The MSt in General Linguistics and Comparative Philology is a taught course offering a range of options for graduates seeking a higher academic qualification in language studies and wishing to specialise in General Linguistics (including Phonetics but not Applied Linguistics), in Historical and Comparative linguistics, or in the linguistics of a specific language. In addition to a compulsory paper in linguistic theory, you will specialise in general linguistics (B), or in the linguistics of one or two selected languages (D). Occasionally, you may specialise in Indo-European historical and comparative philology and linguistics (C). However, option C is not usually feasibly in the MSt unless you have an exceptional level of prior background in this area. There is scope for some work in historical and comparative linguistics in the MSt via the module in Historical and Comparative Linguistics under option B, and via options in the history and structure of specific languages. However, if you would like to specialise fully in Indo-European comparative philology via option C, you are strongly encouraged to apply for the MPhil in General Linguistics and Comparative Philology instead. Some MSt students proceed to doctoral work at Oxford, although the MPhil is normally the faculty's preferred route to a DPhil; others continue academic study at other institutions. Other career destinations include publishing, secondary and further education, finance, and IT.