MSc in Modern South Asian Studies

As a student on the MSc, you may choose to explore the social, economic and political achievements of, and challenges faced by, the contemporary states in the region, and the connections between the countries' democratic and developmental successes and failures. Students may pursue any combination of interests, including development, anthropology, politics, economy and international relations.

The course 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 also receive training in qualitative and quantitative research methods, in the social sciences generally and South Asian Studies more specifically.

You will also choose two option papers from the list below.

• The Anthropology of South Asia
• Decoding Development in Digital South Asia
• The International Relations of South Asia
• South Asian Politics

Please note that options will change from time to time, and not all will be run every year.

Students may alternatively apply to take an 'approved option' from elsewhere within the University, subject to the agreement of both the Modern South Asian Studies Teaching Committee and the Graduate Studies Committee of the hosting department. Such options may include options run as part of OSGA's MPhil in Global and Area Studies.

During the course of the year, you will select a topic for your thesis and receive expert supervision.

The MSc is taught by staff within the social sciences, who will also assess your application. The application process is administered by the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies.

Students on the course will experience a variety of teaching modes, including lectures, seminars, classes, student presentations, and small group teaching. Supervision for the thesis will be offered as a series of individual meetings between you and your thesis supervisor.

You will be required to gather relevant materials for your thesis during the course, usually by working in libraries and archives in the UK, but potentially also via fieldwork.

Assessment is through a combination of submitted essays and examinations (which may be in-person or online) and the thesis.
 

We aim to equip our graduates with a range of valuable skills which will enable them to compete successfully within a number of different careers - in the civil service and policy-making bodies in Britain, Europe and further afield, in non-governmental organisations concerned with development, in the charitable sector, in journalism, public and private sector research and consultancy, law and academia. The MSc is a valuable preparation for students wishing to go on to doctoral (PhD/DPhil) research.  Whatever your career plans, Oxford offers valuable resources and advice to graduating students.

• Nayanika Mathur, Professor of Anthropology and South Asian Studies
• Adnan Naseemullah, Professor of Comparative and South Asian Politics
• Janaki Srinivasan, Associate Professor of Digital South Asian Studies
• Kate Sullivan de Estrada, Associate Professor in the International Relations of South Asia