Oxford Pre-Master’s Course UG Advanced Diploma in British and European Studies 2019/2020
The University of Oxford’s pre-Master’s courses are ideal for graduates and working professionals who would like to prepare for entry to Master’s degree courses at leading universities.
What’s a pre-Master’s Course? A pre-Master’s course is one that has been specifically designed for students who need to develop the academic skills and linguistic proficiency for study at postgraduate level in the UK.
How will an Oxford pre-Master’s course help me? An Oxford pre-Master’s course will help you to • bridge the gap between your undergraduate studies and the requirements of a challenging Master’s course at a top university • successfully acclimatise to university life in Britain
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• communicate confidently in spoken and written English in a British academic environment • understand the expectations that British university tutors have of graduate students • learn how to participate effectively in seminars and tutorials • develop superior critical and analytical thinking skills • significantly improve your research and academic writing skills • improve your presentation skills • boost your IELTS test score
What makes an Oxford pre-Master’s course different to other pre-Master’s courses? • You will be studying at one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world with an unparalleled academic reputation • You will benefit from some of the finest library and study facilities in the world • You will receive an individual weekly tutorial and a high degree of personal attention throughout your course • You will have the opportunity to apply for associate student membership of an Oxford College • You will enjoy access to hundreds of guest lectures by leading academics and distinguished visiting speakers
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Oxford Pre-Master’s course in British and European Studies } Duration
9 months full-time
Dates
Cultural and Academic Orientation Week 30 September - 4 October 2019
Michaelmas Term 7 October - 13 December 2019
Hilary Term 13 January – 20 March 2020
Trinity Term 13 April – 12 June 2020
Structure
You take two modules over three academic terms.
Module 1
British and European Studies • British History since 1918 • Contemporary British Politics • Contemporary European Politics • British Society Today • History of Art • Rhetoric • British Cinema since the 1980s • Great European Storytellers • The Role of Revolution in Shaping Modern Europe • Politics, Propaganda and Spin • European Integration 1 and 2
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Module 2
English Language and Literacy • Academic Literacy • Critical Thinking • Digital Literacy • Critical Reading • English Grammar • Writing a Master’s Dissertation • Listening and Speaking Skills • Weekly Academic Writing Tutorial
Field Trips
Cultural Field Trips • Houses of Parliament • Ashmolean Museum • National Gallery • Royal Shakespeare Company • Royal Opera House • Royal Ascot
Full details of course content for each subject can be found at: www.conted.ox.ac.uk/about/advanced-diploma-inbritish-european-studies-pre-masters-course
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Entry requirements
Preparing you for success
Graduate applicants
Graduate success in the UK depends on many factors including a high degree of proficiency in academic English and the mastery of an integrated platform of non-linguistic skills, abilities and knowledge. During your course you will be encouraged to take responsibility for your own learning and will learn how to work effectively in teams.
A strong undergraduate degree in any subject (or equivalent).
Non-traditional applicants We are committed to supporting learners from non-traditional backgrounds to succeed at university and welcome applications from those who do not have an undergraduate degree, but who have significant work or life experience. In such cases we would require evidence of your motivation, potential, knowledge and ability. If you have any questions regarding your suitability for this course, please email us at ipbes@conted.ox.ac.uk or call us on +44 (0)1865 280360.
Year abroad applicants
Whether you are studying overseas for the first time or have already studied in the UK, we offer you a first-rate academic and personal support network to help you to get the most from your time at Oxford. Throughout your course, you will learn about social behaviour, customs and values in the UK and will also explore ways of enhancing your intercultural communication skills.
You may also apply for this course if you have completed two years of an undergraduate degree programme and would like to study abroad for an academic year.
Independent learning skills
English Language
• prioritise tasks and structure your own learning • make optimal use of your time and resources • identify your preferred learning style • reflect positively on your learning
If English is not your first language you are required to provide evidence of your English language proficiency. For this course, we require a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5 (or equivalent). This requirement may be waived if you have completed a fulltime degree-level course of at least nine months in length which was undertaken at a recognised institution where the medium of instruction and assessment throughout was English.
Exemption from the English Language and Literacy Module We welcome applications from students with native or near native speaker proficiency in English. In such cases, the English Language and Literacy Module is waived and students follow an additional academic course related to the culture and civilisation of Britain and Europe in the central University. This may include courses in history, literature, politics, philosophy, law, art history, music and geography from the University’s varied lecture programme. Students who have been exempted from the English Language and Literacy Module must (in addition to the required Academic Module assignments) submit an assignment of 3,000 words per term on their elective academic course. For more information on this option please contact us at ipbes@conted.ox.ac.uk.
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Academic and personal support
From day one, we will teach you how to think independently. You will learn how to:
Critical and analytical thinking skills We will introduce you to the expectations of graduate work in the UK by helping you practise and develop your critical and analytical thinking skills to enable you to: • find and evaluate reliable sources of evidence • develop a questioning approach to your reading • evaluate differing viewpoints objectively • recognise assumptions • identify flaws in an argument • develop effective analysis and argument
Academic reading and writing skills We will help you develop and improve your academic reading skills in order to help you approach the different types of texts you read in the most efficient and effective manner. During your weekly individual academic literacy tutorials you will learn how to plan and write well-constructed academic essays.
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Timetables A typical day starts at 9.15 a.m. and ends at 3.30 p.m. during which you take up to three 90-minute classes. You also benefit from small study groups and individual weekly academic writing tutorials, as well as guest lectures. The following timetables are indicative of what you might expect.
Michaelmas Term 2019 Monday 9.15am
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Critical Reading
Listening and Speaking
Digital Literacy
Academic Literacy
10.45am 11.15am
Break Individual Tutorial
Critical Thinking
12.45pm 2.00pm
English Grammar Lunch
British Society Today
European History
Great European Storytellers
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
IELTS Practice
English Grammar
British History
Hilary Term 2020 Monday 9.15am
Academic Literacy
10.45am 11.15am
Break British Politics
Individual Tutorial
12.45pm 2.00pm
Friday
Listening and Speaking
Critical Thinking
Individual Tutorial
Lunch Politics and Propaganda
Rhetoric
EU Integration I
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Critical Thinking
Academic Tutorial
History of Art
Individual Tutorial
EU Integration II
Academic Literacy
Trinity Term 2020 Monday 9.15am
Tuesday Writing a Master’s Dissertation
10.45am 11.15am
Break Listening and Speaking Skills
12.45pm 2.00pm
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English Grammar Lunch
European Politics
British Cinema
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Assessment
Assessment: 1x 2,000-word essay and 1 x 4,000-5,000-word essay
You are assessed throughout your course on a blend of classwork (including short written tasks and presentations) and longer essays.
English Language and Literacy Module
Michaelmas Term 2019: 7 October – 13 December Academic Module • British History since 1918 • Great European Storytellers • Rhetoric • European History (1789-1917) Assessment: 2 x 2,000-word essays English Language and Literacy Module • Academic Literacy* • Critical Reading • Digital Literacy • Critical Thinking • Listening and Speaking Skills* • English Grammar* Assessment: Work totalling no more than 3,500 words for courses marked* Hilary Term 2020: 13 January – 13 March Academic Module • Contemporary British Politics • Politics, Propaganda and Spin • EU Integration 1 • British Society Today Assessment: 2 x 2,000-word essays and an individual presentation English Language and Literacy Module • Academic Literacy * • Critical Thinking • Listening and Speaking Skills* • Critical Reading • English Grammar • IELTS Practice Assessment: 1 x 2,000-word essay for ’Academic Literacy ’and work totalling no more than 3,500 words for courses marked*. Trinity Term 2020: 13 April – 12 June
• Writing a Master’s Dissertation • Academic Literacy • Critical Thinking • Listening and Speaking Skills* • English Grammar* Assessment: Work totalling no more than 3,000 words for courses marked*. Additional Academic Module Students who have been exempted from the English Language and Literacy Module must (in addition to the above academic assignments) submit assignments on their elective academic courses as follows: Michaelmas Term: One additional essay of 3,000 words Hilary Term: One additional essay of 3,000 words Trinity Term: One additional essay of 3,000 words
Feedback During your course you will benefit from a high degree of written and oral feedback on both formatively and summatively assessed work. Each essay that you write will be assessed and marked by an academic tutor who will provide you with a detailed written report on your performance and will identify areas for improvement. Your personal academic literacy tutor will also comment on your written English for each end-of-term essay and, during your weekly tutorials, will help you develop a personalised study plan to help you improve your academic writing skills. You will also have individual end-of-term meetings with the course director to discuss your academic progress and development. Importantly, you will have the opportunity to arrange private appointments with the course director throughout the year to talk about your progress or future plans. At the end of each term you will receive a personalised written tutor report on your performance in each course.
Academic Module • EU Integration 2 • Contemporary European Politics • British Cinema since the 1980s • History of Art
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College associate membership (optional) The University of Oxford has no central campus but is made up of over 38 colleges and halls spread across the city centre and beyond. These colleges are at the heart of Oxford’s reputation as one of the best universities in the world and make it a very special place in which to study and live.
an enormous number of events and activities throughout the year for their members. These appear on a ‘Term Card’ which usually takes the form of a calendar detailing all the activities, events and campaigns which students may enjoy. They naturally vary from college to college, but may include:
Associate student membership of an Oxford college enables you to enjoy the benefits of belonging to both a large, world-class university and to a small and friendly academic community. It enables you to engage on a daily basis with students, staff and college guests from many academic disciplines from all over the world. You will have the opportunity to dine informally in college at lunchtime and to participate in formal dinners. You may also attend special guest lectures, seminars, concerts and charity events.
• Quiz nights • Bops (college parties) • Exchange dinners with other Oxford colleges • Career networking events • Wine tastings • Sports competitions • Garden parties
Each college has its own unique atmosphere and traditions and offers students a wide range of facilities such as:
• Film nights
• Common room
• Comedy nights
• Fundraising events
• Dining hall • Library (some offer 24-hour access) • Café/Coffee shop • Gym • Bar Much of your socialising in college will revolve around the Junior Common Room (JCR) or Middle Common Room (MCR) where you can meet friends, play games, have a coffee and watch TV. Both the JCR and MCRs have student committees which arrange
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Students in previous years have enjoyed associate memberships of Keble, Linacre, Mansfield, Merton, New, Pembroke, Queen’s, Regent’s Park, St. Anne’s, St Antony’s, St. Cross, St. Hilda’s, St. Hugh’s, Somerville, Wadham and Wolfson Colleges. Please note that requests for associate membership of a college must be made at the time of application. College associate membership will incur an additional fee of approximately £3300 for the academic year 2019-20 which covers facilities and services that are provided by your college. It does not include accommodation or meals.
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Accommodation Oxford offers students a wide variety of accommodation options which can include: • College (in-college and in properties across Oxford) • University (single rooms and flats) • Private (flat-share, flats and houses)
Private The Oxford University Graduate Accommodation Office has a helpful website offering private accommodation advice, as well as a private accommodation search engine. • www.admin.ox.ac.uk/graduateaccommodation/ lookingforaccommodation/private/
College We are, unfortunately, unable to guarantee college accommodation for successful applicants since colleges must prioritise the allocation of rooms to their matriculated students. The annual room allocation process takes place in early September, so application for college accommodation is not possible before September 1. If you would like to be placed on our register for college accommodation, please contact the course administrator at ipbes@conted.ox.ac.uk who will make an application on your behalf. If your application for college associate membership is successful, you may then approach the college accommodation office with a request. College associate membership does not guarantee you accommodation in college. A number of colleges, however, may be in a position to offer you accommodation depending on availability. Please note that you may receive an offer of college accommodation in a college with which you do not have associate membership status.
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• www.admin.ox.ac.uk/graduateaccommodation/ lookingforaccommodation/properties/ You may wish to consult the University’s guide to renting private accommodation in Oxford which is available under the ‘Related links’ tab at: www.admin.ox.ac.uk/graduateaccommodation/ private/ The Oxford University Student Union has produced a helpful ‘Living Out Guide’ which can be downloaded at: www.oxfordsu. org/wellbeing/student-advice/
Costs For 2019-20, you should budget £220 (approx.) per week for accommodation and £140 (approx.) per week for food, transport and entertainment. Accommodation costs will, of course, vary depending on the type of accommodation you choose. Please note that accommodation costs are not included in course and college associate membership fees.
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UG Advanced Diploma in British and European Studies 2019-20 Your Questions Answered Below are responses to a number of the most frequently asked questions. Please also visit our website at www.conted.ox.ac.uk/about/advanced-diploma-inbritish-european-studies-pre-masters-course where you’ll find the answers to many more.
What level is the course? The course is pitched at final year UK undergraduate degree level.
Where will my classes be held? Your classes will be held in the University of Oxford Department for Continuing Education. This is located at Rewley House in Wellington Square.
Where do your students come from? Our pre-Master’s students come from many different countries and backgrounds. Some are recent graduates, others are mature professionals who have chosen to return to university or to study at university for the first time.
Can I visit the Department and talk to someone about the course? If you’d like to see our facilities for yourself and to ask us any questions, we’d be delighted to welcome you at most times throughout the year. Please contact us at ipbes@conted.ox.ac.uk to arrange a visit.
Can I take the course if I don’t have a first degree? We welcome applications from non-traditional students. If you feel that you hold academic and/or professional qualifications equivalent to the first two years of an undergraduate degree or have significant work/life experience, we would be pleased to consider your application. You may also apply for this course if you have completed two years of an undergraduate degree programme and would like to study abroad for an academic year. If you have any questions regarding your suitability for this course, please email us at ipbes@conted.ox.ac.uk or call us on +44 (0)1865 280360.
Where are former pre-Master’s course students studying in 2018-19?
How long will it take for the outcome of my application to be known?
• University of Oxford – 4 students • University of Cambridge – 2 students • University College London – 2 students • King’s College London – 1 student • London School of Economics – 1 student • University of Edinburgh – 1 student • University of Sheffield – 1 student • University of Chicago – 1 student • University of Toronto – 1 student • ETH Zurich – 1 student
After reviewing your application documentation, we’ll let you know whether you’re invited to the next stage of the selection process, an informal 30-minute Skype interview. You should expect to learn the outcome of your application within seven working days of your interview.
How many contact hours will I have each week? You should expect a maximum of 15 contact hours each week.
What is included in the course fees? All course tuition, course books and study materials, cultural field trips and weekday morning refreshments (tea/coffee).
May I pay for the course in instalments? Yes. Please contact the course administrator for details.
What type of visa do I need? We regret that we are unable to provide advice on individual
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visa applications. You are advised to consult your closest British Embassy, Consulate or High Commission for the most up-to-date advice. You may also contact the University’s Student Information and Advisory Service at student.immigration@admin.ox.ac.uk.
What type of certificate will I receive? Students who successfully complete the course will be awarded a University of Oxford UG Advanced Diploma in British and European Studies. They will also receive an official certificate of attendance.
Does this course guarantee entry to an Oxford Master’s degree course? You should note that successful completion of the pre-Master’s course does not guarantee progression to Master’s degree courses at Oxford (or at any other university) for which separate application is necessary.
If I apply for a college associate membership, can I choose any Oxford college? No. If your application for a place on the pre-Master’s course is successful, we will approach a college on your behalf.
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How to Apply We accept applications for our Pre-Master’s courses on a rolling admissions basis so you may submit your application at any time during the year.
English language test waiver To request a waiver, write a brief statement giving the reasons for your request and upload it to your application in lieu of an English language test certificate.
To apply, follow this simple process: 1. Download a course application form at www.conted.ox.ac.uk/about/advanced-diploma-inbritish-european-studies-pre-masters-course 2. Email us your completed form together with the following: • a copy of your university transcript(s)
Application deadline The application deadline is 31 July 2019.
Fees £16,715
Course fee for graduate students
• a personal statement (max 400 words)
£9,250
Course fee for undergraduate/non-graduate Home/EU students
• a copy of your passport pages indicating nationality
£3,300 (approx.) College associate membership (optional)
• a digital passport-style photo (head shot)
• IELTS (Academic) Test certificate (or equivalent) if required • contact email address of an academic or professional referee
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For more information on our courses, please visit our website at www.conted.ox.ac.uk/about/advanced-diploma-in-british-european-studies-pre-masters-course
Contact us +44 (0)1865 280360 ipbes@conted.ox.ac.uk Pre-Master’s Courses University of Oxford 1 Wellington Square Oxford OX1 2JA United Kingdom
Photography Š Darrell Godliman