I've been turned down once for a doctoral degree at Oxford (in Renaissance Literature), and I'm currently reviewing my options. I passed my BA (English Lit.) with a 2:1, and my taught MA (Renaissance Lit.) with Distinction, both from a good university (York).

I definitely want to do a PhD, but I've got a year to kill before I can apply again. Is it worth my doing (assuming I can get accepted) a taught MA in a different subject, but broadly the same field (I'm considering Renaissance/Early Modern History)?

Will this improve my chances of being accepted for a PhD next time round, or will it just be a waste of time?

All opinions gratefully received.