The English master's programmes are designed to serve both as an autonomous degree for students wishing to pursue more advanced studies in English literature, and as a solid foundation for doctoral research. The MSt programme consists of four main components, through which students have the opportunity to pursue interests both within their chosen MSt strand, as well as across period boundaries. The MSt programme is assessed via the submission of four pieces of coursework. In addition to the dissertation, students submit three essays of 5,000 to 7,000 words - one at the end of the first term, and two at the end of the second term - relating to the B and/or C courses that have been taken. Many English taught-course students go onto doctoral research, both at Oxford and at other universities worldwide. Other graduates pursue careers in occupations including teaching, journalism, law, publishing and the civil service.