Graduate Study Courses and colleges Scholarships Student life Applying to Oxford Careers and alumni
An introduction to applying for graduate study 2017–18
www.graduate.ox.ac.uk
Oxford: the facts
1st 2ND 1st in the UK*
in the WORLD*
in the UK**
FOR RESEARCH QUALITY
+ 100 libraries 10,499 graduate STUDENTS of OXford's =46% STUDENTS 5,740
students on graduate research degrees
144
nationalities
4,759
students on graduate taught degrees
56%
of graduate students are from outside the uk *Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2015–16 **Research Excellence Framework 2014
320+ courses Oxford’s many graduate courses facilitate swift career progression as they are short, focused and high quality: • Our masters’ courses are usually 9–12 months in length, and some are two years
• A DPhil usually takes 3–4 years of study
• Courses include lectures and seminars
• This includes the production of a major research project and thesis
• Students are typically assessed by exams and coursework
• DPhil students meet regularly with their supervisor
Our range of taught courses includes masters’ degrees, postgraduate certificates and postgraduate diplomas.
17% OF all graduate students Take PART-TIME COURSES
Oxford offers a range of high-quality, flexible, part-time courses in a number of disciplines. These are designed with the needs of students of all ages and career stages in mind, including some full-time courses which have been adapted for part-time study.
For more on course content, entry requirements and how to apply visit: www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/courses
More on part-time study at: www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/parttime
It has been a radically humbling experience to work with and learn from phenomenal minds whose depth of research, breadth of reading and extent of experience far outshine any I’ve come across anywhere. Simukai Chigudu, DPhil International Development
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Over 1,000 full scholarships Fully funded scholarships from the University, its colleges and supporters give the brightest candidates the opportunity to pursue graduate study at Oxford. They cover tuition and college fees and a grant for living costs and are: • available to new students in 2017–18 who apply by the relevant January 2017 deadline for their course; and • usually awarded on the basis of academic excellence.
Use our online search tool to find the scholarships for which you may be eligible: www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/fundingsearch Our dedicated scholarships pages are at: www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/scholarships
For over two thirds of Oxford scholarships, nothing more than the standard course application is usually required. If you fulfil the criteria, you will automatically be considered. Additional benefits can include academic, leadership and social events and membership of interdisciplinary communities spanning departments and colleges.
44%
of NEW graduate students HAVE FULL OR PARTIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUNDING*
*students starting a new graduate course in 2013/14
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Colleges: at the heart of Oxford As an Oxford graduate student, you will normally belong both to a department (which will provide your teaching and supervision) and to one of the University’s world-famous colleges. Colleges provide IT facilities, meals, welfare support and sport and social activities. Most also offer libraries and some accommodation provision for graduate students.
35 COLLEGES ACCEPT BOTH graduate AND UNDERGRADUATE students
8 COLLEGES ACCEPT ONLY graduate students Find out more at: www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/colleges
Applying for a college is part of the same application form as applying for your course. You can either let us find you one or tell us your preferred college. Once you receive an offer from your department, you are guaranteed a college place (although it may not be your preferred college).
Accommodation There’s a wide range of University and college accommodation available to graduate students, including accommodation for couples, families and students with disabilities. Find out more at: www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/accommodation
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Student life 400+ clubs and societies Graduate students are well catered for by Oxford’s student groups and societies which cover music, sport, performing arts, faiths, opportunities for volunteering and much more. Join up or create your own. Find out more at: www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/studentsocieties
Student well-being There are a number of services available to support you during your studies at the University. Advice is available from your college, department, central University services, trained fellow students and Oxford University Student Union (OUSU).
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The Disability Advisory Service provides information and advice on disability issues and facilitates support, including for those with long-term health conditions and mental health difficulties. Find out more at: www.ox.ac.uk/students/welfare www.ousu.org
Life after Oxford Oxford offers:
92%
• comprehensive careers advice and support to all students and alumni;
of OXFORD graduate LEAVERS ARE IN WORK OR FURTHER STUDY SIX MONTHS AFTER GRADUATING*
• hundreds of exclusive UK-based and international internships whilst studying; • access to a wide range of employers and job opportunities for the next stage of your career.
Find out more at: www.careers.ox.ac.uk
*Destination of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) data 2014–15
Alumni • More than 275,000 alumni across the world • 200 alumni groups in 90+ countries • Access to a range of benefits and services, from exclusive social events and academic talks to networking and continuing education opportunities
51
NOBEL PRIZE WINNERS ARE LINKED TO OXFORD
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Introduction to applying for graduate study BEFORE YOU APPLY Identify course(s) and check entry requirements at: www.graduate.ox.ac.uk
Also see the department website for research themes and course detail
Look up funding opportunities, fees and costs: www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ fundingsearch
Check the application deadline(s) and supporting documents on your course page
Check if you need to take an English Language test
Read the Application Guide: www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ applicationguide
Before you start the application process make sure you have: Contact your referees – they will each need to submit a reference for you by the deadline
• s ent a request to your university for an official transcript if you don’t have one •u p-to-date institutional/professional email addresses for your referees • a valid payment card to pay the £75 application fee
Find out more at: www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/applicationguide
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DEADLINES Complete course applications must be submitted by the relevant January deadline to be considered for most of Oxford’s scholarship schemes:
Friday 6 January 2017 12 NOON UK TIME courses offered by Medical Sciences Division, Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Philosophy, Department of Politics and International Relations, and Saïd Business School
Friday 20 January 2017 12 NOON UK TIME all other courses Some courses also accept applications for deadlines on Friday 18 November 2016 and Friday 10 March 2017. Some also offer separate application deadlines for specific studentships, or remain open after 10 March if places are still available. Check the course page to see which deadlines apply to your course. Find out more at: www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/courses
SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION Start your application online at: www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ applyonline Once you have submitted, you will be able to use the Applicant Self Service to check whether your references have been received and any documents are missing. You will be able to upload missing documents via the Applicant Self Service. After the deadline, if we have everything we need from you, the academic department will start assessing your application.
Register your referee contact details as early as possible
Let us find you a college or tell us your preferred college
Submit well in advance of the deadline to give you time to resolve any issues
Double-check that you have uploaded all the necessary documentation
You will usually hear the outcome of your application 8–10 weeks after the deadline.
Find out more at: www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/afteryouapply
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Ready for assessment? We need your:
n Application form n CV/résumé n Official transcript(s) n Three references (from your referees) n Statement of purpose or research proposal n Additional documents (written work, portfolios, admissions tests, GRE/GMAT score) Check ‘How to Apply’ on your course page: www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/courses
Frequently asked questions What should my statement of purpose include? This should be academically focused, explaining why you chose the course at Oxford and what relevant experience you can bring to the course. The length and content varies so check your course page for specific instructions. Do I need to contact a supervisor? For a master’s, usually no. For a DPhil, usually yes. See the ’How to Apply’ section of your course page. 8
Do I need a master’s? Many DPhils require a master’s in a relevant subject. See the entry requirements on the course page. What are the entry requirements? Entry to Oxford’s graduate courses is highly competitive. The minimum requirement is a first-/strong upper-second-class undergraduate degree (equivalent to US grade 3.5–3.8 GPA). Please see specific requirements for each course, listed under entry requirements on each course page.
International students Oxford is an international university, welcoming some of the world’s brightest students. English language If your first language is not English, you will need to demonstrate your ability to study in English. See the table below. Visas We offer help and support throughout the student visa process for all students who require one. Those studying a master’s
course of 13 months or less at Oxford University benefit from a new Home Office pilot scheme. These students do not need to submit supporting documentation with their visa application and will be granted six additional months after their course end date for the visa expiry date. Find out more at: www.ox.ac.uk/students/visa
Consult this table and check your course page for exact requirements Standard overall score
Minimum component scores
Higher overall score
Minimum component scores
IELTS Academic
7.0
6.5
7.5
7.0
TOEFL iBT (Internet-based)
100
Listening - 22 Reading - 24 Speaking - 25 Writing - 24
110
Listening - 22 Reading - 24 Speaking - 25 Writing - 24
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English
185
176
191
185
Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English
185
176
191
185
Test
See more at: www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/englishproficiency 9
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Graduate Admissions www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ask Tel: +44 (0)1865 270059
www.graduate.ox.ac.uk
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