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History Current Information Graduate Students Graduate Degrees Graduate Students and Colleges Undergraduate Students Undergraduate Degrees Undergraduate Students and Colleges
History
Oxford is a historic and unique institution. As the oldest university in the English-speaking world, it can lay claim to nine centuries of continuous existence. There is no clear date of foundation, but teaching existed at Oxford in some form in 1096 and developed rapidly from 1167, when Henry II banned English students from attending the University of Paris.
Early on Oxford became a centre for lively controversy, with scholars involved in religious and political disputes. The University assumed a leading role in the Victorian era, especially in religious controversy. From 1833 onwards The Oxford Movement sought to revitalise the Catholic aspects of the Anglican Church. One of its leaders, John Henry Newman, became a Roman Catholic in 1845 and was later made a Cardinal. In 1860 the new University Museum was the scene of a famous debate between Thomas Huxley, champion of evolution, and Bishop Wilberforce.
From 1878, academic halls were established for women, who became members of the University in 1920. Since 1974, all but one of Oxford 's 39 colleges have changed their statutes to admit both men and women. St Hilda's remains the only women's college. Current Information
The University of Oxford 's total student population numbers over 18,000 (students in residence, 2004-2005). Over a quarter of these students are from overseas, and more than 130 nationalities are represented among our student body. Almost 6,500 students are engaged in postgraduate work. Of these, around 4,000 are working in the arts and humanities. With a continuation rate of almost 98 per cent, Oxford has one of the lowest drop-out rates in the country. Graduate Students
Students working for higher degrees currently make up just over a third of the total student body (the total number being more than 17,000). The University offers a wide range of taught graduate courses and research degrees, ranging from one to three or more years in length. For all diplomas and degrees, except the few offered as part-time courses, students must spend a period in residence - which means postgraduate students live in term time within 25 miles of Oxford. There are no external degrees and there are only a few part-time courses in specific subjects. The minimum period of residence for most diplomas or the degrees of MSc or MSt is three terms. The minimum period of residence for the degrees of MPhil (BPhil in Philosophy), MLitt, or DPhil is normally six terms.
The academic year runs from October to September and is divided into three terms, Michaelmas, Hilary, and Trinity, and three vacations. The dates of Full Terms, eight-week periods during which lectures and other instruction are given, are as follows for the next two years:
Academic year 2007-8
Michaelmas Term: 7 Oct to 1 Dec
Hilary Term: 13 Jan to 8 Mar
Trinity Term: 20 Apr to 14 June
Academic year 2008-9
Michaelmas Term: 12 Oct to 6 Dec
Hilary Term: 18 Jan to 14 Mar
Trinity Term: 26 Apr to 20 June The graduates, however, unlike the undergraduates, will normally be in residence for most of the year. In many departments formal lectures, seminars and classes for graduates continue during the vacations. You can review the available courses in different ways by the degrees or by the name. Graduate Degrees
Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL); Magister Juris (MJur) - These degrees are each awarded to successful candidates after a one-year taught course, as part of which candidates for either degree may offer a dissertation. The BCL is aimed at applicants whose previous legal training has been primarily in the common law, whereas those applying for the MJur will have non-common law backgrounds.
Diplomas, Postgraduate Certificates and Postgraduate Diplomas Applicants for these courses must have attained a first or good second class honours degree, or, in the opinion of the board of the faculty or committee concerned, be otherwise adequately qualified to undertake the course. Residence for at least three terms (or a stipulated period of registration for part-time courses) is required before the examination can be taken. Oxford MA, together with a registrable medical degree of another British university. Candidates for this degree must have the support of their college and pay a fee. The DM degree is awarded for either a thesis or (for senior staff only) published work, on a medical subject (and manner of treating it) previously approved by the Divisional Board, which is based on some knowledge of the history of the subject and embodies original observations on either clinical or experimental material.
This degree is obtained by pursuing a course of research in the faculties of Anthropology and Geography, Biological Sciences, Clinical Medicine, Educational Studies, Mathematical Sciences, Physical Sciences, Physiological Sciences, or Psychological Studies culminating in the submission of a thesis. Students will normally hold the status of Probationer Research Student (PRS) in the first instance and will be expected to apply for transfer to MSc status during the first year of their research. Residence for at least three terms is required in either case. In the case of research students, the thesis must normally be submitted within nine terms from admission. More information is available here. Doctor of Medicine (DM) - this senior doctorate is open to candidates holding the Oxford BM, BCh after twelve years from their matriculation, and under similar conditions to candidates who have passed the first BM Examination.
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - A one-year (12-month) course of full-time study. Assessment is by course assignments, two business project reports, and written examinations. For details on the EMBA and the Master's in Financial Economics see the Management Studies section.
Master of Philosophy (MPhil). This is a 9-12 month degree programme and it is granted after an examination and, in most cases, the submission of a thesis. A list of MPhil courses can be obtained from here.
Master of Science (MSc) by coursework - A one-year (9-12 months) course of full-time study. Examination is by course assignments, the presentation of a business project, and a written examination. This degree is obtained in most cases by following a course of full-time study extending over a period of twelve months and passing an examination.
Master of Studies (MSt) - The MSt degree may be obtained by following a course of special study in Oxford extending over a period of three terms and passing an examination.
Master of Surgery (MCh) - is open under specified conditions to candidates holding the Oxford BM, BCh after ten years from their matriculation and similarly to those holding an Oxford MA together with a registrable medical degree of another university.
Master of Theology (MTh) - The MTh (in Applied Theology) comprises five taught courses, an experiential project and a thesis. It is also designed to be appropriate for both part-time and full-time students.
Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) - This is an advanced research degree in Arts or Science subjects. It is awarded on the basis of a thesis, but is of a higher standing and candidates for admission must be able to demonstrate preliminary knowledge of research techniques, and provide evidence of outstanding ability. Students intending to read for the DPhil normally hold the status of Probationer Research Student (PRS) in the first instance. Many Probationer Research Students in the Arts are required to undertake elements of an initial Master's course during their first year, and to achieve success in that course before applying for transfer to DPhil status. DPhils are offered in most subjects, for a list of subjects please follow this link .
Master of Letters (MLitt) - The MLitt degree is a research degree awarded on the submission of a thesis. It is broadly equivalent to the MSc by research in science subjects, and, similarly, the examiners of a thesis must be satisfied that the work done shows competence in investigating the chosen topic and that the results have been presented in a lucid and scholarly manner.
Master of Science (MSc) by Research - This degree is obtained by pursuing a course of research in the faculties of Anthropology and Geography, Biochemistry, Zoology & Plant Sciences, Clinical Medicine, Mathematical Sciences, Physical Sciences, Physiological Sciences, or Psychological Studies culminating in the submission of a thesis. Students will normally hold the status of Probationer Research Student (PRS) in the first instance and will be expected to apply for transfer to MSc status during the first year of their research. Residence for at least three terms is required in either case. In the case of research students, the thesis must normally be submitted within nine terms from admission.
Graduate Students and Colleges
Every graduate student has to be admitted both by a faculty or department and by one of the colleges or halls. Faculty or department appoints a supervisor for each postgraduate student, and arranges lectures and classes as appropriate. Though colleges are equally concerned for the academic success of their students, their role in respect of their graduates is more pastoral in nature: they are concerned to see that their students - especially those who are new to Oxford or to the United Kingdom - are sufficiently well provided for to be able to make the most fruitful academic use of their time in Oxford. Colleges are concerned to see that their students are properly housed, have adequate financial resources for their course of study, have opportunities to join in the social life of Oxford, and have access to sporting and leisure facilities. Colleges generally appoint an adviser for each of their graduate students, who shares sufficient common academic ground.
When students have arrived in Oxford the college arranges for the formal admission to the University, through the 'matriculation' ceremony. Each college has its own governing body, consisting of the head and fellows; the fellows are for the most part the college tutors, together with others, such as professors, whose teaching responsibilities are directed primarily to the University at large. (Most college fellows also hold teaching appointments in the University). With the exception of All Souls, all colleges admit graduates, and eight admit graduates only. All accept students for a wide range of higher degrees, diplomas, and research. Details are given in Choosing a college. Only St Hilda's has remained a single-sex college and admits women only. For the list of Colleges and more information please visit this page. Undergraduate Students
One of the many advantages of studying at Oxford is the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of a large international university whilst living in a smaller college community. Your college will be the focus of your academic life, where you will attend weekly meetings, called tutorials, for most of your time in Oxford . Your college will also provide you with accommodation and food at reasonable prices, as well as being the centre for your social life, offering entertainment, sports, music and drama facilities and events. Even in larger colleges, friends are made quickly and there are many opportunities to be involved in college life in a variety of ways.
Departments determine the content of the courses, organise lectures and seminars, provides a wide range of resources for teaching and learning in the form of libraries, laboratories, museums, computing facilities, sets and marks examinations and awards degrees. More information about student life in Oxford please visit here. Undergraduate Degrees
All Oxford degrees are similar in their objective to make students think logically, laterally and independently. Oxford offers a wide range of courses: all have a core element while also allowing plenty of scope to follow your own areas of interest. No matter which college you choose, the course will be the same, as the University organises all lectures and practical classes centrally, and sets your main examinations.
Your choice of degree is the most important decision when applying for university and you should make sure that Oxford will offer you the most appropriate course and the method of teaching that best suits you as an individual.
The University also offers part-time Undergraduate Certificates (including Foundation Certificates), Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas in Archaeology, Computing, Creative Writing, Environmental Conservation, History and Literature, History of Art, English Language & Literature, Local History, Modern History, Theology and Vernacular Architecture. Some of these courses may be taken by distance learning and all are accredited according to the nationally recognised credit framework. Past students have progressed on to complete degrees at Oxford and universities elsewhere: students on Foundation Certificates may apply, for example, for direct entry to year two of English and Modern History BAs. For further details on part-time undergraduate courses and information on how to apply please see www.conted.ox.ac.uk or contact 01865 270369 or send an email to
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To see the list of courses offered by the university please visit here. Undergraduate Students and Colleges
Being a member of a college is one of the many advantages in Oxford. Your college will be the focus of your academic life, where you will attend weekly meetings, or tutorials, for most of your time in Oxford. It will also provide you with accommodation and food at reasonable prices, as well as being the centre for your social life, with entertainment, sports, music and drama facilities and events. Even in larger colleges, friends are made quickly and there are many opportunities to add to college life in a variety of ways.
There are seven Permanent Private Halls (PPH), which were founded by different Christian denominations and still retain a religious character. Candidates may nominate a Permanent Private Hall as their first or second choice on the Oxford Application Form. To see the list of colleges and PPH please visit this link.
You do not have to worry about choosing a college. They all have the almost the same in computing, library, sports and music facilities, as well as in providing students with quality food and accommodation, plus a common room and a bar. They do not specialize in any subjects also. If you can decide which college you want to be a member of you can leave that section open in you application, and the university will pick it up for you. Annually 15% of student applying to the university leave the college section blank in their application.
Although all colleges are alike in administration and fees, there are some factors that you have to consider when applied for a membership. There are old and new colleges, the oldest is 800 years old; the youngest was opened in 1960. There are number of places each college can offer to undergraduate students, it varies between 200-450. Some colleges are located in the centre of the city, some further. However none is more than 15 minutes walk or a 5-minute cycle. Some colleges are big and rich, and they offer scholarships, bursaries, travel grants and book grants to their members. More information is available here. To see which colleges offer you course please visit this link or download a pdf file from here. For undergraduate admission statistic please see this file.
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