The University of Oxford is now accepting applications for its MSc in Digital Scholarship for the year 2025.
This unique program brings together digital technology and traditional humanities, offering students the tools to excel in both academic and non-academic fields.
The program helps students learn how to use cutting-edge digital tools and methods to transform research in the humanities.
By the end of the program, students will have the skills to lead digital projects or even pursue further doctoral research.
The course provides an excellent mix of both practical and theoretical knowledge, making it ideal for those looking to bring innovation into the humanities.
Application Process Table
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Step 1: Entry Requirements | Check academic and language requirements. |
| Step 2: Prepare Materials | Personal statement, transcripts, references, CV. |
| Step 3: Submit Application | Submit through Oxford’s graduate portal. |
| Step 4: Interview | If shortlisted, prepare for an interview. |
| Deadline | January 7, 2025 |
What the MSc in Digital Scholarship Offers
The MSc in Digital Scholarship gives students hands-on experience with digital tools and methods.
The program provides a balance between learning new digital techniques and understanding the traditional theories that underlie humanities studies.
This ensures students are well-equipped to integrate digital methods into their research.
Students also have the chance to work on Oxford’s large collection of digital projects, gaining real-world experience.
In addition to technical training, students will have access to Oxford’s renowned libraries and digital resources, which are among the best in the world.
They will also benefit from career mentorship from leading scholars, ensuring they receive the necessary guidance to succeed in their chosen career paths.
Furthermore, the program offers flexibility in terms of the final dissertation. Students can choose to submit either a traditional academic paper or a digital project as their final assessment.
This flexibility allows students to showcase their creativity and technical skills in a way that suits their interests.
Benefits of the MSc in Digital Scholarship
The MSc in Digital Scholarship offers many benefits to its students. Below are the key advantages of the program:
- Cutting-Edge Digital Expertise: Students will get hands-on experience with advanced digital tools and techniques. These tools are crucial for conducting research in the digital humanities and are highly valued in today’s job market.
- Comprehensive Learning: The program provides a mix of technical, theoretical, and practical knowledge. This ensures students can apply digital methods while also understanding the theories behind them. This balance makes students well-rounded in both digital and traditional scholarship.
- Access to Oxford’s World-Class Resources: Oxford has an extensive library network, including the Bodleian Libraries, which is one of the oldest libraries in Europe. Students will also have access to Oxford’s digital resources and its vibrant digital community, which offers numerous opportunities for research and collaboration.
- Flexible Dissertation Options: One of the unique aspects of the program is the flexibility in the final dissertation. Students can choose to either write a traditional academic paper or create a digital project. This flexibility allows students to explore new forms of scholarship and present their research in innovative ways.
- Career Mentorship: Throughout the program, students will have the opportunity to work closely with leading scholars in the field of digital humanities. These scholars will provide career guidance and mentorship, helping students identify the best path forward in their professional development.
- Practicum Placement: The program includes a practicum placement where students work on real-world digital projects at Oxford. This practical experience helps students gain a deep understanding of how to manage digital projects and apply their skills in a professional setting.
- Cultural and Academic Network: Oxford is known for its interdisciplinary academic community. Students will be part of a network of scholars from various fields and have the chance to attend seminars, workshops, and talks that will broaden their academic horizons.
Eligibility Criteria for the MSc in Digital Scholarship
To be eligible for the MSc in Digital Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Academic Requirements: Applicants are generally expected to have a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree in a humanities or a related field.
- Interest in Digital Tools: Applicants should have a demonstrated interest in using digital tools for humanities research. This interest can be shown through previous academic work or projects.
- Language Requirements: For students whose first language is not English, an English language proficiency certificate, such as IELTS or TOEFL, will be required. Applicants must meet Oxford’s specific language requirements.
Course Structure of the MSc in Digital Scholarship
The MSc in Digital Scholarship is divided into four main components. Each component builds toward the development of the student’s final dissertation.
- Elements of Digital Scholarship: This is the core paper of the program. It provides a detailed overview of a digital project’s life cycle, from the planning stage to the final output. Students will also be introduced to Oxford’s major digital projects, allowing them to learn from real examples.
- Methods of Digital Scholarship: In the first term, students will choose two technical options. These options give students hands-on training in the digital methods that are most relevant to their research interests. The technical options cover a range of topics, from data analysis to digital archiving.
- Subject-Specific Paper: In the second term, students will select a paper from Oxford’s Humanities faculties. This paper will allow students to deepen their knowledge in a specific area of interest. This subject-specific study provides students with the opportunity to explore how digital tools can be applied to traditional humanities research.
- Practicum Placement: In this component, students work directly on Oxford’s digital scholarship projects. The practicum placement provides practical experience in managing scholarly digital projects. Students can apply the skills they have learned throughout the course and gain valuable real-world experience.
The program concludes with a dissertation, which can be either a traditional academic thesis or a digital project. If students choose to submit a digital project, it must be accompanied by a short written report explaining the project’s purpose and findings.
Application Process for the MSc in Digital Scholarship
Step 1: Check the Entry Requirements
Ensure you meet the academic and language requirements. It is recommended that applicants take an open-access course called Humanities Research in the Digital Age to gain a better understanding of the digital scholarship field.
Step 2: Prepare Application Materials
Prepare the following materials for your application:
- A personal statement that explains your interest in digital scholarship and outlines your proposed research area.
- Academic transcripts from your previous studies.
- Two academic references from professors or instructors who can speak to your abilities.
- A CV that highlights any digital skills or relevant experience you have gained in the past.
Step 3: Submit the Application
Applications should be submitted online through Oxford’s graduate admissions portal:
https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/courses/msc-digital-scholarship.
Step 4: Interview Process
If you are shortlisted, you may be invited to participate in an interview. The interview will focus on your research interests and how they fit with the program.
Application Deadline: The deadline for submitting your application is January 7, 2025.
The MSc in Digital Scholarship at Oxford offers a comprehensive and flexible learning experience that combines digital innovation with traditional humanities research. Students will gain essential skills, access world-class resources, and have the opportunity to work on groundbreaking digital projects, making this an excellent choice for anyone looking to advance their career in digital scholarship.