The University of Oxford

Address and Location

Oxford's thirty-eight colleges are scattered about the city, creating an idyllic mix of parks, lawns and cobbled lanes. Oxford itself is situated sixty-miles north of London.  

Background and History

Teaching has taken place in Oxford since 1096, although the date at which the university was established is still hotly debated. The earliest constituent colleges - University, Bailliol and Merton - were founded in the thirteenth century, serving as places of accommodation and learning for scholars. Since then the university has built a reputation as one of the world's best, and now hosts a talented, diverse student community.

Location and Accessibility

By Road: Parking at the colleges can be tricky given their antiquated setting; little space is offered in the city itself and visitors are advised to use the various Park Ride services on the city ring road.

By Rail: Most of the university's colleges are a short walk from Oxford station, which is well-connected to London and the Midlands.

Accessibility: Most university facilities are wheelchair-accessible and accommodation is provided for students with disabilities.

What's on Offer

BA, BSc, MA, MSc, MBA Graduate Diploma, Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate, MRes, MPhil, PhD, EngD

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for the university are high, never less than AAA at A-Level. Competition for places is increasingly stiff, with prospective students interviewed several times before being granted a place.

University Accommodation

Living in halls for the entirety of a student's degree is more common at Oxford than at most universities. Each college offers well-equipped accommodation in a diverse range of settings. Most provide catering for students, allowing them to better concentrate on their studies.

Private Accommodation

The university provides a list of approved landlords for students who choose to live off-campus. Prices in the city centre and Jericho can be steep; those in Cowley are much more affordable.

Academic Strengths and Research Profile

Oxford has an excellent reputation across the board. Most academics at the university are world-leaders in their fields. Teaching at Oxford is based on a tutorial system, whereby students prepare work for discussion with an academic. This style of learning puts a great deal of pressure on students but for those who can cope, excellent results are achieved.

Tuition Fees

Undergraduate courses currently cost £9,000 per year. Fees for international students and postgraduates vary.  

Financial Support: A variety of scholarships and means-tested bursaries are available to undergraduates and postgraduates. Check the university website for more details.

Academic Facilities

Facilities are what you'd expect from one the best universities in the world. Historical libraries and lecture rooms exist alongside modern laboratories and state-of-the-art computer rooms. Each college has its own library for key texts, while the Bodleian - the university's central library - is the second largest in the UK and one of only six legal deposit libraries in the country.  

Other on-site Amenities

There are a great number of museums, collections and galleries for students to visit during their time at the university, all set among the city's beautiful architecture. Each college has its own dining hall and quiet spaces for student reflection.

Medical and Social Care

A new health centre is under construction at the university; students are advised to register with a local dental practice. While many colleges have some form of affiliation with the Church, all provide prayer rooms and support for students of other faiths.

 

What's on in the Area?

The university's college balls are legendary, with entertainment, food and prices that far outstrip events held at most other universities. Nightlife in Oxford is good, although not in the same league as nearby London. Various colleges own their own boats for punting during the summer, and a variety and botanical gardens and deer parks for afternoon walks.

 

Moving On

An Oxford degree opens many doors; graduate employability is extremely high. Recruiters hold fairs on campus and the university careers service also offer employability workshops.

Only Cambridge has a reputation to rival Oxford. Notable alumni of the university include 26 Prime Ministers, 40 Nobel Laureates and 12 Saints. The university also provided the scenery for the Harry Potter film series.  

Is Oxford right for you?

Oxford provides the highest standard of tuition in the country and degrees from the university are highly respected across the globe. The intense student workload required for each Oxford degree is not to everyone's taste, however. If you're a high-flyer likely to get straight As or A*s, also consider Cambridge University, or Imperial College London for science subjects.