UGP 2011 Courses

INTRODUCING OUR COURSES
Introducing our courses

Embarking upon a degree at Oxford requires focus and
dedication. Choosing the right subject is crucial. Like a good
book, a good subject is one you can’t put down.
Oxford degrees explore the entire breadth of the subject, but they also let you probe
deeply into areas that interest you. All courses have some compulsory papers, plus lots
of options for you to choose from. You can pick and mix, as long as you take the right
number of core papers and options where required.
Of course any subject requires a broad interest in the field as a whole, but it is only
when you have the chance to develop and pursue the topics that really fascinate you
that you reach the highest academic attainment and the deepest enjoyment!
The following pages detail the courses offered at Oxford. Do take your time to read
through them to ensure that you choose the course that’s right for you.
If you would like to order a course brochure, then please contact:
undergraduate.admissions@admin.ox.ac.uk. You might also like to come to an open day
to find out more (see p. 176). There is no need to book on course open days unless
otherwise stated.
Find out more on an open day: www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/opendays

Entrance requirements
Many students who apply to Oxford are taking
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
A-levels but please note that any candidate
who has already taken, or who is currently
studying, any other equivalent qualifications is
also most welcome to apply.
A-levels Pre-U
Conditional offers are likely to be AAA. Oxford University will Oxford University will accept the Pre-U Diploma as a valid
not use the A* grade when making offers for entry in 2011 or qualification for admissions purposes. Conditional offers are likely
for deferred entry in 2012. to be for three D3 grades in principal subjects. Students may
Providing that any specific subject requirements have been also take Pre-U principal subjects in place of A-levels.
met, all A-levels are approved for admissions purposes, with the
exception of General Studies.
Oxford University does not require its candidates to disclose Vocational qualifications
information on unit grades but a candidate may choose to
include this in their UCAS application. Conditional offers are Candidates with vocational qualifications equivalent to A-levels
usually made on the basis of final grades alone. are welcome to apply, although candidates may need to take
additional academic qualifications to make a competitive
application.
Extended Projects
Where applicants have undertaken the Extended Project (EP), International Baccalaureate
this will not be a condition of any offer but the University
recognises that the EP will provide an applicant with the Students of the International Baccalaureate are usually required
opportunity to develop research and academic skills relevant for to achieve a level of performance of 38–40 points, including
study at Oxford. Candidates are encouraged to draw upon core points, with 6s or 7s in the higher level subjects.
relevant EP experience when writing their personal statement.
Scottish qualifications
Age and Stage
Students with Scottish qualifications would usually be
Whilst the University supports the general principles of Age expected to have AAAAB or AAAAA in Scottish Highers,
and Stage, where students progress through their qualifications supplemented by two or more Advanced Highers. The University
at an appropriate rate according to their ability, we do expect currently sets conditional offers that require AAB if a student is
students still to achieve at the highest level. able to take three Advanced Highers; where this is not possible
then a student would be expected to achieve AA in two
Advanced Highers, as well as an A grade in an additional Higher
14–19 Diplomas course taken in Year 6.
The Advanced Diploma in Engineering (Level 3) will be suitable

for entry for Engineering Science courses at Oxford, provided US qualifications
candidates also obtain both an A-level in Physics and the new
Level 3 Certificate in Mathematics for Engineering. Successful candidates would typically have SAT Reasoning Test
Diplomas in other subjects will only be suitable preparation for scores of at least 700 in Critical Reading, Mathematics and the
admission where candidates have opted for Additional Specialist Writing Paper, or ACT with a score of at least 32 out of 36. We
Learning in two relevant A-levels. would also expect Grade 5 in three or more Advanced
31
Placement tests in appropriate subjects or SAT Subject Tests in
three appropriate subjects at 700 or better.
Can’t make it to an open day? Take a tour instead: www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/tours

Essential Recommended Helpful
Colleges will normally expect students to take It is highly desirable to study these subjects to A background in these subjects at either full
the full A-level, or equivalent, in these subjects. full A-level, or equivalent A-level or AS-level (or equivalent) may be useful
See course pages for details for some elements of the course
Combination of Arts and Science

Archaeology and Anthropology
subjects
Biochemistry Chemistry and another Science or Biology and Mathematics to at least
(Molecular and Cellular) Mathematics AS-level
Biological Sciences Biology Another Science or Mathematics

Tutors would prefer to see

Two from Biology, Chemistry,
Biomedical Sciences Mathematics or Physics as part of your
Mathematics or Physics
subject combination
Chemistry Another Science or Further
Chemistry Mathematics
Mathematics to AS-level Mathematics
Classical Archaeology A Classical Language, Classical
and Ancient History Civilisation, Ancient History
Classics Latin and/or Greek (for Course I only)
Latin and/or Greek (for Course I only)

Classics and English English Literature or Language and
Literature
Latin and/or Greek (for Course I only)
Classics and Modern Languages and a Modern Language (depending
on course choice)
Classics and Oriental Studies Latin and/or Greek
Computer Science Mathematics Further Mathematics or a Science
Earth Sciences (Geology) Mathematics Chemistry and/or Physics Biology, Geology, Further Mathematics
Economics and Management Mathematics (strongly recommended)
Engineering Science Mathematics and Physics Inclusion of Maths Mechanics modules Further Mathematics
Engineering, Economics and

Mathematics and Physics Inclusion of Maths Mechanics modules Further Mathematics
Management (EEM)
English Literature or Language
English A Language, History
and Literature
A Modern Language (depending on
English and Modern Languages course choice) and English Literature,
or Language and Literature
European and Middle Eastern A Modern Language
Languages (depending on course choice)
One or more Science or Mathematics
Experimental Psychology
subjects
Fine Art Art
Geography Geography
History History
A Classical Language, Classical

History (Ancient and Modern) History
Civilisation, Ancient History
History and Economics History, Mathematics
History and English English Literature or English Language History
A Modern Language
History and Modern Languages History
(depending on course choice)
Got questions? Contact us for advice: undergraduate.admissions@admin.ox.ac.uk

Essential Recommended Helpful
Colleges will normally expect students to take It is highly desirable to study these subjects to A background in these subjects at either full
the full A-level, or equivalent, in these subjects. full A-level, or equivalent A-level or AS-level (or equivalent) may be useful
See course pages for details for some elements of the course
Sociology, Politics, Government and

History and Politics History
Politics
History of Art, History, English, a
History of Art A subject involving essay-writing
Language, Art
Human Sciences Biology, Mathematics
Law (Jurisprudence)
A Modern Language
Law with Law Studies in Europe
(not required for European Law)
Mathematics and one of Physics or Another one of Physics or Chemistry Further Mathematics, Design and
Materials Science
Chemistry to at least AS-level Technology (Resistant Materials)
Materials, Economics and Mathematics and one of Physics or Another one of Physics or Chemistry Further Mathematics, Design and
Management (MEM) Chemistry to at least AS-level Technology (Resistant Materials)
Mathematics Mathematics Further Mathematics
Mathematics and
Mathematics Further Mathematics or a Science
Computer Science
Mathematics and Philosophy Mathematics Further Mathematics
Mathematics and Statistics Mathematics Further Mathematics
Chemistry with either Mathematics or

Medicine
Biology or Physics
One or more Modern Languages
Modern Languages
A Modern Language
Modern Languages and Linguistics
Keyboard ability to ABRSM Grade V or
Music Music
above
Oriental Studies A Language
Philosophy and A Modern Language

Modern Languages (depending on course choice)
Philosophy, Politics and
Mathematics, History
Economics (PPE)
Philosophy and Theology Religious Studies
Physics Physics and Mathematics Inclusion of Maths Mechanics module Further Mathematics
An Arts subject and Further

Physics and Philosophy Physics and Mathematics Inclusion of Maths Mechanics module
Mathematics
One or more from the Sciences and
Psychology and Philosophy
Maths
Theology Religious Studies
Theology and Oriental Studies Religious Studies, a Language
These tables give a summary of the entrance requirements but ...
Oxford staff hold events around the UK and beyond: www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/liaison

33
ARCHAEOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY
Archaeology and
Anthropology What is Archaeology and Anthropology? for this fieldwork is available from the University and
UCAS Course Code: LV64 Archaeology and anthropology together encompass may also be available from your college. In the first
Brief course outline the study of humankind from the distant origins of term of your second year you will write a report on
Duration of course: 3 years the human species to the present day. Both the fieldwork that you have undertaken. You may
Degree awarded: BA disciplines have a long history. Archaeology grew also engage in fieldwork as part of your final year
Averages over the past three years from 18th-century antiquarianism while dissertation, while other opportunities may exist for
Intake: 22 anthropology began even earlier in the first days of work-based learning in the University’s museums.
Applications shortlisted for interview: 88.7% colonial encounter. Today both subjects involve a A typical weekly timetable
Successful applications: 29.9% range of sophisticated approaches shared with the Your work is divided among lectures, tutorials and
Entrance requirements arts, social sciences and physical sciences. There is practical classes. In the first year, you will spend
A-levels: AAA also lively interaction. Thus, for example, the about five hours a week in lectures, closely tied to
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB anthropological study of primates and early humans the course’s core papers and option papers. These
IB: 38–40 including core points helps archaeologists, using the physical remains take up about five hours a week in year 1 and up to
or any other equivalent recovered, to reconstruct the ways in which our ten hours a week in years 2 and 3. Throughout the
A background of studying both arts and science subjects can earliest ancestors lived, while scientific dating course, there are one or two tutorials per week
be helpful to students in completing this course, although techniques produce the time-frame and the latest (a total of twelve in each term).
there are no specific subject requirements for admission.
genetic analyses define their relationships to modern Written work
Open days human populations. As part of your application you will be required to
5 March*, 30 June, 1 July, and Archaeology and Anthropology at Oxford submit, by 10 November 2010, two recent marked
17 September 2010 Oxford is a leading centre for research and teaching essays written as part of a school or college subject,
*Places must be booked for this date by contacting the
Administrator at the School of Archaeology. in archaeology and anthropology. Six institutions preferably in different subjects, plus a statement of
Contact details specialise in these subjects: the Institutes of up to 300 words setting out your understanding of
Administrator, School of Archaeology, Archaeology and Social and Cultural Anthropology, the relations between archaeology, social and cultural
36 Beaumont Street, Oxford OX1 2PG the Ashmolean Museum, Pitt Rivers Museum and anthropology, and biological anthropology.
+44 (0) 1865 278246 Oxford University Museum of Natural History, and For further details please see the course pages at
administrator@arch.ox.ac.uk the Research Laboratory for Archaeology and the www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/courses.
www.arch.ox.ac.uk History of Art. All are supported by world-class Written test
libraries and are well equipped with laboratories and You do not need to take a written test when you
computing resources. The Oxford degree is unique in apply for this course.
the way it combines archaeology and anthropology What are tutors looking for?
throughout the course, offering an unusually broad Tutors will primarily be looking for an interest in and
perspective on human societies from earliest enthusiasm for the study of humans and their
prehistory to the present. material culture, ideally from both arts and science
Work placements/international opportunities viewpoints, combined with an ability to digest and
As part of your course you are required to assimilate significant quantities of data and argue
undertake at least three weeks of fieldwork on a from evidence. No prior experience of archaeology or
project that you will select for yourself. Advice is anthropology is required, but any fieldwork
available from your college tutor and from members experience and general reading in the subject further
of the Schools of Archaeology and Anthropology. demonstrates your interest and commitment. If you
Your fieldwork, which must be approved by the are shortlisted for interview you will normally be
Standing Committee that runs the degree, may be asked to talk about the relationship between the
anywhere in the world – South Africa, the Andes and sub-disciplines and to consider problems from
Georgia are recent destinations. For most people it is archaeological and anthropological points of view.
likely to take an archaeological form on either an You may also be given artefacts, maps or other
excavation or as part of a field-survey team, but material to interpret.
museum-based work and participation in Related courses
primatological or social anthropological fieldwork are Students interested in this course might also like to
also possible. Further archaeological fieldwork may be consider History courses, History of Art, Human
provided by the School of Archaeology in the form of Sciences, or Earth Sciences (Geology).
a compulsory training excavation. Financial support

ARCHAEOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY
Careers
While some Archaeology and Anthropology graduates go on
to further study and research to become professional
anthropologists and archaeologists, others will move into
different areas. Graduates of this course have found
opportunities in heritage management, museum curation and
education, regional archaeological services, international
development, the Civil Service, advertising, marketing,
computing, energy supply, and community relations. Recent
Archaeology and Anthropology graduates include a management
consultant, a financial analyst, a trainee solicitor, and a medical
student.
1st year 2nd and 3rd years
Courses Courses
Four core courses are taken: Four core courses are taken:
◼◼ Introduction to world archaeology ◼◼ Social analysis and interpretation
◼◼ Introduction to anthropological theory ◼◼ Cultural representations, beliefs and practices
◼◼ Perspectives on human evolution ◼◼ Landscape, ecology and human evolution
◼◼ The nature of archaeological enquiry ◼◼ Urbanisation and change in complex societies
Practical classes Options (three from a broad range of anthropological and
Fieldwork archaeological courses)
Practical classes
Thesis
Assessment Assessment
First University examinations Final University examinations
Four written papers Seven written papers; thesis
Rachel current third-year who spent the Media Club which works to put short
1st year summer of her first year living with the documentaries, films and podcasts up on
I was attracted to Archaeology and Maasai tribe in Africa! the University website and iTunesU.
Anthropology because of the unique way Another perk of being at Oxford is the College sport and activities are wonderful
in which these two subjects work opportunity to meet famous people from opportunities to try things out at a less
together to answer questions about the various fields. I was fortunate to see competitive level. I am currently a
human past. I also like the fact that we Time Team’s Phil Harding in the flesh member of the college women’s football
don’t just learn by reading, but also by recently when he was here to conduct a team and the arts magazine, Misc. I also
attending practical classes, visiting fascinating demonstration of flint attend intensive French lessons at the
museums and going hands-on in the knapping! University’s Language Centre to hone my
excavation and fieldwork project in the In addition to a variety of society and language skills which I believe will be very
summer. I am particularly excited by the research group meetings, the sheer range important in fieldwork should I decide to
prospect of doing something rather of extracurricular activities seems pursue the path of an academic. We are
anthropological this summer. I know a boundless. I have also joined the Web completely spoilt for choice!

35
BIOCHEMISTRY (MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR)
Biochemistry
(Molecular and Cellular) What is Biochemistry? Research placements/international
The study of living things at the molecular level has opportunities
UCAS Course Code: C700
Brief course outline undergone tremendous expansion in recent years, A wide choice of fourth-year research projects is
Duration of course: 4 years leading to ever increasing insights into topics as available both within the Biochemistry Department,
Degree awarded: MBiochem various as the origin of life, the nature of disease and and in related departments, such as Molecular
Averages over the past three years the development of individual organisms. Powerful Medicine, Clinical Biochemistry, Pathology and
Intake: 97 new techniques, such as those of molecular genetics Pharmacology. About 10 students each year can
Applications shortlisted for interview: 98.0% and NMR spectroscopy, enable us to analyse carry out their project in selected European
Successful applications: 38.6% biological phenomena in more and more precise universities, under the ERASMUS exchange scheme,
Entrance requirements molecular terms. These studies have led to and at Princeton University, in the USA.
A-levels: AAA commercially valuable developments in drug design A typical weekly timetable
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB and synthesis, forensic science, environmental During years 1–3, your work is divided between
IB: 39 including core points sensing and a whole range of other areas. lectures (about ten per week), tutorials (one or two
or any other equivalent Furthermore, advances in biochemistry are largely per week) and practicals (averaging one full day per
Candidates are expected to have Chemistry to A-level, responsible for the breakdown of traditional week). The remaining time is spent on private study
Advanced Higher, or Higher Level in the IB or any other boundaries between cell biology, medicine, physics (set reading, or problem-solving exercises). In the
equivalent, plus another Science or Mathematics. Biology and fourth year, the project occupies you in full-time
and chemistry as their applications become
Mathematics to at least AS-level, Scottish Higher or Standard
Level in the IB or any other equivalent can be helpful to increasingly wide reaching. research for eighteen weeks, and the remainder of
students in completing the course, although they are not Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry at Oxford the year is spent in writing up your research project
required for admission. The Biochemistry Department in Oxford is one of and studying specialist option topics. Your final
Open days the largest in Europe, and includes academic divisions degree class is derived from a combination of marks
30 June, 1 July, and 17 September 2010 of: Cell and Chromosome Biology; Genes and from second-, third- and fourth-year courses.
Contact details Development; Molecular Biophysics; Molecular and Written work and written tests
Teaching Office, Systems Biochemistry; and the Glycobiology You do not need to take a written test or submit
Department of Biochemistry, Institute/Drug Discovery Research Unit. The any written work when you apply for this course.
South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU department is extremely active in research, with What are tutors looking for?
admissions@bioch.ox.ac.uk about 300 postgraduate students and research staff. As Biochemistry is not taught as an A-level subject,
www.bioch.ox.ac.uk The breadth and excellence of these activities are tutors will not expect you to have a detailed
reflected in the scope of the undergraduate course knowledge of the subject. However, if you are
and underpins the teaching. shortlisted for interview, tutors will be looking for an
The department has superb research facilities – informed interest in the subject (originating from
having moved into our brand new building in news items, books, magazine articles, etc), together
September 2008 – and excellent teaching facilities, with an ability to use information (from other school
computer network and access to a wide range of or college subjects, particularly Chemistry) to analyse
online and hard copy journals. and solve problems and to construct your own
An important aspect of the Oxford Biochemistry opinions.
course is its fourth-year project, lasting 18 weeks For further information about the selection criteria
full-time, which allows you to explore both see: www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/selectioncriteria.
laboratory-based research and specific recent Related courses
advances in biochemistry in detail. You choose the Students interested in this course might also like to
project yourself. Under the supervision of a group consider Biological Sciences, Biomedical Sciences,
leader, you will design your own experiments, and will Chemistry, or Human Sciences.
learn to plan research programmes and present your
results and ideas – orally and in written form – to
other workers in the field. The experience gained is
much valued by employers. The project also gives
you the opportunity to reflect on your aptitude and
enthusiasm for a research career.
Oxford students are just like you. Hear their stories: www.ox.ac.uk/100faces
BIOCHEMISTRY (MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR)
Careers
Biochemists are playing an increasingly wide role in biological, environmental and clinical fields, with
employment areas stretching from health care to agriculture. Biochemical analysis is used in clinical and
forensic science, such as DNA fingerprinting, and in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Other areas of
employment include biotechnology and bioinformatics. Typically about 60% of our biochemistry graduates go
on to do research or further study, mostly in the biochemistry field, while others find employment in industry,
commerce or other areas, such as finance. Further details of careers in biochemistry can be found on the UK
Biochemical Society website www.biochemistry.org.
Recent Biochemistry graduates include a PhD researcher in clinical medicine, a financial analyst, a market
research executive, and a research assistant at a Chinese university. Becky, who graduated in 2008, is now a
medical copywriter at CDM London. She says: ‘Following an internship in science publishing, I fell into
pharmaceutical advertising. As a promotional and technical writer, I get to exercise both the creative and
scientific sides of my brain.’
1st year 2nd and 3rd years 4th year
Courses Courses Courses

Five courses are taken: Five courses are taken: A research project (full-time, 18
◼◼ Molecular cell biology ◼◼ Structure and function of weeks), plus two courses taken from a
◼◼ Biological chemistry macromolecules list of options. The list typically includes
◼◼ Biophysical chemistry ◼◼ Energetics and metabolic processes subjects such as:
◼◼ Organic chemistry ◼◼ Genetics and molecular biology ◼◼ Bionanotechnology
◼◼ Elementary maths and statistics ◼◼ Cell biology and integration of ◼◼ Cancer Biology
function ◼◼ Clinical and Applied Immunology
◼◼ Data handling and interpretation ◼◼ Membrane transport
◼◼ Neuropharmacology
◼◼ Signalling and Coordination in Plants
◼◼ Structural Proteomics
◼◼ Virology
Assessment Assessment Assessment

First University examinations Final University examinations, Part 1 Final University examinations, Part 2
Five written papers; satisfactory Six written papers; satisfactory practical Project dissertation and oral
practical record record presentation
Two written papers
Jan probably quoted numerous times in your textbook?

2nd year Oxford is alive with scientific competition, discovery
One of the great things about Biochemistry at and exploration, especially in the field of
Oxford is the diversity of the course: you’ll get an Biochemistry.
insight into various aspects of cell biology, Don’t worry about finding things to do in your
complexities of signalling pathways that regulate free time. College friends, University societies, as
our bodies, extreme modes of bacterial metabolism, well as colleagues from your year will shape your
bioinformatical analysis of genomes … the list goes social life. In my first year I went swimming twice a
on and on! Anyone studying the course will find his week and went out with friends almost every
or her favourite part. At the moment I’m particularly weekend.
interested in bioinformatics and I’ll be carrying out a Looking back after almost two years of studying
project this summer on lipid bilayer simulations. the course, two things are clear: Biochemistry is
The quality of teaching at Oxford is unrivalled. amazing, and applying to Oxford was one of the
Who could be a better tutor about the viral life best decisions I ever made.
37
cycle than a key researcher in the discipline, who is
Hundreds of free downloads available: www.ox.ac.uk/itunesu

Biological Sciences
UCAS Course Code: C100 What is Biological Sciences? A typical weekly timetable
Brief course outline Biological Sciences is an exciting and rapidly Your work is divided between lectures (normally
Duration of course: 3 years developing subject area, with many applications in around ten a week), tutorials (normally one a week)
Degree awarded: BA fields as diverse as conservation biology and and practical classes (six–nine hours per week in the
Averages over the past three years molecular genetics. The study of living things has first year).
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
Intake: 108 undergone tremendous expansion in recent years, Written work and written tests
Applications shortlisted for interview: 92.8% and topics such as cell biology, neuroscience, You do not need to take a written test or submit
Successful applications: 34.5% evolutionary biology and ecology are advancing any written work when you apply for this course.
Entrance requirements rapidly. These developments will have a considerable What are tutors looking for?
A-levels: AAA impact on society, in areas such as medicine, the Tutors are looking for your enthusiasm for biology
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB environment and agriculture. The rapid expansion has and your potential to study it at university. Interviews
IB: 38–40 including core points been accompanied by a blurring of the distinctions are not to test your factual knowledge – they are
or any other equivalent between disciplines: a biologist with an interest in designed to enable you to show your ability to think
Candidates are expected to have Biology to A-level, tropical plants may well use many of the tools and and to understand whatever facts you have
Advanced Higher, or Higher Level in the IB, or another
techniques that are indispensable to a molecular encountered up to that time. If you express an
equivalent. Another Science or Mathematics would also be
recommended. geneticist. interest in a particular aspect of biology, be prepared
Open days Biological Sciences at Oxford to talk intelligently about it. The process is rigorous,
30 June, 1 July, and 17 September 2010 Oxford has large departments of both Plant but sympathetic, so that you can show us your best.
Contact details Sciences and Zoology, with extremely well-equipped You may be asked to interpret a written passage or a
Department of Zoology, modern laboratories. In addition, there are extensive simple set of data, given to you during the interview.
South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PS zoological and botanical collections in the Zoology Related courses
+44 (0) 1865 281214 and Plant Sciences Departments, University Museum Students interested in this course might also like to
undergraduate.enquiries@biology.ox.ac.uk of Natural History, Botanic Garden, Herbarium, consider Biochemistry (Molecular and Cellular),
www.biology.ox.ac.uk Arboretum and University Parks that support work Biomedical Sciences, Earth Sciences (Geology), or
on the animal and plant kingdoms. The departments Human Sciences.
also have access to nearby Wytham Woods and the Careers
Food Animal Initiative site at the University Field A significant proportion of Oxford biologists embark
Station that are used for fieldwork. The Oxford on a professional, scientific or technical career after
course permits a flexible combination of molecular graduating, whilst more than a third go on to further
and whole-organism biology with opportunities to study such as a research doctorate, or a
specialise in particular areas. postgraduate course in an applied field. Others will
Practicals and fieldwork take up careers in fields such as industry or finance,
Practical laboratory work is an integral part of where their scientific problem-solving skills are
teaching and there is a one-week field trip for all excellent training.
first-year students to Pembrokeshire to study Recent Biological Sciences graduates include an
ecology. Fieldwork is a crucial part of some courses, occupational therapist and a scientist within a
for example there is an optional plant biology field multinational pharmaceutical firm. Hannah, who
course to southern Portugal for third-year students. graduated in 2007, is now a research assistant at the
Furthermore, many students carry out their research Royal Veterinary College. She says: ‘My degree gave
projects in the field, either in the UK or in the tropics. me a keen interest in my subject and the skills to
pursue it. So far I have tracked rhinos across deserts,
chased birds across oceans, and am currently working
with chickens!’
Tutors discuss Oxford interviews in our podcasts: www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/podcasts

1st year 2nd year 3rd year

Four courses are taken: Eight courses are offered. Students are Between 20 and 24 options covering
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
◼◼ Cells and genes encouraged to attend lectures in all the full breadth of active research in
◼◼ Organisms themes but are likely to specialise in the departments. Students are
◼◼ Ecology tutorials on four or five. expected to take 6–8 of these
◼◼ Computing and data handling (not Compulsory: specialist options, which are chosen
examined) ◼◼ Evolution and systematics freely.
◼◼ Quantitative methods
Themes:
◼◼ Adaptations to the environment
◼◼ Animal biology
◼◼ Cell and developmental biology
◼◼ Infectious disease
◼◼ Ecology PROJECT
◼◼ Plants and people

First University examinations Second University examinations Final University examinations
Three written papers Three written papers: Four written papers:
Satisfactory practical record ◼◼ Evolution and systematics ◼◼ A general paper
◼◼ A general paper covering the six ◼◼ A problem paper
themes ◼◼ A short essay-based paper on
◼◼ Quantitative methods paper options
Satisfactory practical record ◼◼ A long essay-based paper on options
Two course assignments and project
(prepared work counts for 30% of
overall assessment)
Zak me the opportunity to look at topics from more angles and in

1st year more depth than I thought possible, and on one occasion play
Living things have always fascinated me, particularly sharks charades with the invertebrate phyla!
and rays, so I’ve known since primary school that I wanted to I’ve been able to stretch and improve my intellectual abilities
study biology in some shape or form. I didn’t really know which well beyond the A-level syllabus. The work is intensive, testing
universities to apply to until I came to an inspiring talk at an and sometimes seems impossible, but I still find a surprising
Oxford open day. The diversity and friendliness of everyone amount of free time. The facilities here, both educational and
here is astounding. recreational, are amazing: extensively equipped laboratories and
The interview process went very smoothly and I actually lecture theatres and opportunities for almost any
enjoyed my interview (who wouldn’t enjoy sitting down on a extracurricular activity you could think of. Despite my
sofa and discussing goliath beetle larvae?). continuing love for sharks and rays, Oxford has widened my
The course itself is incredibly diverse and well-structured, interests to a large array of other areas in biology.
covering the history of the Human Genome Project, to Applying is one of the best decisions I have ever made and
watching nutrient flow through fungi, to encouraging coral the range of opportunities it has presented me with is
re-colonisation, to one lecturer’s possession of a cuddly aphid! unbelievable.
By far my favourite part is the tutorial system, which has given

39
NEW
COURSE
FOR 2011
Biomedical Sciences
UCAS Course Code: BC98 What is Biomedical Sciences? A typical weekly timetable
Brief course outline Biomedical scientists focus on how cells, organs A first year student would typically attend six to
Duration of course: 3 years and systems function in the human body, an exciting ten lectures, a mathematics class and a three-hour
Degree awarded: (dependent on and dynamic area that is highly relevant to the practical class. In addition, they would prepare for
BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES
specialism in the latter part of the course) understanding and treatment of human diseases. weekly tutorials at which discussions between
BA (Hons) Cell and Systems Biology Although biomedical sciences shape modern-day students and tutors highlight, through consideration
BA (Hons) Neuroscience medical practice, the subject is not a substitute for of experimental studies, the significance and
New course, therefore no average data Medicine. limitations of the topic under consideration.
Intake: 40 (anticipated) Biomedical Sciences at Oxford During the first two terms of the second year,
Applications shortlisted for interview: n/a Oxford is a highly respected and internationally work is divided between lectures (about five per
Successful applications: n/a recognised centre for biomedical research, and, on week), tutorials (one or two per week) and practical
Entrance requirements this interdisciplinary course, students will receive the classes. The final term of the second year is set aside
A-levels: AAA benefit of tuition from leading experts working for the laboratory research project.
Excluding Critical Thinking and General Studies. within a variety of non-clinical and clinical During the third year students attend lectures,
Candidates are required to have two of their A-levels from
departments. seminars and tutorials in their chosen specialist area.
Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics.
The new course is the successor to the Written work
Advanced Highers: A (AH) and AAAAA
Physiological Sciences, and Psychology and You do not need to submit written work when you
(Highers)
Candidates are required to have an Advanced Higher in either Physiology courses, and will provide students with an apply for this course.
Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics, and two Highers intellectually stimulating education in modern Written test
from Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics. molecular, cellular and systems biology and All applicants must take the Biomedical Admissions
IB: 39 including core points, with 7, 6, 6 neuroscience. Test (BMAT) in their own school or college or
at HL. The course has been designed so that students approved test centre on 3 November 2010. It is the
Candidates are required to have two subjects from Biology,
first acquire an integrated understanding of responsibility of the candidate to ensure they are
Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics at Higher Level.
biomedical science that allows them to shape their registered for this test. See www.bmat.org.uk for
Cambridge Pre-U: D3D3D3
Candidates are required to have two subjects from Biology, subsequent studies towards the topics that interest further details.
Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics. them the most. What are tutors looking for?
Please note: Tutors would prefer to see Mathematics or As the course progresses, increasing emphasis is Tutors look for lively, receptive minds with the
Physics as part of your subject combination at A2, or
placed on relating knowledge to scientific research. ability to evaluate evidence critically. You should be
equivalent qualification.
If not taken on to a higher level, all candidates must hold a That emphasis is demonstrated by the opportunity able to consider issues from different perspectives
minimum of a Pass (at least grade C at GCSE, or equivalent) for all students to obtain first-hand experience of and have a capacity for logical and creative thinking.
in all of general school Biology, Chemistry, Physics (or GCSE laboratory research in the later stages of the course. Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT) results data will
Dual Award Combined Sciences) and Mathematics.
Students choose their own project and the possible be considered when shortlisting candidates for
Other equivalent qualifications are also areas for research within the University are almost interview.
acceptable. Please see limitless. For further information about the selection criteria
www.medsci.ox.ac.uk/study/bms for On the basis of the specialisation initiated by the see: www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/selectioncriteria.
further details. selection of second year modules and confirmed by Related courses
Open days the choice of third year options, students will be Students interested in this course might also like to
30 June, 1 July, and 17 September 2010 awarded a degree in Neuroscience or Cells and consider Biochemistry, Biological Sciences,
For further information, email: Systems Biology. The University reserves the right to Chemistry, Human Sciences or Medicine.
bmsadmissions@medsci.ox.ac.uk limit the number of students progressing to either
Contact details specialism in the third year.
Biomedical Sciences Course, Medical For further details on the structure of the course,
Sciences Teaching Centre, South Parks please refer to www.medsci.ox.ac.uk/study/bms.
Road, Oxford OX1 3PL
bmsadmissions@medsci.ox.ac.uk
www.medsci.ox.ac.uk/study/bms

Careers
With Oxford’s unique teaching style and structure, our Biomedical Sciences course provides an outstanding
education that will equip you with knowledge and transferable skills that form an excellent basis for a career
in research, in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology fields or as a psychologist.
BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES
Of course, the degree will also qualify you to pursue your studies further with Masters or Doctoral training.
You would also have a solid foundation on which to consider a subsequent course in Medicine.
Tutor profile choice in the subjects that they study after that. It
Robert Wilkins studies how cells regulate their offers training in biomedical science for the 21st
intracellular composition and lectures about the century that will be relevant for so many
functions of the kidney and gastrointestinal tract. subsequent career paths. After the planning, I’m
He says: ‘As one of the tutors that have been enthusiastic for the new course to start: I’m looking
designing the new course, it’s been exciting to forward to meeting able and motivated students
develop something in which the possibilities for who enjoy science and are interested in learning
specialisation are so varied. We’ve built a course what we know – and don’t know – about the
that provides an excellent foundation in basic processes underlying cell and systems biology.’
biomedical science and then offers students real
1st year 2nd year (Part I) 3rd year (Part II)

◼◼ Numerical and Scientific 2 terms Either:
Skills (Mathematics and Students will select five courses from a wide Neuroscience
Statistics, Chemistry and selection of modules. Two advanced options offered by the
Physics) Subject areas offered include psychological Department of Experimental Psychology
◼◼ Systems (Behaviour, Brain processes and disorders; neurophysiology; (see the Experimental Psychology page)
and Body) cellular and systems physiology; genetics and plus three themes from the Neuroscience
◼◼ Molecules and Cells (Cells, developmental biology; pharmacology; option offered by the Medical School (see
Molecules and Genes) cellular pathology and immunology. The full below).
Lectures, classes and list is available at
practical sessions www.medsci.ox.ac.uk/study/bms Or:
1 term Cell and Systems Biology
Students will work on their research project, Two advanced options (one major option,
which is submitted during the third year as a one minor option) offered by the Medical
component of the Part II examination. School: Neuroscience; Molecular Medicine;
Myocardial, Vascular and Respiratory Biology;
Infection and Immunity; Signalling in Health
and Disease.
Each option comprises eight or nine themes.
A major option would typically cover five or
six themes; a minor option would typically
cover three or four themes.

Examined by three written 20% of final degree mark is contributed by Examined by written papers during the third
papers at the end of the written examination of this material during term of the final year. Students will submit a
year. the second year. project dissertation, and present their work
orally to their examiners.
41
Chemistry
UCAS Course Code: F100 What is Chemistry? The undergraduate course lasts four years, the
Brief course outline Chemistry is a wide-ranging science concerned fourth year (Part II) being devoted exclusively to
Duration of course: 4 years with the synthesis, structures, dynamics and research – a distinctive, long-standing feature of
Degree awarded: MChem properties of all types of materials – organic, Chemistry at Oxford.
Averages over the past three years inorganic and biological – and their transformations. Chemistry is part of the Mathematical, Physical and
Intake: 192 Chemists are a constant source of innovation: it is Life Sciences Division, which also contains Computer
Applications shortlisted for interview: 95.5% hard to imagine any product introduced in recent Science, Earth Sciences, Engineering, Materials,
Successful applications: 39.4% times that did not require the creative efforts of a Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Plant Sciences and
Entrance requirements chemist at some stage. Chemistry also underpins the Zoology, some of which are taught in combinations in
CHEMISTRY
A-levels: AAA conceptual framework and methodology of joint honours schools. In the later stages of honour
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB biochemistry and molecular medicine, and is at the schools in Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences,
IB: 38–40 including core points with 7 in heart of many major industrial activities. there are opportunities to take options in other
Chemistry and 6 or 7 in Mathematics If you have a scientific approach, and chemistry is subject areas: in Chemistry for example, it is possible
or any other equivalent your favourite subject, that is enough reason in itself to take History and Philosophy of Science or a
Candidates are required to have Chemistry to A-level, to study chemistry at university. You will find it language as supplementary subjects, usually in the
Advanced Higher, or Higher Level in the IB or any other
challenging and rewarding in many different ways, second year.
equivalent. Mathematics is also highly recommended at the
same level: only a small number of students are admitted and there are exciting and varied employment A typical weekly timetable (years 1–3)
each year without Mathematics at A-level or equivalent, prospects afterwards. During the first three years, your work is divided
candidates are expected to have Mathematics AS-level grade Chemistry at Oxford between lectures (usually about two a day, Monday–
A or equivalent as an absolute minimum. Another science or
The Department of Chemistry is the largest in the Friday), tutorials and classes (one or two a week),
Further Mathematics can be helpful to students in
completing this course, although they are not required for western world. Each year some 170 chemists and practical classes occupying about one and a half
admission. graduate after a four-year course which includes a days per week. The course is challenging but leaves
Open days year of research, and about 80 graduates receive adequate time for extracurricular pursuits.
30 June, 1 July, and 17 September 2010 doctorates. Work placements/international opportunities
Contact details Oxford is one of the leading chemistry research Part II (the fourth year) involves full-time work
Admissions Secretary, departments in the world with around 80 academic with an established research group. There is the
Department of Chemistry, staff carrying out international-level research, and an possibility of a few students spending three months
Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory, annual research income of around £15 million. The of the year at universities in continental Europe or
South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QR latest (2008) Research Assessment Exercise the USA.
+44 (0) 1865 272568 confirmed that Oxford Chemistry has the highest Written work and written tests
admissions@chem.ox.ac.uk ‘power rating’ (breadth and depth of science) in the You do not need to take a written test or submit
www.chem.ox.ac.uk UK. The department is currently engaged in a number any written work when you apply for this course.
of innovative areas of work including chemistry for What are tutors looking for?
measurement, drug discovery, energy, catalysis, The tutors will be looking for evidence of
nanochemistry, synthesis, atmospheric chemistry, motivation and potential for advanced study; they
synthetic biology and femtochemistry. will seek to evaluate your capacity to analyse and use
The Department of Chemistry at Oxford has information to develop your own understanding, and
contributed more than £80 million to the University your willingness to discuss concepts.
as a result of its spin-out activities. Actual realised Related courses
gains from the departmental spin-outs come to more Students interested in this course might also like to
than £40 million, with about £20 million of unrealised consider Biochemistry (Molecular and Cellular),
gains in quoted companies, and a further batch of Biomedical Sciences, or Earth Sciences (Geology).
holdings in private companies. The school is housed in
four laboratories, clustered together in the
University’s Science Area, particularly close to the
massively stocked Radcliffe Science Library. These
include a state of the art £65m research laboratory
with unrivalled facilities, opened in 2004.

Careers Recent Chemistry graduates include a management
As the central scientific subject, Chemistry provides an consultant, a market research analyst, and a scientist. Nick, who
excellent opportunity for the development of your critical graduated in 2009, is now an educational consultant. He says:
faculties and intellect, and also instils a variety of important ‘Since graduating I have started a company called Explosive
transferable skills that will serve you well whatever your Science with a friend from college. We perform chemistry
subsequent choice of career. Typically about 55% of our demonstrations in schools, aiming to enthuse children about
Chemistry graduates go on to do research or further study, and science.’
others enter professions such as accountancy, banking and Ivanhoe, who graduated in 2007, is now a graduate student in
actuarial work, as well as manufacturing, IT and education. The Chemical Biology at Oxford University. He says: ‘Since
CHEMISTRY
Royal Society of Chemistry provides further information about graduating, I have worked as a market research analyst focusing
careers using chemistry, www.rsc.org. on the fast moving consumer goods market for a year, before
returning to Oxford for a graduate degree. My undergraduate
degree, especially the fourth year, gave me experiences in
quantitative analysis and helped me develop presentation
experience.’
1st year 2nd year 3rd year 4th year
Courses Courses Courses Research

Four courses are taken: Core material, including Further core material, plus Full-time research under the
◼◼ Inorganic chemistry courses on: advanced courses with a supervision of a member of
◼◼ Physical chemistry ◼◼ Theoretical chemistry choice from among a variety the academic staff
◼◼ Organic chemistry ◼◼ Bio-organic chemistry of options Optional supplementary
◼◼ Mathematics for ◼◼ Bio-inorganic chemistry Optional supplementary subject course
chemistry ◼◼ Molecular spectroscopy subject course
◼◼ Synthetic chemistry
Optional supplementary
subject course
Assessment Assessment Assessment Assessment

First University examinations Part IA examinations Part IB examinations Part II examination
Four written papers; Three written papers Seven written papers Dissertation; oral
satisfactory practical record Continuous assessment of examination; determination
practicals of the class of honours
degree
For the most up-to-date details on the Chemistry course’s content and assessment, please refer to the department’s website.
Hardeep Practical work offers a refreshing always so busy! There are so many
2nd year contrast to the more theoretical study, student-run societies here, my calendar
Chemistry was always my favourite and the laboratory is a good environment is always full of things to do. Every now
and strongest subject at school, so I for grasping new ideas and concepts. I and then I also write for the college
knew I wanted to study it at Oxford. I think the fourth year of the course will newspaper, and I have also learnt to salsa
love the variety of the course here: the be the most interesting – you get hands- dance, and to DJ.
first three years are split between on experience in a research group, as a If you want to know more, come and
lectures, tutorials and laboratory work. working chemist at the forefront of visit us – ideally on an open day when
The main strength in the Oxford system scientific research. you will be able to find tutors and
has to be the tutorials, which are a great I’m from London so I thought Oxford students to talk to. If you’re thinking of
opportunity to get to the bottom of would be quiet in comparison, but the applying, I’d say go for it – you’ve got
topics. student population gives the town a nothing to lose and everything to gain,
buzzing atmosphere and the place is and I guarantee that we play just as hard
as we work.

CLASSICAL ARCHAEOLOGY AND ANCIENT HISTORY
Classical Archaeology
and Ancient History
What is Classical Archaeology and A typical weekly timetable
UCAS Course Code: VV14 Ancient History (CAAH)? During the first year, your work is divided between
Brief course outline The course combines study of the history, lectures (about four to six a week), team-taught
Duration of course: 3 years archaeology and art of the classical world. It looks at classes (one a week for the first two terms), tutorials
Degree awarded: BA the societies and cultures of the ancient (one every week or two) and/or language classes
Averages over the past three years Mediterranean world through their written texts, and private study. In the second and third years,
Intake: 20 visual art and material remains, and has at its centre besides lectures, tutorials and classes, you will also
Applications shortlisted for interview: 95.1% the two classical cultures of Greece and Rome. It is spend time preparing your museum or site report.
Successful applications: 23.1% aimed at anyone interested in investigating ancient In your second and third years, leading up to your
Entrance requirements civilisations and their remains, from Greek temples final exams, you build on the work done in the first
A-levels: AAA and Roman amphitheatres to wall-paintings and the year and expand your range in time and theme. You
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB poignant residues of everyday life. Whilst it is will take six options and a site or museum report
IB: 38–40 including core points primarily a historical and non-linguistic degree, (equivalent to one paper). The options are chosen
or any other equivalent ancient languages can be used and learned as part of from a list of: Integrated Classes, which bring
A classical language, Classical Civilisation or Ancient History
can be helpful to students in completing this course, although the course. together historical and archaeological approaches to
they are not required for admission. CAAH at Oxford a particular period; Core Papers, which deal with
Open day The CAAH degree is taught through a mixture of central topics in Greco-Roman studies; Further
See Classics (p. 46) tutorials, lectures and classes. Some cover specifically Papers, whose range allows you either to build up
Contact details archaeological or historical approaches to ancient concentrated expertise in some central areas and
Ioannou Centre for Classical and Byzantine Mediterranean cultures, but the degree is unique in periods or to extend into earlier and later periods,
Studies, 66 St Giles’, Oxford OX1 3LU also offering courses that combine both approaches. and into non-classical cultures; and Classical
+44 (0) 1865 288391 In every year of the course there are classes led by Language Papers, which allow you to begin or
enquiries@classics.ox.ac.uk two faculty members, one archaeologist and one continue the study of Greek or Latin.
www.classics.ox.ac.uk historian. These courses are designed to give an Written work
integrated, interdisciplinary approach to the topics As part of your application you will be required to
studied. submit two recent marked essays written as part of
The University’s resources for this combined your school or college course by 10 November
subject are excellent, in terms of both library facilities 2010.
– much of the Sackler Library’s collection is built For further details please see the course pages at
around these two subjects – and the range and www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/courses.
number of postholders in the two fields. The Written tests
University’s Ashmolean Museum also contains wide- You do not need to take a written test when you
ranging collections of art and artefacts from the apply for this course.
classical cultures. What are tutors looking for?
Fieldwork and international opportunities Tutors are looking for intellectual potential, the
There are two practical elements – two weeks at specific visual, textual and reasoning abilities that are
the end of the first year spent either on a University- required for this course, and of course serious
sponsored excavation or on another archaeological interest in and commitment to both classical
field project, and the preparation of a report in the archaeology and ancient history. Tutors will consider
second and third years focusing either on a particular all the available information – past and predicted
ancient site or on an artefact or set of artefacts in a examination results, the personal statement,
museum, from the Ashmolean to the Metropolitan academic reference and interviews – to assess the
Museum in New York. individual candidate’s potential to benefit from the
course provided by Oxford, and their potential to be
a good tutorial student, and to attain good results in
examinations. The weight given to the different
criteria will vary according to the individual
background and circumstances of each candidate.
For further information about the selection criteria
see: www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/selectioncriteria.

CLASSICAL ARCHAEOLOGY AND ANCIENT HISTORY
Related courses
Students interested in this course might also like to consider Archaeology and Anthropology, other History
courses, or History of Art.
Careers
While some Classical Archaeology and Ancient History graduates will go on to further study and research to
become professional archaeologists and historians, others will move into different areas. Graduates have
started their careers in museum curation, heritage management and education, as well as in finance,
advertising, publishing, the Civil Service and law. Recent Classical Archaeology and Ancient History graduates
include a financial adviser, a teacher, and a curator. Sarah, who graduated in 2007, is now a personal adviser.
She says: ‘My degree at Oxford provided the challenging environment in which I developed the skills I later
needed to successfully complete Reed’s rigorous application procedure.’
Courses Courses
Four courses are taken. Six courses are taken from a wide choice of
Core elements options, including:
◼◼ Aristocracy and democracy in the Greek world, ◼◼ Early Greece and the Mediterranean, 800–500 BC
550–450 BC ◼◼ Greek history, 479–403 BC
◼◼ Republic to empire: Rome, 50 BC to AD 50 ◼◼ Greek art and archaeology, 500–300 BC
Optional elements ◼◼ Athenian democracy
◼◼ Archaeology: Homeric archaeology; Greek ◼◼ Alexander and his successors
vases; Greek sculpture; Roman architecture ◼◼ Rome, Italy, and the Hellenistic East 300–30 BC
◼◼ History: Thucydides and the West; Aristophanes’ ◼◼ Politics, society and culture from Nero to Hadrian
political comedy; Cicero and Catiline; Tacitus and ◼◼ Roman archaeology: Cities and settlement
Tiberius under the Empire
◼◼ Ancient Languages: Beginning Ancient Greek, ◼◼ Religions in the Greek and Roman world
Beginning Latin ◼◼ Sexuality and gender in Greece and Rome
◼◼ Further Greek, Further Latin ◼◼ Egyptian art and architecture
◼◼ The emergence of medieval Europe, AD 400–900
◼◼ Julian to Augustine, AD 350–395
◼◼ Scientific methods in archaeology
◼◼ Further Greek or Latin
Fieldwork
Research for site or museum report
Four written exam papers Six written papers; one site or museum report

Classics
Classics, Philosophy, Ancient History and What is Classics? Written tests
Classical Archaeology Classics is the study of the languages, culture, All candidates for Classics will be required to sit
UCAS Course Code (Classics I): Q800 history and thought of the civilisations of ancient written tests during the Oxford interview period in
UCAS Course Code (Classics II): Q810 Greece and Rome. It is one of the most varied and December. These are designed to test linguistic
Brief course outline interdisciplinary of all subjects; based upon a wide competence by translation from the ancient language
Duration of course: 4 years range of options, the course offers the opportunity into English, or (for Course II) testing linguistic skills
Degree awarded: BA to study literature (epic, drama, historical writing, and by other means. Translation into the ancient
Averages over the past three years much else), the history and archaeology of the Greek languages is not expected. Each written test will
Intake: 117 and Roman Mediterranean, philosophy (both ancient normally last one hour. The use of dictionaries will
Applications shortlisted for interview: 99.1% and modern), and linguistics. not be permitted. Tests for the different courses will
CLASSICS
Successful applications: 45.0% Classics at Oxford be as follows:

Entrance requirements Oxford has the largest Classics department in the ◼◼ IA: A-level standard test in Latin and A-level
A-levels: AAA world, with unparalleled teaching, library and museum standard test in Greek.
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB resources and a range of extracurricular activities, ◼◼ IB: A-level standard test in Latin.
IB: 38–40 including core points including performances of Greek plays and various ◼◼ IC: A-level standard test in Greek.
or any other equivalent societies. ◼◼ IIA and IIB: All Course II candidates take a
For Course I, candidates should normally have Latin and/or The Oxford degree involves extensive study of the Language Aptitude Test.
Greek to A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher Level in the IB
or any other equivalent. Candidates with no experience (or ancient languages, as many of the texts are read in What are tutors looking for?
more limited experience) of studying these languages should the original. Some candidates applying to Oxford will For information about the selection criteria please
apply for Course II. be taking A-level (or equivalent) in either Latin or see: www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/selectioncriteria.
Open day Greek or both, but we also welcome applications for Tutors will not expect you to know obscure facts
7 May 2010 Course II, which enables candidates to learn Greek or and will not be worried by gaps in your knowledge.
This open day will be held in Cambridge jointly with Latin from scratch. They are looking for potential and an enquiring mind.
Cambridge University. Booking is required.
See: www.classics.cam.ac.uk/admissions/open_days
Fieldwork/international opportunities Related courses
for further details. Fieldwork is not a requirement in any part of the Students interested in this course might also like to
Contact details course, but some undergraduates may receive consider other Classics or Ancient History courses.
Ioannou Centre for Classical and Byzantine financial assistance to travel to Italy or Greece, and to Careers
Studies, 66 St Giles’, Oxford OX1 3LU participate in archaeological excavations. The breadth of subjects studied and skills learned
+44 (0) 1865 288391 A typical weekly timetable to a high level mean that Classics graduates are in
enquiries@classics.ox.ac.uk Your time is divided between lectures, tutorials and great demand among employers. In recent years a
www.classics.ox.ac.uk private study. Most of your work will be in high proportion of classicists have continued onto
preparation of essays for your tutorials, although the further study in their subject, or for other
systematic reading of ancient texts, not necessarily professional qualifications especially in law and
aimed at any particular tutorial, also requires a teaching; graduates have entered occupations
considerable input of time and effort. including accountancy, the Civil Service, finance,
Written work media and publishing.
As part of your application you will be required to Recent Classics graduates include a barrister and a
submit two essays or commentaries by 10 junior desk editor for a publisher of children’s books.
November 2010. Normally these will be in areas Menai, who graduated in 1997, is now a project
relevant to Classics. They should preferably not be manager for Kent County Council. She says: ‘I joined
short, timed essays or exercises answering questions Kingfisher Retail and subsequently WHSmith. I then
on a short passage of text. worked for a charity and finally moved to local
For further details please see the course pages at government. The training in logical thinking and a
www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/courses. questioning approach I developed while studying for
my degree have been invaluable.’

Terms 1–5 Terms 1–5 Terms 6–12 Terms 6–12
Course names
Courses Assessments Courses Assessments
First University Choose eight options from

examinations IA: more than 80 in the
Ten papers, including four following subjects (no area
◼◼ Homer’s Iliad language papers (Latin and is compulsory); in most of
◼◼ Virgil’s Aeneid Greek) these subjects it is possible
◼◼ Texts and Contexts, to offer an undergraduate
First University thesis in place of one of Final University
integrating literary,
CLASSICS
examinations IB: the papers: examinations: eight exam
Course IA historical and
Ten papers, including four ◼◼ Greek and Roman subjects taken, with the
(Latin and Greek, having studied Latin archaeological material
and Greek to A-level or equivalent) language papers (Greek history (choose up to possibility of offering one
and approaches
Course IB language work at a less five): some are period paper as a thesis. For some
◼◼ A special subject in
(Latin and Greek, having studied only advanced level than IA, papers, others topic- Literature options instead
Latin to A-level or equivalent) Philosophy (ancient or
Latin at the same level as based of a three-hour paper
Course IC modern)
IA) ◼◼ Philosophy (choose up assessment involves the
(Latin and Greek, having studied only ◼◼ A classical special
to five), ranging from composition of one long
Greek to A-level or equivalent) subject: literary/ First University
Plato’s Republic to the essay over a three-week
historical, archaeological, examinations IC:
Philosophy of Mind: for period.
or philological Ten papers, including four
◼◼ Work on the Greek and language papers (Latin a full range of options
Latin languages language work at a less see: www.ox.ac.uk/
advanced level than IA, undergraduate/courses/
Greek at the same level as philosophy.html
IA) ◼◼ Greek and Latin
literature (choose up to
◼◼ Virgil’s Aeneid five) Final University
◼◼ Special subjects and First University ◼◼ Greek and Roman
Course IIA examinations: As Course I,
Texts and Contexts as examinations IIA: archaeology (choose up
(Latin only, not having previously but Latin only, unless you
formally studied Latin) Course I Seven papers, including to two, plus a thesis if take optional second
◼◼ Work on the Latin two language papers you wish) classical language.
language ◼◼ Philology and Linguistics
(choose up to two, plus
a thesis if you wish)
◼◼ Homer’s Iliad ◼◼ Second classical Final University
◼◼ Special subjects and First University language: Course II
Course IIB examinations: As Course I,
Texts and Contexts as examinations IIB: students can take up
(Greek only, not having previously but Greek only, unless you
formally studied Greek) Course I Seven papers, including the second classical take optional second
◼◼ Work on the Greek two language papers language if they wish classical language.
language (will count as two
papers in final exam)
Meg options are so wide that I can focus on whatever I chose to study Classics because I think that
4th year interests me the most. I can bring my knowledge Latin is a beautiful language – lots of
The free rein that I’ve had since being at from other areas when discussing a question as onomatopoeia and rhythm. My favourite line of
Oxford has been an entirely different experience broad as ‘Discuss decline in Ovid’. I’m also writing poetry is from Ovid: ‘o lente, lente currite noctis
to learning at school. With a humanities subject two theses, totalling 20,000 words, where I was equi’. He’s saying how he wants the night to pass
you get out of it exactly what you put in – the allowed to choose my own title and topic. A more slowly and the word choice and metre
more I read, the more I have to say. friend of mine is writing an optional thesis on force the reader to read it slowly and languidly.
I love the diversity of Classics. I’m currently ‘The Representation of Classics in the Modern One term, a Classics in-joke got a bit out of
focusing on feminism in the Classics, and I want World’ which mostly seems to be about the film control and we accidentally created a sell-out
to go on to do a Masters in this area. The 300! show called The Aeneid: the Musical. I acted
and did the lights.
Classics and English
UCAS Course Code (3 years): QQ38 What is Classics and English? Written work
UCAS Course Code (4 years): QQH8 Classics and English appeals to those with a Candidates are normally expected to submit two
Brief course outline particular interest in literary and cultural interactions. pieces of written work, relevant to either Classics or
Duration of course: English may be taken with Latin or Greek or both. For English, by 10 November 2010. Candidates will
CLASSICS AND ENGLISH
Course I: 3 years candidates with an A-level or equivalent in either preferably not submit short, timed essays or
Course II: 4 years (including preliminary Latin or Greek or both, this is a three-year course exercises answering questions on a short passage
year for those without A-level or (Course I). For those who have not had the of text.
equivalent in either Greek or Latin) opportunity to study either language at school or For further details please see the course pages at
Degree awarded: BA college there is a preliminary year in which they learn www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/courses.
Averages over the past three years either Latin or Greek, combined with some study of Written tests
Intake: 7 classical literature; for them the course lasts four Candidates applying for Classics and English are
Applications shortlisted for interview: 94.9% years (Course II). required to take two tests.
Successful applications: 20.2% Oxford has a long and distinguished tradition of English Literature Admissions Test (ELAT)
Entrance requirements research and teaching in both Classics and English; All candidates are required to sit the ELAT on
A-levels: AAA the Classics Faculty is the largest in the world, and 3 November 2010. See the English page for further
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB the English Faculty the largest in this country. Oxford details.
IB: 38-40 including core points possesses remarkable library provision in both Classics test
or any other equivalent subjects, in the Bodleian Library, the Sackler Library, Candidates studying Latin and/or Greek to A-Level
Candidates are expected to have English Literature, or English the English Faculty Library and the college libraries. or equivalent will be expected to sit a test in one or
Language and Literature, to A-level, Advanced Higher, or
The first year of the course (which follows the both languages. Other candidates will sit a Language
Higher Level in the IB or any other equivalent. Applicants for
Course I would be expected to have Latin and/or Greek to preliminary year of language learning for those taking Aptitude Test.
A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher Level in the IB or any Course II) is divided equally between the classical and These tests take place during the Oxford interview
other equivalent. Candidates with no experience of studying English elements. The core of the Classics and English period in December. For further details please see
these classical languages should apply for Course II.
course at Oxford is formed by the link papers, which the course pages at www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/
Open days are studied over the second and third years of the courses.
See Classics (p. 46) course. These papers emphasise the interactions of What are tutors looking for?
See English Language and Literature (p. 64) Classics and English, and provide an opportunity to Successful candidates will be expected to display
Applicants are welcomed at any of these days and need to
attend only one of them. There will be tutors available at compare texts from both sides of the course, and to competence in Latin or Greek (or general language
both days who can discuss this joint degree with prospective study classical influence. Further papers are also aptitude if they are applying for Course II). They will
students. chosen from each of the ‘parent’ subjects. have read widely in English and classical literature (in
Contact details A typical weekly timetable the original or in translation). They will also enjoy
Classics Students usually have two tutorials a week, plus talking and writing about literature and approaches to
Ioannou Centre for Classical and Byzantine language classes, and they are often but not always it. If you are shortlisted for interview tutors may ask
Studies, 66 St Giles’, Oxford OX1 3LU working on two papers simultaneously. Most you to talk about a piece of prose or verse, supplied
+44 (0) 1865 288391 students attend three to four lecture courses a week before or in the interview.
enquiries@classics.ox.ac.uk and students will expect to produce around 12 For further information about the selection criteria
www.classics.ox.ac.uk pieces of written work during a term. Up to two see: www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/selectioncriteria.
English papers available in the list of options on each side are Related courses
Faculty of English Language and examined by an extended essay of about 6,000 Students interested in this course might also like to
Literature, St Cross Building, Manor Road, words written over three weeks of term. consider other Classics courses or other English
Oxford OX1 3UQ courses.
+44 (0) 1865 271055
english.office@ell.ox.ac.uk
www.english.ox.ac.uk

Careers
Many graduates in Classics and English continue onto further study in their subject, or for other professional
courses, such as teaching. Others have entered fields such as the media, management, advertising and
librarianship.
CLASSICS AND ENGLISH

Recent Classics and English graduates include a freelance writer and a teacher. Alexander, who graduated in
1997, is now an associate editor. He says: ‘After graduation I worked at Reuters in Germany. I returned to the
UK to work for the London Review of Books. From there I got a job with Harper’s Magazine in New York,
then Artforum, where I am now in charge of US exhibition reviews.’
This table is a summary of Course I. In Course II students have a preliminary year studying Latin or Greek,
and then follow the structure outlined below.
Courses Courses
Six papers are taken: ◼◼ Two papers from a list derived from the English course (see p. 64)
◼◼ English Literature, 1509–1600 ◼◼ Either Greek Literature of the 5th century BC or Latin Literature of the
◼◼ English Literature, 1600–1660 1st century BC
◼◼ Critical commentary on passages from the ◼◼ Epic link paper
period 1509–1660 ◼◼ One paper from a list derived from the Classics course (see p. 46)
◼◼ Unseen translation ◼◼ One link paper from Tragedy, Comedy, Pastoral, Satire
◼◼ Greek and Latin Literature (two papers, offering ◼◼ Either another link paper or Medieval and Renaissance Latin Hexameter
a choice of Greek or Latin authors) Poetry or The Reception of Classical Literature in Poetry in English
since 1900
Six written papers. All exams must be passed, but Seven papers, of which up to two may be an extended essay depending
marks do not count towards the final degree on English options chosen; either a further paper in Classics or English
(optional) or a thesis (optional)
Emma day for a year I was doing prose women’s campaign … This term, I’m also
3rd year composition by my third term. fashion editing The Cherwell (student
The tutors really put me at my ease Doing a joint honours course allows you newspaper), which involves recruiting
during my interview. My experience is to bring different perspectives to all of photographers, models, locations,
definitely that they would rather have your subjects. Thinking about clothes, and the graphic design of the
someone who is passionate about a Renaissance literature with knowledge of page. I also have plans for a blog about
subject they don’t know very much the Classics means you have a very ethical, affordable fashion.
about, than someone who knows a lot different perspective from someone I’d really recommend that anyone
but isn’t interested in discussing and studying straight English, for example. It’s comes and spends some time in Oxford
learning. a unique kind of literary criticism. to get a feel for the place. The pay-off
I had applied for Latin, but after I If you think idiosyncratically and are for all this hard work is getting to play
compared Aristophanes to Blackadder in interested in everything, then this is about with some fantastic traditions, but
the interview they persuaded me that I definitely the course to do. you don’t have to buy into them or take
really wanted to study Greek. They were As a state school student from a small them seriously if you don’t want to. I like
definitely right! Now I’m studying village who’d never studied Classics being part of traditions, but I don’t let
literature that I love, in the original before, I feel it’s important that I do a lot them define me. My tutor always says
language. of Access work. I’ve also been involved in ‘Oxford doesn’t make you – you make
I was able to learn Ancient Greek from my Junior Common Room Committee, Oxford what it is’.
scratch here. It didn’t come naturally to the college choir (non-auditioning, thank
me, but with an hour-long class every God!), the college netball team, OUSU

CLASSICS AND MODERN LANGUAGES
Classics and
Modern Languages Entrance requirements What is Classics and Modern Languages?
Classics and either Celtic, Czech (with A-levels: AAA Classics and Modern Languages enables you to
Slovak), French, German, Modern Greek, Advanced Highers: AA/AAB combine study of either one or both of Latin and
Italian, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish IB: 38–40 including core points Ancient Greek with a modern language. The course
or any other equivalent involves extensive study of major literary texts,
Brief course outline Classics I courses are for candidates with Latin or alongside training in linguistic skills.
Duration of course: Greek to A-level, Advanced Higher, Higher Level in Classics and Modern Languages at Oxford
Course I (Option 1) – 4 years the IB or another academic equivalent. Oxford has the largest Classics department in the
Course I (Option 2) and Classics II courses are for candidates without an A-level or other in either world, with unparalleled teaching, library and museum
Course II (Options 1 and 2) – 5 years Latin or Greek. As it is not usually possible for students to study two
resources and a range of extracurricular activities,
languages from scratch, Classics II candidates would usually be expected to
Degree awarded: BA including performances of Greek plays and various
have studied the Modern Language before, or to speak it at home or school,
Averages over the past three years as detailed below: societies. The Modern Languages Faculty is one of
Intake: 10 For Celtic, Czech or Modern Greek the largest in the country, with a major research
Applications shortlisted for interview: 94.6% Candidates are not required to have any experience library (the Taylorian) and a modern, well-equipped
Successful applications: 33.3% of studying these languages and may study any one Language Centre fitted with satellite and computer-
Course combinations available: of them from scratch. assisted language learning facilities. Undergraduates
UCAS code Classics I Classics II For French, German, Russian or Spanish also develop oral proficiency in the modern language
Celtic QQ85 not available Candidates would usually be expected to have the by regular contact with native speakers.
language to A-level, Advanced Higher, Higher Level in Are there any international opportunities?
Czech QR87 QR8R the IB or another academic equivalent. Yes, students take a year abroad in a foreign
French QR81 QR8C For Italian country before their final year. Most undergraduates
German QR82 QR8F Candidates may apply without any formal spend their year abroad as a paid language assistant
qualifications in Italian, though successful candidates in an overseas school. Colleges assist in arranging
M. Greek QQ87 QQ8R
would be expected to work on their Italian before these placements, and colleges or the Modern
Italian QR83 QR8H beginning the course here at Oxford. Beginners Languages Faculty may also provide financial support.
Portuguese QR85 QR8M would not be expected to reach A-level standard by College support may also be available to help
Russian QRV7 QRW7 the time they start the course but should aim to undergraduates with academically-related travel to
acquire sufficient grammar and vocabulary to be able Italy or Greece.
Spanish QR84 QR8K
to read contemporary Italian literary texts. A typical weekly timetable
For Portuguese Your time is divided between lectures, language
Open days Most candidates apply as complete beginners. classes, tutorials and private study. Most of your
See Classics (p. 46) Non-beginners may apply without any formal work will be in preparation of essays for your
See Modern Languages (p. 109) qualifications in Portuguese. All successful candidates tutorials, although the systematic reading of literary
Contact details would be expected to work on their Portuguese texts, not necessarily aimed at any particular tutorial,
Classics before beginning the course here at Oxford, in order also requires a considerable input of time and effort.
Ioannou Centre for Classical and Byzantine to acquire a basic knowledge of Portuguese grammar Written work
Studies, 66 St Giles’, Oxford OX1 3LU and vocabulary. You will be required to submit some school or
+44 (0) 1865 288391 college work relevant to the course you are applying
enquiries@classics.ox.ac.uk for by 10 November 2010. For Classics, candidates
www.classics.ox.ac.uk should normally submit two essays or commentaries.
Modern Languages They should preferably not be short, timed essays or
Faculty of Medieval and Modern exercises answering questions on a short passage of
Languages, 41 Wellington Square, text. For Modern Languages, refer to the course
Oxford OX1 2JF page at: www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/courses.
+44 (0) 1865 270750
reception@mod-langs.ox.ac.uk
www.mod-langs.ox.ac.uk

CLASSICS AND MODERN LANGUAGES
Written tests Careers
Candidates applying for Classics and Modern Languages are Graduates in Classics and Modern Languages go on to careers
required to take tests for both Classics and Modern Languages including the media, teaching, acting, management, advertising
during the Oxford interview period in December. See the and librarianship. Knowledge of a modern language opens up
Classics and Modern Languages pages for further details. opportunities for internationally-focused careers or careers with
What are tutors looking for? international companies or organisations. The Languages Work
For information about the selection criteria please see: website has further information about careers using languages
www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/selectioncriteria. www.languageswork.org.uk.
Related courses Recent Classics and Modern Languages graduates include an
Students interested in this course might also like to consider investment manager, a trainee solicitor, and a linguist.
other Classics courses or other language courses.
Option 1 Option 2 Options 1 and 2

(plus intercalated year abroad)
1st year (Course I) or 1st and 2nd 1st and 2nd year (terms 1–5) Terms 4–9 (Option 1 Course I),
year (Course II) 6–12 (Option 2), or 7–12
(Option 1 Course II)
Course II students spend a preliminary Courses Courses

year studying Latin or Greek, then As for Classics Moderations (see entry ◼◼ Modern Language (four–five papers),
follow Course I for Classics for the first five terms). including: language exercises
Course I Course II students follow Classics (two papers plus oral examination);
◼◼ Literature (in your modern language) Moderations Course II a period of literature; and options
(two papers) In addition, undergraduates normally (prescribed authors and texts from
◼◼ Literature in the ancient language maintain contact with their modern 12th to 20th century, or history and
or languages (two papers) language through language classes structure of the modern language)
◼◼ Translation from the ancient ◼◼ Classics (three–four papers): a core
language(s) into English (one paper) paper in Latin or in Greek literature;
◼◼ Language exercises (including two or three Classics options
translation) for the modern language ◼◼ Possibility of a paper or a long essay
(two papers) exploring the links between the
ancient and modern literatures

First University examinations in Modern First University examinations in Classics Final University examinations
Languages Ten papers Nine papers in total (eight compulsory,
Seven papers one optional) plus oral exam in the
modern language. A thesis may be
offered in place of one of the
compulsory papers in Classics, and one
possibility for the optional paper is an
extended essay on any subject that falls
within the scope of the School

Classics and
Oriental Studies
CLASSICS AND ORIENTAL STUDIES
What is Classics and Oriental Studies? What are tutors looking for?
UCAS Course Codes: This course allows you to combine the study of an Tutors are keen to find out about your linguistic
Classics with Oriental Studies Q8T9 Oriental language and culture with Latin and/or Greek ability and your commitment to a wide-ranging
Oriental Studies with Classics T9Q8 and the study of the ancient world. There are two course. Ability to sustain an argument is also
Brief course outline options, Classics with Oriental Studies and Oriental important. Applicants will normally be interviewed by
Duration of course: Usually 4 years; 3 for Studies with Classics. In each case the subject representatives of the Faculty of Oriental Studies and
those taking Oriental Studies as their main mentioned first is the main subject (approximately by Classics tutors.
subject but not having a year abroad. two thirds of the degree) and the second subject is For further information about the selection criteria
Degree awarded an additional subject (approximately one third of the see: www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/selectioncriteria.
BA in Classics and Oriental Studies degree). Related courses
(Classics with Oriental Studies) or Classics and Oriental Studies at Oxford Students interested in this course might also like to
BA in Classics and Oriental Studies Oxford is uniquely placed for the combined study consider other Classics courses or other Oriental
(Oriental Studies with Classics) of Classics and Oriental Studies, not least in the Studies courses.
Entrance requirements numerous and varied teaching staff in each faculty. Careers
A-levels: AAA The Ashmolean Museum houses collections of Students following this course will develop very
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB ancient artefacts, including coins, vases and good linguistic and analytical abilities, combined with
IB: 38–40 including core points manuscripts. The Sackler Library brings together a breadth of knowledge of and approaches to the
or any other equivalent books on the classical world and ancient Egypt and cultures they study, and will thus be very attractive
It is highly recommended for candidates to have Latin and/or the near east, with a particular emphasis on history to employers from a wide variety of sectors.
Greek to A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher Level in the IB and art. Knowledge of a modern language opens up
or any other equivalent. However, candidates with no
Written work opportunities for internationally-focused careers or
experience of studying these languages can still apply –
please refer to the course details for information. Candidates are expected to submit two pieces of careers with international companies or organisations.
Open days written work by 10 November 2010. For those The Languages Work website has further information
See Classics (p. 46) taking one or more classical subjects already, at least about careers using languages.
See Oriental Studies (p.116) one of these should be on a classical topic. For www.languageswork.org.uk
Both open days cover Classics and Oriental Studies. further details, see the pages for Classics and for Tikva, who graduated in 2007, is now a teacher.
Contact details Oriental Studies. She says: ‘After graduating, I initially worked as a
Classics Written tests Classics teacher at Clifton College, Bristol, before
Ioannou Centre for Classical and Byzantine All candidates will take a test for Classics during the taking up my current position at Beth Jacob Grammar
Studies, 66 St Giles’, Oxford OX1 3LU Oxford interview period in December. See the School as an English Teacher. I also work as a Classics
+44 (0) 1865 288391 Classics page for further details. tutor during the evenings and at weekends.’
enquiries@classics.ox.ac.uk Candidates taking Oriental Studies with Classics will
www.classics.ox.ac.uk be required to sit a Language Aptitude Test during
Oriental Studies the Oxford interview period in December if they
The Oriental Institute, Pusey Lane, intend to study Arabic, Hebrew, Persian or Turkish as
Oxford OX1 2LE their main language in the first year.
+44 (0) 1865 288203 For further details please see the course pages at
admissions@orinst.ox.ac.uk www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/courses.
www.orinst.ox.ac.uk

CLASSICS AND ORIENTAL STUDIES
Classics with Oriental Studies
1st year, 2nd year (terms 1 and 2) 2nd year (term 3), 3rd and 4th years
Follow the course for Classics Carry on with Classics options and choose Oriental
(refer to Classics page) language: Akkadian, Arabic, Aramaic and Syriac,
Armenian, Coptic, Egyptian, Hebrew, Old Iranian,
Pali, Persian, Sanskrit or Turkish
First University examinations (moderations) in Final University examinations
Classics (refer to Classics page) Eight written papers (five in Classics, three in
Oriental Studies); one paper may be substituted by
a thesis
Oriental Studies with Classics
1st year 2nd to 3rd or 4th year
Select main language: Akkadian, Arabic, Egyptian, Carry on with Oriental Studies options and choose
Hebrew, Persian, Sanskrit or Turkish classical language: Greek or Latin
First University examinations in Oriental Studies Final University examinations
(refer to Oriental Studies page) Eight to ten written papers (five to seven in
Oriental Studies, three in Classics)
Clare After those first exams, I chose five Classics papers

3rd year from a vast range of options, alongside my three
I’m a third year studying Classics and Arabic, and Arabic papers. I’m focusing on Greek history and Latin
absolutely love both my college and my course. I literature, though I’m considering a Byzantine paper
came from a girls’ school with a small sixth form, so I as well. The Arabic classes are two hours long, three
wanted to be somewhere a lot bigger. The size of my times a week. This was a bit of a shock to start with
college means that you don’t know everyone there, but it is really satisfying to come away knowing so
but it makes for a great relaxed and open atmosphere, much more after each class. Arabic grammar is
and there’s always the chance to meet new people. fiendish, but I haven’t come across anything as bad as
Classics is fantastic if you’re not quite sure what Greek -mi verbs yet! It’s really exciting to learn
you like: you can do literature, philosophy, history, and something so completely new – and the Oriental
some fairly hardcore linguistics along the way. I did a Institute has a great tearoom!
linguistics paper and a modern philosophy paper for When I’m not rushing between departments, or
my second year exams, as well as studying the Iliad trying to remember which direction to write in, I’m
and the Aeneid. usually singing in the college’s chapel choir, working
as the college’s Environment and Ethics officer, or
relaxing at the University Poetry Society.

Computer Science
UCAS Course Code: G400 What is Computer Science? specification and behaviour of programs and
Brief course outline Computer Science is about understanding computer computer systems. You will also gain practical
Duration of course: 3/4 years systems and networks at a deep level. Digital problem-solving and program design skills; the
Degree awarded: BA/MCompSci computers and the programs they run are among the majority of subjects within the course are linked with
Averages over the past three years most complex products ever created by humans; practical work in our well-equipped laboratory.
COMPUTER SCIENCE
Intake: 21 designing and using them effectively presents A typical weekly timetable
Applications shortlisted for interview: 68.7% immense challenges. Facing these challenges is the During the first part of the course, your work is
Successful applications: 19.6% aim of Computer Science as a practical discipline, and divided between lectures (about ten a week),
Entrance requirements this leads to some fundamental questions: tutorials (about two a week), and practical classes
A-levels: AAA ◼◼ How can we capture in a precise way what we (about two sessions a week).
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB want a computer system to do? In tutorials you have the opportunity to discuss
IB: 39 points, including core points ◼◼ Should we trust computers? Can we always ideas in depth with an experienced Computer
or any other equivalent predict what they will do? Scientist, usually with just one or two other students.
Candidates are expected to have Mathematics to A-level (A ◼◼ How can computers help us to model and You will be expected to spend a considerable amount
grade), Advanced Higher (A grade), or Higher Level in the IB
investigate complex systems like the Earth’s of time developing your own understanding of the
(score 7) or another equivalent. Further Mathematics or a
Science would also be highly recommended. climate, the financial system, or our own bodies? topics covered in lectures, answering questions
Open days ◼◼ How can different computer systems designed to check your understanding, and preparing
8 May*, 30 June, 1 July, and communicate and co-operate effectively and for your tutorials. As the course progresses, you will
17 September 2010 reliably? also begin to work in small classes (up to ten people)
*Places must be booked for this date by contacting ◼◼ Can computers learn to speak English, or Chinese? on more specialised topics. You will spend about a
Dr S Holdom at the address below. ◼◼ Can computers do everything that human third of your time in your third and fourth years
Contact details intelligence can do? working on an individual project on your own choice
Oxford University Computing Laboratory, ◼◼ What are the limits to computing power? Will of topic.
Wolfson Building, Parks Road, Oxford quantum computers overcome those limits? Written work
OX1 3QD The theories that are now emerging to answer You do not need to submit any written work when
+44 (0) 1865 273863 these kinds of questions can be immediately applied you apply for this course.
undergraduate.admissions@comlab.ox.ac.uk to design new forms of computers, programs, Written test
www.comlab.ox.ac.uk networks and systems that will transform science, All candidates must sit an Aptitude Test in
business, culture and all other aspects of life in the Mathematics on 3 November 2010, usually in their
21st century. own school or college. See the Mathematics page for
The course further details.
Computer Science can be studied for three years, For more information on how to apply, including a
leading to the award of a BA degree, or for four sample interview, please see http://web.comlab.ox.
years, leading to the award of Master of Computer ac.uk/admissions/ugrad/How_to_apply.
Science. The fourth year of the Master of Computer What are tutors looking for?
Science degree provides the opportunity to study The most important qualities we are looking for are
advanced topics and undertake a more in-depth strong mathematical ability, the ability to think and
research project. You do not need to decide between work independently, the capacity to absorb and use
these options when you apply; you can choose at the new ideas, and a great deal of enthusiasm. We use
beginning of your third year whether to stay for these criteria and the result of the Aptitude Test to
either one more year or two. decide who to shortlist for interview.
Computer Science at Oxford
The course at Oxford concentrates on creating links
between theory and practice. It covers a wide variety
of software and hardware technologies and their
applications. It is designed to equip students with the
fundamental understanding and practical skills
needed by the future leaders of computing and
related professions. Throughout the degree, you will
develop a sound understanding of mathematical
ideas, both for applications such as scientific
computing, and for reasoning rigorously about the

At the interview we will explore how you tackle unfamiliar Careers
problems and respond to new ideas; we are more interested in Common roles for Computer Science graduates include
how you approach problem-solving than whether you can get computer programmer, software publisher, manufacturer of
straight to a solution. electronic components, financial and investment manager, and
We do not require any previous formal qualification in customer service manager.
COMPUTER SCIENCE
computing, but we do expect you to demonstrate a real interest Recent Computer Science graduates include an IT project
in the subject. manager, a software developer, and a technical trainer. Maria,
Related courses who graduated in 2007, is now an IT consultant at CHP
Students interested in this course might also like to consider Consulting. She says: ‘This has been my first job since
Mathematics and Computer Science. graduating. It has allowed me to use the technical skills gained in
my degree in a client-facing environment.’
Courses Courses Courses Courses

Core courses: Core courses (37.5%): Options (67%) including: Options (67%) such as:
◼◼ Functional programming ◼◼ Object-oriented ◼◼ Computer security ◼◼ Computer animation
◼◼ Design and analysis of programming ◼◼ Machine learning ◼◼ Information retrieval
algorithms ◼◼ Concurrency ◼◼ Databases ◼◼ Game semantics
◼◼ Imperative programming ◼◼ Models of computation ◼◼ Logic of multi-agent ◼◼ Computational linguistics
◼◼ Digital hardware Options (62.5%) including: information flow ◼◼ Program analysis
◼◼ Calculus and linear algebra ◼◼ Computer architecture ◼◼ Intelligent systems ◼◼ Theory of data and
◼◼ Discrete mathematics, ◼◼ Computer graphics ◼◼ Integer programming knowledge bases
logic and proof ◼◼ Compilers and ◼◼ Computational complexity ◼◼ Computer-aided formal
◼◼ Probability programming languages Further 2nd-year options verification
◼◼ Concurrent programming Project work (33%) ◼◼ Automata, logic and games
◼◼ Advanced data structures ◼◼ Software verification
and algorithms ◼◼ Database systems
◼◼ Formal program design implementation
◼◼ Networks and operating ◼◼ Randomised algorithms
systems ◼◼ Probabilistic model
◼◼ Numerical analysis checking
Project work (33%)

Five written papers, plus Four written papers, plus Three written papers, plus Four written papers, plus
practicals practicals practicals and project practicals and project
Lists of options offered in the second, third and fourth years are illustrative only, and may change from time to time.
Dinara Science in London. The transition from The social life at Oxford is as vibrant
1st year that course to Oxford was not very and eventful as the academic one.
I decided to apply to Oxford because difficult. In fact, I expected lectures to be Playing football for my college team has
students here study Computer Science harder than they were. I found that the been a good way to keep fit and meet
from a theoretical and practical point of lecturers here do not assume any new people. I have also signed up for
view and I thought this was the most knowledge of programming, which several scientific clubs and societies. I
suitable approach for me. ensures that everyone is ‘on the same would definitely recommend applying to
I went to secondary school in page’. Tutorials have proved particularly Oxford, because studying here gives you
Kazakhstan, where I studied Computer useful as they focus mainly on the so many opportunities to fully realise
Science for a year, but didn’t take problem sheets and topics that have your potential, get acquainted with many
A-levels. After I left school I went on to been explained in lectures, as well as people who love what they do, and to
take a University Preparatory Degree for other related matters, helping us to think develop personal skills that will be
about the broader picture. invaluable in the wider world.
Earth Sciences
(Geology) What are the Earth Sciences? A typical weekly timetable
UCAS Course Codes: The Earth Sciences are changing rapidly in scope and During years 1–3, your work is divided between
EARTH SCIENCES (GEOLOGY)
Earth Sciences F644 nature. The course at Oxford reflects these changes, lectures (about 10 a week), tutorials (one or two a
Geology F642 and aims to provide earth scientists with a sound and week), and practical classes, occupying about a third
Brief course outline broadly based scientific training. Earth Sciences of your week. In year 4 you have the opportunity for
Duration of course: courses at Oxford train students in the unique skills independent work on special topics or in a research
MEarthSc: 4 years, BA Geology: 3 years required for the interpretation of rock materials and laboratory.
Degrees awarded: MEarthSc (Earth geological phenomena as well as applying theory Fieldwork/international opportunities
Sciences) or BA (Geology) and techniques from physics, chemistry, materials The Earth Sciences course includes a number of
Averages over the past three years science and biology to the study of the Earth and excursions, both in Britain and abroad (see table
Intake: 32 the environment. detailing the content of the course). These are
Applications shortlisted for interview: 97.6% Earth Sciences at Oxford designed to link closely to material covered in
Successful applications: 46.2% The Earth Sciences Department at Oxford has an lectures, and to convey the practice of geology,
Entrance requirements international research reputation, and houses state- geophysics, geochemistry, and palaeontology in the
A-levels: AAA/AABB of-the-art laboratories and computing facilities field environment. This work culminates in an
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB within a newly-completed building (opening in independent project to study and map an area
IB: 38–40 including core points October 2010). The department is a lively place, an chosen by the student (with advice from lecturers)
or any other equivalent active laboratory in fact, where students, teachers and in a field trip to the volcanic island of Santorini
Candidates are required to have Mathematics either to and visitors, many from overseas, mix and work and actively deforming regions of mainland Greece.
A-level, or to Advanced Higher or Higher Level in the IB, or together. Offices and teaching labs are close together Application information
an equivalent qualification. Chemistry and/or Physics are
but with plenty of shared open space, so you will Both the BA in Geology and MEarthSc in Earth
highly recommended. Biology, Geology or Further
Mathematics can also be helpful to candidates in completing very quickly get a sense of being part of a vibrant Sciences are exactly the same for the first three
this course, although they are not required for admission. community where everyone knows each other. This years. Students can then choose to continue with the
Open days makes for a very good atmosphere in which a four-year Earth Sciences course or leave with a BA in
30 June, 1 July, and 17 September 2010 student can not only learn the basics of the subject, Geology. The MEarthSc is not open to anyone who
Contact details but also get some feel for the discoveries emerging has not completed the first three years of the course.
Academic Administration Assistant, from current research. If students are unsure which course they would
Department of Earth Sciences, As an undergraduate you can find yourself on a rather follow, then we would advise them to apply
Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PR field trip being taught how to make geological maps for the four-year course, as it is easier then to
+44 (0) 1865 272040 by a structural geologist whose other field area is change to the three-year course later, rather than
enquiries@earth.ox.ac.uk high up in the Himalayas; in a lecture course on ocean the other way around.
www.earth.ox.ac.uk circulation given by an oceanographer whose field Written work and written tests
area is the Arctic; in a lecture course on climate You do not need to take a written test or submit
change given by a geochemist who analyses the any written work when you apply for this course.
isotopes of uranium and strontium in stalagmites to What are tutors looking for?
measure the annual fluctuations of the climates of For information about the selection criteria please
the recent past; in a seminar given by an American see: www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/selectioncriteria.
visiting professor on the imaging of Earth’s interior An interview is not an examination. Tutors will be
with seismic waves; having tutorials with a looking for highly motivated individuals with the
volcanologist whose research involves measuring potential intellectual skills necessary to do well on the
emissions from active volcanoes; or in a practical current course (e.g. problem-solving ability). As part
class supervised by a palaeobiologist whose research of the interview process, candidates may be asked to
is seeking to understand the explosion in comment on specimens of a geological nature, or to
morphological diversity in fishes since the last major carry out simple calculations, but always with due
mass extinction event, at the end of the Cretaceous recognition of their previous knowledge of, and
period. experience in, the subject being discussed.
Earth Sciences is part of the Mathematical, Physical Related courses
and Life Sciences Division, which also contains Students interested in this course might also like to
Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Materials, consider Geography, Human Sciences, Materials
Mathematics, Physics and Statistics. In the first year, Science or Physics.
it may, in principle, be possible to change to another
degree course, subject to the availability of space on
the course and to the consent of the college.

Careers problem-solving skills they have developed are highly sought
Typical destinations for Earth Sciences graduates include the after. Around 40% continue to study, developing their interests
EARTH SCIENCES (GEOLOGY)

energy industry, the environmental sector, and engineering/ through a PhD or further Masters course.
technical consultancies. Some enter professions unrelated to Recent Earth Sciences graduates include a data analyst for a
their subject, such as finance, in which the analytical and media organisation, a tax accountant, and a hydrogeologist.

Students take all Students take all Students choose options (six / ten) + Greek fieldtrip: Students choose four options,
courses in five parallel courses in five parallel ◼◼ Economic Geology / Environmental Geochemistry generally two in each term (four /
streams: streams: ◼◼ Sedimentary Basins eight–ten):
◼◼ Planet Earth ◼◼ Deposition and ◼◼ The Oceans ◼◼ Anatomy of a Mountain Belt
◼◼ Fundamentals of Subsurface ◼◼ Palaeoclimate / World Regional Geology ◼◼ Planetary Chemistry
Geology I Exploration ◼◼ Seismology and Earth Structure / Continental ◼◼ Seismology
◼◼ Fundamentals of ◼◼ Earth Deformation Deformation ◼◼ Records of major environmental
Geology II and Materials ◼◼ Volcanoes and Environment / High T & P Earth change in Earth’s history
◼◼ Physics, Chemistry ◼◼ Palaeobiology and Materials ◼◼ Palaeobiology
and Biology for Earth Palaeoenvironments ◼◼ Evolution and Genetics / Ecosystems ◼◼ Environmental, rock and palaeo-
Sciences ◼◼ Geochemistry ◼◼ Earth Materials, Rock Deformation & Petrogenesis magnetism
◼◼ Mathematics for ◼◼ Geodynamics and ◼◼ Mathematical Methods Geodynamics ◼◼ Patterns and process in Pleistocene
Materials and Earth Tectonics ◼◼ Introduction to the Greek fieldtrip [not optional] climate
Sciences Field Courses Field Courses ◼◼ Topics in volcanology
Field Courses Dorset Field Course Greek Field Course (Integrated Geoscience, Field Courses
Pembroke Field Course Assynt Field Course examined) Optional field courses
(pre-session) (Mapping) Independent work e.g. Oceanography
Arran Field Course Field Mapping Project e.g. Study trip to Oman
(Introduction) Extended Essay Independent work
Local field courses Research project over
2.5 terms

First University Part A1 Examinations Part A2 Examinations (3rd year, Theory, Practical for Part B Examination (Theory)
Examinations (2nd year, Theory and Field Course) MEarthSc Hons (Earth Sciences)
(Theory and Practical) Practical) BA Hons (Geology)
Daniel department which is really convenient. There is a Kathryn

4th year very good library in the department but I choose 3rd year
Earth Sciences encourages you to look at why to work in the Radcliffe Science Library because Field trips are a major part of studying Earth
things are happening that you might otherwise I’m less likely to get distracted by friends in the Sciences, and are really useful for getting to
see but not consider. It’s a very broad discipline department. (This, I guess, is the only downside know everyone else on your course. For
covering areas such as atmospherics, of being on a course where everyone knows example, on one trip we all spent ten days
oceanography, deep Earth physics, fossils and each other!) together battling the rain in north-west
evolution. Chemistry, maths and physics are One thing that studying Earth Sciences has Scotland. As part of this, we spent two days
combined to look at the Earth in a way that taught me is that it’s good to travel. You get to with Cape Adventure, learning basic survival skills
people wouldn’t otherwise. If you like Physical hear about placements and holiday jobs relating like mountain safety, camping, and first-aid. The
Geography, you should consider this course. If to Earth Sciences through the department. I field trips are really heavily subsidised, and
you enjoy the three main sciences and maths spent two months of my summer this year in colleges offer equipment grants, so that
then this could be the course for you. Mexico working on a volcano. This included a everyone can afford to go on them. The most
The Oxford University Museum of Natural flight around it in a light aircraft. Climbing exciting thing I’ve done on a field trip was
History is such a fantastic museum. We go there volcanoes is really good fun! creating seismic waves using small explosive
to look at the specimens that aren’t available in Out of all of my friends at college, I think I devices.
the department. The Radcliffe Science Library have the most fun on my course.
(and the Museum) are both just adjacent to the

Economics and
Management
ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT
What is Economics and Management? Written work

UCAS Course Code: LN12 Economics is the study of how consumers, firms You do not need to submit any written work when
Brief course outline and governments make decisions that together you apply for this course.
Duration of course: 3 years determine how resources are allocated. An Written tests
Degree awarded: BA appreciation of economics and the general workings All candidates must take the Thinking Skills
Average intake: 87 of the economy has become increasingly necessary Assessment, normally at their own schools or
Economics and Management expects to to make sense of government policy-making, the colleges, on 3 November 2010. Separate registration
invite approximately 30% of applicants for conduct of businesses and the enormous changes in for this test is required and prospective applicants
interview. economic systems which are occurring throughout should refer to www.tsaoxford.org.uk for further
Successful applications over the last three the world. information and a specimen paper.
years: 8.9% Management is concerned with the effective use What are tutors looking for?
Entrance requirements and coordination of materials and labour within Economics and Management tutors are looking for
A-levels: AAA organisations in the pursuit of the organisation’s candidates with: an interest in and a motivation for
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB defined objectives. It considers the interrelationship studying the organisation of businesses and the
IB: 38–40 including core points and interactions between distinct parts of an economy; independence and flexibility of mind; an
or any other equivalent organisation, and between the organisation and its ability to analyse and solve problems logically and
It is highly recommended for candidates to have Mathematics environment. Management students look at theories, critically; a capacity to construct and critically assess
to A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher Level in the IB, or models and frameworks in order to understand how arguments; and a willingness and ability to express
another equivalent.
managers behave and consider their role in the ideas clearly and effectively both on paper and orally.
Open days process of decision-making. Throughout the admissions process, tutors are
30 June, 1 July, and 17 September 2010 Economics and Management at Oxford trying to detect the candidate’s potential as an
Contact details The top-ranking Economics and Management Economics and Management student. Final decisions
Economics undergraduate degree programme examines issues about offers of places will use the full range of
Department of Economics, Manor Road, central to the world we live in: namely how the evidence available, including past and predicted exam
Oxford OX1 3UQ economy and organisations function, exploring how results, the school report, the personal statement,
+44 (0) 1865 271098 resources are allocated and coordinated to achieve the Thinking Skills Assessment and the interviews.
econundergrad@economics.ox.ac.uk the objectives that are set. Economics and Entry is competitive, which means that not all
www.economics.ox.ac.uk Management are ideal intellectual partners, each candidates who satisfy the admissions criteria will
Management particularly fitted to strengthen and cross-fertilise receive offers.
Undergraduate Course Office, the other. Economics provides the broader We do not interview everyone who applies, only
Sa d Business School, Park End Street, understanding of economic activity within which all those who have a realistic chance of getting in.
Oxford OX1 1HP organisations function; management in turn analyses Candidates from overseas may be considered
+44 (0) 1865 288800 the character and goals of that functioning. without interview.
www.sbs.ox.ac.uk The lectures and seminars are provided by the The interview is aimed primarily at assessing the
Department of Economics and the University’s Sa d candidate’s potential for future development.
Business School. Interviewers will be looking for evidence of genuine
A typical weekly timetable interests and enthusiasms, and the motivation to
A typical week will involve attending six lectures work hard at them: candidates are expected to give
and two tutorials. Prior to and after attending a reasons for their expressed interests in the course.
lecture, students are required to undertake study to The interview is not primarily a test of existing
reinforce their understanding of the material knowledge, and in particular, is not a test of
introduced in the lecture. The tutorials involve economics or management, unless these subjects
discussing an essay with a tutor. Preparation for a have been studied before.
tutorial will typically take up to two and a half days Related courses
and will require extensive reading around the subject Students interested in this course might also like to
as well as the time to write the essay. consider History and Economics, or Philosophy,
Politics and Economics (PPE).

ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT
Careers
Graduates in Economics and Management are amongst the most sought-after in the University. These
employers of Economics and Management graduates include both leading international organisations in
‘traditional activities’, as well as new start-up companies in a variety of high-tech fields. Recent graduates
have secured positions in banking and finance, consultancy, research and teaching, and include a senior
associate consultant and an economist for a national bank.
Paolo, who graduated in 2008, is now an associate consultant for OC&C Strategy Consultants. He says: ‘I
travelled for a bit after graduating before taking up a position as a business analyst in a small financial IT firm.
My degree came in very useful in this role from simply highlighting common business language to giving me
the skills needed to perform calculations and analysis. I started my role as an associate consultant in
September and have become a fully integrated member of the team. My course has helped me succeed by
teaching me how to deal with time pressures and how to research a wide variety of topics. In addition to this,
the tutorial system has given me confidence in team meetings and the ability to think on my feet.’
Courses Courses
Three courses are taken: Compulsory core courses:
◼◼ Introductory economics ◼◼ Microeconomics
◼◼ Introduction to management ◼◼ Macroeconomics
◼◼ Financial management ◼◼ Quantitative economics
Optional courses, of which at least two must be in Management. Choose from more
than 20 options papers including:
◼◼ Strategic management
◼◼ Finance
◼◼ Organisational behaviour
◼◼ Marketing
◼◼ Economics of industry
◼◼ International economics
◼◼ Development economics
Three written papers The core Economics papers and six optional papers (including at least two from
Management) are examined by written examinations
It is possible to replace one optional paper by a thesis in either Economics or
Management
Will The nature and quantity of university work is very different

2nd year from that at school, with a far greater focus on independent
Economics and Management is the perfect course for me, as study alongside tutorials, classes and lectures. However, I find it
I enjoy the variety and the two subjects complement each to be a stimulating and fulfilling way to learn.
other brilliantly. The collegiate system is an excellent way to make friends and
A great advantage of the course is its flexibility, as you get a settle into university life. Also Oxford has societies and clubs to
wide range of options to choose from in the second and third cater for all interests. I am a keen sportsman, and I sprint for
years, and you can focus on either economics or management. the University Athletics Team. I have found University sport is
I prefer maths and problem-based assignments to essays, so an effective and enjoyable way to meet people with shared
have largely chosen economics options. interests.
As an Economics and Management undergraduate, I have Graduates from this course are highly employable in a variety
access to the Business School, one of the most modern of sectors, and are particularly valued by firms in the City. I
faculties in Oxford. It has an extremely useful and accessible have already been approached by a number of investment
library – as well as a great canteen! banks and management consultancies for internship
opportunities and recruitment events.
Engineering Science
UCAS Course Codes: What is Engineering Science? Accreditation and sponsorship
Engineering Science H100 Engineering Science encompasses a vast range of The course is accredited by the major engineering
Biomedical Engineering H811 subjects, from microelectronics to offshore oil institutions in respect of the initial requirements for
Chemical Engineering H800 platforms, and involves the application of creative the designation of chartered engineer.
Civil Engineering H200 reasoning, science, mathematics (and of course Industrial experience is an extremely important
ENGINEERING SCIENCE
Electrical Engineering H620 experience and common sense) to real problems. adjunct to an academic engineering education, and
Information Engineering H630 Engineering Science at Oxford undergraduates are strongly encouraged to obtain it.
Mechanical Engineering H300 The Department of Engineering Science at Oxford One way to do so is by being sponsored. Further
Brief course outline has a top-level quality assessment rating for information is generally available through your
Duration of course: 4 years teaching, and a world-class reputation for research. careers teacher, or from the engineering institutions.
Degree awarded: MEng Because we believe that future engineering If your sponsoring company wants you to spend a
Averages over the past three years innovation will benefit from broad foundations as well year with them before university, you will be asked
Intake: 145 as specialised knowledge, teaching is based on a to declare this at your interview and in your UCAS
Applications shortlisted for interview: 79.2% unified course in Engineering Science, which application.
Successful applications: 27.3% integrates study of the subject across the traditional A typical weekly timetable
Entrance requirements boundaries of engineering disciplines. Links between As a guide, you will have up to about ten lectures,
A-levels: AAA topics in apparently diverse fields of engineering two college tutorials or classes, and up to five hours
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB provide well-structured fundamental understanding, of practical work each week of term for the first
IB: 38–40 including core points and can be exploited to give efficient teaching. three years.
Candidates are expected to have Physics and Mathematics The Oxford Engineering courses are four-year Written work and written tests
to A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher Level in the IB or any
courses, leading to the degree of Master of You do not need to take a written test or submit
other equivalent. Inclusion of Mathematics Mechanics
modules is highly recommended. Further Mathematics can be Engineering. The first-year course is common to any written work when you apply for this course.
helpful to students in completing this course, although it is Engineering Science and its joint course Engineering, What are tutors looking for?
not required for admission. Details of the requirements for Economics and Management (p. 62). The first two Enthusiasm for engineering combined with an
other qualifications, including the Advanced Diploma in
years of Engineering Science are devoted to topics ability in maths and physics is essential for those
Engineering, can be found at www.eng.ox.ac.uk.
which we believe all Engineering undergraduates wishing to study any Engineering course. These
Open days
should study. In the third and fourth years there is qualities will be tested at the interview and combined
30 June, 1 July, and 17 September 2010
scope for specialisation into one of six branches of with an assessment of your predicted and attained
Contact details
engineering: Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Information, examination performance, especially in maths and
Deputy Administrator (Academic),
Chemical and Biomedical. Decisions about which of physics, to decide who will be offered places.
Department of Engineering Science,
these will be your specialisation can be deferred until Related courses
Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PJ
the third year. In the fourth year there may be Students interested in this course might also like to
+44 (0) 1865 273012
opportunities to study abroad. consider Engineering, Economics and Management,
deputy.administrator@eng.ox.ac.uk
Engineering Science is part of the Mathematical, Materials Science, Physics, or Earth Sciences
www.eng.ox.ac.uk
Physical and Life Sciences Division, which also (Geology).
contains Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Careers
Sciences, Materials, Mathematics, Plant Sciences, The analytical skills, numeracy and practicality
Physics, Statistics and Zoology. developed by Engineering Science graduates are
sought after in both industry and commerce. Many
continue into a career as a professional engineer
while others enter business areas such as
management consultancy or finance. Around 30% go
on to further study following their degree.
Mark graduated in 2007 and is now a vehicle
dynamics engineer for McLaren Racing. He says:
‘After graduating, I went sailing for the summer,
spent a season skiing and then got back and got this
job at McLaren Racing. I found it advertised on the
University’s Careers Service website.’
www.careers.ox.ac.uk


◼◼ Mathematics ◼◼ Mathematics ◼◼ Five optional Engineering A major project, plus six
ENGINEERING SCIENCE
◼◼ Electrical and information ◼◼ Electrical and information courses specialist courses chosen
engineering engineering ◼◼ Engineering in society from within the areas of:
◼◼ Structures and mechanics ◼◼ Structures, materials and ◼◼ Engineering computation ◼◼ Mechanical engineering
◼◼ Energy and the dynamics ◼◼ Engineering practical work ◼◼ Civil engineering
environment ◼◼ Energy systems ◼◼ Group design project ◼◼ Electrical engineering
◼◼ Engineering practical work ◼◼ Engineering practical work ◼◼ Information engineering
◼◼ Chemical engineering
◼◼ Production engineering
◼◼ Engineering mathematics
◼◼ Biomedical engineering

First University examinations Final University examinations, Final University examinations, Final University examinations,
Four written papers Part A Part B Part C
Assessment of Engineering Four written papers Six written papers Six written papers
practical work Assessment of Engineering Assessment of Engineering Project report
practical work practical work; Project
reports (Engineering
computation and design
project)
Stephen really caught my eye because students I was Secretary of the Engineering
3rd year cover a wide spectrum of engineering Society last year, which was a great
I’m currently designing an offshore before choosing specialised options. I was experience to see how various types of
device that could convert wave energy in convinced that the course would provide events are organised behind the scenes. I
the sea into electricity, to be transmitted me with a broad foundation to am also a member of the Engineering
back to land. There are five people in my understand and tackle real world Department’s Joint Consultative
team, working on this for our 3rd year engineering problems, which cannot be Committee, which enables
project. I particularly enjoy it because I solved solely by one discipline of undergraduates to exchange ideas about
am putting into practice everything that I engineers. the development of the department with
have been learning over the last two My tutorials are mostly arranged with senior academic staff. It shows how
years. one other student and one college tutor. Oxford is committed to continual
I was attracted by the academic This has enabled me to discuss improvements – and listening to their
challenge of studying at one of the top engineering problems in depth with students!
universities in the world, and the tutors who are the top academics in
Engineering Science course at Oxford their fields.

ENGINEERING, ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT
Engineering, Economics
and Management What is Engineering, Economics and Written work and written tests
Management (EEM)? You do not need to take a written test or submit
UCAS Course Code: HLN0
Brief course outline EEM is a joint course, but it is primarily an any written work when you apply for this course.
Duration of course: 4 years engineering course, with around two-thirds in What are tutors looking for?
Degree awarded: MEng engineering. It is possible to apply for direct For information about the selection criteria please
Averages over the past three years admission to the course, but you can leave the see: www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/selectioncriteria.
Intake: 13 decision to study EEM until after the first-year Related courses
Applications shortlisted for interview:72.8% examinations, provided your college offers EEM and Students interested in this course might also like to
Successful applications: 11.3% gives permission for the transfer (see p. 135, consider Engineering Science, Materials Science,
Entrance requirements St John’s also allows transfers in the 2nd year). Materials, Economics and Management (MEM), or
A-levels: AAA The flexible structure of the course allows students Physics.
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB to choose either a broad-based degree or one with Careers
IB: 38–40 including core points more specialist work in economics or management. EEM graduates find employment in almost all
Candidates are expected to have Physics and Mathematics The course is recognised as being extremely branches of industry and commerce. They are highly
to A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher Level in the IB or any demanding and many employers clearly value the prized by both management consultants and the
other equivalent. Inclusion of Mathematics Mechanics course highly. financial institutions as well as by the manufacturing
modules is highly recommended. Further Mathematics can be
helpful to students in completing this course, although it is
Engineering at Oxford industry. Recent graduates have secured positions in
not required for admission. Details of the requirements for Please see Engineering Science (p. 60). the motor vehicle industry, technical consultancy and
other qualifications, including the Advanced Diploma in Economics at Oxford investment analysis, and include a structural engineer
Engineering, can be found at www.eng.ox.ac.uk. Please see PPE (p. 121). and an investment banker.
Open days Management at Oxford Muz, who graduated in 2009, is now an online
See Engineering Science (p.60) Please see Economics and Management (p. 58). media associate. He says: ‘Having completed an
Contact details Project internship at Google last summer, I have been offered
Deputy Administrator (Academic), A major feature of the course is a 24-week a job on their graduate programme. Whilst at Oxford
Department of Engineering Science, management or engineering project. This may take for my final year, I was made campus ambassador for
Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PJ the form of a placement in commerce or industry, Google and hosted careers events and set up an
+44 (0) 1865 273012 which starts immediately after the end of the third online marketing challenge at the Sa d Business
deputy.administrator@eng.ox.ac.uk year examinations. During this stage students School. My long-term aim is to study for an MBA
www.eng.ox.ac.uk undertake a project which is of value to the firm in having had enough experience working in the
www.sbs.ox.ac.uk which they are placed. While in employment, they are technology sector.’
www.economics.ox.ac.uk supervised by an academic tutor and a work-based
supervisor.
A typical weekly timetable
During the first year, work is divided between
lectures in engineering science (about ten a week),
engineering science practical classes (about five
hours a week), and college tutorials (two a week). In
the second and third years a similar pattern exists,
but in this case courses in management and
economics are also followed and there is a
corresponding increase in the number of tutorials.
After the third year, students embark on a 24-week
management or engineering project, at the end of
which a major report is submitted for consideration in
the examinations at the end of the fourth year.
ENGINEERING, ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT
Courses Courses Courses Project

◼◼ Mathematics ◼◼ Mathematics ◼◼ Three optional Engineering Six-month project/
◼◼ Electrical and information ◼◼ Two courses from: courses placement
engineering Electrical and information ◼◼ Engineering in society Courses
◼◼ Structures and mechanics engineering ◼◼ Engineering computation ◼◼ Two specialist courses in
◼◼ Energy and the Structures and dynamics ◼◼ Engineering practical work Engineering chosen from
environment Energy systems ◼◼ Group design project within the areas of:
◼◼ Engineering practical work ◼◼ Engineering practical work ◼◼ Introductory economics Mechanical engineering
◼◼ Introduction to Civil engineering
management Electrical engineering
Information engineering
Chemical engineering
Production engineering
Engineering mathematics
Biomedical engineering
◼◼ Two courses from a
selection of Economics
and Management options

Assessment of Engineering Four written papers Five written papers Four written papers
practical work Assessment of Engineering Assessment of Engineering Project report
practical work practical work
Project reports (Engineering
computation and design
project)
Nneka broadly whilst developing valuable skills but getting involved in different activities

3rd year for the future. The general Engineering is a great way to relax and socialise.
I chose my course because of the course has given me a better There is lots of choice – so something
variety it offers, and the connections understanding of the various Engineering for everyone. Last year I was Secretary
between the three subjects. For example, disciplines that means I have been able to of the Oxford Afro-Caribbean Society,
I have been studying engineering make a well-informed decision about which organises all kinds of events from
systems that provide solutions to specialising: I have chosen to focus street dancing classes to recruitment
several industrial problems. I have had to on Biomedical Engineering in my third evenings with various employers, as well
assess how the changes in a firm’s year. The workload can be intense but as speaker meetings. This term we had a
production process and system may my tutors are extremely supportive. talk from Tim Campbell, who won the
affect the economy, and then also had to There is always someone to turn to for first series of The Apprentice.
consider the importance of good advice. In applying to Oxford, I was looking
management in implementing these Finding the right balance between for a challenging and stimulating
changes. studying and having fun is really environment, and that is exactly what
It’s a demanding course important and definitely something that I I got!
that encourages students to think found quite challenging in my first year,

ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE
English Language
and Literature What is English Language and Literature? author and special topic papers are nearly all
UCAS Course Code: Q300 The English Language and Literature course gives assessed by extended essays, as is the second-year
Brief course outline you the chance to study writing in English from its paper ‘The English language’. Submitted work of this
Duration of course: 3 years origins in Anglo-Saxon England to the literature of kind can thus constitute almost a third of your final
Degree awarded: BA the 20th and early 21st centuries. As well as the assessment.
Averages over the past three years literature of the British Isles, it includes works from An alternative syllabus is available in the second
Intake: 236 many other parts of the world, and gives you a and third year of the course. This concentrates on
Applications shortlisted for interview: 75.2% considerable degree of choice over which periods and Old and Middle English language and literature and
Successful applications: 21.0% topics you would like to concentrate on. But you can, also enables you to study related subjects such as
Entrance requirements if you wish, still opt to cover the full historical sweep archaeology and Old Norse.
A-levels: AAA of English literature. Studying literature at Oxford Not every college may be able to offer the full
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB involves the development both of sophisticated range of alternatives within each optional paper in
IB: 38–40 including core points reading skills and of an ability to place literary texts in any given year. If you are concerned about this, you
or any other equivalent their wider intellectual and historical contexts. It also should check with individual colleges before making
Candidates are expected to have English Literature, or English requires you to consider the critical processes by your application.
Language and Literature to A-level, Advanced Higher, or which you analyse and judge, to learn about literary A typical weekly timetable
Higher Level in the IB or any other equivalent. A language or
form and technique, and to study the development Although details of practice vary from college to
History can be helpful to students in completing this course,
although it is not required for admission. of the English language. college, most students in their first year will have one
Open days English at Oxford tutorial a week, together with some lectures and
30 June, 1 July, and 17 September 2010 The Oxford English Faculty is the largest English classes. This tends to rise, in the second and third
Contact details department in Britain. Most Oxford colleges have at years, to three tutorials a fortnight. Tutorials normally
English Faculty, St Cross Building, least two Fellows in English, who are responsible for involve the writing and discussion of an essay. You
Manor Road, Oxford OX1 3UQ tutorial teaching in their own college but also give will therefore be expected to produce between eight
+44 (0) 1865 271055 lectures to all students in the English Faculty. You and twelve pieces of written work each term.
english.office@ell.ox.ac.uk thus have the opportunity to learn from a very wide Written work
www.english.ox.ac.uk range of specialist teachers. Library provision for Candidates are required to submit one recent
English at Oxford is exceptionally good. All students example of writing, by 10 November 2010. This
have access to the Bodleian Library, the English should be a marked essay produced in the normal
Faculty library and other faculty libraries, and their course of your school or college work and should not
own college libraries. The English Faculty have long have been rewritten after marking. Preferably it
pioneered the use of electronic resources in teaching, should be an analytical discussion of a topic or topics
and currently have a wide range of resources and in the field of English literature though an English
facilities. The English Faculty building has its own language topic is permissible. It should not be a short
computer room and all colleges have computing timed essay, critical commentary on particular
facilities for undergraduates to use. passages of text (practical criticism exercises), or
In your first two terms you will be introduced to piece of creative writing.
the conceptual and technical tools used in the study Written test
of literature, and to a wide range of different critical All candidates must take the English Literature
assumptions and approaches. At the same time you Admissions Test, normally at their own schools /
will be doing tutorial work on either Victorian or colleges, on 3 November 2010. Separate registration
modern literature, and on either Old English or Middle for this test is required and prospective applicants
English literature. should refer to www.elat.org.uk for further
In the final term of the first year you may choose a information and a specimen paper.
special topic, or a single author or Victorian or What are tutors looking for?
Modern Literature, if not studied before. In your Successful candidates will tend to be those who
second and third years you will extend your study of can give evidence of wide, enthusiastic and
English literary history in period papers ranging from thoughtful reading. Tutors appreciate that you may
Middle English to the Romantic age. You will also be nervous in interview. You should not be afraid to
study Shakespeare, and the history and development defend your views or to suggest authors whose work
of the English language, and choose two subjects you would particularly like to discuss.
from the range of ‘special authors’, ‘special topics’ For further information about the selection criteria
and Victorian or Modern Literature, if not studied in see: www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/selectioncriteria.
the first year. Most papers are assessed by three-
hour written examinations, but the third-year special

ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE
Related courses I currently sell hunting and fishing permits for a local group, am
Students interested in this course might also like to consider the livestock contact-person for an old Norwegian cattle breed,
other English courses. and run cheesemaking courses too.’
Careers Jonathan, who graduated in 1985, is CEO of Curly Lizard
A number of English graduates (about 7%) choose to Films. He says: ‘I’ve been an international documentary producer
undertake research, while many more use the communication and director for 15 years, producing single films and series
and analytical skills they develop at Oxford in careers ranging across Europe and Asia, after a lot of work experience and TV
from advertising to acting, including publishing, teaching, agency journalism. The training in independent thinking I gained
librarianship, public relations, journalism, the legal professions, from my degree has proven to be very beneficial to my career.’
management consultancy and finance. Recent English graduates Lucy, who graduated in 2009, is a freelance journalist for
include a projects coordinator in education for a London theatre, national newspapers. She says: ‘Whilst at Oxford I wrote news
a trainee solicitor, and a teacher. stories and features for The Guardian, The Sunday Times, The
Helen, who graduated in 1977, is now an organic farmer and Independent and others. I am now a city reporter at The
cheesemaker for her company Vesterhaugen Gardsysteri. She Evening Standard, and contribute to a wide range of
says: ‘Since graduating I’ve worked as a care assistant, a newspapers and magazines. I have also had two books
landscape gardener, a farmworker, a farmer and cheesemaker. published this year: Pimp Your Vocab and A Guide To Uni Life.’

Four papers are taken: ◼◼ The English language ◼◼ Shakespeare (may be studied in the
◼◼ An Introduction to literary studies ◼◼ English literature, 1100–1509 second year)
◼◼ Victorian or modern literature ◼◼ English literature, 1509–1642 ◼◼ Two papers taken from:
◼◼ Old English or Middle English ◼◼ English literature, 1642–1740 Special author
literature ◼◼ English literature, 1740–1832 Special topic
◼◼ Special author or special topic ◼◼ Shakespeare (may be studied in the Old English literature
(including Victorian or modern third year) Victorian or Modern Literature
literature) Papers taken in the first year may not
be taken again

First University examinations Two short extended essays for The Final University examinations
unclassified English Language paper (submitted at Five or six written papers; one or two
Four written papers (all exams must be the end of the second year but marked extended essays
passed, but marks do not count towards at the end of the third as part of the
the final degree) final examinations)
Kholoud Students here do cover a very wide range of texts, and are
1st year expected to do a lot of independent work. This introduces you
The one thing that I love doing and would never get tired of to many literary issues and themes, from political cartoons in
is reading, so I applied for English! I do encourage you to follow Victorian England to the influence of Old English on
your heart and choose to study something that you really love. 20th-century poets.
I found there was a significant transition from A-level to It’s a very diverse environment and there are all sorts of
university work, especially as I had taken a gap year to do an student societies to get involved in. I have joined my college
art course in Egypt and gain work experience in a school for rowing team, two choirs and the Tolkien society (Tolkien
disabled children. Meeting weekly with a world-expert in the himself was a tutor here). Studying here has been a dream
field – my tutor – gives me all the support that I need, and come true for me – not only is the city like a picture from a
ensures that I always stay on the right track, as well as story book but Oxford is steeped in literary history too, and the
engaging in a deep discussion of ideas. course itself is an adventure.

English and
ENGLISH AND MODERN LANGUAGES
Modern Languages Entrance requirements What is English and Modern Languages?

English and either Celtic, Czech (with A-levels: AAA The English side of the course offers you a choice
Slovak), French, German, Modern Greek, Advanced Highers: AA/AAB from a list of papers covering all literature written in
Italian, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish IB: 38-40 including core points the English language from its origins in Anglo-Saxon
Brief course outline or any other equivalent through to works produced in English-speaking
Duration of course: 4 years (including Candidates are expected to have English Literature, or English Language and countries across the world in the present day. The
Literature, to A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher Level in the IB or any other
compulsory year abroad) Modern Language side of the course will give you
equivalent. The language requirements are detailed below:
Degree awarded: BA practical linguistic training, encourage you to think
For French, German, Russian and Spanish
Averages over the past three years coherently about language as a subject of study and
Candidates would usually be expected to have the
Intake: 25 introduce you to an extensive and fascinating field of
language to A-level, Advanced Higher, Higher Level in
Applications shortlisted for interview: 83.6% Western literature and thought.
the IB or another academic equivalent.
Successful applications: 16.4% English and Modern Languages at Oxford
For Celtic, Czech or Modern Greek
Course combinations available Both the English and the Modern Languages
Candidates are not required to have any experience
Faculties at Oxford are among the largest in the
English and: UCAS code of studying these languages and may study any one
country, and include major scholars in all areas of the
Celtic QQ35 of them from scratch.
respective subjects. Students thus have the
For Italian
Czech QR37 opportunity to receive teaching from a range of
Candidates may apply without any formal
French QR31 expert tutors. Library provision at Oxford is excellent:
qualifications in Italian, though successful candidates
all students have access to the English Faculty
German QR32 would be expected to work on their Italian before
Library, the Taylor Institution Library (for modern
Modern Greek QQ37 beginning the course here at Oxford. Beginners
languages), the Bodleian Library and their own
would not be expected to reach A-level standard by
Italian QR33 college libraries. Both faculties have well-equipped
the time they start the course but should aim to
Portuguese QR35 computer rooms and all colleges have computing
acquire sufficient grammar and vocabulary to be able
facilities.
Russian QRH7 to read contemporary literary Italian texts.
The course is extremely flexible. In the first year
For Portugese
Spanish QR34 you will do practical work in your chosen modern
Most candidates apply as complete beginners. Non-
language and study a selection of important texts
beginners may apply without any formal qualifications
from its literature. On the English side, you will be
in Portuguese. All successful candidates would be
introduced to the conceptual and technical tools used
expected to work on their Portuguese before
in the study of literature, and to a wide range of
beginning the course here at Oxford, in order to
different critical assumptions and approaches. At the
acquire a basic knowledge of Portuguese grammar
same time, you may choose to study Victorian or
and vocabulary.
Modern or Old or Middle English literature. In the
Open days
second year, a wide range of options opens up for
See English Language and Literature (p. 64)
you. Language work in your modern language will
See Modern Languages (p. 109)
Applicants for this course may like to attend any of the open days for either continue and you will study literature from a wide
English Language and Literature or Modern Languages since tutors will be range of periods. The third year of the four-year
available at each event who can discuss this joint course. course is spent abroad, with most students taking a
Contact details posting as an ‘assistant’ in a foreign school. On your
English return, you may choose from options including
English Faculty, St Cross Building, Manor Road, special author papers and special topic papers in both
Oxford OX1 3UQ English and your modern language.
+44 (0) 1865 271055 A typical weekly timetable
english.office@ell.ox.ac.uk Most students will have one or two tutorials a
www.english.ox.ac.uk week as well as compulsory language classes. Most
Modern Languages students also attend three to four lecture courses.
The Faculty of Medieval and Modern Languages, Written work
41 Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2JF Please refer to the pages for English and for
+44 (0) 1865 270750 Modern Languages.
reception@mod-langs.ox.ac.uk Written tests
www.mod-langs.ox.ac.uk Candidates applying for English and Modern
Languages are required to take tests in both subjects.
Please refer to the pages for English and for Modern
Languages for further details.
ENGLISH AND MODERN LANGUAGES
What are tutors looking for? Careers
Successful candidates will have an aptitude for their modern Graduates in English and Modern Languages go on to careers
language, will read widely, and will enjoy writing and talking in fields including broadcasting, publishing, teaching, journalism,
about literature and language. Candidates who are shortlisted the theatre, administration, management, advertising,
may be asked to talk about a piece of prose or verse supplied translation, librarianship and law. Knowledge of a modern
before or in their interview. language opens up opportunities for internationally-focused
For further information about the selection criteria please see: careers or careers with international companies or organisations.
www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/selectioncriteria. The Languages Work website has further information about
Related courses careers using languages www.languageswork.org.uk.
Students interested in this course might also like to consider Recent English and Modern Languages graduates include a
other English courses, other language courses, or History of Art. marketing director, a consultant in environmental management
and sustainability, and a journalist.

English English English
◼◼ Introduction to literary ◼◼ Shakespeare ◼◼ Two papers from a choice including
studies ◼◼ One period of literature special authors, special topics and
One of the following papers: Modern Language period of literature papers
◼◼ Victorian literature ◼◼ Continuing language work YEAR Modern Language
◼◼ Modern literature ◼◼ One period of literature ABROAD ◼◼ Further language work
◼◼ Old English literature paper ◼◼ One period of literature paper
◼◼ Middle English literature ◼◼ One or two papers from a choice
Modern Language including special subjects, special
◼◼ Two language papers authors, linguistics, and period of
◼◼ Two literature papers literature papers

First University examinations Two short extended essays Final University examinations
Six written papers for those taking the English Eight written papers (or seven for
(All exams must be passed, language paper (submitted at those who have taken the English
but marks do not count end of second year but language paper; one may be an
towards the final degree) marked in final year as part of extended essay); thesis (optional);
Final University examinations) oral examination (in the modern
language)
Specific timetabling arrangements may vary from college to college.
Alex very familiar to someone with my background.

1st year I’m particularly looking forward to the paper on linguistics,
I chose my degree since I was interested in the way people which will allow me to look at the sociolinguistic power
spoke and communicated. I don’t really see English and German relationships between different speakers and similar things. I
as two separate subjects: they are both the study of language, think that these concepts will enhance my study of literature
just two different aspects of it. To understand a country’s for all of the modules I go on to study.
literature is to understand their mindset; it filters down into the In Oxford, I’ve become involved in the Poetry Society. I’m
idiom of the day (just think how much people today quote hoping to also get involved with Cuppers (a drama competition
Shakespeare!) for first-years).
For English I’m not taking the Victorian paper, which is pretty Part of my family comes from Oxford, and I came to three
rare. Instead I’m studying Old English. My German really helps different open days before I applied, so I came to Freshers’
me with this as the languages are very similar. If you blended Week knowing my way around the city quite well. However, it
modern English with modern German, Old English is pretty was still a change for me to begin with; but people soon find
much what you would get; the grammar and morphology are niches, and I was able to find like-minded people very quickly.

EUROPEAN AND MIDDLE EASTERN LANGUAGES
European and Middle

Eastern Languages
Celtic, Czech (with Slovak), French, Entrance requirements What is European and
German, Modern Greek, Italian, A-levels: AAA Middle Eastern Languages?
Portuguese, Russian or Spanish, with This course in European and Middle Eastern
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB
either Arabic, Hebrew, Persian or Turkish
IB: 38–40 including core points Languages (EMEL) enables students to combine
Brief course outline
or another equivalent papers in one of the languages taught in the Faculty
Duration of course: 4 years (including
For the Middle Eastern language, Celtic, Czech or of Modern Languages with papers in Arabic, Hebrew,
compulsory year abroad) Modern Greek Persian or Turkish, thus providing opportunities to
Degree awarded: BA
Candidates are not required to have any experience take advantage of the cultural linkages which exist
Averages over the past three years
of studying these languages and may study one of between a number of European and Middle Eastern
Intake: 11
them from scratch. However, it is not usually possible languages. For example, appropriate combinations
Applications shortlisted for interview: 84.6%
to begin studying two languages from scratch: might well be French and Arabic, German and Turkish,
Successful applications: 25.0%
candidates are expected to have experience of or Hebrew and Russian, but even some of the less
Course combinations available
studying at least one of their chosen languages to obvious pairings would provide similar cultural and
A-level or equivalent, or to speak at least one of historical linkage. Thus Spanish and Turkish would be
Hebrew
Turkish
Persian
Arabic
UCAS code them at home or school. an interesting combination for the history of Sephardi
Celtic QQ54 QQ5K QT56 QT5P For Portuguese Judaism, while Persian and Portuguese are important
Most candidates apply as complete beginners. Non- for the study of early imperialism.
RT7Q RQ7K RTT6 RTRP
Czech
beginners may apply without any formal qualifications EMEL at Oxford
French RT16 RQ14 RTC6 RT1P in Portuguese. All successful candidates would be Through its long-standing traditions and more
expected to work on their Portuguese before recent gifts, Oxford has unique resources for the
German RT26 RQ24 RT2P RT2Q
beginning the course here at Oxford, in order to study of Middle Eastern and modern European
Modern Greek QT76 QQ74 QT7P QT7Q acquire a basic knowledge of Portuguese grammar languages. The Bodleian Library and Taylor Institution
Italian RT36 RQ34 RTH6 RT3P and vocabulary. Library (for modern languages) have a magnificent
For French, German, Russian or Spanish collection of books and manuscripts. The Taylor
Portuguese RT56 RQ54 RTM6 RT5P
Candidates would usually be expected to have the Institution Library is one of the biggest research and
Russian RT76 RQ74 RT7P RTR6 language to A-level, Advanced Higher, Higher Level in lending libraries devoted to modern European
the IB or another academic equivalent. languages in the world. Associated with the
Spanish RT46 RQK4 RT4P RTK6
For Italian University is the Centre for Hebrew and Jewish
Candidates may apply without any formal Studies, which houses the Leopold Muller Library
qualifications in Italian, though successful candidates with more than 35,000 volumes in Hebrew and more
would be expected to work on their Italian before than 7,000 volumes in Western languages.
beginning the course here at Oxford. Beginners International opportunities
would not be expected to reach A-level standard by You will normally spend the second academic year
the time they start the course but should aim to at an approved course of study in the Middle East.
acquire sufficient grammar and vocabulary to be able You are strongly advised to spend the adjacent
to read contemporary literary Italian texts. summers where the European language of your
Open days choice is spoken. There are arrangements in place
Middle Eastern Languages as for Oriental Studies (p. 116) with partner universities to help you make the most
European Languages as for Modern Languages (p.109) of your time abroad.
Tutors from Oriental Studies will be available on 1 May 2010 to discuss
this joint course.
Contact details
European Languages
Faculty of Medieval and Modern Languages,
41 Wellington Square,
Oxford OX1 2JF
+44 (0) 1865 270750
Middle Eastern Languages
Oriental Institute, Pusey Lane,
Oxford OX1 2LE
+44 (0) 1865 288203
undergraduate.admissions@orinst.ox.ac.uk
www.orinst.ox.ac.uk

EUROPEAN AND MIDDLE EASTERN LANGUAGES
A typical weekly timetable What are tutors looking for?
Your work is divided between language classes, lectures and Tutors will be looking for a good command of the grammar of
tutorials (one or two a week). In the first year, the emphasis is any language you have already studied at school or college and
on intensive learning of a Middle Eastern language. Throughout want to continue studying at Oxford, in addition to an interest in
your course, you will prepare essays for your weekly tutorials literature, language or linguistics.
and classes. For further information about the selection criteria please see:
Written work www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/selectioncriteria.
Candidates will be required to submit two pieces of written Related courses
work by 10 November 2010. For more details please refer to Students interested in this course might also like to consider
the course page at: www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/courses. other language courses or Oriental Studies courses.
Written tests Careers
During the Oxford interview period in December, there will be Oxford graduates in these subjects regularly go into highly
a 30-minute test for each of the languages you intend to study, competitive areas such as law, finance, commerce, management
though not in languages you intend to study more or less from consultancy, accountancy, the media, advertising, the Foreign
scratch. These are designed to test your grammar rather than Office and the arts. The Languages Work website has further
vocabulary. Applicants will also take a Language Aptitude Test. information about careers using languages:
www.languageswork.org.uk.
Recent European and Middle Eastern Languages graduates
include a promotion and public relations worker, a teacher within
the higher education sector, and a clergyman.
1st year 2nd year 3rd and 4th years
Courses Courses
Study both languages YEAR Four papers in each language
European languages: one language ABROAD Literature, poetry and prose
Middle Eastern language: Intensive language Advanced language classes
training; Introduction to culture
Three written papers (European language); two Eight or nine written papers are taken including a
papers (Middle Eastern language) plus, in bridging extended essay
Arabic only, an oral exam Oral exam (both languages, but not Hebrew on the
Oriental side)

Experimental
Psychology What is Psychology? What are tutors looking for?
Psychology has been defined as the science of In addition to a very good track record of academic
EXPERIMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY
UCAS Course Code: C830

Brief course outline mental life and its scope includes a wide variety of achievement, tutors are keen to see whether you
Duration of course: 3 years issues. It addresses such questions as: how do we appreciate the scope of scientific psychology, can
Degree awarded: BA perceive colours? How do children acquire language? evaluate evidence, are able to consider issues from
Averages over the past three years What predisposes two people to get on with each different perspectives, have a capacity for logical and
Intake: 52 other? What causes schizophrenia? creative thinking, appreciate the importance of
Applications shortlisted for interview: 75.9% Psychology at Oxford empirical evidence in supporting arguments, and
Successful applications: 24.2% Psychology at Oxford is essentially a scientific could cope with the quantitative demands of the
Entrance requirements discipline, involving the rigorous formulation and course.
A-levels: AAA testing of ideas. It works through experiments and Related courses
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB systematic observation rather than introspection. Students interested in this course might also like to
IB: 38–40 including core points The Oxford Experimental Psychology Department consider Human Sciences, or Psychology and
or any other equivalent is widely regarded as one of the leading psychology Philosophy.
It is highly recommended for candidates to studied one or departments in the UK. The department’s size and its Careers
more Science or Mathematics subjects to A-level, Advanced commitment to research, as well as to excellence in Experimental Psychology students go on to follow
Higher, or Higher Level in the IB or another equivalent.
teaching, means there are typically four or five careers in fields such as professional psychology,
Open days research seminars each week, in addition to teaching and research, as well as finance and
30 June, 1 July, and 17 September 2010 undergraduate lectures and classes. At present, there industry. Some careers will require additional study
Contact details are particularly strong research groups in the fields of and/or training. This degree is accredited by the
The Admissions Coordinator, human cognitive processes, neuroscience, vision, British Psychological Society for the Graduate Basis
Department of Experimental Psychology, developmental and social psychology. for Chartered Membership.
South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3UD Fieldwork and international opportunities Rachel, who graduated in 2006, is now a client
+44 (0) 1865 271376 A wide choice of research projects is available, consultant at Nunwood. She says: ‘Since graduating
admissions@psy.ox.ac.uk including projects based in other departments and I have worked for two large market research
www.psy.ox.ac.uk outside the University. companies specialising in brands and advertising
A typical weekly timetable research. My degree helped me to develop my
During terms 1 and 2 work is divided between analytical skills as well as gaining project management
lectures (about six per week) and tutorials (two to experience which have been invaluable in my chosen
three per week). career path.’ Bella, who graduated in 2007, is now a
During terms 3 to 9 your time will be divided talent manager. She says: ‘I started my career roughly
between attending lectures (about six per week), one week after graduating, as a graduate trainee at
tutorials (average of 1.5 per week), and practical TVF Media. My role involves all areas of talent
classes (one afternoon per week). You will also carry management, including recruitment, training, salary
out your own research project and be given the and bonus remuneration, and employment law.
opportunity to write a library dissertation. Parts of my degree, for example the statistics and
Written work social psychology modules, have really helped me in
You do not need to submit any written work when my job.’
you apply for this course.
Written tests
All candidates must take the Thinking Skills
Assessment, normally at their own schools/colleges,
on 3 November 2010. Separate registration for this
test is required and prospective applicants should
refer to www.tsaoxford.org.uk for further
information and a specimen paper.

Terms 1 and 2 Terms 3–5 Terms 6–9
EXPERIMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY
Three courses are taken out of: Nine courses are taken, including the Three advanced option courses in
◼◼ Psychology eight core topics: psychology are taken. One option can
◼◼ Philosophy ◼◼ Cognitive Neuroscience be a library dissertation. The courses
◼◼ Neurophysiology ◼◼ Behavioural Neuroscience change each year to reflect advances in
◼◼ Statistics ◼◼ Perception psychology.
◼◼ Memory, Attention and Information Research project
Processing
◼◼ Language and Cognition
◼◼ Developmental Psychology
◼◼ Social Psychology
◼◼ Personality, Individual Differences
and Psychological Disorders
One course in experimental design and
statistics

First University examinations Final University examinations, Part I Final University examinations, Part II
Three written papers Four written papers Research project report
Practical portfolio Three written papers (or two written
papers and a library dissertation)
Stephen Being the first in my family to even apply to

2nd year university, it seemed rather daunting to begin with,
One thing I love about my subject is that it’s easy but the whole application process wasn’t that bad!
to see how it can be applied to everyday life. This is Strangely, I actually enjoyed coming up for
what makes it exciting for me. Being a relatively interviews: it was a good way of seeing for myself
new science, there’s always new research coming whether or not I’d enjoy studying at Oxford. All my
out and plenty of things we know little about. interviewers were extremely friendly, and this
I knew fairly early on that I wanted to study doesn’t change when you’re here: your tutors often
Psychology. It tends to have a fair bit of a variety seem like your extended family!
and this is something that appealed to me. After Outside college, I quite like to go along to
coming along to one of the open days and having a orienteering and walking events whenever I can. I
tour of the department, I knew that there was no also manage to find the time sit on the British
harm in putting Oxford down as one of my UCAS Psychological Society’s Student Member Group,
choices. representing student psychologists to the Society,
which is something new I’ve taken up at Oxford.

Fine Art
UCAS Course Code: W100 What is Fine Art? Portfolio assessment
Brief course outline Fine Art is the making and study of visual art. It Portfolios must be submitted as part of your
Duration of course: 3 years educates and prepares students to become artists application by 10 November 2010. There is no
Degree awarded: BFA and to follow other practices that are aligned to the prescription for editing a portfolio, but candidates
Averages over the past three years making of art. The curriculum is centred on the should aim for any range of work which gives a sense
Intake: 20 (note: no deferred applications individual student’s potential and imagination. of their interests and appetites. Portfolios may
are accepted for this course) Fine Art at Oxford contain original works, photographs, slides or digital
Applications shortlisted for interview: 29.4% The Ruskin School of Drawing and Fine Art offers a images of paintings and sculptures, personal
Successful applications: 12.2% three-year studio-based BFA course in which all its notebooks, short videotapes or CDs, drawings,
Entrance requirements students work alongside each other in collaboratively soundworks etc. We value signs of the ability to
A-levels: AAA organised studios. Whereas many fine art courses run engage in critical and inventive discussion, but above
FINE ART
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB in an environment devoted exclusively to art and all we are looking for a strong visual curiosity.
IB: 38–40 including core points design, Ruskin students, as members of a collegiate Please note that the University may use the work
or any other equivalent university, have the advantage of contact with their which you submit to the extent necessary for the
It is highly recommended for candidates to have studied Art contemporaries on all of Oxford’s other courses. conduct of the admission process. The University is
to A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher Level in the IB or
The Ruskin course aims to develop strong not in a position to verify the contents of portfolios,
another equivalent and to take an Art Foundation course.
independent points of view and a mature grasp of or to make any special arrangements for care,
Open days
the range of critical debate surrounding custody or return. The University cannot therefore
30 June, 1 July, and 17 September 2010
contemporary art and its many international histories. accept responsibility for any loss or damage.
Contact details
Oxford’s short terms, coupled with the ambitious Interview and practical test
Juliet K Franks,
atmosphere at the Ruskin, suit highly motivated and All candidates, including overseas candidates, who
Ruskin School of Drawing and Fine Art,
resourceful students with a good sense of how to are shortlisted for this course are encouraged to
74 High Street, Oxford OX1 4BG
organise their time both in and out of Oxford. The come to Oxford for interview in December. The
+44 (0) 1865 276940
first year of the course is structured to introduce interview will include a practical test, where
juliet.franks@ruskin-sch.ox.ac.uk
students to each other, to the resources of the candidates are asked to complete two pieces in a
www.ruskin-sch.ox.ac.uk
School and to all the people involved in teaching and variety of media from a number of possible subjects.
running the Ruskin. The combination of witnessing Candidates themselves do not need to make any
fellow students at work, group criticism and individual special arrangements for the test, as this will be
discussion with tutors and visiting artists, swiftly organised for them by the Ruskin.
develops a strong sense of the diversity of Related courses
experience and opinion within the School. Students interested in this course might also like to
The close working circumstances of the School, consider History of Art.
arranged in two buildings, means that art history, Careers
theory and criticism are seen as integral to the Most students aim at becoming professional artists,
development of all studio work. The Ruskin also and this ambition is supported throughout the
enjoys a strong and constructive relationship with course. Remember, too, that the education and
Modern Art Oxford, and students have full access to structure we offer strengthens students’ imagination
the many exceptional University libraries and and knowledge in such a way that other paths may
museums, including the Ashmolean. also be pursued. Many graduates subsequently go on
The Ruskin Laboratory, which coordinates many to graduate studies in Fine Art, but some also
aspects of the School’s research, has developed continue in other, related subjects. We maintain good
interdisciplinary working relationships within Oxford, contacts with former students and keenly follow
and beyond. Wherever possible the School expects their developing careers. These demonstrate that
its students to become involved in these. Ruskin students consistently make substantial
Since the School and its staff have built many contributions in their chosen creative fields. Recent
personal and professional relationships with museums Fine Art graduates include professional artists, critics,
and galleries in London, these too are seen as one of writers and a creative director.
the Ruskin’s major resources. Independent, as well as
organised visits, are seen as essential to maintaining
the energy of debate within the School.
Courses Courses
Students begin from the start to develop their studio work in Years two and three are similar in structure and continue the
discussion with the School’s lecturers, tutors and visiting staff. tutorial system introduced in the first year. All students are
They are allocated a tutor at the outset, who monitors required to continue the study of art history and theory and
progress, sets targets and directs them in their studies. Work to submit three essays during the course of the second year.
is regularly presented and discussed at group crits involving In the final term of the second year they agree an extended
staff and students from across the School. Alongside this, essay title with their tutor. This essay is submitted at the end
workshops and projects designed to introduce a range of of the second term of the final year as part of the Final
FINE ART
techniques and approaches are offered throughout the year. In Examination. Students are expected to establish a strong bond
addition, they attend taught practical classes in drawing and between the interests of the essay and their studio studies.
human anatomy as well as lectures, seminars and tutorials in
art history. Experimentation is encouraged.
Assessment Assessment (2nd year)

Practical studio-based work; human anatomy; three submitted Satisfactory record in all areas of the course
essays; one written paper in the history and theory of visual Assessment (3rd year)
culture since 1900 A final exhibition and a supporting portfolio of work made
during the second and third years; an extended essay; one
written paper in the history and theory of visual culture
since 1900
Mai, Rowan and Annabel remaining crucially involved in the particular formation of these
1st year activities. The highly involved experience of studying at the
Fine Art at the Ruskin is unique. It’s different from other art Ruskin offers a really useful grounding in the practicalities
colleges, and from the routines of a typical Oxford degree; at behind the making of exhibitions and artworks and the
the Ruskin there is no pressure to focus on one way of working. translation of your ideas into an independent articulate form
Instead you will find experienced student and tutor support, in within or outside the gallery space.
the form of regular one-to-one tutorials, to encourage your The art history and theory element of the course, involving
experimentation with a variety of media and to construct your lectures and essays, is a great opportunity to gain a broader
own way of working. understanding of the theories and critical discussion
The School has two main sites with the facilities in each surrounding contemporary art. It’s also a chance for you to
focused, broadly speaking, towards the sculptural and question and reinterpret meanings, in discussion with tutors and
technological in one and the two dimensional in the other. You students. The School’s engagement with contemporary art
are able to work in either as your work suits, and there is a developments is particularly enhanced by the contribution of
great intercommunication between them both. visiting artists each week, who give group presentations and
You will find many opportunities to exhibit, discuss, create, one-to-one tutorials.
and collaborate with others in the School and outside it, while

Geography
UCAS Course Code: L700 What is Geography? Fieldwork and international opportunities
Brief course outline Geography is a diverse discipline that bridges the The School of Geography and the Environment
Duration of course: 3 years arts, social and natural sciences, providing a broad emphasises the importance of fieldwork since it
Degree awarded: BA education and addressing pressing issues including believes there is no substitute for teaching subjects
Averages over the past three years environmental change, regional and global at first hand. In the first year, all students take part in
Intake: 82 inequalities, the transformation of global economy local skills-related field days and weekends. Second
Applications shortlisted for interview: 95.3% and culture, ethnic segregation, urbanisation, year students will undertake a week long overseas
Successful applications: 27.8% planning, natural hazards, and many more. Students residential field course which will be linked to the
Entrance requirements obtain a coherent view of the rapidly changing world foundational courses. Some of the option subjects in
GEOGRAPHY
A-levels: AAA and the ways in which society influences and is the second and third years involve field trips, which
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB influenced by it. in recent years have included trips to the United Arab
IB: 38–40 including core points Geography at Oxford Emirates. Independent research in the field or in
It is highly recommended for candidates to have Geography The Oxford Geography degree focuses on the archives is a key element of the dissertation. Each
to A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher Level in the IB.
interrelationships between society and the physical year, around 40% of our undergraduates choose to
Open days and human environment. Students are introduced to do their dissertation overseas, covering a remarkable
7 May*, 30 June, 1 July, and the full range of geographical topics in the range of countries worldwide.
17 September 2010 foundational courses, which they can then follow up A typical weekly timetable
*Places must be booked for this date by contacting
Theo Papaioannou, on +44 (0) 1865 285045 or via in more detail in the optional papers. There is A typical weekly timetable comprises lectures in
theodore.papaioannou@ouce.ox.ac.uk considerable emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches the morning, and usually a few afternoon seminars or
Contact details in the course, with opportunities to explore the practical classes. In addition, each student will attend
Undergraduate Assistant, cross-fertilisation between geography and other at least one college tutorial per week, and some
School of Geography and the disciplines, such as anthropology, sociology, history, college-based classes.
Environment, political science, economics, earth sciences and Written work
Oxford University Centre for the biology. The tutorial system offers ample opportunity Candidates are required to submit two marked
Environment, for independent work and the pursuit of subjects of pieces of recent work produced as part of their
South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QY particular interest. Seminars and classes offer the geography course by 10 November 2010.
+44 (0) 1865 285045 chance to interact with other students in discussing Written tests
www.geog.ox.ac.uk specific issues. Many special lectures by visiting You do not need to take a written test when you
speakers, both within and outside the School of apply for this course.
Geography, enrich the opportunities open to Oxford What are tutors looking for?
geographers. The facilities in the School are among Tutors are looking for students who match
the best in the country. The Radcliffe Science Library academic achievement with enthusiasm,
holds a geography collection, which has 107,000 commitment and an awareness of the world about
volumes, and the library has subscriptions to more them.
than 200 journals, many of which are online. For further information about the selection criteria
Computerised search and database systems are see: www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/selectioncriteria.
provided. Students may also use the extensive library Related courses
resources elsewhere in the University. Students Students interested in this course might also like to
taking the Physical Geography options will use the consider Earth Sciences (Geology) or Human
well-equipped laboratories both for practical courses Sciences.
and for individual research projects.

Careers get some experience. ecoVeritas – a packaging and corporate
Geography graduates have a broad set of transferable skills social responsibility consultancy – took up this offer, and, after
including literacy, numeracy and graphicacy, along with their a week’s work, offered me a six-month internship, which has
experience of research projects and working in groups. Some now turned into a permanent position.’ Hannah, who graduated
graduates are able to use their geographical knowledge directly in 2003, is now a freelance documentary filmmaker. She says:
in their work or in higher degrees. In recent years Geography ‘Nothing has shaped me more than the extracurricular activities
graduates have proceeded to employment in management I followed while at University. I did a huge amount of theatre
consultancy, local and central government, conservation and work (mainly producing and poster design), helped run the
heritage management, law, media, teaching and research, and Photography Society, organised and sound-engineered live
GEOGRAPHY
include an assistant manager for a multinational professional bands, played basketball and did life drawing classes ... all to
services firm, a government and public sector consultant, and a varying degrees of success! The theatre, sound engineering and
chartered accountant. photography gave me relevant training, as well as helped me pin
Sam, who graduated in 2009, is now an environmental down what I really wanted to do: make beautiful films that
consultant. He says: ‘After completing my degree, I did some inform, educate and fascinate. My skills from my degree help
research into ethical and environmental companies based in me digest information easily, write intelligent scripts, and put
Oxford. I volunteered to do some part-time research, in order to everything I film into a context.’
Courses Courses
Four core courses are taken: Geographical Research
◼◼ Earth Systems Processes Foundational courses (two chosen)
◼◼ Human Geography ◼◼ Space, Place and Society
◼◼ Ideas in Geography ◼◼ Earth System Dynamics
◼◼ Geographical Techniques ◼◼ Environmental Geography
Options (three chosen)
Options currently offered include: African Societies: Geographies of Development and
inequality; The Political Geography of European Integration; Spaces of Politics;
Geographies of Finance; Climate Change: Impacts and Adaptations; The Quaternary
Period; Forensic Geography; Heritage, Conservation and Management; Dryland
Environments; Transport
Dissertation (weighted as two papers)
Four written papers plus practical Three written core papers; three written optional papers;
notebooks three pieces of submitted work on the chosen optional subjects; fieldwork report;
dissertation
Rhys academic week is the tutorial – one of Since coming to Oxford I have joined
2nd year the main reasons I applied to Oxford. my college boat club, as well as taking
I chose to apply for Geography at There are so few places where you have part in other activities, such as being a
Oxford because of the uniqueness of the the opportunity to discuss your week’s member of my college ball committee.
course and the challenge I knew it would work with a leading academic in their The University Freshers’ Fair during
provide. Throughout the three years you field. Freshers’ Week has a club or society for
study both human and physical core Each Geography year group is relatively almost every interest imaginable; for
topics, with the ability to select special small, so you get to know everyone very instance I am a member of the Law
topics on top of this in your second and quickly and there is a great sense of Society, which has some great socials!
third years. I am both a physical and community. The field trips during Easter Each day at Oxford brings new
human geographer, choosing are also a great opportunity to get to challenges and the opportunities, and
Biogeography and Finance as my two know everyone better. there is never a dull moment.
special subjects. The highlight of the

History
UCAS Course Code: V100 What is History? Written work
Brief course outline History involves both the study of individual All candidates are required to send in an essay on a
Duration of course: 3 years societies over extended periods of time and the historical topic of A2 level, or equivalent, written in
Degree awarded: BA study of several societies simultaneously to enrich their own time as part of their normal school or
Averages over the past three years our understanding of the past. It provides a college work by 10 November 2010.
Intake: 237 distinctive education by developing an awareness of Written tests
Applications shortlisted for interview: 80.0% differing political, cultural, social and economic All candidates must take the History Aptitude Test,
Successful applications: 29.3% structures in past societies and their interrelationship. normally at their own school or college, on 3
Entrance requirements It combines vigorous debate over questions of November 2010. Candidates must make sure they
A-levels: AAA interpretation with rigorous attention to the source are available to take the test at this time.
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB materials. Its constant enrichment by cross- What are tutors looking for?
HISTORY
IB: 38–40 including core points fertilisation from other disciplines leads to the asking For information about the selection criteria please
or any other equivalent of new questions about the past. see: www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/selectioncriteria.
It is highly recommended for candidates to have History to History at Oxford If you are shortlisted, submitted work and UCAS
A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher Level in the IB or another
Oxford is celebrated for the broad chronological personal statements may form starting-points for
equivalent.
sweep of its courses and enormous amount of choice discussion in your interview. Some colleges may
Open day
offered to students. You can study options on any require you to read a short passage of historical
1 July 2010
This open day is designed for History and all its joint schools. part of British and European history from the writing while you are up for interview, which they will
Places must be booked for this day. Please download the declining years of the Roman Empire to the present ask you to discuss as part of the interview process.
booking form from the History faculty website, day. The geographical range is also broad: there are The tutors are not so much interested in the level of
www.history.ox.ac.uk, or contact the Schools Liaison Officer
options on North American, Latin American, Asian your knowledge as in your ability to think historically.
at: schools.liaison@history.ox.ac.uk
and African history (see website for further details). Related courses
Contact details
Students are encouraged to adopt a variety of Students interested in this course might also like to
Schools Liaison Officer
interdisciplinary approaches to their work, and the consider Archaeology and Anthropology, other
History Faculty
faculty is strong on intellectual and cultural history History courses or History of Art.
The Old Boys School
options. The Oxford History Faculty is at the Careers
George Street Oxford OX1 2RL
forefront of research. History graduates go on to follow careers in fields
+44 (0) 1865 615020
A typical weekly timetable such as law, investment banking and consultancies,
schools.liaison@history.ox.ac.uk
You will be expected to attend about five lectures advertising, accountancy, the Civil Service, publishing,
www.history.ox.ac.uk
per week during the first year, participate in regular journalism and the media, global charity work,
meetings with tutors to discuss work, research in museums, librarianship and archive work, and
libraries and write at least one essay a week. In the teaching. Recent graduates include a civil servant at
second and third years students choose from an the Department of Health, an investment
enormous variety of lectures and their regular diet of management associate, and a barrister.
tutorials is supplemented by faculty classes where Edward, who graduated in 1981, is now a curator.
you discuss work with a larger number of students. He says: ‘My degree helped me acquire a position
The thesis gives all students the opportunity to with the Pendle Heritage Centre and then at Historic
engage in a piece of independent research. Scotland. Afterwards I became a curator for the
Throughout the course, you are very much in charge National Museum of the US Navy.’
of your own timetable.

Brook, who graduated in 2005, is now a planning and current job working for the Independent Schools Football
reporting accountant. He says: ‘I decided to join Deloitte as a Association. Having Oxford behind me was a key factor in
trainee chartered accountant in 2005 to learn the basics of getting the new job. The skills I learned whilst doing my degree
finance. I focused on auditing investment banks, which put me have helped me out greatly in terms of the application
at the forefront of the economic crisis from 2007 onwards and (interview and presentation) and the job as a whole, writing
was very interesting. I had thought that I would move into strategic documents and delivering presentations to teachers.
banking as so many people do, but I decided I wanted to forge a The experiences I had, particularly coaching women’s football at
sustainable career in an industry that genuinely interests me. My Somerville and for the University were essential for the career
accounting background made a job in the finance department at path that I undertook.’
EDF Energy an obvious choice. Where it goes from here is now Sian, who graduated in 2008, says: ‘Since graduating I have
completely up to me!’ worked as assistant brand manager on Pringles and Braun at
HISTORY
Sean, who graduated in 2008, is a football development Procter & Gamble. My degree taught me analytical skills, time
officer. He says: Having graduated I took the post of Football management and the ability to think critically, all of which are
Sabbatical Officer for the University and since then I got my crucial in my role.’
Courses Courses
Four papers are taken: Six subjects are taken:
◼◼ History of the British Isles ◼◼ History of the British Isles
◼◼ General history (primarily European) ◼◼ General history
◼◼ Historical methods (choice of Approaches to ◼◼ Further subject (choice of about 30, including: Anglo-Saxon
history; Historiography; Tacitus to Weber; archaeology of the early Christian period; China in war and revolution,
Quantification; one of seven foreign texts) 1890–1949; The Near East in the age of Justinian and Muhammad,
◼◼ Optional subject (choices include Theories of c 527–c 700; Society and government in France, 1600–1715;
the State; Conquest and colonisation: Spain and The first industrial revolution; Imperialism and nationalism, 1830–
America in the sixteenth century; Culture, 1980; Modern Japan, 1868–1972; The Soviet Union, 1924–41)
society and politics in England, 1700–1795; ◼◼ Special subject: a paper and an extended essay (choices include: The
Working class life and industrial work in Britain Norman conquest of England; Politics, art and culture in the Italian
1870–1914) Renaissance, Venice and Florence c 1475–1525; The Scientific
movement in the 17th century; English architecture, 1660–1720;
Political pressures and social policy, 1899–1914; The Russian
Revolution of 1917; India, 1919–39: Contesting the nation; Nazi
Germany, a racial order, 1933–45; The Great Society era, 1960–70;
The Northern Ireland troubles, 1965–85)
◼◼ Disciplines of history
◼◼ Thesis
Four written papers Five written papers; one extended essay; one thesis;
an additional thesis may be offered

History
(Ancient and Modern)
HISTORY (ANCIENT AND MODERN)
UCAS Course Code: V118 What is Ancient and Modern History? What are tutors looking for?
Brief course outline This course enables students to study history from Tutors are keen to find out whether you can
Duration of course: 3 years the Bronze-Age Mediterranean and Near East, demonstrate the skills needed by History
Degree awarded: BA through the Roman Empire, middle ages, and early- undergraduates. Even if you have not previously
Averages over the past three years modern period, right up to British, European and studied ancient history or classics, it is important to
Intake: 16 world history in the present day. Fruitful comparisons show some awareness of and interest in the ancient
Applications shortlisted for interview: 77.8% between societies abound, and the methods by world, including its material remains.
Successful applications: 21.3% which we study them are mutually illuminating. Some colleges may require you to read a short
Entrance requirements Ancient and Modern History at Oxford passage of historical writing while you are at
A-levels: AAA This Oxford course offers an extraordinary range of interview, which they will ask you to discuss.
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB choices (more than 90 options), reflecting the For further information about the selection criteria
IB: 38–40 including core points breadth of interests of those who teach here. The see: www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/selectioncriteria.
or any other equivalent Oxford Classics and History Faculties are world- Related courses
It is highly recommended for candidates to have History to famous for teaching and research. Most of the Students interested in this course might also like to
A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher Level in the IB or another
equivalent. A classical language, Classical Civilisation and
people who will teach you here will be leading consider Archaeology and Anthropology, other
Ancient History can be helpful to students in completing this researchers in their field, and lecturers are History courses, or History of Art.
course, although they are not required for admission. encouraged to put on new courses which reflect Careers
Open day their own interests. The study of original sources Oxford historians typically move on to careers in
See History (p.76) forms the basis of Further and Special Subjects. fields as varied as the law, investment banking and
Contact details A typical weekly timetable consultancies, advertising, accountancy, the Civil
History Your work is divided between lectures and classes, Service, publishing, journalism and the media, global
Schools Liaison Officer, tutorials (one or two a week), and private study charity work, museums, librarianship and archive
History Faculty, The Old Boys School, (including preparing essays for your weekly tutorials). work, and teaching.
George Street, Oxford OX1 2RL Written work Recent Ancient and Modern History graduates
+44 (0) 1865 615020 All candidates are required to send in a marked include a civil servant, a librarian, and a charity
schools.liaison@history.ox.ac.uk essay of A2 level, or equivalent, written in their own campaign manager. Mary-Kate, who graduated in
www.history.ox.ac.uk time as part of their normal school or college work 2006, says: ‘Through my joint honours course I
Classics by 10 November 2010. The essay may deal with a developed skills in working flexibly and under
Ioannou Centre for Classical and Byzantine topic from ancient or modern history. pressure, enhanced my analytical skills and learnt to
Studies, 66 St Giles’, Oxford OX1 3LU Written test be independently minded. These have all proven to
+44 (0) 1865 288391 All candidates must take the History Aptitude be invaluable assets in my career as a Fast Streamer
enquiries@classics.ox.ac.uk Test, normally at their own school or college, on for the Home Office. Being a Fast Streamer means
www.classics.ox.ac.uk 3 November 2010. Candidates must make sure they that I’m following an accelerated training and
are available to take the test at this time. development graduate programme.’

HISTORY (ANCIENT AND MODERN)
Courses Courses
Four courses are taken: Six courses are taken:
◼◼ One period of either Greek or ◼◼ A period of Greek or Roman history
Roman history ◼◼ A period of General history or one of the periods of the history of the British Isles
◼◼ One of the periods of general ◼◼ Further subjects including work on primary sources, textual or archaeological
(non-British) history offered ◼◼ A choice of further subjects from the History syllabus; or an ancient further subject,
by the History Faculty including: Athenian democracy in the classical age; Politics, society and culture from
◼◼ The world of Homer and Nero to Hadrian; Religions in the Greek and Roman world c 31 BC–AD 312; The Greeks
Hesiod; or Augustan Rome; or and the Mediterranean world 950–500 BC; Art under the Roman Empire AD 14–337
one of the History optional ◼◼ Special subjects* (including work on primary sources, textual or archaeological). A
subjects choice of special subjects from the History syllabus; or an ancient special subject,
◼◼ A text-based paper on including: Alexander the Great and his early successors; Cicero: politics and thought in
Herodotus; or Sallust; or the late Republic
Approaches to history; or *Either the further or the special subject must be ancient (they can both be ancient, if you wish)
Historiography: Tacitus to ◼◼ Disciplines of history
Weber, from the History ◼◼ Thesis
syllabus or Greek/Latin ◼◼ Optional Greek/Latin language paper
language paper
Four written papers Six written papers (or five written papers and one extended essay); one thesis
Please refer also to the History and Classics pages for additional information.
Leila I also work in the college bar. While it has been difficult to
3rd year combine this number of extracurricular activities with my
I had always really enjoyed studying History and Latin at academic work, my tutors have been very supportive in
school, as well as classical art and architecture. I realised when I helping me to work out a feasible schedule, and having these
came to apply to university that it was the historical element extra demands on my time has really helped to give structure
rather than the language which appealed to me. It seemed to my days. The most valuable skill I’ve learnt here is definitely
very natural to be studying Ancient History and Modern the ability to distinguish work, fun and relaxation time, and to
History together, a feeling which has been confirmed by my stick to it.
course over the last three years; I am absolutely certain I Oxford has a certain magic about it, a feeling that once
wouldn’t have built the skill set I now have if I didn’t have an you’ve studied here a part of it will always belong to you. It’s
understanding of historical patterns and developments going an incredibly diverse and exciting city, and there’s always
much further back than the fall of the Roman Empire. something new for everyone to discover. My favourite places
There is so much to do here that there never seems to be in Oxford have to be The Turf Tavern (pub), Kazbar (a tapas
enough time, the opportunities are practically endless. I chose restaurant), Hilo (the Jamaican bar) and Reign (a vintage
to get involved in journalism, drama, singing and charity work. clothing store).
History and Economics
UCAS Course Code: LV11 What is History and Economics? Written work
Brief course outline The History and Economics course integrates Candidates are required to submit two recent
Duration of course: 3 years Economics and History to form a coherent and marked coursework essays by 10 November 2010:
HISTORY AND ECONOMICS
Degree awarded: BA intellectually stimulating programme. The one in economics or a similar subject and one on an
Averages over the past three years combination allows insights that neither subject can historical topic, or equivalent. These should have
Intake: 11 realise alone. However, it is possible to specialise been written in the candidates’ own time as part of
Applications shortlisted for interview: 69.4% primarily in either History or Economics while still their normal school or college work.
Successful applications: 19.1% preserving the benefits of an integrated approach. Written tests
Entrance requirements The combination of Economics, Economic History and Candidates applying for History and Economics are
A-levels: AAA History (political as well as social) means that you will required to take two tests: the History Aptitude Test
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB be equipped to view issues in the real world from a on 3 November 2010; and a test for Economics for
IB: 38–40 including core points variety of contrasting perspectives. You will learn those who are shortlisted, which will take place
or any other equivalent both the historian’s careful approaches to evidence during the Oxford interview period in December.
It is highly recommended for candidates to have both History and argumentation and the economist’s analytical and What are tutors looking for?
and Mathematics to A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher
quantitative methods, providing an excellent For information about the selection criteria please
Level in the IB or any other equivalent.
preparation for a range of professional, financial and see: www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/selectioncriteria.
Open day
academic careers. Submitted work and UCAS personal statements are
See History (p. 76)
History and Economics at Oxford likely to form starting points for discussion in your
Contact details
The course is designed to equip you with the basic interview. Some colleges may require you to read a
Schools Liaison Officer, History Faculty,
tools of both History and Economics, whilst short passage of historical writing while you are up
The Old Boys School, George Street,
introducing you to some of the areas which you can for interview, which they will ask you to discuss as
Oxford OX1 2RL
study later in more depth. You will be given a wide part of the interview process. The tutors are not so
+44 (0) 1865 615020
choice of subjects. Everyone studies introductory much interested in the level of your knowledge as in
economics, which is designed to give a solid your ability to think historically.
understanding of the foundations of both micro- and Related courses
www.economics.ox.ac.uk
macro-economics. The Economics course is identical Students interested in this course might also like to
to that for Philosophy, Politics and Economics and consider Archaeology and Anthropology, other
students for both courses are generally taught History courses, or History of Art.
together. Careers
A typical weekly timetable Some of the most popular careers for History and
You will be expected to attend about five lectures Economics graduates include working in industry,
per week during the first year, participate in regular management consulting, law, teaching and many
meetings with tutors to discuss work, research in branches of the public service, including the civil and
libraries and write at least one essay a week. In the diplomatic services, and the Bank of England. Recent
second and third year there is the opportunity to History and Economics graduates include a
substitute a thesis for one of the required papers, management consultant, a charity officer and an
which will enable you to do a piece of independent economist.
research. Mark, who graduated in 2003, is now a post-
doctoral researcher at the Political Theory Project at
Brown University. He says: ‘My area of research is
economic history and in this respect studying History
and Economics at Oxford has been very important
for my career as my current work builds directly on
what I learnt as an undergraduate. The joint honours
degree allowed me to obtain a broad education. I was
able to take a diverse range of courses including early
medieval history and early modern political thought.
At the same time the degree programme was
sufficiently structured that it ensured that I took
enough economics courses to be able to go on to do
graduate work in economics.’

HISTORY AND ECONOMICS

Courses Courses
Four papers are taken: Core courses in Economics and Economic History
◼◼ Introductory economics ◼◼ Macroeconomics
◼◼ General history ◼◼ Microeconomics
(primarily European): ◼◼ Quantitative economics
four options available ◼◼ British economic history since 1870
◼◼ Historical methods ◼◼ A period of British history (7 options) or of general history (18 options)
(available options: ◼◼ Economic history option (English society in the 17th century; or The first industrial revolution;
Approaches to history; or British society in the 20th century)
Historiography: Tacitus Optional courses
to Weber; ◼◼ A special subject in History or two further subjects in History or two further subjects in
Quantification; Foreign Economics or one further subject in History and one further subject in Economics
texts) ◼◼ Choices in History include: China in war and revolution, 1890–1949; Society and government
◼◼ Optional subject in France; Imperialism and nationalism, 1830–1980; Culture, politics and identity in Cold War
(involving the use of Europe, 1945–68
primary sources) ◼◼ Choices in Economics include: Money and Banking; International economics; Economics of
industry; Economics of developing countries
First University Final University examinations
examinations Seven written papers, one of which can be replaced by a thesis
Four written examinations
Jack know existed. After the lectures and tutorials everything is

2nd year covered in depth and you generally feel comfortable with a
I decided to apply for History and Economics because during module and if you don’t the tutors are usually happy to give
my A-levels I really enjoyed both subjects. After being some extra guidance.
accepted I was suddenly very worried: would Oxford be too Outside of the course, the University has allowed me to
hard for me? Would I meet people I could get along with? pursue various interests, many of which I didn’t have when I
Would I have any time for having fun? And maybe most came. When I arrived I hadn’t ever played competitive sport.
importantly, would anyone else like drum ‘n’ bass? However, the collegiate sport system caters to all levels of
I’ve made loads of friends, really enjoyed my course and had sporting ability. Somehow I have found myself vice captain of
enough time to go out and appreciate what Oxford has to both my college’s mighty third football team and the
offer (including two drum ‘n’ bass nights a week). formidable second darts team.
The History and Economics course here has a lot going for it. All in all Oxford has totally shattered and exceeded my
It’s flexible enough that I can choose which of the two to focus expectations. The course has been fantastic and I would
on and which specific parts of the subjects to focus on from encourage anyone who is thinking about History and
there. I think the best thing about the teaching at Oxford is the Economics to apply.
sheer range of experts in fields of your subject you didn’t even

History and English
UCAS Course Code: VQ13 What is History and English? Written work
Brief course outline A joint degree in History and English requires Candidates will be required to submit by 10
Duration of course: 3 years students to think critically about how we define November 2010 one piece of written work for
Degree awarded: BA ‘history’ and ‘literature’, and about how the two History, on an historical topic, and two pieces for
HISTORY AND ENGLISH
Averages over the past three years disciplines interrelate and, in large measure, overlap. English.
Intake: 8 Close attention is given to changing methodologies, Written tests
Applications shortlisted for interview: 75.0% to the nature of evidence and to styles of argument. All candidates must take the History Aptitude
Successful applications: 9.5% (plus It is assumed that historical documents are just as Test, normally at their own school or college, on
candidates who are accepted for either much ‘texts’ as are poems, plays or novels, and are 3 November 2010. Candidates must make sure
History or English single honours) therefore subject to interpretation as works of they are available to take the test at this time.
Entrance requirements narrative, rhetoric and, fundamentally, language. Candidates for this joint course are not required to
A-levels: AAA Equally, it is assumed that poems, plays and novels take the English Literature Admissions Test.
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB represent historically grounded ways of interpreting a What are tutors looking for?
IB: 38–40 including core points culture. For information about the selection criteria please
or any other equivalent History and English at Oxford see: www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/selectioncriteria.
Candidates are expected to have English Literature, or English The History and English Faculties are the largest in Shortlisted candidates will usually be given at least
Language to A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher Level in the
Britain, with long and distinguished traditions of two interviews, one with the History tutor or tutors
IB or any other equivalent. It is also highly recommended for
candidates to have History to A-level, Advanced Higher, or teaching and research. Students are offered a great in the college, and one with the English tutor or
Higher Level in the IB or another equivalent. deal of choice in the course of their three years, and tutors. In the English interview, the candidate may be
Open days whether their interests are in the medieval period, asked to discuss a piece of prose or verse, provided
See History (p. 76) the Renaissance or the later periods, intellectually before or at the interview. Successful candidates will
See English Language and Literature (p. 64) fruitful combinations are always possible. The course read widely, will enjoy writing and talking about
Applicants for this course may like to attend any of the open structure at Oxford is intended to enable students to history, literature and language, and will be interested
days for either History or English since tutors will be available
relate literary and historical ideas as effectively as in pursuing a comparative approach to historical and
at each event who can discuss this joint course.
possible in the investigation of their chosen historical literary texts.
Contact details
periods, topics or authors, while recognising that Related courses
History
some students will wish to opt for variety rather than Students interested in this course might also like to
Schools Liaison Officer,
close congruity between their historical and literary consider Archaeology and Anthropology, other
History Faculty, The Old Boys School,
papers. Oxford possesses unmatched library provision English courses, History courses or History of Art.
George Street, Oxford OX1 2RL
for both subjects, in the Bodleian Library, the History Careers
+44 (0) 1865 615020
Faculty and English Faculty libraries, other faculty By studying this degree you will acquire a range of
libraries, and the college libraries. Students take two skills valued by recruiters including: the ability to
dedicated interdisciplinary papers in their final year; work independently, to evaluate the significance of
English
both are examined by extended essays. evidence and to present arguments clearly and
English Faculty, St Cross Building,
A typical weekly timetable persuasively. Recent graduates from this course have
Manor Road, Oxford OX1 3UQ
Most students have one to two tutorials a week worked in the media, legal professions, public
+44 (0) 1865 271055
and are often, but not always, working on two papers administration, teaching and financial careers. Jo, who
english.office@ell.ox.ac.uk
simultaneously. Most students attend three to four graduated in 2008, says: ‘Since graduating, I have
www.english.ox.ac.uk
lecture courses a week. In the second year, students worked in the City in both finance and law. I will be
attend interdisciplinary bridge paper classes in which joining the London office of Skadden Arps, a US firm,
the two disciplines are brought together. in September 2011 as a trainee solicitor.’

Courses Courses
Four papers are taken: Seven papers are taken:
HISTORY AND ENGLISH

◼◼ The history of the British Isles ◼◼ Two interdisciplinary bridge papers, studied in the second year,
◼◼ History optional subject; or examined as submitted extended essays
Approaches to history; or ◼◼ A period of British history not studied in the first year
Historiography: Tacitus to ◼◼ Two papers from the Honour School of English Language and
Weber Literature
◼◼ Introduction to literary studies ◼◼ Either two papers from the Honour School of History or one
◼◼ Old English literature; or Middle additional subject from the Honour School of English Language
English literature; or Victorian and Literature, plus one subject from the Honour School of
or modern literature History which shall be either a further subject, a general history
period, or an additional British history period
◼◼ Possible optional thesis
Four written papers Seven papers with a maximum of three of those papers by
(All exams must be passed, but extended essay, plus thesis (optional)
marks do not count towards the
final degree)
Josie state grammar in Essex. Even the interview itself

2nd year was a rewarding experience as I got to discuss my
My degree allows me, above all, to keep studying subjects with leading academics, as well as staying
both the subjects I love, but also to tie them in Oxford and getting a taste for the city. I love
together in interesting ways: by looking at the everything about Oxford: the city itself, which is so
development of literature during the periods of beautiful and vibrant (with quirky shops like
history I study, as well as by taking bridge papers ‘Octopus’ where I’ve bought such amazing items as
which are specifically designed to bring the two an umbrella shaped like a cat, complete with furry
subjects together. I’m really glad I took the tail!); my college which is the friendliest, closest
challenge of applying for a joint honours course, as community ever, set in the most gorgeous location
having the opportunity to be taught by the experts imaginable; the social life within college and the
in both fields is so rewarding. I’d tell people who University; and of course the academic side of
love two different subjects that not only do you things, where I’m enjoying watching my skills at
not have to choose between them, but also thinking, writing and arguing improve week by
studying them jointly allows you to get even more week. Oxford has developed me as a student and
from your degree. as a person, as I’m now also a Welfare
I’m the first person in my family to go to Representative for my college, another enjoyable
university, and applying to Oxford was daunting, challenge. Oh, and I’ve made the most amazing
but I got a lot of encouragement from my school, a friends here as well!

History and
HISTORY AND MODERN LANGUAGES
Modern Languages Entrance requirements What is History and Modern Languages?

History with either Celtic, Czech (with A-levels: AAA This course allows you to study subjects in History
Slovak), French, German, Modern Greek, Advanced Highers: AA/AAB and a European language which relate to each other
Italian, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish IB: 38–40 including core points significantly. An interest in 19th-century French
Brief course outline It is highly recommended for candidates to have History to A-level, Advanced literature, for example, might be reinforced by the
Duration of course: 4 years (including Higher, or Higher Level in the IB, or another equivalent. The language
study of French and European historical options in the
requirements are detailed below:
compulsory year abroad) same period, or an interest in medieval Italian history
For French, German, Russian or Spanish
Degree awarded: BA can be enriched by a study of Dante. Not only can
Candidates would usually be expected to have the
Averages over the past three years the literature be related to its historical context, but
language to A-level, Advanced Higher, Higher Level in
Intake: 17 the agenda of the historians can also be reassessed
the IB or another academic equivalent.
Applications shortlisted for interview: 78.4% by engagement with literary methods.
For Celtic, Czech or Modern Greek
Successful applications: 18.0% History and Modern Languages at Oxford
Course combinations available The richness and variety of the cultural and
of studying this language and may study it from
History and: UCAS code intellectual topics pursued in the two faculties make
scratch.
possible exciting and intellectually innovative
Celtic VQ15 For Italian
combinations. Students undertaking this kind of joint
Candidates may apply without any formal
Czech VR17 degree therefore regularly make genuinely original
qualifications in Italian, though successful candidates
French VR11 contributions.
would be expected to work on their Italian before
German VR12 Work placements/international opportunities
beginning the course here at Oxford. Beginners
You study History and Modern Languages as a
Modern Greek VQ17 would not be expected to reach A-level standard by
four-year course with a compulsory year abroad in
the time they start the course but should aim to
Italian VR13 your third year. If you need further information, you
acquire sufficient grammar and vocabulary to be able
Portuguese VR15 can consult with your college of preference. We
to read contemporary literary Italian texts.
encourage you to spend as much as possible of your
Russian VRC7 For Portuguese
vacations in the countries whose language you are
Spanish VR14 Most candidates apply as complete beginners. Non-
studying. Financial support, including travelling
beginners may apply without any formal qualifications
scholarships, may be available from your college
and/or the faculty.
Your week’s work will include tutorials in history and
in the literature and culture of the language you
and vocabulary.
study, language classes involving different skills, and
Open days
about three or four lectures. You will prepare essays
See History (p.76)
for your weekly tutorials.
See Modern Languages (p.109)
Tutors from the History Faculty will be available at the Modern Languages
open day on 1 May to discuss this joint course.
Contact details
History
Schools Liaison Officer, History Faculty,
The Old Boys School, George Street, Oxford OX1 2RL
+44 (0) 1865 615020
Modern Languages
Faculty of Medieval and Modern Languages,
41 Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2JF
+44 (0) 1865 270750

HISTORY AND MODERN LANGUAGES
Written work What are tutors looking for?
Candidates are required to submit two pieces of For information about the selection criteria please
written work, for History and Modern Languages by see: www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/selectioncriteria.
10 November 2010. Please see the pages for During the interview, your submitted work is likely
History and for Modern Languages for further to be a starting point for discussion. Some colleges
details. may also ask you to read and discuss a short text.
Written tests Tutors wish to test your capacity for independent
All candidates must take the History Aptitude thought, your flexibility, your skills in conceptualising
Test, normally at their own school or college, on and relating ideas, the precision of your thinking, and
3 November 2010. Candidates must make sure they your linguistic accuracy.
are available to take the test at this time. Related courses
During the Oxford interview period in December, Students interested in this course might also like to
there will also be a 30-minute test for the language consider Archaeology and Anthropology, other
you intend to study, though not in languages you History courses, other language courses, or History
intend to study more or less from scratch. These are of Art.
designed to test your grammar rather than Careers
vocabulary. Employers value language skills combined with the
many transferable skills of a History and Modern
Languages degree. The Languages Work website has
further information about careers using languages
www.languageswork.org.uk.
Recent graduates from this course now work in the
media, publishing, and other commercial fields, and
include a solicitor and a management consultant.
1st year 2nd and 4th years (3rd year spent abroad)
Courses Courses
Six courses are taken: ◼◼ A period of literature
Modern Language ◼◼ A paper on prescribed authors, or linguistics, or medieval
◼◼ Two language papers: translation texts
and comprehension ◼◼ Two language papers
◼◼ Two literature papers ◼◼ A bridge essay on the relationship between history and
History literature
◼◼ General history (four options: 370– ◼◼ A period of general history
900; 1000–1300; 1400–1650; ◼◼ Either a special subject in History (two papers, see
1815–1914) History), with one additional history or literature option;
◼◼ Either a British history period, or a Or three papers selected from history (British history,
historical methods paper, or a further subject, thesis) or literature (period papers,
foreign text or an optional subject prescribed authors, extended essay)
Six written papers Nine written papers (including at least one extended essay);
Oral examination in the modern language

History and Politics
UCAS Course Code: LV21 What is History and Politics? Written test
Brief course outline The History and Politics course aims to bring All candidates must take the History Aptitude
Duration of course: 3 years together complementary but separate disciplines to Test, normally at their own school or college, on
Degree awarded: BA form a coherent and stimulating programme. The 3 November 2010. Candidates must make sure they
HISTORY AND POLITICS
Averages over the past three years degree not only enables students to set are available to take the test at this time.
Intake: 46 contemporary political problems in their historical What are tutors looking for?
Applications shortlisted for interview: 71.6% perspective, but also equips them to approach the For information about the selection criteria please
Successful applications: 18.1% study of the past with the conceptual rigour derived see: www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/selectioncriteria.
Entrance requirements from political science. If your application is shortlisted, submitted work
A-levels: AAA History and Politics at Oxford and UCAS personal statements are likely to form
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB The special feature of the Oxford course is the starting-points for discussion in your interview. Some
IB: 38–40 including core points chance to choose subjects very broadly across the colleges may require you to read a short piece of
or any other equivalent two disciplines, so that it is possible to combine prose or other material before the interview, which
It is highly recommended for candidates to have History to medieval historical options with the analysis of they will ask you to discuss as part of the interview
A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher Level in the IB or any contemporary political systems. The expertise of a process. The tutors are not so much interested in the
other equivalent. Sociology, Politics or Government and
Politics can be helpful to students in completing this course,
number of Oxford’s political theorists and historians level of your knowledge as in your ability to think
although they are not required for admission. in the history of political thought, the thematic analytically.
Open day approach taken to the teaching of general history in Related courses
See History (p.76) the first year, and the emphasis placed on Students interested in this course might also like to
Contact details interdisciplinarity in a number of both politics and consider Archaeology and Anthropology, other
History history papers strengthen the intellectual rigour of History courses, History of Art, or Philosophy, Politics
Schools Liaison Officer, History Faculty, this course. and Economics (PPE).
The Old Boys School, George Street, A typical weekly timetable Careers
Oxford OX1 2RL You will be expected to attend about five lectures While some History and Politics graduates go on to
+44 (0) 1865 615020 per week during the first year, participate in regular further study and research to become professional
schools.liaison@history.ox.ac.uk meetings with tutors to discuss work, research in historians, others move into different areas. Recent
www.history.ox.ac.uk libraries, and write at least one essay a week. You will graduates have started their careers in accountancy,
Politics be required to submit a thesis which will enable you advertising, archive work, finance, the Civil Service,
Undergraduate Studies Secretary, to do a piece of independent research during your consultancy, international charity work, media, law,
Department of Politics and International second and third years. You are very much in charge librarianship, management consultancy, museums,
Relations, Manor Road Building, Oxford of your own timetable, which means that if you are politics, publishing, research, social work, teaching
OX1 3UQ well organised you can easily fit in all the other and the theatre. They include a PhD researcher in
+44 (0) 1865 288564 activities for which Oxford students are renowned. political science, a senior account executive in public
ug.studies@politics.ox.ac.uk Written work relations, and a civil servant. Nezam, who graduated
www.politics.ox.ac.uk All candidates are required to send in an essay, on in 2008, is now a senior analyst at Merrill Lynch
an historical topic, of A2 level, or equivalent, written International. He says: ‘Since graduating, I have
in their own time as part of their normal school or worked in the investment banking industry. Although
college work by 10 November 2010. not directly related to my current profession, my
degree enabled me to pursue my academic passion
whilst also developing analytical skills and intellectual
curiosity that are invaluable in my current role.’

Courses Courses
Four examination papers and a short piece of The course has seven components:
HISTORY AND POLITICS

assessed coursework are taken: ◼◼ A period of the history of the British Isles
◼◼ Either any one of the seven periods in the ◼◼ A period of general history
history of the British Isles or any one of the four ◼◼ Any two of the five core subjects in Politics:
periods of general history Comparative Government; British Politics and
◼◼ Theories of the State (Aristotle, Hobbes, Government since 1900; Theory of Politics;
Rousseau, Marx) International Relations; Political Sociology
◼◼ One optional subject: choice of Quantification in ◼◼ One of the following combinations:
History; Approaches to History; Historiography: 1. A special subject in History (two papers) and
Tacitus to Weber; or any of the optional an optional subject in Politics (either a core
subjects (see History, above, except Theories of paper not yet taken or a further subject)
the State), or any one of seven foreign texts 2. A further subject in History and two optional
◼◼ Introduction to Political Institutions subjects in Politics
3. A further subject in History, one optional
subject in Politics and one special subject in
Politics
Each student is required to offer a thesis in either
History or Politics, which substitutes either for the
period of British or general history or for a Politics
optional subject.
Four written examinations Six written papers and a thesis in History or Politics
Amira The special thing about Oxford too is that you can get
3rd year involved in activities that really complement your studies, for
The beauty of History and Politics is that it allows you not example in debating clubs, but also explore more general
only to draw on knowledge and interest across a wide area but pursuits as well. Coming from a state school in London I have
also to follow your own interests. We all have to do core been a keen volunteer for many Access initiatives as well as
papers, but the second and third years have allowed me to being involved in regular sporting activities.
make the most out of my degree by taking courses that I am I am currently writing my undergraduate thesis, where I have
most passionate about, from the politics of the Middle East to chosen to focus on the Nasser–Sadat period. Having the
the history of the United States since 1863. chance to explore an area of such fascination to me is yet
Having a tutor who is renowned in the field is really a another plus of my course. Not only will I be travelling to Egypt
fantastic opportunity. I found it a little daunting at first but for much of the research, but the excellent resources here in
tutorials are a great opportunity to get discussions going. I Oxford will hopefully help me to produce a great piece of work.
have found these conversations to be really important, and
they have been incredibly beneficial to my studies.
History of Art
UCAS Course Code: V350 What is History of Art? Written work
Brief course outline Anything designed by human beings exhibits visual Applicants are asked to submit two pieces of
Duration of course: 3 years qualities that are specific to the place and period in written work by 10 November 2010. The first is a
Degree awarded: BA which it originates. History of Art concentrates on marked essay from an A-level or equivalent
Averages over the past three years objects generally described as ‘art’, though in Oxford course. This will demonstrate ability to construct a
Intake: 12 (note: no deferred applications this definition is framed broadly to embrace items sustained written argument. The second is a
are accepted for this course) beyond ‘Fine art’ or ‘Western art’. History of Art aims response, written in no more than 750 words, to a
HISTORY OF ART
Applications shortlisted for interview: 65.6% to arrive at an historical understanding of the origins piece of art or design. Applicants should have first-
Successful applications: 16.1% of artefacts within specific world cultures, asking hand access to their chosen object, of which if
Entrance requirements about the circumstances of their making, their possible they should include a photograph or
A-levels: AAA makers, the media used, the functions of the images photocopy. Applicants may focus, as they wish, on
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB and objects, their critical reception and – not least – the material, and/or the design, and/or the subject of
IB: 38–40 including core points their subsequent history. As well as educating their image. No special preparation or research is
or any other equivalent students in the historical interpretation of artefacts in required. The 750 word assignment will demonstrate
It is highly recommended for candidates to have taken an their cultural contexts, a degree in History of Art curiosity, sensitivity and clarity in response to the
essay-based subject to A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher
provides skills in the critical analysis of objects chosen object and visual culture more generally.
Level in the IB or any other equivalent. The History of Art,
History, English, a Language or Art can be helpful to students through the cultivation of ‘visual literacy’. The Written tests
in completing this course, although they are not required for acquired skills have broad applicability in a wide range You do not need to take a written test when you
admission. of professional settings, as well as serving the needs apply for this course.
Open days of enduring personal enlightenment. What are tutors looking for?
1 July, and 17 September 2010 History of Art at Oxford Candidates should show evidence of lively
To book a place on either of these dates, please contact:
Oxford possesses unsurpassed resources for the engagement with culture, both contemporary and
admin@hoa.ox.ac.uk
study of visual cultures on a global basis. The historical. Prior knowledge of the history of art is
Contact details
University collections, including the world-famous absolutely not a requirement: many successful
Department of History of Art,
Ashmolean Museum, provide subjects for first hand applicants have never studied the subject before
University of Oxford, Littlegate House,
study under the supervision of those entrusted with university. What is looked for in applicants is a keen
St Ebbes, Oxford OX1 1PT
their care. The historic architecture of the city and its and critical observation of art and of the material
+44 (0) 1865 286830
environs supplies a rich source of study in its own environment in general. At interview, candidates are
admin@hoa.ox.ac.uk
right. The Oxford degree is designed to provide invited to demonstrate willingness to engage in
www.hoa.ox.ac.uk
innovative insights into a wider range of world art focused discussion and debate about visual issues,
than is available elsewhere in Britain in a single and in addition to respond to one or more
course, drawing its expertise from various faculties photographs of unfamiliar images (which applicants
and the staff of University collections, as well as will not be expected to recognise).
from the department itself. There is a strong Related courses
emphasis upon how the primary visual and written Students interested in this course might also like to
sources from various periods and places can be consider Archaeology and Anthropology, Classics,
analysed in different ways, as well as encouraging English, Fine Art, or History.
students to enquire about the nature of reactions to
what we call ‘art’.

Careers manager. She says: ‘I am currently working at the corporate
The cultural industries are one of the biggest employers in the advertising agency Totem. It was my degree that first got me
world. In addition to museums and galleries, there are many interested in marketing. I started working at the Institute of
governmental and non-governmental agencies that work to Contemporary Arts’ press office in the summer after my first
conserve, research and promote cultural heritage and to further year at university, and never looked back. Feeling like going
the production of art. Furthermore, History of Art graduates will agency-side would be more of a challenge, I sent my CV off to
be especially competitive for posts in any area that requires some small agencies around London, and got called in to
HISTORY OF ART
combinations of visual and verbal skills, such as publishing, Alphabet advertising. I worked for them for two separate
advertising and marketing, as well as entering the wide range of holidays, and then for Fig Tree – a design consultancy – the
professions available to all humanities graduates. summer before I graduated. This experience stood me in good
Recent History of Art graduates include a teacher and a stead to apply for my current position.’
curator. Elle, who graduated in 2009, is now an account
Courses Courses
Four elements are taken: Seven elements are taken:
◼◼ Core Course: Introduction to the ◼◼ Core Course: Approaches to the History of Art
History of Art ◼◼ Further subject in Art History (choices currently include: Anglo-Saxon Archaeology; The Carolingian
◼◼ Core Course: Antiquity after Renaissance; Culture and Society in Early Renaissance Italy; Northern European Portraiture 1400–1800;
Antiquity Flanders and Italy in the Quattrocento; Court Culture and Art in Early Modern Europe; Intellect and Culture
◼◼ Core Course: European Art 1400– in Victorian Britain)
1800: Meaning and Interpretation ◼◼ Option in Classical, Pre-Modern or Non-Western Art (choices currently include: Egyptian Art and
◼◼ Supervised extended essay on a Architecture; Greek Art and Archaeology; The Formation of the Islamic World; Byzantine Art: the Transition
building, object or image in Oxford from Antiquity to the Middle Ages; Art under the Roman Empire; Gothic Art through Medieval Eyes; Art in
China Since 1911; Material Cultural Studies)
◼◼ Option in Modern Art (choices currently include: Literature and the Visual Arts in France; German
Expressionism in Literature and Visual Arts; European Cinema; Modernism and After; The Experience of
Modernity: Visual Culture, 1880–1925; Material Cultural Studies; Art in China Since 1911)
◼◼ ‘Special’ Subject and Extended Essay in Art History (choices currently include: Royal Art and Architecture
of Norman Sicily; Politics, Art and Culture in Renaissance Florence and Venice; Painting and Culture in Ming
China; English Architecture; Art and Its Public in France, 1815–67)
◼◼ Undergraduate Thesis: individual research project supervised one-on-one by expert tutors
Three written papers and one Four or five written papers; one or two extended essay(s), one thesis
extended essay
Joel we write an extended essay on any object of our Janet Cardiff and George Bures Miller greatly
1st year choice in Oxford, allowing for an original piece of influenced an essay I wrote, since it highlighted
The course is fantastic! I’d never studied the research if you really want to. You can get as far the importance of the atmosphere and mood of
history of art by itself before but I found it easy into the subject as you want. a work of art. It’s rare that a place can be
to dive in. If you enjoy studying art or art’s While you’re here you might also get the steeped in so much history, with beautiful areas
history then this is the place for you. The chance to become a student representative for of open space, yet be filled with such amazing
resources available are endless, from classic texts Modern Art Oxford, which is a great opportunity shops (especially Uncle Sam’s on Little Clarendon
to more obscure ones. Even more exciting and to get involved with works of contemporary art. Street; it’s an American Vintage shop full of
useful than the museums and libraries is the Just because the course is History of Art, snuggly jumpers and hats).
enthusiastic help from tutors themselves. doesn’t mean that you have to limit yourself to If there’s one thing I can suggest, it’s just to go
History of Art is quite a new degree at Oxford artists of the distant past. In fact, looking at and for it! It’s a lot of hard work, but the rewards are
so there’s a huge opportunity to be at the start understanding the work of a modern artist can well worth it.
of the development of the faculty. This leads to open up brand new doors to how you think
quite a lot of freedom of study – in the first year about the course. A recent exhibition of work by

Human Sciences
UCAS Course Code: BCL0 What is Human Sciences? Work placements/international opportunities
Brief course outline Human Sciences studies the biological, social and There are no formal arrangements for work
Duration of course: 3 years cultural aspects of human life, and provides a placements but students are encouraged to take part
Degree awarded: BA challenging alternative to some of the more in small-scale research projects or expeditions during
Averages over the past three years traditional courses offered at Oxford. The School was the summer holidays.
Intake: 30 founded in 1969 in recognition of the need for A typical weekly timetable
HUMAN SCIENCES
Applications shortlisted for interview: 95.2% interdisciplinary understanding of fundamental issues During years 1 and 2 your work is divided between
Successful applications: 31.5% and problems confronting contemporary societies. lectures (about ten a week) and tutorials (one or two
Entrance requirements Central topics include the evolution of humans, their a week). In addition, some practical experience in
A-levels: AAA behaviour, molecular and population genetics, genetics, physiology, demography and statistics is
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB population growth and ageing, ethnic and cultural offered in certain terms. Computers are used for
IB: 38–40 including core points diversity and the human interaction with the small group teaching in demography, and for the
or any other equivalent environment, including disease and nutrition. The option in Quantitative methods. In the third year the
Biology or Mathematics to A-Level, Advanced Higher or study of both biological and social disciplines, tutorial and class requirement is reduced to allow
Higher Level in the IB or any other equivalent can be helpful
integrated within a framework of human diversity more time for option papers and students’ research
to students in completing this course, although they are not
required for admission. and sustainability, should enable the human scientist for their dissertations.
Open days to develop professional competencies suited to Written work and tests
30 June, 1 July, and 17 September 2010 address such multidimensional human problems. You do not need to take a written test or submit
Contact details Human Sciences at Oxford any written work when you apply for this course. If
Sarah-Jane White, The course draws on specialists from a number of you wish, you may submit a statement of around
Academic Administrator, Institute of different faculties in the University. Lectures 100 words about why you would like to study
Human Sciences, The Pauling Centre, introduce most of the material you will need and Human Sciences. Please send this to:
58a Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 6QS provide the core concepts and theories for each admissions@ihs.ox.ac.uk by 10 November.
+44 (0) 1865 274702 paper. Tutorials, given by specialists in different fields, What are tutors looking for?
admissions@ihs.ox.ac.uk allow you to consider particular topics in greater The attributes tutors are looking for in applicants
www.ihs.ox.ac.uk depth. They also allow students from different include:
academic backgrounds to gain the necessary ◼◼ keenness
grounding across a range of subjects. ◼◼ an ability to see things in context and make
The course is unusual in having its own building connections
within the University, the Pauling Human Sciences ◼◼ readiness to modify ideas in the light of evidence
Centre. It has a seminar/lecture room, tutorial rooms ◼◼ the capacity to form and express a personal point
and a reading room. The Human Sciences Centre of view
office is a particularly valuable resource, offering a Related courses
variety of information and guidance about teaching Students interested in this course might also like to
arrangements, lecture timetables, course syllabuses, consider Geography, Experimental Psychology,
and books and journals in other libraries to which Psychology and Philosophy, or Earth Sciences
students have access. In addition the Centre has a (Geology).
cross-section of books covering different aspects of Careers
the course, which are specifically chosen for While some Human Sciences graduates will go on
undergraduate use. The Centre is also a focus for to academic and professional training in medicine,
many informal activities, ranging from student- genetics, demography, anthropology and sociology,
organised symposia to regular lunches. In general, the others move into different areas. Recent graduates
Centre provides a friendly base which contributes have found opportunities in fields including the Civil
greatly to undergraduates’ involvement in the course. Service, local government, health services, teaching,
media, law, industry, commerce, computing,
management consultancy and accountancy, and
include an editor and writer of children’s books, a
financial analyst, and a solicitor.


Five courses are taken: Five compulsory courses are ◼◼ Dissertation to be completed by the beginning of the final
◼◼ The biology of organisms taken, plus a start on the term
including humans dissertation and two ◼◼ Option courses (two chosen) from a list which may vary
HUMAN SCIENCES
◼◼ Genetics and evolution optional courses. slightly depending on teaching availability: Anthropology of a
◼◼ Society, culture and ◼◼ Behaviour and its selected region; Anthropology of medicine; The archaeology
environment evolution, animal and of Southern African hunter-gatherers; Biological
◼◼ Sociology and human conservation; Cognitive and evolutionary anthropology;
demography ◼◼ Human genetics and Computational neuroscience; Developmental questions in
◼◼ Quantitative methods for evolution religion and science; Education and psychology; Health and
the human sciences ◼◼ Human ecology disease; Language; Quantitative methods; Sociology of
◼◼ Demography and industrial societies
population
◼◼ Either Anthropological
analysis and
interpretation; or
Sociological theory
Five written papers; Seven written papers; a dissertation
satisfactory practical record
Maija-Eliina Before the first term starts properly there is a Freshers’ Week
1st year – time for all the new students to settle in. This was organised
In my first term I have studied human geography, really well, with a mix of tours and information, as well as
anthropology, maths, physiology, genetics and evolution! checking out the Oxford clubbing scene. There were also more
That’s what I love about Human Sciences – covering so many chilled things like going to the famous G&D’s ice cream parlour,
different areas and subjects. It’s interesting to develop an and plenty of time to just relax and make new friends. The
understanding of humans as both social and biological college system means that you feel that you belong right from
creatures, by seeing how everything fits together. the very beginning, as there is such a sense of community.
I instantly fell in love with my college and I’ve made a great Friendly rivalry with other colleges also bonds us closer
group of friends. Everyone has been really friendly right from together!
day one, and the 2nd and 3rd years were brilliant at making all I’ve gone from lazing around all summer to being on the girls’
the new students feel welcome. The people and the city are football, netball and rowing teams – the fact that I’d never
amazing and there’s a really friendly vibe everywhere you go. really done any of them before coming here didn’t matter,
because college sport is as much about having fun as it is about
winning things.

Law (Jurisprudence)
UCAS Course Code: M100 What is Law? law). See the faculty website for further details
with European Law M190 There are two Law courses at Oxford: Course I is a about Course II and the admissions arrangements.
with French Law M191 three-year course and Course II is a four-year course Written work
with German Law M192 which follows the same syllabus, with the extra year You do not need to submit any written work when
LAW (JURISPRUDENCE)
with Italian Law M193 being spent abroad following a prescribed course at a you apply for this course.
with Spanish Law M194 university within the European Union. Written tests
Brief course outline The Oxford Law degrees aim to develop in their All candidates applying to study Law at Oxford for
Duration of course: students a high level of skill in comprehension, entry in 2011 (or applying in 2010 for deferred entry
Course I: 3 years analysis and presentation. Students are expected to in 2012) must sit the Law National Admissions Test
Course II (Law with Law Studies in read a good deal, mostly from primary sources (such (LNAT) between 1 September and 1 November
Europe): 4 years as cases and statutes), rather than to take other 2010. A number of other universities also require
Degree awarded: BA in Jurisprudence people’s word for things. They are expected to think candidates to sit this test.
(equivalent to LLB) hard about what they have read, so as to develop The expectation is that you will sit the test
Averages over the past three years views not simply about what the law is, but also onscreen in a test centre near your home. It will be a
Combined intake: 214 about why it is so, whether it should be so, how it test of your aptitudes rather than your knowledge.
Applications shortlisted for interview: might be different, and so on, drawing on moral, Your performance in this test will be used as an
Course I - 53.8%, Course II - 54.2%, philosophical, social, historical, economic and other additional factor in deciding whether to interview you
Successful applications: ideas. Students are asked to process what they read, and whether to offer you a place. Test centres are
Course I - 18.7%, Course II - 10.1%, together with their own thoughts, and to prepare now located internationally. For further details, a
(Applicants unsuccessful in gaining a place essays and presentations for discussion in tutorials specimen paper and information on how to register,
on Course II are automatically considered and classes. please see www.lnat.ac.uk.
for a place on Course I) Law at Oxford Candidates for Law with Law Studies in Europe
Entrance requirements The Oxford syllabus comprises topics chosen who are applying for the French, German, Italian or
A-levels: AAA primarily for their intellectual interest, rather than for Spanish law options may be given an oral test in the
Advanced Highers: AAB, or AA plus an the frequency with which they arise in practice. But relevant European language at the time of interview.
additional Higher at grade A at the same time, the skills of researching, thinking What are tutors looking for?
IB: 39 including core points (with at least and presentation developed by the Oxford courses The selection criteria are based on the qualities
7,6,6 at HL) or any other equivalent are eminently suited to practical application, and required of a successful law student. Throughout the
Candidates are also expected to have at least a C grade in employers recognise this. Moreover, the skills can be admissions process, tutors look for evidence of a
GCSE mathematics, or other evidence to demonstrate that
they are appropriately numerate. Apart from this, the choice as well applied outside the law as within it. Oxford is candidate’s motivation, capacity for sustained
of subjects is up to you. There is no particular advantage or probably the only leading law school in the world academic work, reasoning ability, and communication
disadvantage to studying Law before you apply. where the main means by which teaching is done skills. Relevant evidence is provided by a candidate’s
Candidates applying for Law with Law Studies in Europe
would be expected to have the relevant modern language to consists of group discussion (tutorials) in groups as academic record (including any predicted grades in
A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher Level in the IB or any small as one, two or three students and a tutor. forthcoming exams), reference, personal statement,
other equivalent. However, if the candidate wishes to spend The modern, purpose-built Bodleian Law Library and performance in the LNAT. Interviews can provide
their third year of study in the Netherlands (studying
European and International Law), then a modern language is holds more than 400,000 law-related items, more further relevant information. A candidate’s pre-
not essential since the course is taught in English. than almost any other comparable library in the UK. existing knowledge of the law is not assessed at any
Open days The library is conveniently located in the same stage. For more detailed information on the
17*, 18* and 19 March*, 30 June, building as the Law Faculty and lecture rooms, the St admissions process, including a video of a mock law
1 July, and 17 September 2010 Cross Building. Colleges also have collections of law interview, please see: www.law.ox.ac.uk.
*For these open days, invitation letters are sent out to all UK books for student use. Careers
secondary schools and colleges in January. Bookings are made The teaching programme There is no assumption that our Law graduates
through your school or college.
http://denning.law.ox.ac.uk/undergraduate/opendays.shtml Colleges have the discretion to teach subjects in ought to pursue a legal career: in practice, around
Contact details different terms, but students learn through a form of 75% of Oxford Law graduates go on to the legal
Faculty of Law, St Cross Building, directed research into one or more different subjects profession; others continue onto further academic
St Cross Road, Oxford OX1 3UL each term, as well as by going to faculty lectures and study of law. Although Oxford Law graduates gain a
+44 (0) 1865 271491 seminars given by some of the world’s leading legal BA in Jurisprudence rather than an LLB, each of the
lawfac@law.ox.ac.uk scholars. This system is academically demanding, but Oxford Law courses counts as a qualifying law
www.law.ox.ac.uk at the same time very rewarding. degree so Oxford Law graduates can immediately go
E-brochure European opportunities on to the Legal Practice Course (for solicitors) or the
http://lawweb.nsms.ox.ac.uk/ Course II students spend their third year of study Bar Professional Training Course (for barristers).
undergraduate/ebrochure/index.htm at a university in France, Germany, Italy or Spain For more information on those courses, and
(studying French, German, Italian or Spanish law) or information on the legal profession generally, visit
the Netherlands (studying European and International www.sra.org.uk and www.barcouncil.org.uk.

Many Oxford Law graduates go on to successful careers Katherine, who graduated in 2005, is now a barrister at 13
practising law outside England and Wales. The Oxford Law Old Square Chambers. She says: ‘My degree helped me with not
courses naturally focus on English law, but the fundamental only the substantive law, but also the research and analytical
principles of English common law play a key role in other skills required at the Bar. It also enabled me to write effectively
LAW (JURISPRUDENCE)
jurisdictions such as those of, for example, the United States, targeted documents and explain my ideas and arguments orally,
Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Graduates of the four-year which is very important for Court work.’
course also gain important international knowledge during their Many other law graduates utilise their highly valued
year abroad. If you are considering going on to practise outside transferable skills in a wide variety of careers. Amy, who
England and Wales, and want to know the status of an English graduated in 2004, now works at Davis Langdon. She says:
law degree within that jurisdiction, please contact the relevant ‘Since graduating, I initially worked for a Christian charity in the
local regulatory body. For example, if you are interested in field of racial justice, for which I utilised my research skills,
practising in the United States, you should contact the relevant especially in the area of legal rights. I now work in construction
state regulatory body: useful information can also be found at cost management, procuring and costing construction projects.
www.abanet.org. My degree gave me a general understanding of contract and
tort law, which I now use on a daily basis.’
1st year (terms 1 and 2) 1st year (term 3),

2nd and 3rd (4th) years
Courses Courses
◼◼ Criminal law ◼◼ Tort law
◼◼ Constitutional law ◼◼ Contract law
◼◼ A Roman introduction to Private law ◼◼ Trusts
◼◼ Research skills programme ◼◼ Land law
For those on Course II, who will be going to France, Germany, ◼◼ Administrative law
Italy or Spain, there are also French/German/Italian/Spanish ◼◼ Course II: year 3 is spent abroad
law and language classes during the first six terms. For those ◼◼ European Union law
going to the Netherlands there are introductory Dutch ◼◼ Jurisprudence
language courses in the second year ◼◼ Two optional subjects, chosen from a very wide range of
options. For full details of courses offered, please see the
faculty website.
First University examinations: Final University examinations:
◼◼ Three written papers: one each in Criminal law, ◼◼ Seven compulsory subjects: one written paper each
Constitutional law and a Roman introduction to Private law ◼◼ Two optional subjects: normally written papers but methods
of assessment may vary
Course II students will also be assessed during their year
abroad by the University they attend
Paul each individual is able to find their niche year, becoming active both in the
2nd year and also marvel at the true scope of the University Labour Club and my College
We study topics from criminal law right subject as it engulfs politics, economics, Junior Common Room (JCR). I have also
through to the more abstract sociology, history and beyond. made some great friends through my
philosophical study of Jurisprudence – The diversity of subjects and depth to college Christian Union. Of course there’s
they are all necessary in determining which they might be studied can plenty on offer that I haven’t been
what the law is, how it came to be and sometimes be daunting but is also involved with. From sporting enthusiasts
why it is still justified in today’s modern exciting and stimulating. Lecturers, tutors to musicians and thespians; another
age. and students are all at the top of their fantastic aspect to University life is that
Law at Oxford is quite distinct in that it game, with everyone committed to whatever you want to do within or
requires you to think very hard about helping each other and learning from outside of academia the University and/
why the law is as it is and not simply each other. or your college will be likely to provide it
methodically learning its application. The I have been involved in University for you.
range of subjects covered means that politics from the beginning of my first
What is Materials Science? Work placements/international opportunities
Modern society is heavily dependent on advanced Students are encouraged to undertake a voluntary
materials such as lightweight composites for summer placement in industry or a research
transport applications, optical fibres for laboratory. Recent locations for summer placements
telecommunications and silicon microchips for the include Beijing, Tokyo, Boston, Santa Barbara,
information revolution. Materials scientists study the Colorado and several regions of the UK.
relationships between the structure and properties of A voluntary industrial tour to an overseas
a material and how it is made. They also develop new destination is organised in most Easter holidays.
materials to meet engineering specifications, and Recent destinations include Milan, Tokyo, Toulouse,
devise processes for manufacturing them. There are Beijing and Munich.
links with medical sciences, for example through the A typical weekly timetable
development of bone replacement materials, novel During years 1 and 2, the work is divided between
Materials Science sensors and drug delivery systems. Materials Science lectures (about ten a week), tutorials/classes (about
is an interdisciplinary subject, spanning the physics two a week), and practicals (two or three afternoons
UCAS Course Code: FJ22 and chemistry of matter, engineering applications, a week). Typically the work for each tutorial or class
Brief course outline and industrial manufacturing processes. It is at the is expected to take six–eight hours. Year 3 starts
Duration of course: 4 years core of nanotechnology, the production of machines with a two-week design project, and about eight
Degree awarded: MEng and devices at molecular levels, which is likely to lectures and two classes/tutorials per week for the
Averages over the past three years drive the next technological revolution. Such devices first two terms. The first two weeks of the second
Intake: 30
MATERIALS SCIENCE
include those to enable quantum information term of year 3 are devoted to a coursework-based
Applications shortlisted for interview: 83.0% processing; the key technology for a new generation module chosen from two options: Characterisation of
Successful applications:44.5% of computers. materials or Materials modelling. The third term is set
(including MEM applicants) Materials Science at Oxford aside for revision. Year 4 consists of a full-time
Entrance requirements The course spans the subject from its foundations supervised research project. You will learn how to
A-levels: AAA in physics and chemistry to the mechanical, electrical, break down a complex problem, design an
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB magnetic and optical properties of materials, and the experiment or model, manage your time and project,
IB: 39 including core points (with at least design, manufacture and applications of metals, maintain systematic records, present your work orally
7,6,6 at HL) alloys, ceramics, polymers, composites and and write a substantial report. These research skills
or any other equivalent biomaterials. The department has excellent are transferable to other career paths and are valued
Candidates are expected to have Mathematics and either
Physics or Chemistry to A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher laboratory and teaching facilities, including a highly by employers. Significant scientific publications
Level in the IB or another equivalent. Most applicants are computer room for students and a well-stocked sometimes result from these projects.
studying all three of these subjects to A2 or equivalent and, library. Students attend a course on entrepreneurship Written work and tests
for those who are not, it is highly recommended that in the Sa d Business School, where they learn how to You do not need to take a written test or submit
whichever of Physics and Chemistry is not studied to A2
level or equivalent is studied to at least AS-level, Scottish write a business plan, raise capital and start a any written work when you apply for this course.
Higher Level, Standard Level in the IB, or another equivalent. company. Students can gain industrial experience What are tutors looking for?
Further Mathematics, and Design and Technology (Resistant through a voluntary summer placement, they learn For information about the selection criteria please
Materials) can be helpful to students in completing this teamwork through team design projects, and develop see: www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/selectioncriteria.
course, although they are not required for admission. For
more details see www.materials.ox.ac.uk/admissions/ IT and presentation skills. There is an option to study At interview, tutors are aware that students may
undergraduate/prospectus/brochure15-policy.html a foreign language in the Language Centre or take a not have encountered materials science at school or
Open days supplementary subject in another subject area. college, and that students may have completed only
16*, 17* and 24 March*, 30 June, The Oxford degree has the unique feature of an their AS-level courses or equivalent at the time of
1 July, and 17 September 2010 eight-month research project in the fourth year, interview. Tutors look for an ability to apply logical
*Places must be booked for these dates by contacting when students join the research teams of one of the reasoning to problems in physical science, and an
Ms Diane Taylor on +44 (0) 1865 273709 or by email at strongest Department of Materials in the UK, or enthusiasm for thinking about new concepts in
schools.liaison@materials.ox.ac.uk
sometimes work in a prestigious overseas university science and engineering.
Contact details
or an industrial laboratory. A wide range of Related courses
The Undergraduate Admissions Secretary,
assessment methods is employed in the award of the Students interested in this course might also like to
Department of Materials, Parks Road,
degree: 50% of the degree classification is consider Engineering; Materials, Economics and
Oxford OX1 3PH
determined by written examination papers; the Management (MEM); or Physics.
+44 (0) 1865 273651
remainder is allocated to practical work, assessed Careers
undergraduate.admissions@materials.ox.ac.uk
coursework and a thesis based on the fourth year Many of our graduates apply their technical
www.materials.ox.ac.uk
research project. The degree is accredited at MEng knowledge in the manufacturing industry, both in
Studying Materials Science at
Oxford University brochure level by the Engineering Council. management and in research and development
In the course of the first year, it is, in principle, positions, and some train as teachers. Others enter
www.materials.ox.ac.uk/admissions/
possible to change to another degree course, subject the financial, consultancy and IT sectors. A significant
undergraduate/prospectus.html
to the availability of space on the course and to the proportion of graduates first undertake research
consent of the college. In particular, at the end of the degrees in universities in the UK and abroad, and
first year, typically two or three students each year some of these then pursue a career in the university
transfer to our Materials, Economics and sector.
Management (MEM) degree programme. Transfer to Recent Materials Science graduates include an
MEM is not normally possible for students at Corpus assistant professor in Chemical Engineering and a
Christi College. downstream materials and corrosion engineer.
Katherine, who graduated in 2008, says: ‘After
leaving University I started work for Rolls-Royce (on
aeroplanes, boats and power stations) as a graduate
engineer, moving engineering roles within the
company and the globe every three months. I will
hopefully start a permanent role next May.’


Directly examined Directly examined Directly examined Research project (full-time)
◼◼ Structure of materials ◼◼ Structure and ◼◼ Option courses in Additional elements
MATERIALS SCIENCE
◼◼ Properties of materials transformation of materials ◼◼ Presentation skills
◼◼ Transforming materials materials Continual assessment ◼◼ Project management skills
◼◼ Maths for materials and ◼◼ Electronic properties of ◼◼ Team design project, ◼◼ Industrial visits
earth sciences materials assessed by written ◼◼ Careers events
Continual assessment ◼◼ Mechanical properties report and oral ◼◼ Information skills
◼◼ Practical work ◼◼ Engineering applications of presentation ◼◼ Writing skills and IPR
◼◼ Crystallography classes materials ◼◼ Characterisation of ◼◼ Foreign language option
Additional elements ◼◼ Foreign language Materials or Materials ◼◼ Quality management
◼◼ Engineering drawing (optional) Modelling module ◼◼ Environmental
classes ◼◼ Supplementary subject assessed by written management
◼◼ IT skills (optional) report ◼◼ Workshop skills
◼◼ Industrial visits Continual assessment ◼◼ Industrial visits
◼◼ Career planning ◼◼ Practical work
◼◼ Foreign language ◼◼ Industrial visits
(optional) ◼◼ Entrepreneurship course,
assessed by written
business plan
Additional elements
◼◼ Mathematics
◼◼ Experimental error
analysis
◼◼ Industrial talks
◼◼ Communication skills

First University examinations: Final University examinations, Final University examinations,
Four written papers; Part I: Part II (equivalent to 4
continual assessment Six written papers; continual papers):
components equivalent to a assessment components Part II dissertation submitted
fifth paper equivalent to a further two and assessed
papers Oral examination of project
dissertation
Jodie to see where all the work is leading you. to know each other, and I personally have
2nd year There are also opportunities to do made some amazing friends on the
Being a Materials Scientist is rather like voluntary summer placements, and an course.
being a chemist, physicist, engineer and annual industrial tour abroad. I have also dabbled in Fairtrade and
mathematician all rolled into one: perfect Oxford is a beautiful place to study, and journalism, and I am currently an ‘Entz
for the all round scientist! I can really tell that I am learning from rep’ at my college, which means that I
It is challenging, and requires a lot of the best when I leave a tutorial, organise college parties, and generally
effort and perseverance, but we get to exhausted, but with a much higher level help make the place as fun as possible.
carry out fun experiments involving of understanding. I would definitely Everyone at Oxford seems to manage
orange jelly, molten metal and bubbles, recommend Oxford for reading Materials the balance between working hard,
so all the effort seems worth it. Science, as there are so many resources playing hard and making the most of the
Practical classes are particularly good and the course is just so varied, with best University experience available.
for a hands-on approach, and then we extra options such as languages or I wouldn’t change being here for the
95
also have industrial visits where you get ‘Building a Business’. Everyone really gets world.

MATERIALS, ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT
Materials, Economics
and Management What is Materials, Economics and A typical weekly timetable
Management (MEM)? During years 1 and 2 your work is divided between
UCAS Course Code: FLN0
Brief course outline Modern society is heavily dependent on advanced lectures (about ten a week), tutorials (about two a
Duration of course: 4 years materials such as lightweight composites for week), and practicals (two or three afternoons a
Degree awarded: MEng transport applications, optical fibres for week). Typically the work for each Materials tutorial
Averages over the past three years telecommunications and silicon microchips for the or class is expected to take six–eight hours, often
Intake: 2 (with 2 or 3 more students information revolution. Materials scientists study the more for the Economics & Management tutorials.
transferring at the end of year one from relationships between the structure and properties of Year 3 starts with a two-week design project, and
Materials Science) a material and how it is made. They also develop new about eight to ten lectures and two classes/tutorials
Applications shortlisted for interview: 83.0% materials to meet engineering specifications, and per week for the first two terms. After your six-
Successful applications: 44.5% devise processes for manufacturing them. MEM month management project in the fourth year you
(including Materials Science applicants) combines this industrially relevant scientific will be attending about ten lectures and one or two
Entrance requirements knowledge base with a thorough grounding in tutorials or classes a week.
A-levels: AAA economics and management to provide a degree that Written work and tests
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB is ideally suited to a career in technical management, You do not need to take a written test or submit
IB: 39 including core points (with at least consultancy, or the financial services sector, any written work when you apply for this course.
7,6,6 at HL) especially the financial appraisal of technology. Application information
or any other equivalent MEM at Oxford You may apply to read MEM either on entry to the
Candidates are expected to have Mathematics and either MEM is taught by the Department of Materials, University or, with the exception of students at
Physics or Chemistry to A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher the Department of Economics and the Sa d Business Corpus Christi College, at the end of the first year of
Level in the IB or another equivalent. Most applicants are School, all of which enjoy outstanding international the Materials Science (MS) programme. These two
studying all three of these subjects to A2 or equivalent and,
for those who are not, it is highly recommended that
reputations. The Department of Materials has degree programmes have a common first year.
whichever of Physics and Chemistry is not studied to A2 excellent teaching facilities, including a computer Transfer to, or continuation on, MEM will depend on
level or equivalent is studied to at least AS-level, Scottish room for students and a well-stocked library. you making good progress in this first year. Queen’s
Higher Level, Standard Level in the IB, or another equivalent. Students learn to work together in team design College and Trinity College prefer those interested in
Further Mathematics, and Design and Technology (Resistant
Materials) can be helpful to students in completing this
projects, and they develop IT and presentation skills. MEM to join the MS programme in the first instance
course, although they are not required for admission. Demand for graduates of this challenging course is (such students should (i) seek advice from the
For more details see www.materials.ox.ac.uk/admissions/ exceptionally high. The degree is accredited at MEng Materials Tutor at the college before submitting their
undergraduate/prospectus/brochure15-policy.html. level by the Engineering Council. UCAS application and (ii) indicate their interest in
Open days Work placements/projects MEM in the personal statement on their UCAS
See Materials Science (p. 94) Students are encouraged to undertake a voluntary application).
See Economics and Management (p. 58) materials-oriented summer placement in industry or What are tutors looking for?
Contact details a research laboratory. Recent locations for For information about the selection criteria please
Undergraduate Admissions Secretary, placements include Beijing, Tokyo, Boston, Santa see: www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/selectioncriteria.
Department of Materials, Parks Road, Barbara, Colorado and several regions of the UK. A At interview, tutors in Materials Science look for an
Oxford OX1 3PH principal feature of the course is the six-month ability to apply logical reasoning to problems in
+44 (0) 1865 273651 management project immediately after the physical science, and an enthusiasm for thinking
undergraduate.admissions@materials.ox.ac.uk examinations in the third year. This project is usually about new concepts in science and engineering.
www.materials.ox.ac.uk taken in industry, guided by an industrial supervisor MEM applicants will also be interviewed by a tutor in
Studying Materials Science at and an academic tutor. A voluntary industrial tour to either Economics or Management, who will be
Oxford University brochure: an overseas destination is organised in most Easter looking for analytical and problem-solving skills and
www.materials.ox.ac.uk/admissions/ holidays (numbers are usually limited to 20 students). will assess how candidates construct and evaluate
undergraduate/prospectus.html Recent destinations include Milan, Tokyo, Toulouse, arguments. No special knowledge of either
Beijing and Munich. economics or management is required, but
candidates should be informed about current affairs.

MATERIALS, ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT
Related courses Careers
Students interested in this course might also like to consider Most MEM graduates make practical use of their scientific,
Engineering, Economics and Management (EEM), or Materials management and economics knowledge, either in the
Science. technology sector or in financial management. A smaller group
of graduates go on to further academic study. Recent Materials
graduates include a financial auditor for a multinational
petroleum company.
1st year 2nd and 3rd years 4th year

Directly examined Directly examined Directly examined
◼◼ Structure of materials ◼◼ Structure and transformation of ◼◼ Option courses in materials
◼◼ Properties of materials materials ◼◼ Economics or Management options:
◼◼ Transforming materials ◼◼ Mechanical properties a range of options, including
◼◼ Maths for materials and earth ◼◼ Engineering applications of materials Accounting finance; Marketing and
sciences ◼◼ Electronic properties of materials strategy; Macroeconomics;
Continual assessment ◼◼ Introductory economics Econometrics
◼◼ Practical work ◼◼ Microeconomics Continual assessment
◼◼ Crystallography classes ◼◼ Introduction to management ◼◼ Six-month management project,
Additional elements Continual assessment assessed by written report
◼◼ Engineering drawing classes ◼◼ Practical work Additional elements
◼◼ IT skills ◼◼ Industrial visits ◼◼ Industrial visits
◼◼ Industrial visits ◼◼ Team design project, assessed by ◼◼ Careers events
◼◼ Career planning written report and oral presentation
◼◼ Foreign language option Additional elements
◼◼ Mathematics
◼◼ Experimental error analysis
◼◼ Industrial talks
◼◼ Communication skills
◼◼ Essay writing skills

First University examinations: Final University examinations, Part I: Final University examinations, Part II:
Four written papers; continual Seven written papers; continual Two written papers; continual
assessment components equivalent to a assessment components equivalent to a assessment component (project report)
fifth paper further 1.2 papers equivalent to a further two papers

97
Mathematics
UCAS Course Code: G100 What is Mathematics? A typical weekly timetable
Brief course outline Mathematicians have always been fascinated by In the first two years, you will attend eight to ten
Duration of course: 3/4 years numbers. One of the most famous problems is lectures a week, with one or two tutorials and one or
Degree awarded: BA/MMath Fermat’s Last Theorem that, if n≥3, the equation two classes within your college. In your third and
Averages over the past three years x n+y n=z n has no solutions with x, y, z all nonzero fourth years, when you specialise, you may have
Intake: 172 integers. An older problem is to show that one fewer lectures, combined with classes.
Applications shortlisted for interview: 78.5% cannot construct a line of length 3√2 with ruler and In your first year, you will also have classes to
Successful applications: 20.0% compass, starting with just a unit length. develop computing skills, using mathematical
MATHEMATICS
Entrance requirements Often the solution to a problem will lie outside the packages to solve problems related to your studies.
A-levels: AAA confines within which the problem has been posed, Later, there is practical work associated with options
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB and theories must be constructed in order to prove a in numerical analysis and statistics.
IB: 39 points, including core points claim. This is true here, and you will see the second What are tutors looking for?
or any other equivalent problem solved in your course; the first is far too We will be looking for the potential to succeed on
Candidates are expected to have Mathematics to A-level (A deep! the course. A good mathematician is naturally
grade), Advanced Higher (A grade), or Higher Level in the IB
These are questions in pure mathematics. In applied inquisitive and will generally take advantage of any
(score 7) or another equivalent. Further Mathematics would
also be highly recommended. mathematics we use mathematical concepts to opportunity to further their mathematical knowledge.
The majority of those who read Mathematics will have taken explain phenomena that occur in the real world. For Whilst AEA and STEP papers are in no sense part of
both Mathematics and Further Mathematics at A-level (or example, you can learn how a leopard gets its spots, our entry requirements, we encourage applicants to
the equivalent), but this is not essential. It is far more
examine the intricacies of quantum theory and take these papers, or similar extension material and
important that you have the drive and desire to understand
the subject. Our courses have limited formal prerequisites, so relativity, or study the mathematics of financial papers, if they are available.
it is the experience rather than outright knowledge which derivatives. If shortlisted for interview, then these will be
needs to be made up. If you gain a place under these Mathematics at Oxford predominantly academic. You may be asked to look at
circumstances, your college will normally recommend suitable
We will encourage you to ask questions and find problems of a type that you have never seen before.
extra preparatory reading for the summer before you start
your course. the solutions for yourself. But in order to do so, you Don’t worry; we will help you! We want to see if you
Open days must have a solid grounding in the concepts and the can respond to suggestions as to how to tackle new
1* and 8 May*, 30 June, 1 July, and methods. In one sense, you will ‘start from the things, rather than find out simply what you have
17 September 2010 beginning’. We will teach you to think mathematically been taught. Ultimately, we are most interested in a
*Places must be booked for these dates by completing a and so will start with careful definitions from which candidate’s potential to think imaginatively, deeply
registration form available at: we build the edifice. Above all, mathematics is a and in a structured manner about the patterns of
www.maths.ox.ac.uk/events/open-days.
logical subject, so you will need to argue clearly and mathematics.
If you have any enquiries please telephone:
+44 (0) 1865 615208 concisely as you solve problems. For some of you, Written work
or email at opendays@maths.ox.ac.uk this way of thinking or solving problems will be your You do not need to submit any written work when
Contact details goal. Others will want to see what further can be you apply for this course.
Admissions Coordinator discovered. Either way, it is a subject we want you to Written test
Mathematical Institute, 24–29 St Giles’, enjoy. All candidates must sit the Aptitude Test in
Oxford OX1 3LB The course Mathematics, normally at their own school or
+44 (0) 1865 278398 There are two Mathematics degrees, the three- college, on 3 November 2010. The amount of core
undergraduate.admissions@maths.ox.ac.uk year BA and the four-year MMath. You will not be mathematical knowledge needed in the test is
www.maths.ox.ac.uk asked to choose between the degrees until your third relatively low (see syllabus on the website for
year. details). No aids, calculators, dictionaries or formulae
The first year consists of core courses in pure and booklets will be allowed. The test is 2½ hours long
applied mathematics (including an introduction to and will be in the same format as the two specimen
statistics). The core part of the degree is completed tests on the department’s website (under
in the first term of the second year, introducing prospective undergraduate students).
complex analysis and ideas from topology and Applicants will be shortlisted for interview, to a
number theory. The remainder of the second year ratio of around three applicants per place, on the
offers a range of options – roughly half of fourteen basis of the test score and UCAS application. Further
courses are taken – with the third and fourth details can be found on the department’s website:
offering a still wider variety of courses, with some www.maths.ox.ac.uk.
options from outside mathematics. The fourth year Related courses
will, naturally, be more challenging, when some of the Students interested in this course might also like to
courses offered will be shared with students reading consider other Mathematics courses or Earth
for graduate degrees or require study by means of Sciences (Geology).
guided reading.

Careers Recent Mathematics graduates include a managing director of
This degree prepares students for employment in a wide an international school in Hong Kong, an analyst for a
variety of occupations in the public and private sectors. professional services organisation, a PhD researcher in
Graduates often secure jobs as actuarial consultants, teachers, geophysical fluid dynamics, and an IT consultant. Joe, who
investment analysts, management consultants, auditors and graduated in 1998, is now a graphics programmer for Sony. He
software developers. Recent information shows figures for first says: ‘I initially worked as a chartered accountant after
destinations of graduates as: further study 28%, teacher/ graduating before finding, what I believe to be, a more
academic 18%, analyst 11%, financial 11%, consultant 3%, challenging use for my degree as a games programmer at Sony.
MATHEMATICS
other 29%. I have since worked on numerous XBox, GameCube, PS2, PSP
and PS3 titles.’
1st year 2nd year 3rd and 4th year

Compulsory first year ◼◼ Compulsory core of Algebra, Complex Analysis and Large variety, which may vary from year to year, ranging
includes: Differential Equations across: Algebra; Analysis; Applied Analysis; Geometry;
◼◼ Algebra ◼◼ Selection from topics including Algebra; Number Topology; Logic; Number Theory; Applied Probability;
◼◼ Geometry Theory; Analysis; Geometry; Topology; Physical Statistics; Theoretical Mechanics; Mathematical Physics;
◼◼ Analysis Applied Mathematics; Probability; Statistics; Mathematical Biology; Information Theory;
◼◼ Probability and Statistics Numerical Methods; Quantum Theory Mathematical Finance; Actuarial Mathematics;
◼◼ Mechanics Undergraduate Ambassadors Scheme; Dissertation;
◼◼ Mathematical Methods Mathematical philosophy; Computer Science options;
and Applications History of Mathematics

First University examinations Final University examinations, Part A Final University examinations
(moderations) Two papers on the compulsory core subjects Four papers or equivalent in 3rd year
Four compulsory papers (two Two cross-sectional papers on the selected topics Three papers or equivalent in 4th year, to include at
pure, two applied) least one project/dissertation
Joe maths at university different to anything Over the past two years, I’ve played in
3rd year I’d done before. a variety of University ensembles and
Oxford immediately felt like home for The University leads the way in a been on the Oxford University Music
me, largely because the tutors and variety of research areas, including Society committee. At my college, I
students were so welcoming when I Mathematical Biology, and this is spent a year as the Access and Academic
visited on an open day. They were also reflected in the options offered to Affairs Officer for the Junior Common
very helpful in offering advice, both on undergraduates, particularly in the third Room (JCR), where I helped to organise
my application, and on reading to help and fourth years. Overall, the course here open days and school visits. I’m currently
me to prepare for the transition to really pushes your boundaries, but is that the JCR Vice-President, which largely
degree-level maths. I would strongly much more rewarding because of the involves exciting meetings with the
recommend visiting before applying. challenge it presents. college’s management team to discuss
I chose to study maths at university The transition to a university schedule, how their decisions will impact on
because, whilst I enjoyed each of my which is mainly self-study, was easier for students.
A-level subjects, it was the only one that me than it might have been, as I was The thing I’ve enjoyed most about my
I could see myself studying for three or previously at a Further Education college experience of Oxford is meeting a wide
four years. that saw itself as a halfway house variety of new people. University gives
One of the major benefits of Oxford’s between school and university. As long you an opportunity to socialise and work
maths course is that you don’t have to as you approach your studies like a with people from a huge spectrum of
decide how long you want to stay for ‘normal’ job, and do some work every backgrounds. I’m not too sure what I’d
until your third year. This enables you to day, you’ll have plenty of time left over like the future to hold, but I’m sure that
make an informed decision, as I found to get involved with clubs and societies, the training I’ve had here will stand me in
as well as to socialise! good stead.
MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTER SCIENCE
Mathematics and
Computer Science What is Mathematics and Computer Science? A typical weekly timetable
UCAS Course Code: GG14 This joint degree offers the opportunity to combine The typical week for a student in Mathematics and
Brief course outline an appreciation of mathematical reasoning with an Computer Science is similar to that for Computer
Duration of course: 3/4 years understanding of computing. Mathematics is a Science or Mathematics.
Degree awarded: BA/MMathCompSci fundamental intellectual tool in computing, but Written work
Averages over the past three years computing is increasingly used as a key component in You do not need to submit any written work when
Intake: 21 mathematical problem-solving. you apply for this course.
Applications shortlisted for interview: 80.8% The course Written tests
Successful applications: 31.3% Mathematics and Computer Science can be studied All candidates must sit the Aptitude Test in
Entrance requirements for three years, leading to the award of a BA degree, Mathematics on 3 November 2010. Please see the
A-levels: AAA or for four years, leading to the award of Master of Mathematics page for further information.
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB Mathematics and Computer Science. The fourth year What are tutors looking for?
IB: 39 points, including core points of the MMath and Computer Science degree The most important qualities we are looking for are
or any other equivalent provides the opportunity to study advanced topics strong mathematical ability, the ability to think and
Candidates are expected to have Mathematics to A-level (A and undertake a more in-depth research project. You work independently, the capacity to absorb and use
grade), Advanced Higher (A grade), or Higher Level in the IB do not need to decide when you apply, and you will new ideas, and a great deal of enthusiasm. We use
(score 7) or another equivalent. Another Science or Further
not be asked until your third year to choose between this set of criteria and the result of the Aptitude Test
Mathematics would also be highly recommended.
the degrees. to decide who to shortlist for interview.
Open days
Mathematics and Computer Science at Oxford At the interview we will explore how you tackle
8 May*, 30 June, 1 July, and
The course concentrates on areas where unfamiliar problems and respond to new ideas; we
17 September 2010
*Places must be booked for this date by contacting mathematics and computing are most relevant to are more interested in how you approach problem-
Dr S Holdom at the Computing Laboratory, details below. each other, emphasising the bridges between theory solving than whether you can get straight to a
Contact details and practice. It offers opportunities for potential solution.
Mathematics computer scientists both to develop a deeper We do not require any previous formal qualification
Schools Liaison Officer understanding of the mathematical foundations of in computing, but we do expect you to demonstrate
Mathematical Institute their subject, and to acquire a familiarity with the a real interest in the subject.
24–29 St Giles’ mathematics of application areas where computers Related courses
Oxford OX1 3LB can solve otherwise intractable problems. It also Students interested in this course might also like to
+44 (0) 1865 273863 gives mathematicians access to both a practical consider other Mathematics courses or Computer
undergraduate.admissions@maths.ox.ac.uk understanding of the use of computers and a deeper Science.
www.maths.ox.ac.uk understanding of the limits on the use of computers Careers
Computer Science in their own subject. This course gives training in logical thought and
Oxford University Computing Laboratory The first year and part of the second year of the expression, and is a good preparation for many
Wolfson Building course are spent acquiring a firm grounding in the careers. About 20% of Mathematics and Computer
Parks Road core topics from both subjects; students are then Science graduates tend to go on to further study.
Oxford OX1 3QD free to choose options from a wide range of Recent graduates secured positions as software and
+44 (0) 1865 273833 Mathematics and Computer Science subjects. hardware professionals, in research, finance and
undergraduate.admissions@comlab.ox.ac.uk investment analysis, and include a product controller
www.comlab.ox.ac.uk for an international bank, an actuarial consultant, and
an accountant.

MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTER SCIENCE

Core Mathematics (50%) Computer Science (50%) Options chosen from: Options chosen from:
◼◼ Algebra and geometry ◼◼ Object-oriented ◼◼ Options in Mathematics, ◼◼ Options in Mathematics
◼◼ Analysis programming such as ◼◼ Options in Computer
◼◼ Probability ◼◼ Concurrency Foundations: Logic and Science, such as:
Core Computer Science (50%) ◼◼ Models of computation set theory Computer animation
◼◼ Functional programming, ◼◼ Logic and proof Number theory Information retrieval
design and analysis of ◼◼ Numerical analysis Communication theory Game semantics
algorithms Core Mathematics (25%) ◼◼ 2nd- and 3rd-year Computational linguistics
◼◼ Imperative programming ◼◼ Algebra; Analysis; options in Computer Program analysis
Differential equations Science, such as Theory of data and
Options in Mathematics (25%) Computer security knowledge bases
Machine learning Computer-aided formal
Databases verification
Logic of multi-agent Automata, logic and
information flow games
Intelligent systems Quantum computer
Integer programming science
Computational ◼◼ Optional project work
complexity

Five written papers, plus Four written papers, plus Four written papers, plus Three written papers, plus
practicals practicals practicals practicals or two written
papers, plus practicals and a
project
Lists of options offered in the second, third and fourth years are illustrative only, and may change from time to time.
Krzysztof interviews. The interviews were one of the most exciting

1st year experiences in my life, a wonderful opportunity to present my
I chose Mathematics and Computer Science because I always skills.
like to solve problems and this course is a sequence of Now I am an undergraduate in a college with a perfect mix of
problem-solving challenges. It can be really intense, but nothing tradition, friendly students and dedicated college tutors. It has
compares with the feeling of accomplishment when a tutor plenty of facilities for study and leisure, and there are hundreds
approves my solution. It’s great to study the two subjects of University societies and clubs so that everyone can find
together because studying maths helps you to understand all something that suits them. I am a member of the Volleyball
aspects of computer science, and computational methods are Club. Practice sessions and matches are a brilliant opportunity
an irreplaceable help in calculating solutions to applied to forget about daily work for a while.
mathematics problems. The decision to leave my home country of Poland was a
The process of applying to Oxford University was not difficult difficult one but I am so pleased that I made it. It’s been the
and I tried not to take the outcome too seriously. This attitude biggest challenge of my life but I cannot imagine a better place
helped me to relax and do my best during the aptitude test and to improve my abilities in all areas of life.

Mathematics and
Philosophy
MATHEMATICS AND PHILOSOPHY
What is Mathematics and Philosophy? The compulsory core mathematics for the joint
UCAS Course Code: GV15 This course brings together two of the most course consists of the pure (as opposed to applied)
Brief course outline fundamental and widely applicable intellectual skills. mathematics from the compulsory core for the
Duration of course: 3 or 4 years Mathematical knowledge and ability to use it is the single-subject Mathematics course. The philosophy
Degree awarded: BA/MMathPhil most important means of tackling quantifiable units for the Mathematics and Philosophy course are
Averages over the past three years problems, while philosophical training enhances the mostly shared with the other joint courses with
Intake: 21 ability to analyse issues, question received Philosophy.
Applications shortlisted for interview:79.2% assumptions, and clearly articulate understanding. All parts of the course in the first year are
Successful applications: 25.1% The combination provides a powerful background compulsory. In the second and third years some units
Entrance requirements from which to proceed to graduate study in either are compulsory, consisting of core mathematics and
A-levels: AAA mathematics or philosophy or to pursue diverse philosophy and bridge papers on philosophy of
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB careers. Historically, there have been strong links mathematics and on foundations (logic and set
IB: 39 points, including core points between mathematics and philosophy; logic, an theory), but you also choose options. In the fourth
or any other equivalent important branch of both subjects, provides a natural year you choose any three Master’s level (M-level)
Candidates are expected to have Mathematics to A-level (A bridge between the two, as does the philosophy of units from Mathematics or Philosophy, so at that
grade), Advanced Higher (A grade), or Higher Level in the IB mathematics. stage you can specialise in either subject or continue
(score 7) or another equivalent. Further Mathematics would
Mathematics and Philosophy at Oxford with both.
also be highly recommended.
The degree is constructed in the belief that the A typical weekly timetable
Open days
parallel study of these related disciplines can In your first two years work is divided between
See Mathematics (p. 98)
significantly enhance your understanding of each. lectures (about ten per week) and tutorials in your
Contact details
The Philosophy Faculty is the largest in the UK, and college (two or three per week). In your third and
Mathematics
one of the largest in the world, with more than 70 fourth years the same applies to Philosophy subjects,
Schools Liaison Officer
full-time members, admitting more than 500 but most Mathematics courses are linked to
Mathematical Institute
undergraduates annually to read the various degrees intercollegiate classes rather than tutorials in your
24–29 St Giles’
involving philosophy. Many faculty members have a college. About a third of your week will be spent
Oxford OX1 3LB
worldwide reputation, and the faculty has the highest working on your own, preparing essays for
+44 (0) 1865 278398
research ratings of any philosophy department in the Philosophy tutorials, and solving problems for
undergraduate.admissions@maths.ox.ac.uk
UK. The Philosophy library is among the best in the Mathematics tutorials or classes.
www.maths.ox.ac.uk
country. The large number of undergraduates and Written work
Philosophy
graduates reading philosophy with a variety of other For Philosophy, candidates are required to submit
Faculty of Philosophy
disciplines affords the opportunity to participate in a two essays by 10 November 2010. The essays
10 Merton Street
diverse and lively philosophical community. should show their capacity for reasoned argument
Oxford OX1 4JJ
The Mathematics Department is also one of the and clear writing, but they are not expected to be on
+44 (0) 1865 276926
largest and best in the UK and contains within it philosophical topics.
enquiries@philosophy.ox.ac.uk
many world-class research groups. This is reflected in Written tests
www.philosophy.ox.ac.uk
the wide choice of mathematics topics available to All candidates must sit the Aptitude Test in
you, especially in the fourth year. Mathematics on 3 November 2010. Please see the
The course Mathematics page for further information.
There are two Mathematics and Philosophy What are tutors looking for?
degrees, the three-year BA and the four-year For information about the selection criteria please
MMathPhil. You are not asked to choose between see: www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/selectioncriteria.
them on your application, and so long as your exam During the interview for Philosophy you will be
results in the second and third years are of an given the opportunity to show a critical and analytical
appropriate standard you have the option either to approach to abstract questions and the ability to
complete an honours BA or continue to the fourth defend a viewpoint by reasoned argument. In
year for the MMathPhil. Mathematics you may find yourself asked to look at
The mathematics units in this joint course are all problems of a type that you have never seen before.
from the single-subject Mathematics course. Don’t worry; we will help you! We want to see if you
Accordingly the standard in mathematics for can respond to suggestions as to how to tackle new
admission to the joint course is the same as for things, rather than find out simply what you have
admission to the single-subject Mathematics course. been taught.

MATHEMATICS AND PHILOSOPHY
Related courses Eleni, who graduated in 2006, is now a graduate student at
Students interested in this course might also like to consider Columbia University. She says: ‘My fascination with human
other Mathematics courses or Computer Science. behaviour that stemmed from studying philosophy at Oxford led
Careers me to seek out a more applied approach to these issues within
Recent graduates secured positions in diverse occupational the field of experimental psychology.’
areas such as software development, teaching, research, the
public sector including the civil and diplomatic services,
journalism, and financial and investment analysis both in the UK
and abroad. A smaller group of graduates go on to further
academic study.
1st year 2nd and 3rd years BA 4th year MMathPhil

Mathematics Mathematics Any three units from M-level
◼◼ Algebra ◼◼ Core pure mathematics Mathematics (including a Maths
◼◼ Analysis ◼◼ Foundations (set theory, logic) dissertation) and M-level
Philosophy ◼◼ Intermediate mathematics options Philosophy (including a Philosophy
◼◼ Elements of deductive logic Philosophy thesis)
◼◼ Introduction to philosophy ◼◼ Knowledge and reality or History of philosophy
from Descartes to Kant
◼◼ Philosophy of mathematics
◼◼ Further philosophy

First University examinations Final University examinations, Part A (2nd year) Final University examinations,
Four three-hour written papers ◼◼ Written papers on pure mathematics core and Part C
options Units are mostly examined by a
Final University examinations, Part B (3rd year) three-hour written paper; plus one
◼◼ Six three-hour written papers, at least two in 5,000-word essay for Philosophy
Mathematics, at least three in Philosophy subjects
Thomas I’m a member of the Secular Society, which has been really
1st year interesting with well known philosophers as guest speakers and
I came to Oxford because I wanted to study at one of the recently it held a faith schools forum which I took part in. I’m
best universities in the country. I enjoy the reading in also a member of the Oxford Union – nearly every week there’s
preparation for essays and also the tutorials, especially the some head of state flying in to give a talk, or someone from
philosophical discussions; it’s really interesting to try and make Hollywood to give us their experiences as well as the debates
your point clearer and to discover sides of the argument you’d which have covered topics ranging from ‘Gay Parenting’ to ‘The
never thought about. Organising your time is very important. If War on Terror’. The University is one of very few places with a
you enjoyed maths and further maths at A-level and you find collegiate system such that you both have your college
questions in philosophy interesting then this is definitely the community and life while being a member of the University as a
course for you. whole, and I think that although you do have to work hard while
Life at Oxford hasn’t been what I expected. The image I you’re here, your friends, tutors and activities in and out of
created was far too stereotypical and I was surprised when I college will make your time really worthwhile and enjoyable.
arrived to find that Oxford is a university much like any other.

Mathematics and
Statistics Why Statistics? There are two Mathematics and Statistics degrees,
MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS
UCAS Course Code: GG13 In response to strong demand for statistical the three-year BA and the four-year MMath. You do
Brief course outline knowledge, we offer a joint degree course in the two not need to decide when you apply, and you will not
Duration of course: 3/4 years disciplines of Mathematics and Statistics. be asked until your third year, to choose between the
Degree awarded: BA/MMath Statistics aims to make sense of data. As an degrees. All third- and fourth-year mathematical
Averages over the past three years academic discipline, the study of statistics concerns topics available in the Mathematics course are also
Intake: 26 the theory relating the characteristics of a population available to Mathematics and Statistics students. The
Applications shortlisted for interview: 78.9% to statistics drawn from a sample of its members. fourth year is, naturally, more challenging and it
Successful applications: 17.2% Statistics, like Mathematics, is an intellectual provides an opportunity for more in-depth study,
Entrance requirements discipline in its own right, and also an essential tool in including a substantial statistics project.
A-levels: AAA many other fields of study. Many students choose A typical weekly timetable
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB Statistics because of the choice of career options. The typical week of a student in Mathematics and
IB: 39 points, including core points Statistics at Oxford Statistics is similar to that for Mathematics.
or any other equivalent The Department of Statistics is the top ranked Written work
Candidates are expected to have Mathematics to A-level (A Statistics department in the UK according to the You do not need to submit any written work when
grade), Advanced Higher (A grade), or Higher Level in the IB Government’s 2008 Research Assessment Exercise. you apply for this course.
(score 7) or another equivalent. Further Mathematics is also
It has 26 academic staff. Many work in the Written tests
highly recommended.
development of fundamental statistical methodology All candidates must sit the Aptitude Test in
Open days
and probability. There is a large research group Mathematics on 3 November 2010. Please see the
See Mathematics (p. 98)
working on models and inference in genetics and Mathematics page for further information.
Contact details
evolution and their applications, for example What are tutors looking for?
Mathematics
concerning human genetic variation and disease. See Mathematics entry.
Admissions Coordinator
Other groups work on pattern recognition and image Related courses
Mathematical Institute
analysis, networks, medical, actuarial and financial Students interested in this course might also like to
24–29 St Giles’
applications. These interests are reflected in the consider other Mathematics courses or Computer
Oxford OX1 3LB
lecture courses available to undergraduates in their Science.
+44 (0) 1865 278398
third and fourth years. Careers
undergraduate.admissions@maths.ox.ac.uk
Course structure Many of our graduates have careers in statistics
www.maths.ox.ac.uk
The course makes available Statistics topics within and the closely related field of operational research.
Statistics
a framework otherwise similar to Mathematics. They are in demand in the insurance and financial
Academic Administrator
For the first four terms the two courses are services professions, especially those whose studies
Department of Statistics
identical, up to and including the compulsory core of have included a substantial component of statistics
1 South Parks Road
the second year of the Mathematics course. and applied probability. In recent years about 35% of
Oxford OX1 3TG
Mathematics and Statistics students follow core Oxford Mathematics graduates have joined the
+44 (0) 1865 272870
second-year courses in probability and statistics, and finance and finance-related sectors, and include a
undergraduate.admissions@stats.ox.ac.uk
the remainder of the second year allows for some management analyst for a management consultancy
www.stats.ox.ac.uk
choice of topics in preparation for the greater firm and an actuarial consultant.
selectivity of the third and fourth years. In the first Ellis, who graduated in 2008, is now a strategist for
two years it is usually straightforward to move Macquarie Capital Securities Limited. He says: ‘I have
between the Mathematics course and the been working as a strategist in Hong Kong since June
Mathematics and Statistics course, subject to the 2008 where I am involved in equity index sales,
availability of space on the course and to the consent portfolio trading and trading models. The invaluable
of the college. educational background from my degree gives a fair
justification for my strong analytical and quantitative
skills.’

MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS

Compulsory courses Core courses ◼◼ Applied statistics ◼◼ Statistics project
◼◼ Algebra ◼◼ Probability ◼◼ Statistical inference ◼◼ Advanced options ranging
◼◼ Geometry ◼◼ Statistics ◼◼ Stochastic modelling across probability and
◼◼ Analysis ◼◼ Algebra ◼◼ Actuarial science statistics, pure and applied
◼◼ Probability and statistics ◼◼ Complex analysis ◼◼ Mathematical finance mathematics
◼◼ Dynamics ◼◼ Differential equations ◼◼ Other options in
◼◼ Mathematical methods Options Mathematics
and applications ◼◼ Discrete mathematics
◼◼ Other options in
Mathematics

Four written papers The equivalent of four written Project plus the equivalent of
papers including assessed two written papers
practicals
Henry don’t understand, making it a very efficient way of learning.

1st year I love being part of a friendly college because being part of a
I find the range of practical applications for statistics really relatively small community makes the University seem less
appealing. I heard a talk about the uses of statistics at a maths daunting. Each college has its own character and you soon get
talk on the open day, and immediately knew that this would be to know the people in your college. As everyone is studying
the right course for me. different subjects, it certainly makes for some varied
I have lectures in both pure and applied maths each week, conversations over dinner!
and then have problem sheets that I have to prepare for my I play the trumpet with two different orchestras, which is a
tutorials. It’s great fun to try and solve a variety of different great way to meet people outside my college, and a good
problems using newly learnt skills. I have a tutor for each of the chance to relax. I’m also a member of the Maths Society that
five subjects that I’m studying this term, and about three organises talks every week, and is a good opportunity to see
tutorials a week, so the work is pretty intense. As the groups where the various courses we are studying can lead.
are so small each tutorial can be tailored precisely to what you

Medicine
UCAS Course Code: A100 Contact details What is Medicine?
Brief course outline Student Administrative Officer Medicine is an applied science, but it is equally about dealing
Duration of course: 3-year Pre-clinical, Medical Sciences Teaching Centre, sympathetically and effectively with individuals, whether they be
followed by 3-year Clinical South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PL patients or colleagues. Medicine increasingly poses difficult
Degree awarded: BM BCh (includes an +44 (0) 1865 285788 ethical dilemmas, and, above all, medicine is constantly and
Honours BA) admissions@medschool.ox.ac.uk rapidly developing and providing a stimulating challenge to
Averages over the past three years Medical School Prospectus practitioners and medical scientists alike. Medicine offers a
Intake: 152 www.medsci.ox.ac.uk/study/medicine broad range of careers from general practice to the specialties
Applications shortlisted for interview: 39.8% of hospital practice and to medical research.
Successful applications: 13.6% The four-year accelerated course Medicine at Oxford
MEDICINE
Entrance requirements Graduates in experimental science Medicine has been studied at Oxford from as early as the 14th
A-levels: AAA subjects may be eligible to apply for century, although a Clinical School was established as recently as
Excluding Critical Thinking and General Studies. 1936 by a benefaction from Lord Nuffield for postgraduate
Candidates must have Chemistry (compulsory), plus Biology the four-year accelerated course
(UCAS code A101 BMBCh4). After a teaching and research. Clinical student training started during the
and/or Physics and/or Mathematics to full A-level.
special two-year transition course Second World War when medical students were evacuated from
Advanced Highers: A in Chemistry
covering both basic science and London. Today, the pre-clinical and clinical Medicine courses at
Highers: AAAAA
Highers must include Biology or Mathematics or Physics. clinical skills, the accelerated Oxford provide a well rounded intellectual training with particular
IB: 39 (including core points) programme leads into the final two emphasis on the basic science research that underpins medicine.
Candidates must take Chemistry and also a second science
years of the standard clinical course Although the Medical School at Oxford has expanded in recent
(Biology or Physics) and/or Mathematics subject to Higher times, it remains relatively small, allowing students and staff to
Level. Candidates will be expected to achieve a score of 7, 6 and to the same Oxford medical
qualification as the standard (six-year) get to know one another and benefit from a relaxed and friendly
and 6 in subjects taken at Higher Level.
In order to be adequately equipped for the BMAT (see course. The four-year course is atmosphere.
‘Written test’ opposite) and for the academic demands of the
designed specifically for science The Pre-clinical and BA Years
course, and if Biology, Physics, or Mathematics have not The course is intended for students with a particular
been taken on to a higher level (A-level, or equivalent), all graduates, and places a strong
emphasis on the scientific basis of enthusiasm for the science that supports medicine and its
candidates will need to show that they have received a basic
education (achieving at least a grade C at GCSE, Intermediate medical practice. See www.medsci.ox. continuing advancement. We have retained a distinct, three-
2 or Standard grade (Credit), or equivalent) in those subjects ac.uk/study/medicine for further year pre-clinical course that includes a BA Honours degree in
(GCSE Dual Award Combined Sciences, or equivalent, is also Medical Sciences for all students.
acceptable). information and details of eligibility.
Applicants are initially admitted to a three-year pre-clinical
Other national and international course. Admission to the subsequent three-year clinical course is
qualifications are also acceptable. Please by a separate admission process that takes place in the third
see our website for further guidance. Any year of the pre-clinical course: the majority of students continue
candidate in doubt as to their academic their clinical training in Oxford. Upon completion of the clinical
eligibility for this course is strongly course, subsequent years are spent on Foundation and Specialist
encouraged to seek advice by emailing Training programmes.
admissions@medschool.ox.ac.uk. The first five terms of the course are devoted to the ‘First
Students with degrees may apply for the standard course.
There are no places specifically reserved for graduates; they BM’. This addresses not only much of the science that underpins
are in open competition with school-leavers, and there is no medicine, but also the clinical problems that arise when systems
separate application process. fail. Students are introduced to the major systems of the body
Please note that we have no preference for whether the third and study all aspects of their structure and function in health
or further A-levels or equivalent qualifications are in Science
or Arts subjects. and also the principles of disease processes. Students are
Open days encouraged to develop an enquiring approach and to consider
30 June, 1 July, and 17 September 2010 the experimental basis of the science in the course. Matters of
For information please email opendays@medsci.ox.ac.uk or clinical relevance are illustrated from the outset. There are
view our webpages, at www.medsci.ox.ac.uk/study/ clinical demonstrations in the hospitals, and students make
medicine/courses/preclin/open-days regular visits to GP tutors.

The First BM is followed by a four-term BA Honours course in How to apply
Medical Sciences. Students specialise in an area of biomedical For details on how to apply please refer to www.admissions.
science selected from one of five options. Students will become ox.ac.uk/apply. Please note the closing date for applications for
fully accustomed to working from research papers and primary all Medicine courses is 15 October 2010.
sources in the literature, and will be encouraged to think both Written work
critically and creatively (for instance, to propose their own You do not need to submit any written work when you apply
hypotheses and test them against the published results). for this course.
Students will gain an in-depth knowledge and understanding in Written test
their chosen option, and will improve their technical All applicants must take the Biomedical Admissions Test in
ability both at the bench and in the use of computers to handle their own school or college or approved test centre on 3
MEDICINE
and present experimental results and to search scientific November 2010. It is the responsibility of candidates to ensure
databases. The course is designed to provide students with a they are registered for this test. Further information about the
thorough understanding of science and scientific method that test and how to register, can be found at www.bmat.org.uk.
will serve them well both now, and later in their clinical careers. What are tutors looking for?
The Principles of Clinical Anatomy course, delivered at the end Applicants are shortlisted for interview on the basis of BMAT
of the year 3, is designed to teach students clinically relevant test performance, prior academic record, and a consideration of
aspects of anatomy that will be of immediate use in their clinical other information on their application. No student is admitted
years. without interview. Any overseas candidates for Medicine who
Teaching methods and study support are invited to attend will be expected to come to Oxford for
During the Pre-clinical course, the college tutorial system is a interview in December.
central feature: students see their tutors and are taught weekly Students are selected for their scientific ability and for their
in groups often as small as two. This supplement to University aptitude for medicine. Applicants are expected to show that
teaching can be tailored to individuals’ needs and interests. Most they have a realistic understanding of what a career in medicine
University lectures, seminars and practical classes take place in will involve, and that they have the potential to become
the Medical Sciences Teaching Centre in the Science Area. effective and caring doctors. Please note that competition to
Lecturers are drawn from Oxford’s extensive Pre-clinical and study Medicine at Oxford is particularly strong and only around
Clinical departments, all of which have international reputations 425 applicants are shortlisted for interview each year. All
for excellence in research, and the courses are organised on an colleges use a common set of selection criteria that relate to
interdisciplinary basis so as to emphasise the interrelatedness of academic potential and suitability for Medicine. For further
all aspects of the curriculum. information about selection criteria, please see:
Research work www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/selectioncriteria.
In addition to taking written and computer-based All candidates are free to make reference to skills or
examinations, and submitting practical reports and an extended experience acquired in any context to date to illustrate
essay, students undertake a research project as part of their BA compatibility with the selection criteria for Medicine at Oxford;
course. This will be in a field of personal interest to the student, sometimes candidates refer to voluntary work and other
and offers valuable first-hand experience of scientific research. extracurricular activity, but many forms of evidence can help
Students have the opportunity to arrange their project demonstrate to tutors that a candidate has made an informed
placement within a wide range of departments within the decision regarding their own suitability to study Medicine.
University. Progress to Clinical training
A typical weekly timetable In December of year 3, students must apply to and be
During teaching for the Pre-clinical qualification (the ‘First accepted by a clinical school. Of those who choose to apply to
BM’), lectures and practicals occupy about half of the time, and the Oxford Clinical School, about 85% have been successful in
the remainder is available for tutorial work, self-directed study past years. The rest mostly go to London or to Cambridge. No
and extracurricular activities. During the third year, formal student is guaranteed a place in Oxford, but there are sufficient
lecturing is kept to a minimum, and students are mostly free to places in the system that all qualified students will find a place
pursue their research projects and to prepare for tutorials and for their clinical training.
seminars. Students on course are encouraged throughout their
time at Oxford to question thinking, and the emphasis here is on
building knowledge with reference to findings in academic
research. Strong academic support ensures that students are
directed to use their time well. Continued over the page

Medicine (continued)
Related courses Rajat graduated in 2003 and subsequently trained in radiology.

Students interested in this course might also like to consider He says: ‘After Oxford, I completed a surgical programme and
Biological Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry, or Human am now a specialist registrar. My degree not only taught me to
Sciences. be a competent doctor but also gave me writing skills, which
Careers have led to prizes, scholarships, and the publication of several
Aside from becoming a GP or a brain surgeon, an array of books and articles.’
speciality training pathways is available after obtaining a medical Application conditions
qualification, ranging from anaesthesia or emergency medicine Oxford conforms to the UK Department of Health’s
through obstetrics or ophthalmology to paediatrics or psychiatry. requirements regarding immunisation status (hepatitis, BCG and
Of course, you need not remain confined to the surgery or the rubella) and the GMC’s conditions on Fitness to Practise, and a
operating theatre: the lecture theatre or the laboratory could satisfactory Criminal Records Bureau disclosure. Students may
also beckon. Some of our graduates end up leading the education be refused entry to, or be removed from, the University’s
of the next generation of doctors or directing biomedical Register of Medical Students on grounds that may be either
research. You don’t need to know right now what you want to do academic or non-academic (for instance health or conduct).
when you qualify: the Medical School organises careers sessions Applicants should be aware that some practical studies involving
for final year clinical students and helps students learn about and living animal tissue are an obligatory component of the course.
MEDICINE
apply for foundation house officer posts.
1st year Terms 4 and 5 Terms 6–9

First BM, Part 1 First BM, Part 2 The BA Year
◼◼ Organisation of the Body ◼◼ Systems of the Body: Integrative ◼◼ Options (including Neuroscience;
◼◼ Physiology and Pharmacology Aspects Molecular Medicine; Infection and
◼◼ Biochemistry and Medical Genetics ◼◼ The Nervous System Immunity; Myocardial, Vascular and
◼◼ Medical Sociology ◼◼ General Pathology and Microbiology Respiratory Biology; and Signalling in
◼◼ Patient and Doctor Course ◼◼ Psychology for Medicine Health and Disease)
◼◼ Patient and Doctor Course ◼◼ Research project
◼◼ Extended Essay
◼◼ Principles of Clinical Anatomy

◼◼ Three core computer-based ◼◼ Three core computer-based ◼◼ Written papers
assessments assessments ◼◼ Presentation of research project
◼◼ Four written papers ◼◼ Four written papers ◼◼ Qualifying exam in Principles of
◼◼ Satisfactory practical record ◼◼ Satisfactory practical record Clinical Anatomy
◼◼ Computer-based assessment
Edmund completely bury your head in books however – the weekly

3rd year sessions in the dissection room are fascinating, particularly
What strikes me most about the Pre-Clinical Medicine course since teaching is often carried out by junior doctors with a
at Oxford is the logic of its organisation. It teaches, first of all, good few stories from the wards; there is also an emphasis on
how the healthy human body functions, before then going on the use of IT resources as teaching tools. For me, the icing on
to explain the pathological processes that undermine good the cake is the tutorial system. Used to substantiate the
health. It delivers this teaching in a combination of lectures, faculty-based learning, tutorials offer you the chance to both
practicals and seminars, covering topics in an integrative clear up confusing issues and to probe deeper into particular
fashion such that the heart, for example, is understood in areas of interest – essentially, you get to have absorbing chats
anatomical, physiological, pharmacological, histological, with world-class experts.
developmental and biochemical terms! Although intense, the course is not so time consuming that it
Clinical experience is provided in the form of once- or twice- prevents you from participating in everything else Oxford has
termly meetings with GPs and hospital doctors, but the course to offer. I play in a University orchestra for which I am also
undeniably and unashamedly has a focus on the science Treasurer, sing in the chapel choir, enjoy a bit of Ultimate
underpinning medicine. This doesn’t mean you need to Frisbee every now and then, and gave rowing a go in the first
year. Most importantly, college being the close-knit, homely
community it is, there’s always a friend or two, or three, with
whom to while away the small hours.

Modern Languages
Single language courses available Celtic, Czech (with Slovak), French,
German, Modern Greek, Italian, Polish,
Portuguese, Russian and Spanish
Portuguese
German
Modern
Spanish
Russian
French
Italian
Greek
Duration of course: 4 years (including
MODERN LANGUAGES
compulsory year abroad)
Degree awarded: BA
UCAS code R110 R200 Q710 R300 R500 R711 R400
Intake: 174
Joint language courses available Applications shortlisted for interview: 93.3%
Portuguese
Beginners’
Joint courses
UCAS
German
Modern
Spanish
Russian
Russian
You can also study a modern language
French
Italian
Czech
Greek
Polish
Celtic
code with a Middle Eastern language (Arabic,

Hebrew, Persian or Turkish) or with
Celtic n/a RQ15 RQ25 QQ75 RQ35 n/a RQ55 QR57 RQ75 RQ45 Classics, English, History or Philosophy.
Czech n/a RR1R RR2P QR77 RR37 n/a RR5R R792 R790 RR4R Please see the separate pages on these
French RQ15 RR1R RR12 RQ17 RR13 R1R7 RR15 RR17 RRC7 RR14 courses for further information.
German RQ25 RR2P RR12 RQ27 RR23 R2R7 RR25 RR27 RR2Q RR24
Mod. Greek QQ75 QR77 RQ17 RQ27 RQ37 Q7R7 RQ57 QR7R RQ77 RQ47
Italian RQ35 RR37 RR13 RR23 RQ37 RR3T RR35 RRH7 RR3R RR34
Polish n/a n/a R1R7 R2R7 Q7R7 RR3T R5R7 n/a R791 R4R7
Portuguese RQ55 RR5R RR15 RR25 RQ57 RR35 R5R7 RR57 RRM7 RR45
B. Russian QR57 R792 RR17 RR27 QR7R RRH7 n/a RR57 n/a RR47
Russian RQ75 R790 RRC7 RR2Q RQ77 RR3R R791 RRM7 n/a RRK7
Spanish RQ45 RR4R RR14 RR24 RQ47 RR34 R4R7 RR45 RR47 RRK7
Entrance requirements For Italian

A-levels: AAA Candidates may apply without any formal qualifications in Italian, though
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB successful candidates would be expected to work on their Italian before
IB: 38–40 including core points beginning the course here at Oxford. Beginners would not be expected to
There are several combinations available that allow students to begin studying a language from scratch. reach A-level standard by the time they start the course but should aim to
However, please note that it is not usually possible for students to study two languages from scratch.
acquire sufficient grammar and vocabulary to be able to read contemporary
Candidates would be expected to have studied at least one of the languages chosen, or to speak at least one
of the languages at home or school. literary Italian texts.
For Celtic, Czech, Modern Greek, For Russian
Polish or Portuguese Please note the different course codes above for ‘Russian’ and ‘Beginners’
Candidates are not required to have any experience of studying these Russian’. For courses with ‘Russian’, candidates would usually be required to
languages although, as above, it is not usually possible to study two have Russian A-level, Advanced Higher, Higher Level in the IB or another
different languages from scratch. Candidates who do have advanced academic equivalent. ‘Beginners’ Russian’ courses allow students to start
knowledge of one of these languages are also encouraged to apply. studying Russian from scratch, provided that they are not also beginning
For French, German or Spanish another language from scratch.
Candidates would usually be expected to have the language or languages
to A-level, Advanced Higher, Higher Level in the IB or another academic
equivalent.
Open days Contact details Continued over the page

1 May and 17 September 2010 The Faculty of Medieval and Modern Languages
Places must be booked for either open day at: 41 Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2JF
109
www.mod-langs.ox.ac.uk/opendays/index.php
+44 (0) 1865 270750
Modern Languages (continued)
What is Modern Languages? Your other years of study give you more freedom to choose
Studying Modern Languages provides both practical training in the areas you wish to focus on, from a range of options. You will
written and spoken language and also an extensive introduction have tutorials and language classes each week in each of the
to European literature and thought. You will learn to write and languages being studied. Students studying courses with Polish
speak the language(s) fluently, and will have the option to study take this as a subsidiary language, beginning in the second year.
linguistics, film studies, advanced translation or subsidiary Catalan, Galician, Provençal, Yiddish and most of the Slavonic
languages, depending on the course you choose. languages may also be taken as additional options.
Modern Languages at Oxford Year abroad
Modern Languages have been taught in Oxford since 1724. Modern Language students usually spend the third year of
The faculty is one of the largest in the country, with a total their course abroad. This is often as a paid language assistant in
intake of more than 250 students a year (including joint a foreign school, though you may work abroad or study at a
courses). Undergraduate students can use the Taylor Institution foreign university. (The exception to this is for those students
Library, the biggest research library in Britain devoted to taking Beginners’ Russian, who are required to spend the second
MODERN LANGUAGES
modern languages. year – as opposed to the third year – of their studies on a

The University’s modern and excellently equipped Language specially designed eight-month language course in the city of
Centre (see p. 9) received special praise in the last Teaching Yaroslavl.) We encourage you to spend as much as possible of
Quality Assessment. It has a library of self-instructional courses your vacations in the countries whose languages you are
in all major European languages and a large collection of studying. Financial support, including travel scholarships, may be
reference works, listening comprehension and video materials, available from your college and/or the faculty.
some of which are specifically tailored to the needs of Modern A typical weekly timetable
Languages students. Your week’s work will include a tutorial in, or organised by,
Language is at the centre of the Oxford course, making up your college, language classes on different skills relating to the
around 50% of both first year and final examinations. The language or languages you study, and probably three to six
course aims to teach spoken fluency in colloquial and more lectures.
formal situations, the ability to write essays in the foreign Written work
language, and the ability to translate into and out of the foreign You need to submit written work when you apply for this
language with accuracy and sensitivity to a range of vocabulary, course, by 10 November 2010. Please refer to the course page
styles and registers. at www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/courses for further details.
The course also focuses on studying literature, as this study is Written tests
enjoyable, personally and linguistically enriching, and During the Oxford interview period in December, there will be
intellectually challenging. It gives you an understanding of other a 30-minute test for each of the languages you intend to study,
cultures that cannot be acquired solely through learning the though not in languages you intend to study more or less from
language, and it leads you into areas such as gender issues, scratch. These are designed to test your grammar rather than
popular culture, theatre studies, aesthetics, anthropology, art vocabulary. Applicants for beginners’ Russian take a Language
history, ethics, history, philosophy, politics, psychology and Aptitude Test.
theology. You can either study a broad, chronological range of College choice
literature or focus your studies on the medieval, the early For guidance on making a college choice, please refer to our
modern, or the modern period right up to the present day. website for details of which language combinations are available
The course also offers a wide range of options in non-literary at each college. See www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/colleges.
subjects including linguistics, philology, advanced translation and Deferred entry
film studies. Students are welcome to apply for deferred entry for any
Course structure language courses except those including Beginners’ Russian.
Your first year is closely structured. You will attend oral classes What are tutors looking for?
and courses on the grammatical structure of your language(s), Selection criteria for this course may be viewed via www.
translation into and out of the language(s) and, in some of the admissions.ox.ac.uk/selectioncriteria. Tutors will be looking for
languages, comprehension. You will also attend introductory a good command of the grammar of any language you have
lecture courses and participate in seminars and/or tutorials on already studied at school and want to continue studying at
literature. If you study either French or German as a single Oxford as well an interest in literature, language or linguistics.
language you may study Linguistics as well in the first year, or Tutors want to find out as much as possible about your
you can take alternative papers including film studies. If you intellectual interests and academic potential, so you may be
study any other language by itself then you must study asked about your reading, your interest in the culture of the
Linguistics as well in the first year. (If you wish to study relevant country, or the work you have submitted. You may be
Linguistics alongside a single language throughout your course asked questions about a short passage in English or the relevant
please see the course pages for Modern Languages and foreign language(s). You will be given the opportunity to speak
Linguistics.) in the relevant foreign language(s) which you have studied to an
advanced level. As far as possible, interviewers will try to let
you show your strengths, interest in the subject(s) you intend
to study, and reasons for applying to Oxford.
Related courses
Students interested in this course might also like to consider
other language courses or Oriental Studies.

Careers
Employers value Modern Languages graduates because they
are competent in one or two languages, have acquired a range
of transferable skills and have first-hand experience of other
cultures. The Languages Work website has further information
about careers using languages: www.languageswork.org.uk.
Modern Languages graduates from Oxford regularly go into
highly competitive areas such as law, management consultancy,
accountancy, international press agencies, the media, international organisations. I also teach graduate interpreting at
advertising, the Foreign Office and the performing arts. Recent the University of Bath. My Oxford degree gave me the academic
Modern Languages graduates include a business development rigour and analytical skills that are essential for my profession, as
manager for a social enterprise company, a PhD researcher in well as training me to work independently.’
the French nineteenth-century novel, and a personal tax Lizzie, who graduated in 2006, now works at GlobalCampus.
MODERN LANGUAGES
manager. She says: ‘Since graduating I have worked in business
Louise, who graduated in 1995, is now a freelance conference development for a technology start-up company. The skills I
interpreter and translator. She says: ‘After graduating I qualified acquired at Oxford through learning in small groups gave me the
as a conference interpreter and translator and have since worked confidence necessary to approach business situations with
freelance, mainly for European institutions and other conviction and self belief.’
Courses Courses Year 3 is spent abroad

Two modern languages, or one modern Two-language course
language, or one modern language and ◼◼ Language work (translation, Year 4 continues the course from year
linguistics (or other options for either comprehension, essays) 2, plus special subjects across a wide
French or German as a single language) ◼◼ A period of literature range of options
◼◼ Practical language work ◼◼ Optional subjects, including
◼◼ Study of important works and/or linguistics; medieval literature; Beginners’ Russian: Year 3 as Year 2 for
topics in the literature of each language history; authors prescribed other courses
language for detailed study.
◼◼ Linguistics option: Introduction to One-language course
phonetics, general linguistics, ◼◼ As above, but includes greater
grammar opportunity to study historical,
◼◼ Single language option: Introduction contemporary and general linguistics
to film studies, Literary theory ◼◼ Beginners’ Russian: Year 2 is spent
(French only), Medieval studies abroad
(German only), key texts in French or
German thought
Seven or eight written papers, including Nine or ten written papers and an oral
translation and literature (language only examination are taken, including
for Beginners’ Russian) unprepared translations, literature
subjects, special subjects and linguistics.
Some special subjects are examined by
submitting a portfolio of essays.
Vanessa politics in literature and the works of Goethe and Zola.

2nd year I found that there was a sizeable step between A-level work
I was drawn to Oxford by the wealth of world-class resources and university assignments because you are encouraged to
and the prospect of being taught by tutors who are some of express and develop your own thoughts and ideas much more
the best in the world. It’s immensely fulfilling to discuss opinions at degree-level. The freedom over your own time is also a stark
and analyses with tutors who are experts in their field. In contrast to the routine of school life, as there is a bigger
particular I have found that the inspiring teaching has deepened emphasis on independent study here, and you have to be self-
my interest in French and German literature and I have enjoyed motivated to manage your time.
studying a broad range of authors and playwrights and their I am a member of the Oxford University Salsa Society and am
innovative work. also Junior Common Room (JCR) Academic Affairs Officer for
I found the Modern Languages course at Oxford especially my college. I am also involved in musical and sporting activities
and attend numerous events held by many different societies.
111
appealing because it’s so flexible, with lots of language and
literature topics to choose from. This flexibility has allowed me Oxford will certainly help you to flourish academically, but it will
to pursue and explore my own interests, such as the theme of also enable you to shape yourself as a person.

MODERN LANGUAGES AND LINGUISTICS
Modern Languages
and Linguistics Entrance requirements What is Modern Languages and Linguistics?
Linguistics and French, German, A-levels: AAA This course allows students to study one modern
Modern Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Advanced Highers: AA/AAB language alongside linguistics, the study of language
Russian or Spanish IB: 38–40 including core points itself. One half of your course will be half of the
Brief course outline or any other equivalent Modern Languages course as described on pp. 109–
Duration of course: 4 years (including No experience of studying Linguistics is required, though knowledge of the 111, giving you practical linguistic training and an
relevant modern language may be expected, as detailed below.
compulsory year abroad) extensive introduction to the literature and thought
For French, German, Spanish or Russian of the European language you have chosen.
Degree awarded: BA
Candidates would usually be expected to have this The other half of the course focuses on linguistics,
language to A-level, Advanced Higher, Higher Level in where you will be introduced to the analysis of the
Intake: 20
the IB or another academic equivalent. nature and structure of human language. Topics
Applications shortlisted for interview: 91.4%
For Modern Greek include the structure and history of languages; how
Candidates would usually be expected either to have words are formed, how sentences are constructed,
Courses available
studied Modern Greek to A-level, Advanced Higher, how we make and hear sounds, and how these
Linguistics with: UCAS code Higher Level in the IB or another academic equivalent sounds behave in particular languages; how age, sex
French RQ11 or to have a proven fluency in the language, for and social status affect language use; how children
German RQ21 example if the candidate speaks Modern Greek at learn to speak; how languages change and how the
home or school. same language can vary according to where it is
Modern Greek QQ71 For Italian spoken; how words and sentences mean what they
Italian RQ31 Candidates may apply without any formal mean – and how they sometimes don’t mean what
Portuguese RQ51 qualifications in this language, though successful they seem to mean; how language is used in
candidates would be expected to work on their skills literature, the media and by various social groups;
Russian RQ71
in this language before beginning the course here at and what happens to language abilities when the
Spanish RQ41 Oxford. Beginners would not be expected to reach brain is damaged by stroke or injury.
A-level standard by the time they start the course Modern Languages at Oxford
Open days but should aim to acquire sufficient grammar and
See Modern Languages (p. 109) Oxford offers facilities for the linguistic and
vocabulary to be able to read contemporary literary philological study of European languages unmatched
Contact details texts.
+44 (0) 1865 270750 anywhere else in Britain. The University has particular
For Portuguese expertise in general linguistics, phonetics, syntax and
reception@mod-langs.ox.ac.uk Most candidates apply as complete beginners. Non-
Modern Languages semantics, and in the history and structure of many
beginners may apply without any formal qualifications individual European languages and families of related
The Faculty of Medieval and Modern in Portuguese. All successful candidates would be
Languages, languages. These are seen to best advantage in this
expected to work on their Portuguese before degree course, which combines the different
41 Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2JF beginning the course here at Oxford, in order to
www.mod-langs.ox.ac.uk elements to give a mutually reinforcing package of
acquire a basic knowledge of Portuguese grammar theoretical study of what human language is and how
Linguistics and vocabulary.
Centre for Linguistics and Philology, it works and more detailed study of specific issues of
Walton Street, Oxford OX1 2HG language structure and change applied to the
www.mod-langs.ox.ac.uk/linguistics language you are studying. Even if you only wish to
make linguistics a small part of your overall degree,
you will still find a wide range of options available,
allowing you to concentrate on those areas you find
most exciting.
Work placements/international opportunities
Refer to the Modern Languages pages.
Your week’s work will include a tutorial on
linguistics or literature, in or arranged by your college,
a linguistics class and language classes on different
skills relating to the language or languages you study,
and five or six lectures.

MODERN LANGUAGES AND LINGUISTICS
Written work willingness to acquire the formal tools for describing and
You need to submit written work by 10 November 2010 analysing language; enthusiasm for acquiring a detailed and
when applying for this course. Please see the entry for Modern rigorous understanding of the structure, use and history of the
Languages. Additionally, if you are studying an A-level or other language you are studying.
qualification involving linguistic analysis (e.g. English Language) For further information about the selection criteria please see:
please also send in a piece of written work from that. www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/selectioncriteria.
Written tests Related courses
During the Oxford interview period in December, there will be Students interested in this course might also like to consider
a 30-minute test for the language you intend to study, and also other language courses or Oriental Studies.
a linguistics aptitude test. Careers
What are tutors looking for? The combination of a modern language with ability for
Tutors will be looking for a good command of the grammar of rigorous analysis will be popular with a wide range of employers.
any language you have already studied at school and want to The Languages Work website has further information about
continue studying at Oxford as well an interest in literature, careers using languages www.languageswork.org.uk.
language or linguistics. Recent Modern Languages and Linguistics graduates include a
Linguistics is a subject that virtually everybody starts from management consultant, a brand marketing manager, a market
scratch at University, and our primary requirements are researcher for a company in the chemical industry, and a
enthusiasm for exploring the nature of human language; teacher.
Courses Courses
Modern Language Modern Language
◼◼ Same as for Modern Languages ◼◼ Same as for Modern Languages
Linguistics Linguistics
◼◼ General linguistics (synchronic and ◼◼ General linguistics
historical) ◼◼ History of the language you will be studying
◼◼ Phonetics and phonology ◼◼ Structure and use of that language in its modern form
◼◼ Grammatical analysis ◼◼ One or two specialist options, for example: syntax, semantics, phonetics and
phonology, sociolinguistics or psycholinguistics
Seven written papers, including Eight or nine papers and an oral
translation and literature examination are taken
Ashley language acquisition to translation of nonsense verse like The

2nd year Jabberwocky.
This time two years ago I was working 60-hour weeks in a Oxford in general is nothing like I imagined. Yes, the city is
busy restaurant in London, managing a team of waiters and famously beautiful but there’s something indescribably uplifting
serving champagne; now I’m mid-way through my second year about walking home over the cobblestones of Radcliffe Square
of a degree in Italian and Linguistics, planning a research every day. The workload is heavy, but the laws of physics can’t
project on Italian dialects for my year abroad. The amazed explain how it seems to double in size every time you sneak to
disbelief that I felt in my first week still hasn’t worn off. I the pub, or how your deadlines seem to bend time to all fall on
applied to Oxford on a whim: when I finally received my the same day.
acceptance letter, I was convinced there’d been a mistake! The nightlife is perhaps the biggest surprise. Far from the
Like most students, I began Linguistics as a completely new handful of student clubs I imagined, you’re spoilt for choice
subject. I knew I loved languages, but had no idea what the between chaotic fancy dress bops, heaving drum and bass
study of them would entail. What makes this course so nights and sophisticated black-tie balls. And to me, anywhere
113
absorbing is that it offers such scope for specialisation that you you wear an academic gown and a dress made of electrical
can explore anything from controversial new theories on first- tape in the same day is a University worth studying at.

Music
UCAS Course Code: W300 Why study Music? other areas such as history, analysis and stylistic or
Brief course outline Music can be studied from a wide variety of original composition can do so equally well. Combined
Duration of course: 3 years perspectives. We ‘study music’ by listening or by with the rich opportunities for personal development
Degree awarded: BA learning to perform a musical composition. We may which arise from the musical facilities and activities
Averages over the past three years also investigate, through analysis, the relationships sustained throughout the University and the city, this
Intake: 64 between the various parts of the composition, or use course helps every student to graduate as a mature
Applications shortlisted for interview: 93.5% documentary evidence to explore how reliable and and well-rounded musician with an informed and
Successful applications: 37.9% authoritative a given score might be and how we lively sense of the contemporary study and practice
Entrance requirements might perform it in a historically sensitive manner. of the subject.
A-levels: AAA Historical studies, too, allow us to investigate the A typical weekly timetable
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB various uses of music – be it in 16th-century Rome, Work is divided between lectures and classes in the
MUSIC
IB: 38–40 including core points or any in Hollywood films, amongst the aboriginal peoples of Faculty of Music and college tutorials. There are
other equivalent Australia, or in some other context – and to between four and six lectures per week, depending
Candidates are expected to have Music to A-level, Advanced understand better how our perception of a musical on the chosen options, as well as classes and
Higher, or Higher Level in the IB or another equivalent. Also
work (or repertory or style) has been shaped over tutorials. In the final term there are generally fewer
keyboard ability of ABRSM Grade V or above is highly
recommended. time, and how it might differ from that of earlier lectures and more time for independent study.
Open days ages or of different cultures. Although these and International opportunities
30 June and 17 September 2010 many other approaches, such as the more creative The Faculty of Music currently has a Socrates
Places must be booked for the June date by completing the activities of performance and composition, might be association with the University of Strasbourg and the
online form available at www.music.ox.ac.uk singled out, they cannot so easily be kept separate if University of Dresden.
Contact details we are to study music musically. Written work
The Academic Administrator Music at Oxford You will need to submit written work by 10
Faculty of Music, St Aldate’s, Music has been part of the intellectual and cultural November 2010 when applying for this course.
Oxford OX1 1DB life of Oxford for more than eight centuries. Today, Please refer to the course page at www.admissions.
+44 (0) 1865 286264 some dozen professors, readers and lecturers form ox.ac.uk/courses for further details.
academic.admin@music.ox.ac.uk the academic staff in the Faculty of Music, all of Written tests
www.music.ox.ac.uk whom have internationally distinguished reputations There is no written test, but candidates who are
as musicologists, performers or composers. Their invited to interview in Oxford will be asked to give a
work is complemented by that of many college performance of a prepared piece on the candidate’s
Fellows and lecturers, bringing the total staff number principal instrument or voice (organists,
to about 30. Numerous visiting speakers, and our percussionists and candidates requiring an
close links with professional performing ensembles, accompanist should inform the faculty in advance of
including the Allegri Quartet, Phantasm and the the interview period).
University’s professional orchestra in residence, the Candidates not possessing keyboard fluency to
Oxford Philomusica, add further richness and ABRSM Grade V may be asked to take a standardised
enjoyment to the experience of being a music keyboard sight-reading test at interview. Please
student here. The faculty offers performance and indicate your level of keyboard proficiency on your
composition workshops, and many students play an UCAS application. Some tutors may ask you to study
active part in the life of college chapels, as either a short piece of music and/or text about music in
choral or organ scholars. The faculty building includes preparation for your interview; if so, this material will
practice rooms for solo, chamber and orchestral be given to you during your stay in Oxford.
work; there is an electronic music and recording What are tutors looking for?
studio; and the library holdings of scores, recordings, Tutors are looking for a genuine spirit of enquiry
books and other research materials are probably the and keenness to think critically about music, and
most extensive in the UK. The world-famous Bate those showing the potential to engage with the
Collection of Musical Instruments is also housed at undergraduate course.
the faculty, and many of these historical instruments Careers
are available for use by students. Teaching, performance and arts administration are
The Oxford course is broadly based without among the more popular destinations for Music
compromising the possibility of increasing graduates, but others include broadcasting, publishing,
specialisation in one or more areas as you proceed. politics and the Civil Service. Those wishing to
Performance and performance-related studies are undertake further study in performance often win
especially prominent, particularly among the options coveted places at conservatoires in the UK and abroad.
for Finals, while those wishing to concentrate on Josephine, who graduated in 2005, is now an

analyst for HSBC Private Bank. She says: ‘My music degree music with working on educational research. The experiences
developed core research skills which are essential to rigorous afforded by an Oxford education and participation in student
fundamental analysis, a high standard of written communication societies around my course have enabled me to be seen, in
which is key to concise report writing, and stage presence post-Oxford life, as a safe pair of hands, both in terms of
which translates into confident public speaking.’ academic issues and administrative matters. This means I have
Andrew, who graduated in 2006, is now the assistant director been able to gain responsibilities in the areas of education
of Music at King Edward VI School in Stratford-upon-Avon. He management and school governance fairly early on in my
says: ‘Since graduating, I have been involved in professional career.’
music-making and education. I’m currently combining teaching
MUSIC
Courses Courses
Six subjects are taken (one chosen Eight subjects are taken (six chosen from a list of options)
from a list of options) Compulsory
Compulsory ◼◼ Topics in Music History before 1750
◼◼ Issues in the study of music ◼◼ Topics in Music History after 1700
◼◼ Special topics Optional topics studied
◼◼ Musical analysis (these vary from year to year and have recently included the following): Singing, Music Writing, and
◼◼ Techniques of composition: Memory, c600–c1100; Opera in Purcell’s England 1659–1705; The Keyboard Concerto, 1740–1830;
harmony and counterpoint Richard Wagner; From Tasso to Tapiola: the Symphonic Poem, c1850–1950; Beyond Modernism: Music
◼◼ Keyboard skills Since 1945; Musical Analysis and Criticism; Musical Thought and Scholarship; Techniques of Composition;
Options Solo Performance; Orchestration; Dissertation; Composition Portfolio; Edition with Commentary; Analysis
◼◼ Composition Portfolio; Chamber Music Performance; Choral Conducting; Choral Performance. Special Topic papers (these
◼◼ Performance may vary from year to year and have recently included the following): Choral Studies; The Music of
◼◼ Extended essay Guillaume de Machaut; Ethnomusicology and the Urban Encounter; Film Music; Handel’s Operas and
Oratorios in Context; Music in the Iberian World, 1480–1650; Psychological Perspectives on Performance;
1966 and All That: the Beatles and Popular Music Culture; Before Silence and After: Experimental Music
Three written papers and one ‘take- Three or more written papers and a combination of ‘take-away’ papers, portfolio submissions, recitals and
away’ paper, a practical examination practical tests, depending on the options chosen
and a recital/portfolio of
compositions/essay
Alistair that no-one is more than a short cycle ride away, and I trust
3rd year that some of my friendships will be lifelong. It’s good to be able
When looking at music courses, what attracted me about the to meet up for a cup of tea or go for a run around University
Oxford course was the flexibility of it. While there are some Parks, or go punting in the summer as a way to relax with
compulsory elements, particularly in the first year, the choices friends, particularly if you’ve been up late finishing an essay, or
available mean that it can be tailored closely to your interests. have had a particularly busy week.
Teaching is often given by the leading scholar in that area which Perhaps some of the best experiences have been those
makes it a very exciting way of learning. I have particularly quirky things that don’t often happen in the rest of life, like
enjoyed studying the music of the Weimar Republic, which is a playing ice-hockey at 2am, reading your essay to the world
period of music history when many new styles and genres expert in your subject, conducting a concert in front of a
emerge and interact with existing ones, including romanticism, packed building or chatting about God and life’s big questions
serialism and jazz. until late at night. Oxford life is very busy, but also
Oxford is a great place to meet people. I have been blessed tremendously exciting!
115
to find a wonderful set of friends from all walks of life. It’s a joy

What is Oriental Studies? Written tests
Among subjects in the humanities, Oriental Studies Candidates for the following Oriental Studies
is unique in introducing students to civilisations that courses will be required to sit a Language Aptitude
Oriental Studies are radically different from the Western ones that Test during the Oxford interview period in
form the basis of the curriculum in most British December. This test lasts half an hour.
Arabic, Chinese, Egyptology and Ancient schools and colleges. The courses present both the ◼◼ Arabic and Islamic Studies
Near Eastern Studies, Hebrew Studies, major traditions of the regions studied and, in most ◼◼ Arabic with subsidiary language
Japanese, Jewish Studies, Persian, cases, their modern developments. All courses ◼◼ Persian with Islamic Art and Archaeology
Sanskrit, Turkish include language, literature, history and culture, and ◼◼ Persian with Islamic Studies/History
UCAS Course Codes: see pp. 117–118 there is a wide range of options in such fields as art ◼◼ Persian with subsidiary language
Brief course outline and archaeology, history, literature, philosophy, ◼◼ Turkish
Duration of Course: 3 or 4 years (see
ORIENTAL STUDIES
religion and modern social studies. ◼◼ Turkish with Islamic Art and Archaeology
individual subjects) Oriental Studies at Oxford ◼◼ Turkish with subsidiary language
Degree awarded: BA in Oriental Studies Oriental Studies has a long history in Oxford. The ◼◼ Hebrew Studies
Averages over the past three years Bodleian and other libraries have acquired ◼◼ Jewish Studies
Intake: 41 magnificent collections. The Oriental Institute, What are tutors looking for?
Applications shortlisted for interview: 87.5% Institute for Chinese Studies, Bodleian Japanese and For information about the selection criteria please
Successful applications:26.3% Indian Institute Libraries offer loan collections in their see: www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/selectioncriteria.
Entrance requirements respective fields. Adjacent to the Oriental Institute is Related courses
A-levels: AAA the Ashmolean Museum, which houses superb Students interested in this course might also like to
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB collections. The Sackler Library includes the principal consider Classics, language courses, or Theology and
IB: 38–40 including core points library for Egyptology and Ancient Near Eastern Oriental Studies.
or any other equivalent Studies. Careers
Students are not expected to have studied any Oriental
Language before. A language to A-level, Advanced Higher, or Work placements/international opportunities A degree in Oriental Studies is not a vocational
Higher Level in the IB or another equivalent can be helpful to Most courses offer the opportunity to spend time degree, but a wide range of employers appreciate
students in completing this course, although they are not in the region being studied. The Arabic course the skills our graduates gain from their studies.
required for admission.
includes a year in the Middle East, the Persian and Careers options exist in finance, media, commerce,
Open days Turkish courses a year in Iran or Turkey respectively, the Civil Service, law, accountancy and the arts.
8 May and 1 July 2010 the Hebrew course an optional year in Israel, and the Around 30% of Oriental Studies graduates go on to
Booking is required by contacting
undergraduate.admissions@orinst.ox.ac.uk. Chinese course includes four months on a course of further study.
Contact details language study in East Asia. Students of Japanese Recent Oriental Studies graduates include a
Oriental Institute, Pusey Lane, Oxford spend the third term of year 1 in Japan and may also management consultant, a marketing executive in
OX1 2LE spend an optional further year there between years the motor industry. Triska Hamid, who graduated in
+44 (0) 1865 288200 3 and 4 of the course, taking advantage of work 2008 says: ‘I started in head-hunting, then
undergraduate.admissions@orinst.ox.ac.uk placements and opportunities for further study at completed the management scheme at Lush. The
www.orinst.ox.ac.uk Japanese universities. desire to use my degree led to freelance translation.
Written work I’m now Editor in Chief of Technology World, a
Institute for Chinese Studies,
All candidates are required to submit two pieces of Middle Eastern IT magazine.’
Clarendon Institute Building,
written work, preferably of two different kinds, by
Walton Street, Oxford OX1 2HG
10 November 2010.
+44 (0) 1865 280387
enquiries@chinese.ox.ac.uk
Olivier understanding of both Egypt and Mesopotamia.
2nd year There is plenty of time for fun and getting
I have a passion for ancient languages and the involved in societies, sports, and whatever you’re
Near East which led me to choose Egyptology and interested in. I am Charities Rep and Arts Rep for my
Ancient Near Eastern Studies. I particularly like the college. Over the summer, I have enjoyed
focus on language-learning. Oxford is one of the archaeological fieldwork – in Southern Turkey last
very few universities where one can study more or year and probably in Syria next time. It’s a great
less any ancient Near Eastern language, ranging opportunity to see for yourself all those places you
from such common ones as Hebrew and Arabic to study in class. Tutors are always very helpful in
such languages as Egyptian, Akkadian, Sumerian and finding projects to get involved with, even though it
even Hittite. isn’t a compulsory part of the degree.
You have to study at least one language in depth, I would definitely encourage anyone to apply for
and then you can add a second one in your second this course simply because it is such a fascinating
year, or Archaeology and Anthropology instead. I insight into cultures and languages so very different
chose Egyptian and Akkadian, to take advantage of to those we are used to dealing with ... and
the fact that some of the greatest experts in these eccentricity never killed anyone, did it?
disciplines are in Oxford and to give me a better
Arabic and Islamic Studies (T601) 1st year 2nd year 3rd and 4th years
Arabic with subsidiary language (T6T9)
Persian with Islamic Art and Courses Courses Courses
Archaeology (QT46) ◼◼ Elementary language Year abroad: approved course ◼◼ Core work on language and
Persian with Islamic Studies/History (QT96) ◼◼ Islamic history and culture of language instruction literature
Persian with subsidiary language (T6TX) ◼◼ History
Turkish (T600) ◼◼ Specialisation or subsidiary
Turkish with Islamic Art and language
Archaeology (TQP9) Assessment Assessment Assessment
Turkish with subsidiary language (T6TY) First University examinations Qualifying examination at the Final University examinations
(preliminary) end of the course Oral exam and eight or nine
ORIENTAL STUDIES
After term 3: written papers (one of which
Three written papers; an oral may be a thesis)
exam, in Arabic
Chinese (T101)

◼◼ Elementary language in classical and modern ◼◼ Year abroad at Peking University* ◼◼ Extended language classes and historical
Chinese or study
◼◼ History and culture ◼◼ Modern Chinese language, spoken and ◼◼ Options: Ancient history; Literature; Modern
written: society and politics; or subsidiary languages:
◼◼ Classical Chinese texts Tibetan, Japanese, or Korean
◼◼ History and civilisation of China
◼◼ Four-month period abroad (third term)

First University examinations* Qualifying examination at end of course* Final University examinations
or or Oral examination; eight written papers;
First-year language test First University examinations dissertation
*Subject to confirmation
Egyptology (Q400), Egyptology and Ancient Near Eastern Studies (Q401)

◼◼ Broad survey of civilisations of Egypt and ◼◼ Addition of second language, or Archaeology ◼◼ Essay writing and dissertation work
the Ancient Near East and Anthropology ◼◼ Intensive classes in the first and second
◼◼ Language teaching in Egyptian or Akkadian ◼◼ Options: Akkadian, Arabic, Aramaic and terms
Syriac, Archaeology, Classical Greek, Coptic, ◼◼ Artefact classes
Hebrew (Biblical and Mishnaic), Old Iranian, ◼◼ Field of concentration
Sumerian or Hittite (if available)
◼◼ Literary and historical topics through study
of texts and essay writing
◼◼ Intensive class work
Four written papers Ten units
Continued over the page

Oriental Studies (continued)
Hebrew Studies: (primarily languages, literature, culture and history) (Q480)
Courses Courses 3rd year can optionally be spent abroad

◼◼ Intensive study in Hebrew language in all ◼◼ Handling Hebrew texts and developing Courses
periods knowledge of historical and cultural ◼◼ Texts
◼◼ Introduction to ancient and modern Jewish background ◼◼ Historical and cultural background
history ◼◼ Choice of options from Jewish Studies
Four written papers Seven written papers; dissertation
4-year course only: oral examination
ORIENTAL STUDIES
Japanese (T201)
1st and 2nd years 3rd year 4th year

◼◼ Modern language spoken and written ◼◼ Language classes ◼◼ Special subject (for those not taking a
Study of premodern texts (2nd year) ◼◼ Study of texts from classical literature; additional language): selected aspect of
◼◼ History and culture Modern literature; Linguistics; Social history Japanese culture; or Chinese or Korean; or
◼◼ Period of study abroad (term 3) and society; Politics and economics continue with additional language, if chosen
◼◼ Additional language, if chosen (Chinese, ◼◼ Dissertation
Korean or Tibetan)
Year 1: Two written test papers Final University examinations
Year 2: First University examinations Seven written papers; one oral paper;
Four written papers dissertation
Jewish Studies: (primarily focused on the history, religion and culture of the Jews from biblical to modern times) (QV91)

◼◼ Intensive study in Hebrew language in all ◼◼ Options (three subjects to be chosen) ◼◼ Options (two subjects to be chosen)
periods ◼◼ One tutorial a week, with essay ◼◼ One tutorial a week, with essay
◼◼ Introduction to ancient and modern Jewish
history
Four papers Six written papers; dissertation
Sanskrit (Q450)

◼◼ Intensive language teaching ◼◼ Preparation for Final University examinations ◼◼ Sanskrit literature
in final year ◼◼ Special subject
◼◼ Study of Sanskrit grammar
◼◼ Subsidiary language options: Old Iranian, Pali,
Prakrit and Tibetan
Nine papers: seven in Sanskrit and two in
subsidiary languages

PHILOSOPHY AND MODERN LANGUAGES
Philosophy and
Entrance requirements What is Philosophy and Modern Languages?
Modern Languages
A-levels: AAA Philosophy and Modern Languages brings together Philosophy with either Celtic, Czech
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB some of the most important approaches to (with Slovak), French, German,
IB: 38–40 including core points understanding language, literature and ideas. Modern Greek, Italian, Portuguese,
Candidates are not required to have any experience of studying Philosophy, The study of philosophy develops analytical rigour Russian or Spanish
though some background reading is highly recommended. The language Brief course outline
and the ability to criticise and reason logically. It
requirements are detailed below.
allows you to apply these skills to questions ranging Duration of course: 4 years, including
For French, German, Russian or Spanish compulsory year abroad
from how we acquire knowledge and form moral
Candidates would usually be expected to have this Degree awarded: BA
judgements to the nature of language, art and
language to A-level, Advanced Higher, Higher Level in Averages over the past three years
literature. Since many works of literature are shaped
the IB or another academic equivalent. Intake: 17
by the dominant philosophical ideas of their epoch,
For Celtic, Czech or Modern Greek Applications shortlisted for interview: 85.0%
study of philosophy can illuminate that intellectual
background. Successful applications: 24.3%
of studying this language and may study it from
The study of a modern European language develops Courses available
scratch.
analytical and critical abilities as well as a high level of Philosophy and: UCAS code
For Italian
linguistic skills; the study of the literature written in
Candidates may apply without any formal Celtic VQ55
that language contributes to an understanding of
qualifications in Italian, though successful candidates Czech VR57
many aspects of European culture. It develops
would be expected to work on their Italian before
attention to stylistic and terminological detail and French VR51
beginning the course here at Oxford. Beginners
rhetorical strategies, and sensitivity to cultural and German VR52
would not be expected to reach A-level standard by
historical context, which are also of great value for
the time they start the course but should aim to Modern Greek VQ57
the study of philosophy.
acquire sufficient grammar and vocabulary to be able Italian VR53
Philosophy and Modern Languages at Oxford
to read contemporary literary Italian texts.
Studying these two disciplines in parallel has Portuguese VR55
For Portuguese
numerous advantages and affords students greater Russian VRM7
Most candidates apply as complete beginners. Non-
insights into each.
beginners may apply without any formal qualifications Spanish VR54
The Philosophy Faculty is the largest philosophy
department in the UK, and one of the largest in the
world, with more than 70 full-time members,
admitting more than 500 undergraduates annually to
read the various degrees involving philosophy. Many
and vocabulary.
faculty members have a worldwide reputation, and
Open days
our library and other facilities are acknowledged as
See Modern Languages (p. 109)
Tutors from the Philosophy Faculty will be available on 1 May to discuss this among the best in the country.
joint course. Oxford’s Modern Languages Faculty is one of the
Contact details largest in the country, with a total intake of more
Philosophy than 250 students a year, including those reading
Faculty of Philosophy, 10 Merton Street, joint degrees. The Taylor Institution is the biggest
Oxford OX1 4JJ modern languages research library in the UK. The
+44 (0) 1865 276926 Modern Languages Faculty also has an undergraduate
enquiries@philosophy.ox.ac.uk lending library and a modern and excellently equipped
www.philosophy.ox.ac.uk Language Centre (see p. 9).
Modern Languages A typical weekly timetable
The Faculty of Medieval and Modern Languages, Your work is divided between tutorials (one or two
41 Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2JF weekly), lectures (typically about six hours weekly)
+44 (0) 1865 270750 and classes (first-year logic, language classes
reception@mod-langs.ox.ac.uk throughout the course, typically about two to three
www.mod-langs.ox.ac.uk hours weekly). About a third of your week will be
spent in private study to prepare essays for tutorials.

PHILOSOPHY AND MODERN LANGUAGES
Philosophy and Modern Languages (continued)
Written work Related courses

All candidates must submit two pieces of written Students interested in this course might also like to
work relating to the language you wish to study, by consider other language courses, or Philosophy,
10 November 2010. Please refer to the course page Politics and Economics (PPE).
at www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/courses. Careers
Written tests Philosophy and Modern Languages graduates enter
For Philosophy, you will be required to take a one- careers including academic teaching and research,
hour test of your ability to reason analytically and to teaching, commerce, banking and financial services,
use language accurately. This will be taken during the journalism and communications. An Oxford degree in
Oxford interview period in December for shortlisted a modern language opens up opportunities for
candidates. internationally-focused careers or careers with
Again, during the Oxford interview period in international companies or organisations.
December, there will be a 30-minute test for each of The Languages Work website has further information
the languages you intend to study, though not in about careers using languages at: www.
languages you intend to study more or less from languageswork.org.uk.
scratch. These are designed to test your grammar Recent Philosophy and Modern Languages
rather than vocabulary. graduates include an economic consultant, a
What are tutors looking for? management consultant, and a bilingual editor for a
For information about the selection criteria please publishing company.
see: www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/selectioncriteria.
During the interview, tutors will be looking for
interest in the proposed fields of study, relevant
linguistic ability, a critical and analytical response to
questions and/or texts and the ability to defend a
viewpoint by reasoned argument.
Courses Compulsory core subjects

Philosophy Philosophy
Introduction to philosophy ◼◼ Either History of philosophy from Descartes to Kant
◼◼ General philosophy ◼◼ or Plato’s Republic
◼◼ Moral philosophy ◼◼ or Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics
◼◼ Logic Modern Languages
Modern Languages ◼◼ Three language papers
Translation into and from a European ◼◼ One period of literature paper
language and other exercises in the ◼◼ One further paper from a list of options
foreign language; two papers in the Further options
literature of the relevant language: ◼◼ Either four further papers in Philosophy (many options,
one of commentary on texts, one of including thesis)
essay and/or commentary ◼◼ or three further papers in Philosophy and one in Modern
Languages (which may be an extended essay)
◼◼ or two further papers in Philosophy and two in Modern
Languages
Six written papers: two in Philosophy, Nine papers (with a minimum of three in Philosophy and four in
four in Modern Languages Modern Languages). One Philosophy paper may be replaced by
a thesis. Some Modern Languages papers may be replaced by a
thesis or a portfolio of essays.
Modern Languages oral
PHILOSOPHY, POLITICS AND ECONOMICS (PPE)
Philosophy, Politics and
What is PPE? A typical weekly timetable
Economics (PPE)
PPE brings together some of the most important Your work is divided between lectures (six to eight UCAS Course Code: L0V0
approaches to understanding the social and human a week), tutorials and classes (typically two tutorials Brief course outline
world around us, developing skills useful for a whole or one tutorial and one class a week), and private Duration of course: 3 years
range of future careers and activities. study mainly spent preparing essays for tutorials and Degree awarded: BA
Studying philosophy, you will develop analytical classes. Averages over the past three years
rigour and the ability to criticise and reason logically, Written work Intake: 239
and be able to apply these skills to questions You do not need to submit any written work when Applications shortlisted for interview: 68.7%
concerning how we acquire knowledge or how we you apply for this course. Successful applications: 18.0%
make ethical judgements. Written tests Entrance requirements
The study of politics provides a thorough All candidates must take the Thinking Skills A-levels: AAA
understanding of the impact of political institutions Assessment, normally at their own schools or Advanced Highers: AA
on modern societies. It helps you to evaluate the college, on 3 November 2010. Separate registration IB: 39 including core points
choices that political systems must regularly make, for this test is required. See www.tsaoxford.org.uk or any other equivalent
to explain the processes that maintain or change for further details. You may apply for PPE having done any combination of
those systems, and to examine the concepts and What are tutors looking for? subjects at school; it is not necessary to have studied politics,
philosophy or economics. History and Mathematics are useful
values used in political analysis. Politics at Oxford Tutors will want to find out if you can think clearly
backgrounds, but are not essential.
also encompasses the study of sociology and and analytically. They are not so much concerned
Open days
international relations. with what you know as how you think about it and
College open days are the best
Economics is the study of how consumers, firms how you use it. They will seek evidence of your
opportunity to meet PPE tutors and
and government make decisions that together interest in social and political concerns and your
discuss this course. (pp. 176–7)
determine how resources are allocated. An ability to discuss them critically. In addition to
Contact details
appreciation of economics and the general workings reading a good quality daily newspaper applicants
Philosophy
of the economy has become increasingly necessary may enjoy reading one or more of the following
Faculty of Philosophy, 10 Merton Street,
to make sense of governmental policy-making, the introductory texts.
Oxford OX1 4JJ
conduct of businesses and the enormous changes in There are many introductions to philosophy: Myles
+44 (0) 1865 276926
economic systems occurring throughout the world. Burnyeat and Ted Honderich’s Philosophy As It Is is a
PPE at Oxford very useful collection. Martin Hollis’s An Invitation to
All three branches of PPE at Oxford have an Philosophy and Simon Blackburn’s Think are also
Politics
international reputation, supported by more than recommended. If you have trouble finding these, or
Department of Politics and International
200 teachers and scholars of the highest calibre. would like more suggestions, please feel free to
Relations, Manor Road Building, Oxford
You will also be able to attend lectures given by the contact the Faculty of Philosophy by email. Politics is
OX1 3UQ
many distinguished visitors to Oxford each year. a very wide-ranging subject, encompassing both
+44 (0) 1865 288564
PPE at Oxford is a very flexible course which theoretical approaches and the study of real world
ug.studies@politics.ox.ac.uk
allows you to study all three branches, or to institutions and processes. Jonathan Wolff’s An
www.politics.ox.ac.uk
specialise in two of the branches after the first year. Introduction to Political Philosophy and Adrian
Economics
Although there is no reference to sociology or Leftwich’s edited collection, What Is Politics? The
Department of Economics, Manor Road
international relations in the title of the course, you Activity and Its Study, are useful introductions.
Building, Oxford OX1 3UQ
may specialise in either of these subjects by The best introduction to the use of economic
+44 (0) 1865 271098
choosing relevant options. analysis, whether or not you have studied economics
econundergrad@economics.ox.ac.uk
at school, is to read the economics and business
www.economics.ox.ac.uk
pages of newspapers, particularly The Economist.

PHILOSOPHY, POLITICS AND ECONOMICS (PPE)
PPE (continued)
Related courses Recent Philosophy, Politics and Economics graduates include a

Students interested in this course might also like to consider hedge fund analyst, a primary school teacher, and a fundraising
Economics and Management, History courses, Philosophy and officer for a disease research foundation. Hilary, who graduated
Modern Languages, Philosophy and Theology, or Human in 2002, is now an education policy-maker. She says: ‘After
Sciences. graduating, I started at the UK Department for Education,
Careers working on a range of domestic and international educational
The careers most commonly chosen by PPE graduates are in policies, which included secondments to an NGO in Ghana and to
banking and finance, politics, journalism and broadcasting, law, the European Commission in Brussels. I am now working at the
industry, teaching, social work, accountancy, business World Bank in Washington, DC, on education in developing
management, management consultancy, advertising and the countries. Studying PPE fuelled my interest in governance,
many branches of the public services, including the civil and sociology, and equality of opportunity, and helped me develop
diplomatic services and local government. skills in critical thinking and clear analysis which have been crucial
in these roles.’
Courses Courses
All three branches of PPE are studied equally Students choose to continue with all three branches or concentrate on any two,
Philosophy taking compulsory courses in the chosen branches along with optional courses:
◼◼ General philosophy Compulsory core courses
◼◼ Moral philosophy ◼◼ Philosophy: either History of Philosophy from Descartes to Kant, or Plato’s
◼◼ Elementary logic Republic; or Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics
Politics ◼◼ Politics (any two of these): Comparative Government; British Politics and
◼◼ Theorising the democratic state Government since 1900; Theory of Politics; International Relations; Political
◼◼ Analysis of democratic institutions in the United Kingdom, Sociology
France, Germany and the United States ◼◼ Economics: Macroeconomics; Microeconomics; Quantitative Economics
Economics Optional courses
◼◼ Microeconomics: the functioning of the market economy ◼◼ More than 50 choices, including: Post-Kantian Philosophy; Later Wittgenstein;
◼◼ Macroeconomics: dealing with national output and Politics in Sub-Saharan Africa; Political thought: Plato to Rousseau; International
employment, exchange rates and policy issues Economics; Economics of Developing Countries
◼◼ Mathematical techniques used in economics
Three written papers Eight written papers, one of which can be replaced by a thesis
Michael I came into my first year expecting available within each college and at
3rd year things to be very relaxed and easy going, University level. I currently play for my
Initially, I had many misconceptions so I was initially taken aback by the pace college football team and am Junior
about Oxford, but this view soon of Oxford life, but I soon adapted to it. Common Room (JCR) Secretary. I am
changed when I visited the University on PPE gives you the chance to develop also a member of the Oxford Afro-
an open day. I was attracted by the fact your intellectual capacity by exposing Caribbean Society and the Oxford
that I would be studying alongside you to a great deal of ideas and University Investment and Finance
extremely bright students and my concepts. Society. Oxford will give you the
academic development would be Each branch of the course gives you opportunity not just to realise your
overseen by some of the best tutors in the opportunity to enhance a number of academic potential, but also to forge
the world. The transition from A-level to key skills, including critical analysis, relationships with an international
undergraduate life was challenging, as debating and problem solving. Belonging student base. At Oxford you will certainly
there is a greater focus on developing to a college immediately provided me be challenged to develop your academic
your personal ideas and not simply with a friendship base that was invaluable potential, but you will also be provided
accepting what is written in a textbook. in helping to settle into the University. with numerous opportunities to develop
I have also been impressed by the as a person.
range of clubs and societies that are

Philosophy and
What is Philosophy and Theology? A typical weekly timetable
Theology
Philosophy and Theology brings together some of Your work is divided between tutorials (usually one
PHILOSOPHY AND THEOLOGY

UCAS Course Code: VV56
the most important approaches to understanding and a week), lectures (typically six to eight weekly), and Brief course outline
assessing the intellectual claims of religion, and in perhaps some classes, for instance for first-year Duration of course: 3 years
particular of Christianity. It fosters intellectual logic, or for modern doctrine. A large part of your Degree awarded: BA
capacities that you can apply across both disciplines, week will be spent in private study to prepare essays Averages over the past three years
and develops skills which you will find useful for a for tutorials. Intake: 24
wide range of careers and activities after graduation. Written work Applications shortlisted for interview: 82.8%
The study of philosophy develops analytical rigour For Theology, candidates are required to submit Successful applications: 22.6%
and the ability to criticise and reason logically. It two essays by 10 November 2010. Please see the Entrance requirements
allows you to apply these skills to many Theology course page and www.admissions. A-levels: AAA
contemporary and historical schools of thought and ox.ac.uk/courses for further details. Advanced Highers: AA/AAB
individual thinkers, and to questions ranging from Written tests IB: 38–40 including core points
how we acquire knowledge and form moral For Philosophy there is a one-hour test of your or any other equivalent
judgements to central questions in the philosophy of ability to reason analytically and to use language Religious Studies to A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher Level
religion, including the existence and nature of God accurately, taken during the Oxford interview period in the IB or another equivalent can be helpful to students in
completing this course, although this is not required for
and the relevance of religion to human life. in December.
admission.
The study of theology brings together a wide range What are tutors looking for?
Open days
of skills and disciplines, historical, textual, linguistic, For information about the selection criteria please
See Theology (p. 131)
sociological, literary-critical and philosophical. It see: www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/selectioncriteria.
Contact details
provides a grounding in the theology and ethics of During the interview, tutors are looking for interest
Philosophy
early and of modern Christianity, along with a wide in the proposed fields of study, a critical and
Faculty of Philosophy,
range of options in the academic study of religion, analytical approach to abstract questions and the
10 Merton Street, Oxford OX1 4JJ
including non-Christian traditions. ability to defend a viewpoint by reasoned argument.
+44 (0) 1865 276926
Philosophy and Theology at Oxford Related courses
The degree is constructed in the belief that the Students interested in this course might also like to
parallel study of these related disciplines provides consider Classics, Theology, or Theology and Oriental
Theology
new perspectives on each, leading to deeper Studies.
Theology Faculty Centre,
understanding. Careers
34 St Giles’, Oxford OX1 3LD
The Philosophy Faculty is the largest philosophy Philosophy and Theology graduates enter careers
+44 (0) 1865 270790
department in the UK, and one of the largest in the including academic teaching and research, school
enquiries@theology.ox.ac.uk
world, with more than 70 full-time members, teaching, commerce, banking and financial services,
www.theology.ox.ac.uk
admitting more than 500 undergraduates annually to journalism and communications. Recent graduates
read the various degrees involving philosophy. Many have secured positions as authors, writers,
faculty members have a worldwide reputation, and newspaper and periodical editors and teachers, and
library and other facilities are acknowledged as include a student at the Royal Academy of Music, a
among the best in the country. journalist, and a marketing executive for a
The Theology Faculty has more than 100 philanthropy adviser. The Theology Faculty’s website
members, covering almost every possible branch of www.theology.ox.ac.uk has further information
the discipline, ranging from experts in the ancient about careers for theologians.
languages and literature of the world’s religions to
church historians and systematic theologians. Its
reputation attracts scholars from all over the world Continued over the page
as visiting lecturers.

Philosophy and Theology (continued)
PHILOSOPHY AND THEOLOGY
Terms 1 and 2 Terms 3–9
Courses Compulsory core subjects

Philosophy Philosophy
◼◼ Introduction to philosophy: General ◼◼ Either History of Philosophy from Descartes to Kant, or Plato’s Republic, or
philosophy; Moral philosophy; Logic Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics; Philosophy of Religion; either Knowledge and
Theology (two or three taken) Reality, or Ethics
◼◼ The Christian doctrine of creation; Theology
The study of religions; Old Testament ◼◼ The Gospels and Jesus; God, Christ and Salvation; either Development of
set texts; New Testament set texts; Doctrine in the Early Church, or Christian Moral Reasoning
Church history; New Testament Further Options
Greek; Biblical Hebrew; Classical ◼◼ Two further subjects (one may be an extended essay), either both in Philosophy,
Arabic; Pali or both in Theology, or one in Theology and one in Philosophy
First University examinations (taken Final University examinations
after the second term) Eight written papers (either five in Philosophy and three in Theology, or five in
Three or four written papers (one in Theology and three in Philosophy, or four in each). A thesis may replace one
Philosophy, two or three in Theology) written paper.
Georgia discussed quantum physics and how this challenges our ideas
1st year of how much we can really ever say we know.
I used to frustrate everyone around me by asking questions I visited Oxford years ago and had an impression of it as an
all the time. Now I am studying Philosophy and Theology I put exciting and dynamic place. The bustle of the town lies in stark
this trait to good use! The course appeals to inquisitive minds contrast to my home-life in the Essex countryside. The variety
that enjoy discussing questions and presenting thoughts in a of things to do in Oxford is beyond anything I had expected.
reasoned and considered way. I have also thrown myself wholeheartedly into Latin and
I also love the course because it means I can continue my Ballroom dance with the Oxford University Dancesport team. It
interests in many different areas. For example, in my first week is a brilliant source of exercise and fantastically sociable with
I began studying logic, and saw how closely related it is to the opportunity for making new friends from different colleges
maths. I also attended a lecture on methods of interpreting the and courses and of different ages and ability. I’ve particularly
New Testament, which reminded me of an approach to enjoyed the carbo-loading parties we hold in preparation for
studying English literature. I went to another lecture which competitions!

Physics
What is Physics? Project work/international opportunities UCAS Course Code (3 year): F300
Physics is concerned with the study of the universe A wide choice of fourth year MPhys projects is UCAS Course Code (4 year): F303
from the smallest to the largest scale, why it is the available across all six Physics sub-departments and Brief course outline
way it is and how it works. Such knowledge is basic sometimes from related departments. Occasionally Duration of course: 3 or 4 years
to scientific progress. The language of physics is students arrange to do their projects at outside Degrees awarded: BA/MPhys
mathematics, indeed formulating physical theories laboratories. Averages over the past three years
has sometimes required the development of new A typical weekly timetable Intake: 173
mathematical structures. Although physics is a In the first year your time is equally divided Applications shortlisted for interview: 60.8%
fundamental science it is also a very practical subject. between Mathematics and Physics, with about ten Successful applications: 24.4%
Physicists have to be able to design and build new lectures and two paired tutorials a week. In addition Entrance requirements
instruments, from satellites to measure the you spend one day a week, over two terms, in the A-levels: AAA
PHYSICS
properties of planetary atmospheres to record- practical laboratories. In the second and third years Advanced Highers: AA/AAB
breaking intense magnetic fields for the study of the core and mainstream physics topics are covered, IB: 38–40 including core points
condensed matter. Many of the conveniences of with about ten lectures a week and a mix of tutorials or any other equivalent
modern life are based very directly on the and small group classes. Practical work occupies two Candidates are expected to have Physics and Mathematics
understanding provided by physics. Many techniques days a fortnight over four terms. Those taking the
another equivalent. The inclusion of a Maths Mechanics
used in medical imaging are derived directly from three-year BA undertake a short project in the module would also be highly recommended. Further
physics instrumentation. Even the internet was a spin second term of their third year. In the fourth year Mathematics can be helpful to candidates in completing this
off from the information processing and you take two major options, about six lectures plus course, although not required for admission.
communications requirement of high-energy particle one class a week, plus the MPhys project in the Open days
physics. Looking to the future, growth areas that second term. 30 June, 1 July, and 17 September 2010
may have a big impact are nanotechnology, quantum Course structure Contact details
computing and molecular biophysics. Exams are taken in June at the end of each year of Department of Physics,
Physics at Oxford the courses. Most written papers are of 2.5 or 3 Clarendon Laboratory,
Oxford has one of the largest university physics hours duration. Short options are shared across years Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PU
departments in the UK and indeed worldwide, with 1–3 and are examined by a 1.5 hour paper; the titles +44 (0) 1865 272200
an outstanding and very diverse research programme. shown are illustrative and may change from year to enquiries@physics.ox.ac.uk
Research is organised in six sub-departments: year of the course. Up-to-date information will be www.physics.ox.ac.uk
astrophysics; atmospheric, oceanic and planetary available from the contact address given above.
physics; atomic and laser physics; condensed matter Written work
physics; particle physics; and theoretical physics. You do not need to submit any written work when
Researchers are also college physics tutors; thus you apply for this course.
physics students will come into personal contact with Written tests
physicists working at the forefront of their subject. All candidates must take the Physics Aptitude Test,
The concentration of expertise also ensures that the normally at their own school or college, on 3
fourth year MPhys option courses bring you to the November 2010. Candidates must make sure they
threshold of current research. Option work may be are available to take the test at this time.
possible in other departments. The Physics What are tutors looking for?
Department is well-equipped with teaching For information about the selection criteria please
laboratories, which are regularly updated. Excellent see: www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/selectioncriteria.
library provision is available in the Radcliffe Science During the interview, tutors are looking for
Library and in all colleges. enthusiastic and highly motivated students with a
Physics is part of the Mathematical, Physical and physicist’s ability to apply basic principles to
Life Sciences Division, which also contains Chemistry, unfamiliar situations. Although the course requires a
Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Engineering, good level of mathematical competence, the key
Mathematics, Statistics, Materials and Biological requirement here is the ability to formulate a problem
Sciences, some of which are taught in joint schools. in mathematical terms and then extract the physical
At the end of the first year, it may be possible to consequences from the solution.
change to another degree course, subject to Related courses
satisfactory first year examination results, availability Students interested in this course might also like to
of space on the course and the consent of the consider Earth Sciences (Geology), Materials Science,
college. In the later years of the honour schools in or Physics and Philosophy.
Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences there are
opportunities to take options in other subjects.

Physics (continued)
Careers Recent Physics graduates include a trainee clinical scientist and a post-
More than 40% of Physics graduates go on to study for a higher degree, doctoral research associate. Karen, who graduated in 2000, is now an
leading to eventual careers in research in universities or in industry. Typical astronomy researcher at the University of Portsmouth. She says: ‘After
destinations include research and development, technical consultancy, graduation, I completed a PhD in Astronomy in the US, and since finishing
manufacturing and science education. Many others enter professions that I have worked as a researcher in Astronomy. The independent study
unrelated to their subject, such as finance and business, in which the emphasised in the Oxford Physics programme is wonderful training for a
analytical and problem-solving skills they have developed are highly sought career in research.’
after.

PHYSICS

Foundation courses Core courses Mainstream courses Project and two option courses:
◼◼ Classical mechanics and special ◼◼ Thermal physics ◼◼ Atomic physics ◼◼ MPhys project (runs for one
relativity ◼◼ Electromagnetism and optics ◼◼ Condensed matter physics term)
◼◼ Electromagnetism and circuit ◼◼ Quantum physics ◼◼ Particle and nuclear physics Major options
theory ◼◼ Mathematical methods II ◼◼ Astrophysics ◼◼ Astrophysics
◼◼ Mathematical methods I Short options, e.g: ◼◼ Atmospheric physics ◼◼ Laser science and quantum
◼◼ Differential equations, waves ◼◼ Classical mechanics ◼◼ Mathematical physics information processing
and optics ◼◼ Medical and environmental Short options, e.g: ◼◼ Condensed matter
Short options physics ◼◼ Chaos ◼◼ Particle physics
◼◼ Astronomy ◼◼ Energy studies ◼◼ Classical mechanics ◼◼ Atmospheres and oceans
◼◼ Complex analysis ◼◼ Plasma physics ◼◼ Theoretical physics
◼◼ Quantum ideas ◼◼ Biological physics

◼◼ Four written papers; short Part A (both) Part B (MPhys) Part C (MPhys)
option paper; satisfactory ◼◼ Three written papers; short ◼◼ Three written papers; short ◼◼ Project report
laboratory work option paper; laboratory work option paper; laboratory work ◼◼ Two major option papers
Final University examinations,
Part B (BA)
◼◼ Two written papers; short
option paper; laboratory work;
project report
Karla-Luise In the second year, part of my marks came I also do some Access work, which includes
3rd year from presenting a paper to my examiners; going into schools and trying to inspire students
I’ve always wanted to study Physics. I saw learning to explain science to people who don’t with science workshops. You can make
Apollo 13 when I was about 13 years old and have your level of knowledge is incredibly explosions, make huge machines, take mountains
there’s this bit where the scientists are trying to valuable. It’s great preparation for giving to pieces, and play with liquid nitrogen (which is
fit a square peg into a round hole – this made presentations at conferences as a graduate always fun!).
me want to work for NASA! But the more Physicist (which is what I hope to go on to do). Talking to my friends at other universities I can
Physics I study the more I realise that there’s so I am president of the Oxford University Physics see that it’s definitely true that we have much
much awesome stuff apart from Astrophysics; Society. One of the main things we do is get more work to do at Oxford. This has been great
I’ve ended up focusing on condensed matter famous Physicists in to speak to us. This can help for my time management skills, though!
which gets me thinking about the applications of students to remember the exciting, real-world
physics in the real world. Learning the theoretical cool stuff that got them into Physics in the first
stuff is all very well, but I like being able to get place even when they’re struggling through
useful things out of it. reams of Maths problem sheets.

Physics and Philosophy
What is Physics and Philosophy? A typical weekly timetable UCAS Course Code: VF53
Physics and Philosophy is a demanding and Your work is divided between tutorials and classes Brief course outline
rewarding course, combining as it does the most (two or three per week), lectures (about eight Duration of course: 3 or 4 years
PHYSICS AND PHILOSOPHY

rigorous and fundamental subjects in the arts and the weekly) and private study. The private study will take Degrees awarded: BA/MPhysPhil
sciences. It seeks understanding of the nature of up the majority of your working time. Averages over the past three years
reality and of our knowledge of it. Historically, there Written work Intake: 15
have been strong links between physics and You do not need to submit any written work when Applications shortlisted for interview: 59.3%
philosophy, and the stimulus for each discipline lies in you apply for this course. Successful applications: 16.5%
part in the other. The combination of the two Written tests Entrance requirements
provides a powerful background from which to All candidates must take the Physics Aptitude Test, A-levels: AAA
proceed to graduate study in either, or to pursue normally at their own school or college, on 3 Advanced Highers: AA/AAB
other diverse careers. November 2010. Candidates must make sure they IB: 38–40 including core points
Physics and Philosophy at Oxford are available to take the test at this time. or any other equivalent
Oxford has one of the largest physics departments What are tutors looking for? Candidates are expected to have Physics and Mathematics
in the UK, with an outstanding and broad research For information about the selection criteria please
another equivalent. The inclusion of a Maths Mechanics
programme. The wide range of expertise available in see: www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/selectioncriteria. module would also be highly recommended. An arts subject
the department ensures the undergraduate During the interview tutors are looking for evidence and Further Mathematics can be helpful to candidates in
curriculum is updated in the light of developments at of good potential in the proposed fields of study, in completing this course, although they are not required for
admission.
the research frontier. mathematics and in problem-solving more generally;
The Philosophy Faculty is the largest in the UK, and a critical and analytical approach to abstract Open days
one of the largest and most prestigious in the world. questions; and the ability to defend a viewpoint by There will be a Physics and Philosophy
It admits more than 500 undergraduates annually reasoned argument. enquiry desk in the Physics Department
and the library and other facilities are acknowledged Related courses on University Open Days; 30 June, 1 July,
as among the best in the country. The large number Students interested in this course might also like to and 17 September 2010
of undergraduates and graduates reading Philosophy consider Mathematics and Philosophy or Physics. Contact details
with a variety of other disciplines affords the Careers Physics
opportunity to participate in a diverse and lively Graduates in Physics and Philosophy offer an Department of Physics,
philosophical community. unusual and valuable combination of skills to Clarendon Laboratory,
The Oxford research group in philosophy of physics employers in commerce and industry. Almost 40% go Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PU
is extremely active, with interests in classical space– on to study for a higher degree. Some will enter +44 (0) 1865 272200
time theories, foundations of classical statistical science professions such as research and enquiries@physics.ox.ac.uk
mechanics, quantum mechanics, quantum field development or technical roles in industry. Many www.physics.ox.ac.uk
theory, and quantum gravity. It is the largest of its others enter professions unrelated to their subject. http://users.ox.ac.uk/~ppox
kind in the UK and among the foremost in the world. Recent graduates have entered sectors as diverse as Philosophy
Physics and Philosophy are studied in parallel during law and finance, and include a technical policy adviser Faculty of Philosophy,
the first three years. The physics corresponds to the for a security agency, an auditor of central 10 Merton Street, Oxford OX1 4JJ
more theoretical side of the standard three-year government departments, and a solicitor. enquiries@philosophy.ox.ac.uk
Oxford Physics course while the philosophy focuses +44 (0) 1865 276926
on modern philosophy and particularly on Continued over the page www.philosophy.ox.ac.uk
metaphysics and the theory of knowledge. Students
who complete the first three years can if they wish
leave with a BA degree. Students going on to the
MPhysPhil in the fourth year may specialise in either
Physics or Philosophy, or continue in their study of
both disciplines and their interrelations.
The bridging subject, philosophy of physics, is
studied in each of the first three years, and is an
option in the fourth year. Specialist lectures are given
in this subject together with tutorials and classes. It
may also be possible to spend the fourth year in an
exchange scheme at Princeton University.

PHYSICS AND PHILOSOPHY
Physics and Philosophy (continued)

Physics Physics One elective paper in either Physics or Philosophy Three units chosen in any
◼◼ Mechanics and Special ◼◼ Thermal physics Physics combination from the lists
Relativity ◼◼ Electromagnetism A choice of three (or five if the elective paper is in for Physics and Philosophy.
◼◼ Differential equations and ◼◼ Quantum physics Physics) of the following subjects: Advanced philosophy of
linear algebra ◼◼ Mathematical methods ◼◼ Classical Mechanics physics is an option.
◼◼ Calculus and waves ◼◼ Three physics practicals ◼◼ Flows, fluctuations and complexity Exchange scheme students
Philosophy Philosophy ◼◼ Symmetry and Relativity will follow an approved
◼◼ Elements of deductive ◼◼ History of philosophy from ◼◼ Quantum, atomic and molecular physics collection of course options
logic Descartes to Kant, or ◼◼ Sub-atomic physics at the host institution.
◼◼ Introduction to philosophy Knowledge and reality ◼◼ General relativity and cosmology
◼◼ Philosophy of Special ◼◼ Condensed-matter physics
Relativity Philosophy
◼◼ Philosophy of science option
◼◼ Philosophy of quantum mechanics
◼◼ Choice of Philosophy option (if the elective
paper is in philosophy)

First University examinations Final University examinations, Final University examinations, Part B Final University examinations,
◼◼ Three written papers in Part A ◼◼ Three or four written papers in Philosophy Part C
Physics ◼◼ Three papers in Physics; ◼◼ One or two written papers and one short paper ◼◼ A mix (three in all) of
◼◼ Two written papers in satisfactory lab work in Physics written papers and essays,
Philosophy or thesis (in Philosophy),
or project (in Physics)
Application information
If your application for Physics and Philosophy is unsuccessful
you will be considered for Physics. If you do not want to
considered for Physics please make this clear at interview.
Psychology and
Philosophy
PSYCHOLOGY AND PHILOSOPHY

What is Psychology and Philosophy? Written work
Psychology includes subjects as diverse as social You do not need to submit any written work when UCAS Course Codes: CV85
interaction, learning, child development, you apply for this course. Brief course outline
schizophrenia and information processing. Philosophy Written tests Duration of course: 3 years
is concerned with a wide range of questions including All candidates must take the Thinking Skills Degree awarded: BA
ethics, knowledge and the nature of mind. Assessment, normally at their own school or college, Averages over the past three years
Psychology and Philosophy at Oxford on 3 November 2010. Separate registration for this Intake: 23
Psychology at Oxford is essentially a scientific test is required. See www.tsaoxford.org.uk for Applications shortlisted for interview: 73.7%
discipline, involving the rigorous formulation and further details. Successful applications: 20.1%
testing of ideas. It works through experiments and What are tutors looking for? Entrance requirements
systematic observation rather than introspection. In addition to a very good track record of academic A-levels: AAA
The Oxford Experimental Psychology Department is achievement, tutors are keen to see whether you Advanced Highers: AA/AAB
widely regarded as one of the leading psychology appreciate the scope of psychology and philosophy, IB: 38–40 including core points
departments in the UK. At present, there are can evaluate evidence, are able to consider issues or any other equivalent
particularly strong groups in the fields of human from different perspectives, have a capacity for It is highly recommended for candidates to have studied one
cognitive processes, neuroscience, vision, logical and creative thinking, appreciate the or more Science or Mathematics subjects to A-level,
Advanced Higher, or Higher Level in the IB or any other
developmental and social psychology. importance of empirical evidence in supporting
equivalent.
The Oxford Philosophy Faculty is the largest arguments, and could cope with the quantitative
Open days
philosophy department in the UK, and one of the demands of the course.
See Experimental Psychology (p. 70)
largest in the world. Many faculty members have a Related courses
Contact details
worldwide reputation, and library and other facilities Students interested in this course might also like to
Psychology
are acknowledged as among the best in the country. consider Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE), or
Department of Experimental Psychology,
Philosophy at Oxford has active interests in the Experimental Psychology.
South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3UD
philosophy of mind and the philosophy of science, Careers
+44 (0) 1865 271376
and has very close links with those working in Philosophy and Psychology students enter careers
admissions@psy.ox.ac.uk
neuroscience and psychology. in fields including professional psychology, education,
www.psy.ox.ac.uk
A typical weekly timetable research, medicine, the health services, finance,
Philosophy
During terms 1 and 2 work is divided between commerce, industry, the media and information
Faculty of Philosophy, 10 Merton Street,
lectures (about six per week) and tutorials (two to technology. Some careers will require further study
Oxford OX1 4JJ
three per week). and/or training after your degree. The degree is
+44 (0) 1865 276926
During terms 3–9 your time will be divided accredited as conferring eligibility for the Graduate
between attending lectures (about six per week), Basis for Chartered Membership of the British
tutorials (average of one to two per week), and Psychological Society, provided you study sufficient
practical classes (one afternoon per week). You will psychology and the minimum standard of a Second
also be given the opportunity to carry out your own Class Honours is achieved. This is the first step
research project or library dissertation. towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist.
Fieldwork/international opportunities Recent Psychology and Philosophy graduates
A wide choice of third-year research projects is include a trainee teacher and a clinical psychologist.
available, including research projects based in other Lily, who graduated in 2003, says: ‘After an MA in
departments and outside the University. Gallery Studies, I worked at the Jewish Museum. I
then moved to the V&A as an Assistant Curator. I am
now the researcher on a major exhibition.’

129
Psychology and Philosophy (continued)
PSYCHOLOGY AND PHILOSOPHY
Courses Courses
Three courses are taken from: Eight courses are taken
◼◼ Psychology ◼◼ Four of the eight core topics in Experimental Psychology in terms 3–5, plus a
◼◼ Philosophy course in Experimental design and statistics, followed by one, two or three
◼◼ Neurophysiology advanced option courses in Psychology in terms 6–8 (see the Experimental
◼◼ Statistics Psychology pages)
◼◼ Between three and five courses in Philosophy.
For details see: www.ox.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/philosophy.html
Three written papers Eight papers; practical portfolio; a research project or library dissertation may be taken
(depending upon the combination of courses)
Students take the equivalent of two written papers in Psychology in the
second year based on the core courses (see the Experimental Psychology pages)
Louise at home here immediately. Everyone is really welcoming.

2nd year I was amazed at all the different societies it was possible to
I really enjoyed studying psychology at A-level, with all the join. The opportunities really are endless for continuing with
insights it can give you into people’s behaviour. I was also current hobbies or trying something completely new! I’ve been
intrigued by various aspects of philosophy, even though I had involved in the college badminton club, including playing in
never studied it before, so Psychology and Philosophy was the some matches. I’ve also tried Latin-American dance classes,
ideal course for me. I love the flexibility of the course, and the and the ice-skating society.
opportunity it gives you to study important issues from a I’m also a really big fan of music, and the O2 Academy in
variety of different angles. Oxford means that I can go and see my favourite bands, as well
My experience of being at Oxford so far has met all the best as some that I’ve never heard of before! I’m also a member of
of my expectations. The college system means that the the Oxford Union, which provides debates and famous speakers
University is like a network of individual family environments, every term. This is really great, as you get to know the people
rather than just thousands and thousands of students. The on a more personal level, hearing about their lives and opinions,
college environments are so friendly and relaxed that you feel rather than just appreciating them from a distance.
Events around the UK and beyond: www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/liaison

Theology
What is Theology? What are tutors looking for? UCAS Course Code: V600
To enjoy Theology you need above all to be Selection criteria for this course can be viewed at Brief course outline
interested in the questions it raises, and not sure www.theology.ox.ac.uk/prospective_students/ Duration of course: 3 years
about all the answers. For this reason, although the undergraduates/admissions_criteria.htm. Degree awarded: BA
course concentrates mainly on the origins and Tutors are primarily interested in your previous Averages over the past three years
development of Christian theology, it appeals to academic achievements as demonstrated, for Intake: 43
students from a great variety of intellectual and example, by your GCSE results or other examination Applications shortlisted for interview: 84.7%
religious or nonreligious backgrounds. To engage with results (where these are more appropriate to your Successful applications: 38.1%
all the different aspects of the course, you have to situation), and in the quality of your submitted Entrance requirements
THEOLOGY
be something of a historian and a philosopher, a written work, but may also take the other A-levels: AAA
textual and literary critic, and a linguist. All these information on your UCAS application into account Advanced Highers: AA/AAB
disciplines together not only help to make a (such as your personal statement and references). IB: 38–40 including core points or any
theologian, but, like the other arts subjects, equip our Personal statements should focus on your academic other equivalent
graduates to embark on a wide range of careers. reasons for wishing to pursue the course applied for, Religious Studies to A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher Level
in the IB or another equivalent can be helpful to students in
Theology at Oxford and references should comment primarily on your
completing this course, although this is not required for
The Theology Faculty has more than 100 members academic performance. admission.
covering almost every possible branch of the During the interview tutors will be looking for your Open days
discipline, ranging from experts in the ancient ability to think clearly, form sound arguments and to 30 June, 1 July, and 17 September 2010
languages and literature of the world’s religions to listen and respond to counterarguments; your Contact details
church historians and systematic theologians. Its openness to learning; evidence of your enthusiasm Theology Faculty Centre
reputation attracts scholars from all over the world and motivation for the course; and your oral 34 St Giles’
as visiting lecturers. Our library facilities are excellent. communication skills. Oxford OX1 3LD
Besides the Bodleian and the faculty library, most Related courses +44 (0) 1865 270790
college libraries have a theology section. Access to Students interested in this course might also like to enquiries@theology.ox.ac.uk
the theological library at Pusey House is also possible. consider Philosophy and Theology, or Theology and www.theology.ox.ac.uk
The Faculty Centre provides access to a vast range Oriental Studies.
of networked resources in Humanities including Careers
electronic journals, library catalogues, language While some Theology graduates go on to further Other courses
learning programmes, and digitised texts for different study and research to become professional A number of Permanent Private Halls
parts of the course. theologians, others will move into different areas. (Regent’s Park, St Stephen’s House,
Fieldwork/international opportunities Recent graduates have gone on to careers as diverse Wycliffe Hall, Blackfriars, St Benet’s)
Most students will have the opportunity to visit as law, the Civil Service, social work, education, and an Anglican Theological College
Israel during the vacation to work on an media, publishing, banking, management consultancy, (Ripon College Cuddesdon), and
archaeological dig or in a kibbutz, to study Hebrew in accountancy, personnel management, teaching, the Mansfield and Harris Manchester
Jerusalem, or to travel on a study tour with a college police force and, in some instances, the Church. The Colleges enrich the life of the faculty
tutor. There are other opportunities for a year abroad Theology Faculty’s website www.theology.ox.ac.uk by offering the BTh and Certificate in
at Bonn University, Germany. has further information about careers for theologians. Theology. Candidates choose up to 12
A typical weekly timetable Recent Theology graduates include an editor for a areas of study, including pastoral
The University arranges the lectures (four to six publishing company and a head of Divinity at an theology, Christian prayer and
weekly) and some classes (three a week for language independent school. Gillian, who graduated in 2009, worship, and the integration of Biblical
work, and perhaps one a week in others) which are is now a clerk in holy orders for the Church of and theological studies, which can be
open to all undergraduates. A large part of the week England. She says: ‘Whether I am preaching, examined by extended essays and
is spent in private study in preparation for tutorials, debating, teaching or ministering to the dying, a deep which also include the opportunity to
which are held with college tutors usually once a and rounded grounding in Theology is indispensable undertake practical work. Application
week. when it comes to the diverse nature of my job.’ should be made directly to one of the
Written work above.
Written work is required when applying for this Continued over the page
course. For further details please refer to the course
page at www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/courses.
Written tests
131
You do not need to take a written test when you
apply for this course.

Theology (continued)
Courses Courses
Three or four papers are taken: Four compulsory core subjects
◼◼ The Christian doctrine of creation ◼◼ History, literature and theology of the Old Testament (Hebrew as optional)
◼◼ The study of religions ◼◼ History, literature and theology of the New Testament (Greek as optional)
◼◼ The study of Old Testament set ◼◼ Development of the doctrine in the early Church
texts ◼◼ Development of Christian doctrine up to the modern day
SECTION TITLE
◼◼ The study of New Testament set Four further options

THEOLOGY
texts You may choose between three tracks, from which you take four papers in all:
◼◼ The history of the early Church ◼◼ Track One: at least two papers from a range which offers a more extensive study
◼◼ Introduction to philosophy of the Old and New Testaments, with some use of biblical languages
◼◼ New Testament Greek ◼◼ Track Two: two or three papers on the development of Christian doctrine and
◼◼ Biblical Hebrew history from the early medieval period to modern times, philosophy of religion and
◼◼ Classical Arabic Christian moral reasoning
◼◼ Pali ◼◼ Track Three: one paper on the nature of religious belief and two papers specialising
in one of four major world religions – Judaism, Buddhism, Islam or Hinduism
◼◼ Whichever track you choose, you may add in one or two papers or an extended
essay from the same or other tracks or from a wider range of other options (for
example Christian spirituality, sociology of religion, science and religion, psychology
of religion and biblical archaeology)
One written paper in three or four Eight written papers (four core papers and four options)
subjects
Bethan many areas of study to choose from, giving me the chance to

2nd year focus on areas that are of specific interest. There’s also the
When I applied to Oxford I was torn between thoughts of opportunity to explore an aspect of theology through an
long standing traditions and beautiful old libraries, and the fear extended essay. Add to that the lectures and tutorials with
that everyone would be a lot smarter than me. What I have leading scholars, and studying at Oxford really is a fantastic
found is that Oxford is certainly steeped in tradition and rightly experience.
famous for its beautiful libraries, but it also provides some of There is not really a ‘typical’ Oxford experience: there are so
the most up-to-date resources needed for studying. There are many clubs and societies that you can pursue almost anything.
times when I feel it’s hard to keep up with everyone else but no A lot happens both at college and University level, so we’re a bit
one expects you to excel at everything, and the tutors are very spoilt for choice. I’ve met people from many different stages of
understanding and often go beyond the call of duty to help. life and I think I’ve spent more time drinking tea than ever
What I love about the Theology degree is that there are so before!
THEOLOGY AND ORIENTAL STUDIES
What is Theology and Oriental Studies
The course in Theology and Oriental Studies
What are tutors looking for?
For information about the selection criteria please
Theology and
enables you to learn in depth about a number of the see: www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/selectioncriteria. Oriental Studies
world’s great religious traditions, including During the interview, tutors will be keen to find
UCAS Course Code: VT69
Christianity (taught primarily in the Theology out about your linguistic ability and your
Faculty) and Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism commitment to a wide-ranging course. Ability to
Duration of course: 3 years
(taught primarily in the Oriental Studies faculty). To sustain an argument is also important. Applicants will
Degree awarded: BA
engage with all the different aspects of the course, normally be interviewed by representatives of the
Entrance requirements
you have to be something of a historian and a Faculty of Oriental Studies and by Theology tutors.
A-levels: AAA
philosopher, a textual and literary critic, and a Written tests
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB
linguist. All these disciplines together not only enable Candidates intending to study Islam or Judaism will
IB: 38–40 including core points or any
students to appreciate the qualities of religions that be required to take the Oriental Studies Language
other equivalent
in some cases are radically different from those in Aptitude Test during admissions. Religious Studies to A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher Level
western societies but, like the other arts subjects, Written work in the IB or another equivalent can be helpful to students in
equip graduates to embark on a wide range of Candidates are expected to submit two pieces of completing this course, although this is not required for
admission.
careers. written work, one for Theology and one for Oriental
Students are not expected to have studied any Oriental
Theology and Oriental Studies at Oxford Studies by 10 November 2010. The work should be Language before. A language to A-level, Advanced Higher, or
The Theology and Oriental Studies Faculties have marked in the normal process of school or college Higher Level in the IB or another equivalent can be helpful to
between them more than 270 members, ranging work. All written work must be in English. students in completing this course, although they are not
required for admission.
from experts in the ancient languages and literature The written work for Theology should be in
of the world’s religions to church historians and Religious Studies. If you cannot submit samples of Open days
systematic theologians. work in Religious Studies, please submit work in a See Theology (p.131)
Our library facilities are excellent. Besides the related area. If you do not have any such written See Oriental Studies (p. 116)
Bodleian Library and the Theology Faculty library, work available, please contact the Tutor for Both open days cover Theology and
most college libraries have a theology section, and Admissions at your first choice or allotted college. Oriental Studies.
the Oriental Institute Library and the Sackler Library The written work for Oriental Studies may be on Contact details
offer loan collections in fields important for the any subject. Theology
study of oriental religions. Related courses Theology Faculty Centre, 34 St Giles’,
The Theology Faculty Centre and the Oriental Students interested in this course might also like to Oxford OX1 3LD
Institute provide access to a vast range of consider other Theology or Oriental Studies courses. +44 (0)1865 270790
networked resources in Humanities including Careers undergraduate.enquiries@theology.ox.
electronic journals, library catalogues, language Oxford graduates in Theology and Oriental Studies ac.uk
learning programmes, and digitised texts for can expect to go on to careers as diverse as law, www.theology.ox.ac.uk
different parts of the course. social work, the media, journalism, publishing, Oriental Studies
A typical weekly timetable banking, management consultancy, accountancy, The Oriental Institute, Pusey Lane, Oxford
The University arranges lectures (up to six weekly) personnel management, teaching, the police force OX1 2LE
and classes. For Theology subjects and some and the arts. Employers look very favourably on +44 (0) 1865 288203
Oriental Studies subjects, a large part of the week is applicants who have learned oriental languages, and admissions@orinst.ox.ac.uk
spent in private study in preparation for tutorials, Oxford graduates with such skills are among the www.orinst.ox.ac.uk
which are usually held with college tutors once a most successful each year in finding employment.
week. Subjects which require a great deal of The faculty’s website has information about careers
language work are taught for the most part in for theologians: www.theology.ox.ac.uk.
classes, which may meet three times a week or
more.

133
THEOLOGY AND ORIENTAL STUDIES
Theology and Oriental Studies (continued)
Courses Courses
Follow the course for Theology (refer Language courses taken alongside Oriental Studies students
to Theology). In the third term all who are taking language as a subsidiary subject.
students take one Theology paper; no Theology options taken alongside Theology students.
Oriental Studies teaching.
First University Examinations in Final University Examinations
Theology (refer to Theology) Candidates will take eight papers, of which at least three and
not more than five must be taken in Theology, and at least
three and not more than five must be taken in Oriental Studies.
One paper may be substituted by a thesis.
Hundreds
Thinking
of freeabout
downloads
applying?
available:
Pleasewww.ox.ac.uk/itunesu
see page 114

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INTRODUCING OUR COURSES

Introducing our courses

Find out more on an open day: www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/opendays

The Advanced Diploma in Engineering (Level 3) will be suitable

Can’t make it to an open day? Take a tour instead: www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/tours

Combination of Arts and Science

Biological Sciences Biology Another Science or Mathematics

Tutors would prefer to see

Classics Latin and/or Greek (for Course I only)

Latin and/or Greek (for Course I only)

Classics and Oriental Studies Latin and/or Greek

Computer Science Mathematics Further Mathematics or a Science

Economics and Management Mathematics (strongly recommended)

Engineering, Economics and

Fine Art Art

A Classical Language, Classical

History and Economics History, Mathematics

History and English English Literature or English Language History

Got questions? Contact us for advice: undergraduate.admissions@admin.ox.ac.uk

Sociology, Politics, Government and

Human Sciences Biology, Mathematics

Mathematics Mathematics Further Mathematics

Mathematics and Philosophy Mathematics Further Mathematics

Mathematics and Statistics Mathematics Further Mathematics

Chemistry with either Mathematics or

Oriental Studies A Language

Philosophy and A Modern Language

Philosophy and Theology Religious Studies

An Arts subject and Further

Theology Religious Studies

Theology and Oriental Studies Religious Studies, a Language

These tables give a summary of the entrance requirements but ...

Oxford staff hold events around the UK and beyond: www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/liaison

Find out more on an open day: www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/opendays

1st year 2nd and 3rd years

Can’t make it to an open day? Take a tour instead: www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/tours

1st year 2nd and 3rd years 4th year

Courses Courses Courses

Assessment Assessment Assessment

Jan probably quoted numerous times in your textbook?

Hundreds of free downloads available: www.ox.ac.uk/itunesu

Tutors discuss Oxford interviews in our podcasts: www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/podcasts

Courses Courses Courses

Assessment Assessment Assessment

Zak me the opportunity to look at topics from more angles and in

Find out more on an open day: www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/opendays

Can’t make it to an open day? Take a tour instead: www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/tours

1st year 2nd year (Part I) 3rd year (Part II)

Courses Courses Courses

Assessment Assessment Assessment

Hundreds of free downloads available: www.ox.ac.uk/itunesu

1st year 2nd year 3rd year 4th year

Courses Courses Courses Research

Assessment Assessment Assessment Assessment

Oxford staff hold events around the UK and beyond: www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/liaison

Got questions? Contact us for advice: undergraduate.admissions@admin.ox.ac.uk

1st year 2nd and 3rd years

Find out more on an open day: www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/opendays

Successful applications: 45.0% Classics at Oxford be as follows:

Can’t make it to an open day? Take a tour instead: www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/tours

First University Choose eight options from

Hundreds of free downloads available: www.ox.ac.uk/itunesu