities, including qualitative methods in literature, language and history.

For much of the course, students will work alongside those taking the 21 month MPhil in Modern South Asian Studies.

For parts of the research methods course, you will be taught alongside those studying for other MSc and MPhil courses offered by the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies, as well as doctoral students, opening up further possibilities for interdisciplinary learning and exchange.

You will also choose two option papers. For a full list of option papers, please see the course pages on the department website. Please note that the options will change from time to time, and not all will be run every year.

Students with at least an intermediate or colloquial knowledge of any South Asian language also have the opportunity to take language training either continuing at an advanced level or beginning a new language. Students interested in taking Persian, either at advanced or beginner level, are asked to flag this in their personal statement.

During the course of Michaelmas term, you will select a topic for your thesis and a thesis supervisor will be appointed from whom you will receive expert supervision for the remainder of the academic year. Applicants are advised to consider the research interests of relevant faculty teaching on the programme and to choose a topic where appropriate supervision can be provided. Applicants with a research interest in art history should note that supervision is only available for research that relates specifically to items held in the Ashmolean's collection.

Key stats

Asian Studies
CUG Subject Ranking
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Source: Complete University Guide 2025
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CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
2nd
What students say
SR
Student Reviewer
19 Mar 21

Obviously not being on campus last term was not ideal, and online learning has had its challenges, but overall I’ve really enjoyed my course so far and felt supported by the..Read more

Modules

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Entry requirements

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 (ie top third) upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in any discipline. However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first-class degree or the equivalent. The admissions board will consider the entire application and any qualifications beyond the minimum bachelor's degree will be taken into account. These may include a master's degree or professional qualifications. For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.7 out of 4.0.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£23,400 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

£36,250 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

£36,250 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

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Latest reviews

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SR
Student Reviewer
19 Mar 21
Japanese BA (Hons)
Obviously not being on campus last term was not ideal, and online learning has had its challenges, but overall I’ve really enjoyed my course so far and felt supported by the...
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Uni info

University of Oxford
University Offices Wellington Square Oxford Oxfordshire OX1 2JD United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Oxford  0.2 miles away

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