The University of Oxford is the oldest institution of higher education in the English-speaking world, with a history so ancient that its exact founding date remains unknown. However, teaching at Oxford is believed to have begun as early as the 11th century.
Nestled in the heart of the historic city of Oxford, famously called the “dreaming city of spires” by poet Matthew Arnold, the university is composed of 44 colleges and halls and boasts the largest library system in the UK.
Oxford hosts approximately 22,000 students, with half being undergraduates and 40% coming from international backgrounds. Students make up a significant portion of the local population, with one in four Oxford residents being a student, giving the city the youngest demographic in the UK.
Unlike universities with centralized campuses, Oxford’s buildings and facilities are spread throughout the city’s medieval center. Each college has its own unique character, history, and traditions, often dating back centuries. Students typically apply directly to a specific college. The university is organized into four academic divisions:
Humanities
Mathematical, Physical, and Life Sciences
Medical Sciences
Social Sciences
Oxford’s academic strengths are particularly pronounced in the sciences, and it consistently ranks as the top university in the world for medicine.
Beyond academics, Oxford offers a vibrant and cosmopolitan environment with plenty to explore. Students can visit iconic landmarks such as the Bodleian Libraries, Ashmolean Museum, Sheldonian Theatre, and the university’s stunning colleges and cathedral.
Extracurricular activities are abundant, ranging from a thriving musical scene with clubs covering genres like jazz, classical, and folk to one of the most active university drama communities in the country. Oxford is also renowned for its sports programs, including the prestigious annual boat race against Cambridge on the River Thames.
The university has a distinguished alumni network of over 250,000 members, including 120+ Olympic medalists, 26 Nobel laureates, seven poets laureate, and more than 30 modern world leaders, such as Bill Clinton, Aung San Suu Kyi, Indira Gandhi, and 26 UK prime ministers.
Oxford maintains a historic and friendly rivalry with the University of Cambridge for the title of the UK’s top university and consistently ranks among the top three universities globally. Notable Oxford alumni and scholars include Tim Berners-Lee, Stephen Hawking, and Richard Dawkins, who have all contributed significantly to their respective fields.
Undergraduate Degrees
Category
Details
Undergraduate Degrees
Oxford offers 48 degrees spanning sciences, humanities, law, languages, fine art, and joint honors programs like Philosophy and Theology, and Archaeology and Anthropology.
Degree Duration
Typically 3 years, taught within individual colleges.
Teaching Style
Weekly tutorials supported by classes, lectures, and laboratory work conducted in university faculties and departments.
Admissions Rate
21% acceptance rate (higher than Ivy League due to differences in the English education system).
Application Period
Autumn for the following academic year.
Application Process
Applicants must register for a test and may need to submit written work alongside the UCAS form. Shortlisted candidates are invited to interviews. Decisions are announced by the end of the calendar year.
Interview Process
Applicants may stay multiple days in Oxford (accommodation provided). Those not accepted by their first-choice college may be interviewed by other colleges with available places.
International Students
17% of applicants are international. No quotas for most programs, except for Medicine. Accepts a wide range of school-leaving qualifications. English language requirements may apply.
Tuition Fees (UK/EU)
£9,250 annually, with government loans available to cover tuition and living costs.
Tuition Fees (Non-EU)
Up to £24,000 annually, plus a college fee of £7,570 per year. Does not include accommodation or board.
Academic Calendar
Terms are shorter than most UK universities, totaling less than half a year. Students are expected to study during Christmas, Easter, and Long Vacations.
Category
Details
Reputation
Oxford is renowned for world-leading research, teaching, and resources in a uniquely beautiful city.
Graduate Program Duration
Typically 1 year for master’s degrees, designed for swift career progression.
Academic Structure
Students belong to an academic department or faculty providing teaching, supervision, and resources. Assigned academic supervisors guide and advise throughout the program.
Program Types
– Taught Programs: Core and optional courses supported by lectures and seminars, usually leading to a master’s qualification. – Research Degrees: Master’s and doctoral-level research in various subjects.
Graduate Applications
Over 20,000 applications annually.
Application Process
– Complete graduate application form. – Pay £75 application fee. – Submit supporting documents: – Statement of purpose and research proposal (if applicable). – Official transcript of bachelor’s degree. – Academic references. – Portfolio or written work (if required).
English Proficiency
International students whose first language is not English must submit an English language test score certificate (standard or higher, depending on the course).
Graduate Tuition Fees
– Humanities: £4,260–£16,230 annually (e.g., £4,260 for a DPhil in Music; £16,230 for MSc in Contemporary Chinese Studies). – Business: Up to £77,390 annually.
Living Costs
Up to £18,655 annually in addition to tuition fees.
Financial Aid
– College-specific scholarships. – External scholarships ranging from £1,000 to full tuition coverage. – UK government loans for master’s students. – Charities offering financial awards.
Master of Business administration
This one-year MBA course comprises an intensive series of stimulating lectures, energetic seminars and small group work, which can take students anywhere in the world. It addresses the challenges such as energy, food and water security, our aging populations, the explosion in stored data – these challenges all require managers and leaders of unusual ability, sophistication and integrity. This MBA aims to equip students to think logically, laterally and independently in a single year of intensive, immersive, and challenging experiences.
Overview of DPhil (Doctor of Philosophy) Programs at Oxford
Oxford University offers a wide range of DPhil programs across various disciplines, with most programs lasting 36 months. These programs are research-intensive, providing candidates with the opportunity to delve deeply into their chosen field under the guidance of expert supervisors. Below are some key details:
Program
Duration
Description
DPhil in Ancient History
36 months
Focuses on the study of ancient civilizations, exploring historical sources, societies, and cultural development.
DPhil in Archaeological Science
Varies
Integrates science with archaeology, emphasizing techniques like radiocarbon dating and material analysis.
DPhil in Archaeology
36 months
Offers a comprehensive exploration of archaeological methods, theories, and case studies from various regions.
DPhil in Classical Archaeology
Varies
Centers on the archaeology of ancient Greek and Roman worlds, examining artifacts and historical contexts.
DPhil in Classical Languages and Literature
36 months
Investigates ancient texts and languages, including Greek and Latin, and their influence on literature and culture.
DPhil in English
36 months
Explores a wide range of English literature topics, from medieval to modern works, including creative writing.
DPhil in Fine Art
36 months
Combines artistic practice with critical research, encouraging creative output informed by scholarly inquiry.
DPhil in History (Various Specializations)
36 months
Includes History of Science and Medicine, Economic and Social History, and general historical studies. Focuses on critical analysis of historical events and themes.
DPhil in History of Art
36 months
Examines art history, including visual culture, theory, and criticism, spanning multiple periods and styles.
DPhil in Linguistics, Philology, and Phonetics
36 months
Specializes in language structure, historical linguistics, and phonetics, studying how languages evolve and function.
DPhil in Medieval and Modern Languages
36 months
Investigates European languages, cultures, and literature, spanning the medieval period to modern times.
DPhil in Music
36 months
Focuses on musicology, composition, or ethnomusicology, exploring theoretical and practical aspects of music.
DPhil in Philosophy
Varies
Encompasses a broad range of philosophical topics, from metaphysics and ethics to political philosophy.
DPhil in Theology and Religion
Varies
Studies the historical, textual, and cultural dimensions of religion, theology, and their impact on society.
General Features of DPhil Programs
Supervision: Each student is assigned a supervisor who provides individualized guidance and feedback throughout the research process.
Seminars and Workshops: Candidates participate in seminars and workshops to discuss research progress and methodologies.
Thesis Submission: Students are required to submit a thesis of original research, which is evaluated during an oral examination known as a viva voce.
Entry Requirements: Typically include a master’s degree in a relevant field, strong academic references, and a well-defined research proposal.
These programs cater to candidates seeking advanced research opportunities and are ideal for those aspiring to academic, professional, or creative careers in their respective fields.
