A dissertation of between 10,000 and 15,000 words. The coursework tends to occupy much of the first two terms of the course, although most students also find time to do some of the groundwork of their dissertation. The summer term is devoted to intensive work on the dissertation, which is due to be submitted by 15th June. Applications must be accompanied by a writing sample of up to 5,000 words. Applicants can submit any work they like, but it is worth choosing work which is recent and which relates to the proposed area of study, if this is available.
Many applicants submit their undergraduate dissertation or similar extended piece of work.
The applicant's research proposal, which should suggest a realistic program of work for a 15,000 word dissertation. The deadline for applications is February 15th. Home students who hope to be funded by the British Academy should be aware that they need to have been accepted for a course before they apply for a grant, so it is wise to apply early. All potential applicants should be aware that in order to be finally accepted for the course it is necessary to be accepted both by the Faculty and by a College. This can favour those who make early applications.