University of Oxford
Undergraduate Prospectus
2014 Entry
Courses
This version was produced by the Oxford University Accessible Resources Acquisition and Creation Unit in 2013.
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To use navigation, heading level 1, 2, 3 and 4 are used throughout the document. Course titles are marked as Heading level 1.
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Contents
Courses
Entrance requirements
A-levels
Extended Projects
Age and Stage
Pre-U
Level 3 Diplomas
International Baccalaureate
Scottish qualifications
US qualifications
Subject requirements
Archaeology and Anthropology
Brief course outline
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Entrance requirements
Open days
Location
Contact details
What is Archaeology and Anthropology?
Archaeology and Anthropology at Oxford
Work placements/international opportunities
A typical weekly timetable
Written work
Written test
What are tutors looking for?
Related courses
Careers
OXFORD podcasts on iTunes
1st year
Courses
Assessment
2nd and 3rd years
Courses
Assessment
Student Statement
Biochemistry (Molecular and Cellular)
Brief course outline
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Entrance requirements
Open days
Location
Contact details
What is Biochemistry?
Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry at Oxford
Research placements/international opportunities
A typical weekly timetable
Written work and written tests
What are tutors looking for?
Related courses
Careers
Erasmus
1st year
Courses
Assessment
2nd and 3rd years
Courses
Assessment
4th year
Courses
Assessment
Student Statement
Biological Sciences
Brief course outline
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Entrance requirements
Open days
Location
Contact details
What is Biological Sciences?
Biological Sciences at Oxford
Practicals and fieldwork
A typical weekly timetable
Written work and written tests
What are tutors looking for?
Related courses
Careers
1st year
Courses
Assessment
2nd year
Courses
Assessment
3rd year
Courses
Assessment
Student Statement
Biomedical Sciences
Brief course outline
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Entrance requirements
Open days
Location
Contact details
What is Biomedical Sciences?
Biomedical Sciences at Oxford
A typical weekly timetable
Written work
Written test
What are tutors looking for?
Related courses
Careers
LEADERS in teaching research
1st year
Courses
Assessment
2nd year (Part I)
Courses
Assessment
3rd year (Part II)
Courses
Assessment
Student Statement
Chemistry
Brief course outline
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Entrance requirements
Open days
Location
Contact details
What is Chemistry?
Chemistry at Oxford
A typical weekly timetable (years 1–3)
Work placements/international opportunities
Written work and written tests
What are tutors looking for?
Related courses
Careers
AMAZING Chemistry AT OXFORD
1st Year
Courses
Assessment
2nd Year
Courses
Assessment
3rd year
Courses
Assessment
4th year
Assessment
Student Statement
Classical Archaeology and Ancient History
Brief course outline
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Entrance requirements
Open days
Location
Contact details
What is Classical Archaeology and Ancient History (CAAH)?
CAAH at Oxford
Fieldwork and international opportunities
A typical weekly timetable
Written work
Written tests
What are tutors looking for?
Related courses
Careers
Sackler Library
1st year
Courses
Assessment
2nd and 3rd years
Courses
Assessment
Classics Classics, Philosophy, Ancient History and Classical Archaeology
Brief course outline
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Entrance requirements
Open days
Location
Contact details
What is Classics?
Classics at Oxford
Fieldwork/international opportunities
A typical weekly timetable
Written work
Written tests
What are tutors looking for?
Related courses
Careers
LARGEST Classics Faculty in the world
Course IA (Latin and Greek, for those who have studied Latin and Greek to A-level or equivalent)
Terms 1 – 5 Courses
Terms 1 – 5 Assessment
Terms 6 – 12 Courses
Terms 6 – 12 Assessment
Course IB (Latin or Greek, for those who have studied only Latin to A-level or equivalent)
Terms 1 – 5 Courses
Terms 1 – 5 Assessment
Terms 6 – 12 Courses
Terms 6 – 12 Assessment
Course IC (Latin and Greek, for those who have studied Greek to A-level or equivalent)
Terms 1 – 5 Courses
Terms 1 – 5 Assessment
Terms 6 – 12 Courses
Terms 6 – 12 Assessment
Course IIA (Latin only, for those who have not studied Greek or Latin to A-level or equivalent)
Terms 1 – 5 Courses
Terms 1 – 5 Assessment
Terms 6 – 12 Courses
Terms 6 – 12 Assessment
Course IIB (Greek only, for those who have not studied Latin or Greek to A-level or equivalent)
Terms 1 – 5 Courses
Terms 1 – 5 Assessment
Terms 6 – 12 Courses
Terms 6 – 12 Assessment
Classics and English
Brief course outline
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Entrance requirements
Open days
Location
Contact details
What is Classics and English?
A typical weekly timetable
Written work
Written tests
What are tutors looking for?
Related courses
Careers
1st year
Courses
Assessment
2nd and 3rd Years
Courses
Assessment
Student Statement
Classics and Modern Languages Classics and either Celtic, Czech (with Slovak), French, German, Modern Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish
Brief course outline
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Open days
Location
Contact details
Entrance requirements
What is Classics and Modern Languages?
Classics and Modern Languages at Oxford
International opportunities
A typical weekly timetable
Written work
Written tests
What are tutors looking for?
Related courses
Careers
Erasmus
Option 1 1st year (Course I) or 1st and 2nd year (Course II)
Course I
Assessment
Option 2 1st and 2nd year (terms 1–5)
Courses
Assessment
Options 1 and 2 (plus intercalated year abroad) Terms 4–9 (Option 1 Course I), 6–12 (Option 2), or 7–12 (Option 1 Course II)
Courses
Assessment
Student Statement
Classics and Oriental Studies
Brief course outline
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Degree awarded
Entrance requirements
Open days
Location
Contact details
What is Classics and Oriental Studies?
Classics and Oriental Studies at Oxford
Written work
Written tests
What are tutors looking for?
Related courses
Careers
Bodleian Oriental Institute Library
Classics with Oriental Studies
1st year, 2nd year (terms 1 and 2)
2nd year (term 3), 3rd and 4th years
Oriental Studies with Classics
1st year
2nd to 3rd or 4th year
Computer Science
Brief course outline
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Entrance requirements
Open days
Location
Contact details
What is Computer Science?
The course
Computer Science at Oxford
A typical weekly timetable
Written work
Written test
What are tutors looking for?
Related courses
Careers
AMAZING Computer Science AT OXFORD
1st year
Courses
Assessment
2nd year
Courses
Assessment
3rd year
Courses
Assessment
4th year
Courses
Assessment
Student Statement
Computer Science and Philosophy
Brief course outline
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Entrance requirements
Open days
Location
Contact details
What is Computer Science and Philosophy?
Computer Science and Philosophy at Oxford
A typical weekly timetable
Written work
Written test
What are tutors looking for?
Related courses
Careers
1st year
Courses
Assessment
2nd year
Courses
Assessment
3rd year
Courses
Assessment
4th year
Courses
Assessment
Earth Sciences (Geology)
Brief course outline
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Entrance requirements
Open days
Location
Contact details
What are the Earth Sciences?
Earth Sciences at Oxford
A typical weekly timetable
Fieldwork/international opportunities
Application information
Written work and written tests
What are tutors looking for?
Related courses
Careers
New Earth sciences building
1st year
Courses
Assessment
2nd year
Courses
Assessment
3rd year
Courses
Assessment
4th year
Research
Assessment
Student Statement
Economics and Management
Brief course outline
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Entrance requirements
Open days
Location
Contact details
What is Economics and Management?
Economics and Management at Oxford
A typical weekly timetable
Written work
Written tests
What are tutors looking for?
Related courses
Careers
Oxford Economics ranked 5th in the world
1st year
Courses
Assessment
2nd and 3rd years
Courses
Assessment
Student Statement
Engineering Science
UCAS Course Codes:
Brief course outline
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Entrance requirements
Open days
Location
Contact details
What is Engineering Science?
Engineering Science at Oxford
A typical weekly timetable
Written work
Written test
What are tutors looking for?
Related courses
Careers
SET Awards Success
1st year
Courses
Assessment
2nd year
Courses
Assessment
3rd year
Courses
Assessment
4th year
Research
Assessment
Student Statement
English Language and Literature
Brief course outline
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Entrance requirements
Open days
Location
Contact details
What is English Language and Literature?
English at Oxford
A typical weekly timetable
Written work
Written test
What are tutors looking for?
Related courses
Careers
1st year
Courses
Assessment
2nd year
Courses
Assessment
3rd year
Courses
Assessment
Student Statement
English and Modern Languages English and either Celtic, Czech (with Slovak), French, German, Modern Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish
Brief course outline
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Open days
Location
Contact details
Entrance requirements
Course combinations
What is English and Modern Languages?
English and Modern Languages at Oxford
A typical weekly timetable
Written work
Written test
What are tutors looking for?
Related courses
Careers
Erasmus
1st year
Courses
Assessment
2nd and 4th years (3rd year is spent abroad)
Courses
Assessment
Student Statement
European and Middle Eastern Languages – Czech (with Slovak), French, German, Modern Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish, with either Arabic, Hebrew, Persian or Turkish
Brief course outline
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Open days
Location
Contact details
Entrance requirements
Course combinations/UCAS codes
What is European and Middle Eastern Languages?
EMEL at Oxford
International opportunities
A typical weekly timetable
Written work
Written test
What are tutors looking for?
Related courses
Careers
ACCELERATED LANGUAGE LEARNING
1st year
Courses
Assessment
2nd year
3rd and 4th years
Courses
Assessment
Student Statement
Experimental Psychology
Brief course outline
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Entrance requirements
Open days
Location
Contact details
What is Psychology?
Psychology at Oxford
Fieldwork and international opportunities
A typical weekly timetable
Written work
Written tests
What are tutors looking for?
Related courses
Careers
Terms 1 and 2
Courses
Assessment
Terms 3–5
Courses
Assessment
Terms 6–9
Courses
Assessment
PSYCHOLOGY delivers World-Leading Research
Student Statement
Fine Art
Brief course outline
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Entrance requirements
Open days
Location
Contact details
Student Statement
What is Fine Art?
Fine Art at Oxford
Portfolio assessment
Interview and practical test
Related courses
Careers
TOP RATED ART SCHOOL IN THE UK
1st year
Courses
Assessment
2nd and 3rd years
Courses
Assessment (2nd year)
Assessment (3rd year)
Student Statement
Geography
Brief course outline
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Entrance requirements
Open days
Location
Contact details
What is Geography?
Geography at Oxford
Fieldwork and international opportunities
A typical weekly timetable
Written work
Written tests
What are tutors looking for?
Related courses
Careers
School of Geography Podcasts
1st Year
Courses
Assessment
2nd and 3rd Years
Courses
Assessment
Student Statement
History
Brief course outline
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Entrance requirements
Open days
Location
Contact details
What is History?
History at Oxford
A typical weekly timetable
Written work
Written tests
What are tutors looking for?
Related courses
Student Statement
Careers
History Off the Shelf
1st year
Courses
Assessment
2nd and 3rd years
Courses
Assessment
History (Ancient and Modern)
Brief course outline
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Entrance requirements
Open days
Location
Contact details
What is Ancient and Modern History?
Ancient and Modern History at Oxford
A typical weekly timetable
Written work
Written test
What are tutors looking for?
Related courses
Careers
1st year
Courses
Assessment
2nd and 3rd years
Courses
Assessment
Student Statement
History and Economics
Brief course outline
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Entrance requirements
Open days
Location
Contact details
What is History and Economics?
History and Economics at Oxford
A typical weekly timetable
Written work
Written test
What are tutors looking for?
Related courses
Careers
1st year
Courses
Assessment
2nd and 3rd years
Courses
Assessment
Student Statement
History and English
Brief course outline
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Entrance requirements
Open days
Location
Contact details
What is History and English?
History and English at Oxford
A typical weekly timetable
Written work
Written test
What are tutors looking for?
Related courses
Careers
1st year
Courses
Assessment
2nd and 3rd years
Courses
Assessment
Student Statement
History and Modern Languages
Brief course outline
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Open days
Location
Contact details
Entrance requirements
Course combinations/UCAS codes
What is History and Modern Languages?
History and Modern Languages at Oxford
Work placements/international opportunities
A typical weekly timetable
Written work
Written test
What are tutors looking for?
Related courses
Careers
Erasmus
1st year
Courses
Assessment
2nd and 4th years (3rd year spent abroad)
Courses
Assessment
Student Statement
History and Politics
Brief course outline
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Entrance requirements
Open days
Location
Contact details
What is History and Politics?
History and Politics at Oxford
A typical weekly timetable
Written work
Written test
What are tutors looking for?
Related courses
Careers
1st year
Courses
Assessment
2nd and 3rd years
Courses
Assessment
Student Statement
History of Art
Brief course outline
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Entrance requirements
Open days
Location
Contact details
What is History of Art?
History of Art at Oxford
Written work
Written test
What are tutors looking for?
Related courses
Careers
History of Art Podcasts
1st year
Courses
Assessment
2nd and 3rd years
Courses
Assessment
Student Statement
Human Sciences
Brief course outline
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Entrance requirements
Open days
Location
Contact details
What is Human Sciences?
Human Sciences at Oxford
Work placements/international opportunities
A typical weekly timetable
Written work and tests
What are tutors looking for?
Related courses
Careers
CUTTING EDGE HUMAN SCIENCES
1st year
Courses
Assessment
2nd year
Courses
3rd year
Courses
Assessment
Student Statement
Law (Jurisprudence)
Brief Course Outline
Course Statistics for 2012 entry
Entrance requirements
Open days
Location
Contact details
E-brochure
What is Law?
Law at Oxford
The teaching programme
European opportunities
Written work
Written tests
What are tutors looking for?
Careers
Erasmus
1st Year (terms 1 and 2)
Courses
Assessment
1st year (term 3, 2nd and 3rd (4th) years
Courses
Assessment
Student Statement
Materials Science
Brief course outline
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Entrance requirements
Open days
Location
Contact details
Studying Materials Science at Oxford University brochure
What is Materials Science?
Materials Science at Oxford
Work placements/international opportunities
A typical weekly timetable
Student Statement
Written work
Written test
What are tutors looking for?
Related courses
Careers
1st year
Courses
Assessment
2nd year
Courses
3rd year
Courses
Assessment
4th year
Courses
Assessment
Materials, Economics and Management
Brief course outline
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Entrance requirements
Open days
Location
Contact details
Studying Materials Science at Oxford University brochure
Application information
What is Materials, Economics and Management (MEM)?
MEM at Oxford
Work placements/projects
A typical weekly timetable
Written work
Written test
Application information
What are tutors looking for?
Related courses
Careers
OXFORD Materials outreach
1st year
Courses
2nd and 3rd years
Courses
Assessment
4th year
Courses
Assessment
Student Statement
Mathematics
Brief course outline
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Entrance requirements
Open days
Location
Contact details
What is Mathematics?
Mathematics at Oxford
The course
A typical weekly timetable
Written work
Written test
What are tutors looking for?
Related courses
Careers
New Mathematical Institute Building
1st year
Courses
Assessment
2nd year
Courses
Assessment
3rd and 4th years
Courses
Assessment
Student Statement
Mathematics and Computer Science
Brief course outline
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Entrance requirements
Open days
Location
Contact details
What is Mathematics and Computer Science?
The course
Mathematics and Computer Science at Oxford
A typical weekly timetable
Written work
Written test
What are tutors looking for?
Related courses
Careers
1st year
Courses
Assessment
2nd year
Courses
Assessment
3rd year
Courses
Assessment
4th year
Courses
Assessment
Student Statement
Mathematics and Philosophy
Brief course outline
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Entrance requirements
Open days
Location
Contact details
What is Mathematics and Philosophy?
Mathematics and Philosophy at Oxford
The course
A typical weekly timetable
Written work
Written tests
What are tutors looking for?
Related courses
Careers
1st year
Courses
Assessment
2nd and 3rd years
Courses
Philosophy
Assessment
4th year
Courses
Assessment
Student Statement
Mathematics and Statistics
Brief course outline
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Entrance requirements
Open days
Location
Contact details
Why Mathematics and Statistics?
Mathematics and Statistics at Oxford
Course structure
A typical weekly timetable
Written work
Written tests
What are tutors looking for?
Related courses
Careers
1st year
Courses
Assessment
2nd year
Courses
Assessment
3rd year
Courses
Assessment
4th year
Courses
Assessment
Student Statement
Top ranked Statistics department in the UK
Medicine
Brief course outline
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Entrance requirements
Open days
Location
Contact details
Medical School Prospectus
The accelerated course (graduate entry)
Is Medicine for you?
Medicine at Oxford
The Pre-clinical stage
Teaching methods and study support
Research work
A typical weekly timetable
Progress to Clinical training
best in THE world for medicine
Student Statement
How to apply
Written work
Written test
What are tutors looking for?
Application conditions
Related courses
Careers
First BM Part 1: Terms 1–3
Courses
Assessment
First BM Part 2: Terms 4–6
Courses
Assessment
Final Honour School in Medical Sciences: Terms 6–9
Courses
Assessment
Modern Languages – Celtic, Czech (with Slovak), French, German, Modern Greek, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish
Brief course outline
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Joint courses
Single language courses available
Joint language courses available
Open days
Location
Contact details
Entrance requirements
What is Modern Languages?
Modern Languages at Oxford
Course structure
Year abroad
A typical weekly timetable
The Taylor Institution Library
Student Statement
Written work
Written test
College choice
Deferred entry
What are tutors looking for?
Related courses
Careers
Erasmus
1st year
Courses
Assessment
2nd year
Courses
3rd and 4th years
Year 3
Year 4
Assessment
Modern Languages and Linguistics Linguistics and French, German, Modern Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish
Brief course outline
Course Statistics for 2012 entry
Entrance requirements
Course combinations
Open days
Location
Contact details
What is Modern Languages and Linguistics?
Modern Languages and Linguistics at Oxford
Work placements/international opportunities
A typical weekly timetable
Written work
Written tests
What are tutors looking for?
Related courses
Careers
Erasmus
1st year
Courses
Assessment
2nd and 4th years (3rd year spent abroad)
Courses
Assessment
Student Statement
Music
Brief course outline
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Entrance requirements
Open days
Location
Contact details
Why study Music?
Music at Oxford
A typical weekly timetable
Written work
Written tests
What are tutors looking for?
Careers
1st year
Courses
Assessment
2nd and 3rd years
Courses
Assessment
Student Statement
Oriental Studies – Arabic, Chinese, Egyptology and Ancient Near Eastern Studies, Hebrew Studies, Japanese, Jewish Studies, Persian, Sanskrit, Turkish
Brief course outline
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Entrance requirements
Open days
Location
Contact details
What is Oriental Studies?
Oriental Studies at Oxford
Work placements/international opportunities
Written work
Written tests
What are tutors looking for?
Related courses
Careers
BEIJING, Kobe & OXFORD
Arabic and Islamic Studies (T601)
Arabic with subsidiary language (T6T9)
Persian with Islamic Art and Archaeology (QT46)
Persian with Islamic Studies/History (QT96)
Persian with subsidiary language (T6TX)
Turkish (T600)
Turkish with Islamic Art and Archaeology (TQP9)
Turkish with subsidiary language (T6TY)
1st year
2nd year
3rd and 4th years
Chinese (T101)
1st year
2nd year
3rd and 4th years
Student Statement
Egyptology (Q400), Egyptology and Ancient Near Eastern Studies (Q401)
1st year
2nd year
3rd year
Hebrew Studies: (primarily languages, literature, culture and history) (Q480)
1st year
2nd year
3rd and 4th years
Student Statement
Japanese (T201)
1st Year
2nd year
3rd and 4th years
Jewish Studies: (primarily focused on the history, religion and culture of the Jews from biblical to modern times) (QV91)
1st year
2nd year
3rd year
Sanskrit (Q450)
1st year
2nd year
3rd year
Philosophy and Modern Languages Philosophy and either Celtic, Czech (with Slovak), French, German, Modern Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish
Brief course outline
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Open days
Location
Contact details
Student Statement
Entrance requirements
Course combinations
What is Philosophy and Modern Languages?
Philosophy and Modern Languages at Oxford
A typical weekly timetable
Written work
Written test
What are tutors looking for?
Related courses
Careers
Erasmus
1st year
Courses
Assessment
2nd and 4th years (3rd year spent abroad)
Courses
Assessment
Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)
Brief course outline
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Entrance requirements
Open days
Location
Contact details
What is PPE?
PPE at Oxford
A typical weekly timetable
Written work
Written tests
What are tutors looking for?
Related courses
Careers
1st year
Courses
Assessment
2nd and 3rd years
Courses
Assessment
Student Statement
Philosophy and Theology
Brief course outline
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Entrance requirements
Open days
Location
Contact details
What is Philosophy and Theology?
Philosophy and Theology at Oxford
A typical weekly timetable
Written work
Written tests
What are tutors looking for?
Related courses
Careers
Terms 1 and 2
Courses
Terms 3-9
Courses
Assessment
Student Statement
Physics
Brief course outline
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Entrance requirements
Open days
Location
Contact details
What is Physics?
Physics at Oxford
Project work/international opportunities
A typical weekly timetable
Course structure
Written work
Written tests
What are tutors looking for?
Related courses
Careers
ALL ABOUT OXFORD PHYSICS
1st year
Courses
Assessment
2nd year
Courses
Assessment
3rd year
Courses
Short options, e.g:
Assessment
4th year
Courses
Assessment
Student Statement
Physics and Philosophy
Brief course outline
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Entrance requirements
Open days
Location
Contact details
Application information
What is Physics and Philosophy?
Physics and Philosophy at Oxford
A typical weekly timetable
Written work
Written tests
What are tutors looking for?
Related courses
Careers
1st Year
Courses
Assessment
2nd Year
Courses
Assessment
3rd Year
Courses
Assessment
4th Year
Courses
Assessment
Student Statement
Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics
Brief course outline
Course statistics for 2012 entry for Psychology and Philosophy
Entrance requirements
Open days
Location
Contact details
What is Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics?
Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics at Oxford
A typical weekly timetable
Fieldwork/international opportunities
Written work
Written tests
What are tutors looking for?
Related courses
Careers
Terms 1 and 2
Courses
Assessment
Terms 3–9
Courses
Assessment
Theology and Religion
Brief course outline
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Entrance requirements
Open days
Location
Contact details
What is Theology and Religion?
Theology and Religion at Oxford
A typical weekly timetable
Written work
Written test
What are tutors looking for?
Related courses
Careers
Terms 1 and 2
Courses
Assessment
Terms 3-9
Courses
Assessment
Student Statements
Theology and Oriental Studies
Brief course outline
Entrance requirements
Open days
Location
Contact details
What is Theology and Oriental Studies?
Theology and Oriental Studies at Oxford
A typical weekly timetable
What are tutors looking for?
Written work
Written tests
Related courses
Careers
1st year
Courses
Assessment
2nd and 3rd years
Courses
Assessment
Student Statement
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.
There are lots of ways to find out more - see pp 184-189 [printed edition page numbers]. Why not download a course brochure or attend an open day?
ox.ac.uk/courses there is an a to z subject section
Find out more on an open day: ox.ac.uk/opendays
Can’t make it to an open day? Take an audio tour instead: ox.ac.uk/audiotours
[33]
Entrance requirements
Many students who apply to Oxford are taking A-levels but any candidate who has already taken, or who is currently studying, any other equivalent qualifications is also most welcome to apply. Below are just some of the qualifications that we accept - we list many more at ox.ac.uk/enreqs.
A-levels
Conditional offers for students studying A-levels are likely to range between A*A*A and AAA depending on the subject. Each subject page will detail the requirements.
Providing that any specific subject requirements have been met, all A-levels are approved for admissions purposes, with the exception of General Studies.
Oxford University does not require its candidates to disclose information on unit grades. However, where applicants, schools or colleges provide AS module results (grades or marks) within the UCAS application materials, this information will be considered by tutors as part of the overall record of the candidate’s academic attainment to date.
These recorded results may be used by admissions tutors as evidence of a candidate’s suitability to study at Oxford, although they will be not used in a mechanistic way to shortlist candidates for interview, or determine which candidates receive an offer.
It is therefore in the interests of candidates for schools and colleges to declare AS module marks or grades if they demonstrate a candidate is performing strongly.
Where it is the policy of a school or college not to certificate AS module results (or where the school no longer enters candidates for modules in year 12) this should be stated in the UCAS reference. If there is no statement then it will be assumed that it is the school or college policy to certificate AS qualifications in Year 12.
Extended Projects
Where applicants have undertaken the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), this will not be a condition of any offer but the University recognises that the EPQ will provide an applicant with the opportunity to develop research and academic skills relevant for study at Oxford. Candidates are encouraged to draw upon relevant EPQ experience when writing their personal statement.
Age and Stage
Whilst the University supports the general principles of Age and Stage, where students progress through their qualifications at an appropriate rate according to their ability, we do expect students still to achieve at the highest level.
Pre-U
Oxford University will accept the Pre-U Diploma as a valid qualification for admissions purposes. Conditional offers are likely to vary between D2, D2, D3 and D3, D3, D3 depending on the subject. For admissions purposes D2 is considered to be equivalent to an A* grade at A-level and D3 to an A grade. Students may also take Pre-U principal subjects in place of A-levels.
Level 3 Diplomas
The Extended Diploma is equivalent to three A-levels, and so students studying this qualification would be able to apply. Students with the Diploma, equivalent to two A-levels, would need to take an A-level as well as the Diploma in order to make a competitive application. Students with the Subsidiary Diploma, equivalent to one A-level, would need to take two A-levels as well.
For admissions purposes, D* is considered equivalent to an A* grade at A-level and D to an A grade.
International Baccalaureate
Students of the International Baccalaureate are usually required to achieve a level of performance of 38-40 points, including core points, with 7s and 6s in the higher level subjects.
Scottish qualifications
Students with Scottish qualifications would usually be expected to have AAAAB or AAAAA in Scottish Highers, supplemented by two or more Advanced Highers. The University currently sets conditional offers that require AAB if a student is 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 course taken in Year 6.
US qualifications
Successful candidates would typically have SAT Reasoning Test scores of at least 700 in Critical Reading, Mathematics and the Writing Paper, or ACT with a score of at least 32 out of 36. We would also expect Grade 5 in three or more Advanced Placement tests in appropriate subjects or SAT Subject Tests in three appropriate subjects at 700 or better.
If there are subject requirements for your course (see pp 34-35 [printed edition page numbers]) then you must have studied these subjects to A-level standard as part of whatever qualification(s) you have taken. For example, applicants to Engineering must have studied Mathematics a Physics to a high academic standard. 
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Subject requirements
Subject	Essential – Colleges will normally expect students to take the full A-level, or equivalent, in these subjects. See course pages for details	Recommended – It is highly desirable to study these subjects to full A-level, or equivalent	Helpful – A background in these subjects at either full A-level or AS-level (or equivalent) may be useful for some elements of the course	
Archaeology and Anthropology	[blank]	[blank]	Combination of arts and science subjects	
Biochemistry (Molecular and Cellular)	Chemistry and another science or Mathematics	[blank]	Biology and Mathematics to at least AS-level	
Biological Sciences	Biology or Human Biology	[blank]	Another science or Mathematics	
Biomedical Sciences	Two from Biology, Chemistry Mathematics or Physics	Tutors would prefer to see Mathematics or Physics as part of your subject combination	[blank]	
Chemistry	Chemistry and Mathematics	Another science or Further Mathematics	[blank]	
Classical Archaeology and Ancient History	[blank]	[blank]	A classical Language, Classical Civilisation or Ancient History	
Classics	Latin and/or Greek (for Course I only)	[blank]	[blank]	
Classics and English	Latin and/or Greek (for Course only) English Literature or English Language and Literature	[blank]	[blank]	
Classics and Modern Languages	Latin and/or Greek (for Course only) and a modern language (depending on course choice)	[blank]	[blank]	
Classics and Oriental Studies	[blank]	Latin and/or Greek	[blank]	
Computer Science	Mathematics	Further Mathematics or a science	[blank]	
Computer Science and Philosophy	Mathematics	Further Mathematics or a science	A subject involving essay writing	
Earth Sciences (Geology)	Mathematics, plus Chemistry or Physics	Chemistry or Physics	Biology, Geology, Further Mathematics	
Economics and Management	Mathematics	[blank]	[blank]	
Engineering Science	Mathematics and Physics	Inclusion of Maths Mechanics	Further Mathematics	
English Language and Literature	English Literature or English Language and Literature	[blank]	A language, History	
English and Modern Languages	A modern language (depending on course choice) and English Literature, or English Language and Literature	[blank]	[blank]	
European and Middle Eastern Languages	(depending on course choice)	[blank]	[blank]	
Experimental Psychology	[blank]	One or more science subjects or Mathematics	[blank]	
Fine Art	[blank]	Art	[blank]	
Geography	[blank]	Geography	[blank]	
History	[blank]	History	[blank]	
History (Ancient and Modern)	[blank]	History	A classical language, Classical Civilisation, Ancient History	
History and Economics	[blank]	History, Mathematics	[blank]	
History and English	English Literature or English Language and Literature	History	[blank]	
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Subject	Essential – Colleges will normally expect students to take the full A-level, or equivalent, in these subjects. See course pages for details	Recommended – It is highly desirable to study these subjects to full A-level, or equivalent	Helpful – A background in these subjects at either full A-level or AS-level (or equivalent) may be useful for some elements of the course	
History and Modern Languages	A modern language (depending on course choice)	History	[blank]	
History and Politics	[blank]	History	Sociology, Politics, Government and Politics	
History of Art	A subject involving essay writing	[blank]	History of Art, History, English, a language, Art	
Human Sciences	[blank]	[blank]	Biology, Mathematics	
Law (Jurisprudence)	[blank]	[blank]	[blank]	
Law with Law Studies in Europe	A relevant modern language (not required for European Law)	[blank]	[blank]	
Materials Science	Mathematics and Physics	Chemistry	Further Mathematics, Design and Technology (Resistant Materials)	
Materials, Economics and Management (MEM)	Mathematics and Physics	Chemistry	Further Mathematics, Design and Technology (Resistant Materials)	
Mathematics	Mathematics	Further Mathematics	[blank]	
Mathematics and Computer Science	Mathematics	Further Mathematics	A science	
Mathematics and Philosophy	Mathematics	Further Mathematics	[blank]	
Mathematics and Statistics	Mathematics	Further Mathematics	[blank]	
Medicine	Chemistry with either Mathematics or Biology or Physics	[blank]	[blank]	
Modern Languages	One or more modern languages (depending on course choice)	[blank]	[blank]	
Modern Languages and Linguistics	A modern language (depending on course choice)	[blank]	English Language, Mathematics, a science or any other language	
Music	Music	Keyboard ability to ABRSM Grade V or above	[blank]	
Oriental Studies	[blank]	[blank]	A language	
Philosophy and Modern Languages	A modern language depending on course choice)	[blank]	[blank]	
Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)	[blank]	[blank]	Mathematics, History	
Philosophy and Theology	[blank]	[blank]	A subject involving essay writing	
Physics	Physics and Mathematics	Inclusion of Maths Mechanics	Further Mathematics	
Physics and Philosophy	Physics and Mathematics	Inclusion of Maths Mechanics module	An arts subject and Further Mathematics	
Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics	[blank]	For Psychology: one or more science subjects or Mathematics	For Linguistics: English Language, Mathematics, a science or any other language	
Theology and Religion	[blank]	[blank]	A subject involving essay writing	
Theology and Oriental Studies	[blank]	[blank]	A subject involving essay writing, a language	
These tables give a summary of the entrance requirements but .please check the details on your course pages as well
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Archaeology and Anthropology
UCAS Course Code: LV64
Brief course outline
Duration of course: 3 years
Degree awarded: BA
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Intake: 23
Applications shortlisted for interview: 62.3%
Successful applications: 24.5%
Entrance requirements
A-levels: AAA
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB
IB: 38–40 including core points
Or any other equivalent
A background of studying both arts and science subjects can be helpful to students in completing this course, although there are no specific subject requirements for admission. 
Open days
26 and 27 June, and 20 September 2013
Location
See map on inside back cover
Contact details
+44 (0) 1865 278246
administrator@arch.ox.ac.uk 
www.arch.ox.ac.uk
What is Archaeology and Anthropology?
Archaeology and anthropology together encompass the study of humankind from the distant origins of the human species to the present day. Both disciplines have a long history. Archaeology grew from 18th-century antiquarianism while anthropology began even earlier in the first days of colonial encounter. Today both subjects involve a range of sophisticated approaches shared with the arts, social sciences and physical sciences. There is also lively interaction. Thus, for example, the anthropological study of primates and early humans helps archaeologists, using the physical remains recovered, to reconstruct the ways in which our earliest ancestors lived. Scientific dating techniques produce the time-frame and the latest genetic analyses define their relationships to modern human populations.
Archaeology and Anthropology at Oxford
Oxford is a leading centre for research and teaching in archaeology and anthropology. Six institutions specialise in these subjects: the Institutes of Archaeology and Social and Cultural Anthropology, the Ashmolean Museum, the Pitt Rivers Museum and the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, and the Research Laboratory for Archaeology and the History of Art. All are supported by world-class libraries and are well equipped with laboratories and computing resources. The Oxford degree is unique in the way it combines archaeology and anthropology throughout the course, offering an unusually broad perspective on human societies from earliest prehistory to the present.
Work placements/international opportunities
As part of your course you are required to undertake at least three weeks of fieldwork on a project that you will select for yourself. Advice is available from your college tutor and from members of the Schools of Archaeology and Anthropology. Your fieldwork, which must be approved by the Standing Committee that runs the degree, may be anywhere in the world – South Africa, the Andes and Georgia are recent destinations. For most people it is likely to take an archaeological form on either an excavation or as part of a field-survey team, but museum-based work and participation in primatological or social anthropological fieldwork are also possible. Further archaeological fieldwork may be provided by the School of Archaeology in the form of a compulsory training excavation. Financial support for this fieldwork is available from the University and may also be available from your college. In the first term of your second year you will write a report on the fieldwork that you have undertaken. You may also engage in fieldwork as part of your final year dissertation, while other opportunities may exist for work-based learning in the University’s museums.
A typical weekly timetable
Your work is divided among lectures, tutorials and practical classes. In the first year, you will spend about six hours a week in lectures, closely tied to the course’s core papers. Lectures for core and option papers take up about ten hours a week in years 2 and 3. Throughout the course, there are one or two tutorials per week (normally a total of 12 in each term).
Written work
As part of your application you will be required to submit two recent marked essays, each written as part of a school or college course within a two-week period or less, preferably in different subjects; you have the option of submitting an additional piece of work composed over a longer period of time if you so wish. You are also required to submit a statement of no more than 300 words explaining your interests in the joint degree and what you understand to be the links between archaeology and anthropology. This statement is different to that on your UCAS form; it should tell us why you are particularly interested in Archaeology and Anthropology at Oxford. These should be submitted by 11 November 2013.
Written test
You do not need to take a written test as part of an application for this course.
What are tutors looking for?
Tutors will primarily be looking for an interest in, and enthusiasm, for the study of humans and their material culture, ideally from both arts and science viewpoints, combined with an ability to digest and assimilate significant quantities of data and argue from evidence. No prior experience of archaeology or anthropology is required, but any fieldwork experience and general
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reading in the subject further demonstrates your interest and commitment. If you are shortlisted for interview you will normally be asked to talk about the relationship between the sub-disciplines and to consider problems from archaeological and anthropological points of view. You may also be given artefacts, maps or other material to interpret.
Oliver, who graduated in 2005 and currently works as Head of Physics in a north London school says: “The skills acquired during my study in Oxford (time management, discussion with peers and superiors, information synthesis and independent study, thought and organisation) are useful to me in both my day-to-day duties and my longer term career aspirations”
Related courses
Students interested in this course might also like to consider Classical Archaeology and Ancient History, History courses, History of Art, Human Sciences, or Earth Sciences (Geology).
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.
OXFORD podcasts on iTunes
Audio and video podcasts are now available from the School of Archaeology. Interviews with Professor Barry Cunliffe, Professor Mark Pollard, Professor Chris Gosden and DPhil student Wendy Morrison are available from the University of Oxford podcasts page or directly from iTunes, see: podcasts.ox.ac.uk/units/ archaeology-institute
1st year
Courses
Four core courses are taken:
•	Introduction to world archaeology
•	Introduction to anthropological theory
•	Perspectives on human evolution
•	The nature of archaeological enquiry
Practical classes
Fieldwork
Assessment
First University examinations:
Four written papers
2nd and 3rd years
Courses
Four core courses are taken:
•	Social analysis and interpretation
•	Cultural representations, beliefs and practices
•	Landscape and ecology
•	Urbanisation and change in complex societies
Options (three from a broad range of anthropological and archaeological courses) 
Thesis
Assessment
Final University examinations:
Seven written papers; thesis
Student Statement
“Choosing Archaeology and Anthropology, for me, was about the amazing breadth of the subject. I had always favoured history and the biological sciences in school, and this degree offers ways to not only combine the two, but also to look at both history and science from a completely new angle. Now that I’m in my second year, I can’t imagine having chosen a different subject.
With my degree, I’ve had the opportunity for field trips, field work in southern England, and am planning on several months in South America, all with help from my tutors and college, who fully support getting out and doing real-life archaeological and anthropological work.” Erin 2nd year
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Biochemistry (Molecular and Cellular)
UCAS Course Code: C700
Brief course outline
Duration of course: 4 years
Degree awarded: MBiochem
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Offers: 101
Applications shortlisted for interview: 83.9%
Successful applications: 28.0%
Entrance requirements
A-levels: A*AA with A* in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Biology, or a closely related subject.
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB
IB: 39 including core points with 7 in HL Chemistry
Or any other equivalent
Candidates are expected to have Chemistry to A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher Level in the IB or any other equivalent, plus another science or Mathematics. Biology and Mathematics to at least AS-level, Scottish Higher or Standard Level in the IB (Mathematical Methods, not Mathematical Studies) or any other equivalent can be helpful to students in completing the course, although they are not required for admission. More detailed information is available on the department website. 
Open days
26 and 27 June, and 20 September 2013
Location
See map on inside back cover
Contact details
admissions@bioch.ox.ac.uk
www.bioch.ox.ac.uk
What is Biochemistry?
The study of living things at the molecular level has undergone tremendous expansion in recent years, leading to ever increasing insights into topics as various as the origin of life, the nature of disease and the development of individual organisms. Powerful new techniques, such as those of molecular genetics and NMR spectroscopy, enable us to analyse biological phenomena in more and more precise molecular terms. These studies have led to commercially valuable developments in drug design and synthesis, forensic science, environmental sensing and a whole range of other areas. Furthermore, advances in biochemistry are largely responsible for the breakdown of traditional boundaries between cell biology, medicine, physics and chemistry as their applications become increasingly wide reaching.
Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry at Oxford
The Biochemistry Department in Oxford is one of the largest in Europe, and includes academic divisions of: Cell and Chromosome Biology; Genes and Development; Molecular Biophysics; Molecular and Systems Biochemistry; and the Glycobiology Institute/Drug Discovery Research Unit. The department is extremely active in research, with about 300 postgraduate students and research staff. The breadth and excellence of these activities are reflected in the scope of the undergraduate course and underpins the teaching.
The department has superb research facilities – having moved into our brand new building in September 2008 – and excellent teaching facilities, computer network and access to a wide range of online and hard-copy journals.
An important aspect of the Oxford Biochemistry course is its fourth-year project, lasting 18 weeks full-time, which allows you to explore both laboratory-based research and specific recent advances in biochemistry in detail. You choose the project yourself. Under the supervision of a group leader, you will design your own experiments, and will 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.
Research placements/international opportunities
A wide choice of fourth-year research projects is available both within the Biochemistry Department, and in related departments, such as Molecular Medicine, Clinical Biochemistry, Pathology and Pharmacology. About ten students each year can carry out their project in selected European universities, under the ERASMUS exchange scheme, and at Princeton University in the USA.
A typical weekly timetable
During years 1–3, your work is divided between lectures (about ten a week), tutorials (one or two a week) and practicals (averaging one full day a week). The remaining time is spent on private study (set reading, or problem-solving exercises). In the fourth year, the project occupies you in full-time research for 18 weeks, and the remainder of the year is spent in writing up your research project and studying specialist option topics. Your final degree class is derived from a combination of marks from second-, third- and fourth-year courses.
Written work and written tests
You do not need to take a written test or submit any written work as part of an application for this course.
What are tutors looking for?
As Biochemistry is not taught as an A-level subject, tutors will not expect you to have a detailed knowledge of the subject. However, if you are shortlisted for interview, tutors will be looking for an informed interest in the subject (originating from news items, books, magazine articles, etc), together with an ability to use information (from other school or college subjects, particularly Chemistry) to analyse and solve problems and to construct your own opinions. For further information about the selection criteria see: ox.ac.uk/criteria.
Related courses
Students interested in this course might also like to consider Biological Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry, or Human Sciences.
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Kathryn, who graduated in 1984, has worked internationally as a molecular biologist and currently teaches in China. She says:
“My tutor at Oxford helped me see beyond the obvious career in science in the UK and I was fortunate to be able to ride the Biotech wave in the US in the 1980s and 1990s. Since then, everywhere I have travelled and worked I have met helpful and supportive alumni. Oxford is a truly global university.”
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.
Erin, who graduated in 2010, is a clinical scientist for the NHS. She says: ‘My degree not only gave me the knowledge and qualification necessary for a career in Clinical Biochemistry, but the methods of teaching employed at Oxford University have helped me develop an investigative and independent way of thinking, perfect for this career which applies scientific principles to clinical situations.’
Erasmus
Please see ox.ac.uk/erasmus for details of Erasmus opportunities for this course.
1st year
Courses
Five courses are taken:
•	Molecular cell biology
•	Biological chemistry
•	Biophysical chemistry
•	Organic chemistry
•	Elementary maths and statistics
Assessment
First University examinations: Five written papers; satisfactory practical record
2nd and 3rd years
Courses
Five courses are taken:
•	Structure and function of macromolecules
•	Energetics and metabolic processes
•	Genetics and molecular biology
•	Cell biology and integration of function
•	Cancer biology 
•	Data handling and interpretation
Assessment
Final University examinations, Part 1: Six written papers; satisfactory practical record
4th year
Courses
A research project (full-time, 18 weeks), plus two courses taken from a list of options. The list typically includes subjects such as:
•	Bionanotechnology
•	Clinical and applied immunology
•	Membrane transport 
•	Neuropharmacology 
•	Signalling and coordination in plants 
•	Structural proteomics
•	Virology
Assessment
Final University examinations, Part 2 Project dissertation and oral presentation; Two written papers
Student Statement
“I really like the way that Oxford teaches. It is very different from other universities where you pick options a lot sooner. The course allows you to see what’s out there and really lays the foundation work that is absolutely needed if you want to go into science careers when you finish. I also like the 18-week project that is at the end of my fourth year. I’m really looking forward to it as I’ll get the chance to work for an extended amount of time in a lab. It will definitely help me to decide whether a job in research/PhD is for me!” Jemma 3rd year
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Biological Sciences
UCAS Course Code: C100
Brief course outline
Duration of course: 3 years
Degree awarded: BA
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Intake: 108
Applications shortlisted for interview: 80.3%
Successful applications: 32.8%
Entrance requirements
A-levels: A*AA with the A* in a science or Mathematics.
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB
IB: 38–40 including core points
Or any other equivalent
Candidates are expected to have Biology (or Human Biology) to A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher Level in the IB (7 points in Biology), or another equivalent. 
Open days
26 and 27 June, and 20 September 2013
Location
See map on inside back cover
Contact details
+44 (0) 1865 281214
undergraduate.enquiries@biology.ox.ac.uk
www.biology.ox.ac.uk
What is Biological Sciences?
Biological Sciences is an exciting and rapidly developing subject area, with many applications in fields as diverse as conservation biology and molecular genetics. The study of living things has undergone tremendous expansion in recent years, and topics such as cell biology, neuroscience, evolutionary biology and ecology are advancing rapidly. These developments will have a considerable impact on society, in areas such as medicine, the environment and agriculture. The rapid expansion has been accompanied by a blurring of the distinctions between disciplines: a biologist with an interest in tropical plants may well use many of the tools and techniques that are indispensable to a molecular geneticist.
Biological Sciences at Oxford
Oxford has large departments of both Plant Sciences and Zoology, with extremely well-equipped modern laboratories. In addition, there are extensive zoological and botanical collections in the Zoology and Plant Sciences Departments, University Museum of Natural History, Botanic Garden, Herbarium, Arboretum and University Parks that support work on the animal and plant kingdoms. The departments also have access to nearby Wytham Woods and the Food Animal Initiative site at the University Field Station that are used for fieldwork. The Oxford course permits a flexible combination of molecular and whole-organism biology with opportunities to specialise in particular areas.
Practicals and fieldwork
Practical laboratory work is an integral part of teaching and there is a one-week field trip for all first-year students to Pembrokeshire to study ecology. Fieldwork is a crucial part of some courses, for example there are field days associated with a number of the second-year practical courses and in the third year students may be able to attend an overseas field course. Furthermore, many students carry out their research projects in the field, either in the UK or abroad.
A typical weekly timetable
Your work is divided between lectures (normally around ten a week), tutorials (normally one a week) and practical classes (six–nine hours a week in the first year; at least 50 hours over two terms in the second year).
Written work and written tests
You do not need to take a written test or submit any written work as part of an application for this course.
What are tutors looking for?
Tutors are looking for your enthusiasm for Biology and your potential to study it at university. Interviews are not to test your factual knowledge – they are designed to enable you to show your ability to think and to understand whatever facts you have encountered up to that time. If you express an interest in a particular aspect of Biology, be prepared to talk intelligently about it. The process is rigorous, but sympathetic, so that you can show us your best. You may be asked to examine and comment on biological objects, or to interpret a written passage or a simple set of data, given to you during the interview.
Related courses
Students interested in this course might also like to consider Biochemistry (Molecular and Cellular), Biomedical Sciences, Earth Sciences (Geology), Geography, or Human Sciences.
Careers
A significant proportion of Oxford biologists embark on a professional, scientific or technical career after graduating, whilst more than one third go on to further study such as a research doctorate, or a postgraduate course in an applied field. Others will take up careers in fields such as industry or finance, where their scientific problem-solving skills are excellent training.
Recent Biological Sciences graduates include an occupational therapist and a scientist within a multinational pharmaceutical firm. Jenny graduated in 1996. After several years in a medical communication agency environment, she now has her own business, working directly with major global pharmaceutical companies. She explains that ‘the tutorial system and writing opportunities during my degree were critical in developing the skills
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needed to analyse and interpret data, present them clearly and concisely in context and discuss results of clinical trials with leaders in the oncology field.’
Hannah, who graduated in 2007, and is now a research assistant at the Royal Veterinary College, says: “My degree gave 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!”
Jeremy graduated in 1975 and has spent his career in business and finance, specialising since 1994 in media and marketing services. He now has a number of business interests in the media and communications industry. He says that studying Botany required a combination of analytical and communication skills which is invaluable for a financial professional and businessman. And the challenges of the weekly tutorial system helped produce independence of thought and a willingness to challenge convention.
1st year
Courses
Four courses are taken:
•	Cells and genes
•	Organisms
•	Ecology
•	Quantitative methods (not examined)
Assessment
First University examinations: Three written paper; Satisfactory practical record
2nd year
Courses
Eight courses are offered. Students are encouraged to attend lectures in all themes.
Compulsory:
•	Evolution
•	Quantitative methods
Themes:
•	Adaptations to the environment
•	Animal behaviour
•	Cell and developmental biology
•	Disease
•	Ecology
•	Plants and people
Assessment
Second University examinations:
Three written papers:
•	Evolution
•	Essay paper covering the six themes
•	Quantitative methods paper
Satisfactory practical record
3rd year
Courses
Around 20 options covering the full breadth of active research In the departments. Students are expected to take 6–8 of these specialist options, which are chosen freely. 2 overseas field courses are also available but numbers able to attend are capped for logistical reasons.
Assessment
Final University examinations:
Four written papers:
•	A general paper
•	A data interpretation paper
•	A short essay-based paper
•	A long essay-based paper
Two course assignments and research project (prepared work counts for 30% of overall assessment)
Student Statement
“Throughout my whole life my head has buzzed with questions; questions about humans, plants, the oceans and the microscopic world invisible to the naked eye. Oxford offers me the answers to these questions. It’s incredible!
There’s loads of practical work, from a brilliant week-long field-trip to Wales in your first year, to tropical Borneo in your second. Lab work is a great chance to test the theories you’ve learnt in lectures and the supervisors are always happy to offer help and explanation. In your third year you get to carry out a project, investigating whatever you choose, the only criteria being that you’re fascinated by what you’re investigating.” Claire 2nd year
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Biomedical Sciences
UCAS Course Code: BC98
Brief course outline
Duration of course: 3 years
Degree awarded: (dependent on specialism in the latter part of the course)
BA (Hons) Cell and Systems Biology
BA (Hons) Neuroscience
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Intake: 33
Applications shortlisted for interview: 56.8%
Successful applications: 16.9%
Entrance requirements
A-levels: A*AA excluding Critical Thinking and General Studies. Candidates are required to have two of their A-levels from Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics.
Advanced Highers: AA Highers: AAAAA
Candidates are required to have an Advanced Higher in at least one from Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics, and two Highers from Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics.
IB: 39 (including core points), with 7, 6, 6 at HL. Candidates are required to have two subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics at Higher Level.
Cambridge Pre-U: D2D3D3 Candidates are required to have two subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics. Please note: Tutors would prefer to see Mathematics or Physics as part of your subject combination at A2, or equivalent qualification. If not taken on to a higher level (A-level or equivalent), all candidates will need to show that they have received a basic education (achieving at least a grade C at GCSE, Intermediate 2 or Standard grade (Credit), or equivalent in Biology, Chemistry, Physics (GCSE Dual Award Combined Sciences, or equivalent is also acceptable) and Mathematics.
Other equivalent qualifications are also acceptable. Please see www.medsci.ox.ac.uk/study/bms for further details.
Open days
26 and 27 June, and 20 September 2013 For information, email: bmsadmissions@medsci.ox.ac.uk or visit our website at www.medsci.ox.ac.uk/study/bms/open-days
Location
See map on inside back cover
Contact details
bmsadmissions@medsci.ox.ac.uk
www.medsci.ox.ac.uk/study/bms
What is Biomedical Sciences?
Biomedical scientists focus on how cells, organs and systems function in the human body, an exciting and dynamic area that is highly relevant to the understanding and treatment of human diseases. Although biomedical sciences shape modern medical practice, the subject is not a substitute for Medicine.
Biomedical Sciences at Oxford
Oxford is a highly respected and internationally recognised centre for biomedical research and, on this interdisciplinary course, students will receive the benefit of tuition from leading experts working within a variety of non-clinical and clinical departments.
This course is the successor to the Physiological Sciences and Psychology and Physiology courses, and provides students with an intellectually stimulating education in modern molecular, cellular and systems biology and neuroscience.
The course has been designed so that students first acquire an integrated understanding of biomedical science that allows them to shape their subsequent studies towards the topics that interest them the most.
As the course progresses, increasing emphasis is placed on relating knowledge to scientific research. That emphasis is demonstrated by the opportunity for all students to obtain first-hand experience of laboratory research in the later stages of the course. Students choose their own project and the possible areas for research within the University are almost limitless.
On the basis of the specialisation initiated by the selection of second-year modules and confirmed by the choice of third-year options, students will be awarded a degree in Neuroscience or Cell and Systems Biology. The University reserves the right to limit the number of students progressing to either specialism in the third year.
For further details on the structure of the course, please refer to www.medsci.ox.ac.uk/study/bms.
A typical weekly timetable
A first-year student would typically attend six to ten lectures, a Mathematics class and a three-hour practical class. Practical work undertaken in laboratories forms an integral part of this programme; students are required to complete practical work to a satisfactory standard in order to progress through the degree course. In addition, students prepare for weekly tutorials at which discussions between students and tutors highlight, through consideration of experimental studies, the significance and limitations of the topic under consideration. Students’ remaining time is available for self-directed study and extra-curricular activities.
During the first two terms of the second year, work is divided between lectures (about five per week), tutorials (one or two per week) and practical classes. The final term of the second year is set aside for the laboratory research project.
During the third year students attend lectures, seminars and tutorials in their chosen specialist area.
Written work
You do not need to submit written work as part of an application for this course.
Written test
All applicants must take the Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT) in their own school or college or approved test centre on 6 November 2013. The standard deadline for registration is 1 October 2013, and the final deadline for registration is 15 October 2013. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure they are registered for this test. See www.bmat.org.uk for further details.
What are tutors looking for?
Tutors look for lively, receptive minds with the ability to evaluate evidence critically. You should be able to consider issues from different perspectives and have a capacity for logical and creative thinking. BMAT results data will be considered when shortlisting candidates for interview. For further information about the selection criteria see: ox.ac.uk/criteria.
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Related courses
Students interested in this course might also like to consider Biochemistry (Molecular and Cellular), Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Experimental Psychology, Human Sciences or Medicine.
Careers
Thanks to Oxford’s unique teaching style and structure, the Biomedical Sciences course will equip you with knowledge and transferable skills necessary for a career in research, in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology fields or as a psychologist. Of course, the degree will also qualify you to pursue further study with a Master’s degree or Doctoral training. The course would also provide a solid foundation with which to apply for a course in Medicine.
The Biomedical Sciences course at the University of Oxford is a full-time, basic science degree course, offering education in cell and systems physiology and neuroscience. It is not accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science.
LEADERS in teaching research
A fexible and modern undergraduate science programme at a university leading the way in biomedical teaching and research.
1st year
Courses
•	Numerical and scientific skills (Mathematics and Statistics, Chemistry and Physics)
•	Body, brain and behaviour
•	Cells, molecules and genes
Delivered by lectures, classes and practical sessions
Assessment 
Examined by three written papers at the end of the year. A satisfactory practical record is required for progression to Year 2
2nd year (Part I)
Courses
2 terms
Students will select courses totalling ten units from a wide range of options Subject areas offered include:
•	Psychological processes and disorders
•	Neurophysiology
•	Cellular and systems physiology
•	Intra- and intercellular signalling
•	Genetics and developmental biology
•	Pharmacology
•	Cellular pathology and immunologY
The full list is available at www.medsci.ox.ac.uk/study/bms.
1 term (Part II)
Students will work on their research project, which is submitted during the third year as a component of the final examination.
Assessment
Examined by two written papers at the end of the year. 20% of the final degree mark is contributed by written examination of this material during the second year. An academic penalty will be applied for an unsatisfactory practical record
3rd year (Part II)
Courses
Either:
Cell and Systems Biology
Two advanced options (one major option, one minor option) from the Honour School of Medical Sciences:
•	Neuroscience
•	Molecular medicine
•	Myocardial, vascular and respiratory biology
•	Infection and immunity
•	Signalling in health and disease
Each option comprises eight themes. For the major option, students would typically be expected to study material from five or six themes; for the minor option, students would typically be expected to study material from three or four themes.
Or:
Neuroscience
Two advanced options from the Honour School of Experimental Psychology (see the Experimental Psychology page) plus four themes from the Neuroscience option from the Honour School of Medical Sciences.
Assessment
Examined by four written papers during the third term of the final year. Students will also submit a project dissertation. In addition, students will deliver a presentation on their research project and answer questions from the examiners. 80% of the final degree mark is determined by performance in the written papers and the project dissertation
Student Statement 
“Although in school I was encouraged to apply for Medicine, my interests were much more about the science than patient interaction. The brilliance of the Biomedical Sciences course at Oxford is the luxury of choice. It has been designed in a ‘stepping stone’ fashion, providing students with a solid foundation of science in the first year and then allowing them to tailor the course to their particular interests over the following two years. You can tell they’ve really thought about the structure and it’s arguably one of the best and most exciting courses Oxford offers.” Mark 2nd year
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Chemistry
UCAS Course Code: F100
Brief course outline
Duration of course: 4 years
Degree awarded: MChem
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Intake: 181
Applications shortlisted for interview: 95.4%
Successful applications: 36.8%
Entrance requirements
A-levels: A*AA with the A* in a science or Mathematics.
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB
IB: 38–40 including core points with 7 in Chemistry and 6 or 7 in Mathematics
Or any other equivalent
Candidates are required to have Chemistry and Mathematics to A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher Level in the IB or any other equivalent. In IB Mathematics,7 at SL is also acceptable. Another science or Further Mathematics are recommended.
Open days
26 and 27 June, and 20 September 2013
Location
See map on inside back cover
Contact details
+44 (0) 1865 272568
admissions@chem.ox.ac.uk
www.chem.ox.ac.uk
What is Chemistry?
Chemistry is a wide-ranging science concerned with the synthesis, structures, dynamics, properties and transformations of all types of materials - organic, inorganic and biological.
Chemists are a constant source of innovation: it is hard to imagine any product introduced in recent times that did not require the creative efforts of a chemist at some stage. Chemistry also underpins the conceptual framework and methodology of biochemistry and molecular medicine, and is at the heart of many major industrial activities.
If you have a scientific approach, and Chemistry is your favourite subject, that is enough reason in itself to study it at university. As well as its inherent challenge and excitement a Chemistry degree opens the door to a wide and varied range of careers.
Chemistry at Oxford
The Department of Chemistry is the largest in the western world. Each year some 180 chemists graduate after a four-year course which includes a year of research, and about 80 graduates receive doctorates.
Oxford is one of the leading chemistry research departments in the world with around 80 academic staff carrying out international-level research, and an annual research income of around £15 million. The latest (2008) Research Assessment Exercise confirmed that Oxford Chemistry has the highest ‘power rating’ (breadth and depth of science) in the UK. The department is currently engaged in a number of innovative areas of work including chemistry for measurement, drug discovery, energy, catalysis, nanochemistry, synthesis, atmospheric chemistry, synthetic biology and femtochemistry.
The department has an unrivalled track record in protecting and commercializing the innovative work of research staff. Tens of millions of pounds in cash has been raised for the University as a result of spin-out activities from research carried out by Oxford chemists. The school is housed in four laboratories, clustered together in the University’s Science Area, particularly close to the well-stocked Radcliffe Science Library. These include a state-of-the-art £65m research laboratory with unrivalled i facilities, which opened in 2004.
The undergraduate course lasts four years, the fourth year (Part II) being devoted exclusively to research – a distinctive, long-standing feature of Chemistry at Oxford.
Chemistry is part of the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division, which also contains Computer Science, Earth Sciences (Geology), Engineering, Materials, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Plant Sciences and Zoology, some of which are taught in combinations in joint courses. In the later stages of honour schools in Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences, there are opportunities to take options in other subject areas: in Chemistry for example, it is possible to take History and Philosophy of Science or a language as supplementary subjects, usually in the second year.
A typical weekly timetable (years 1–3)
During the first three years, your work is divided between lectures (usually about ten a week), tutorials and classes (one or two a week), and practical classes occupying about one and a half days a week. The course is challenging but leaves adequate time for extra-curricular pursuits.
Work placements/international opportunities
Part II (the fourth year) involves full-time work with an established research group. There is the possibility of a few students spending three months of the year at universities in continental Europe or the USA.
Written work and written tests
You do not need to take a written test or submit any written work as part of an application for this course.
What are tutors looking for?
The tutors will be looking for evidence of motivation and potential for advanced study; they will seek to evaluate your capacity to analyse and use information to develop your own understanding, and your willingness to discuss concepts.
Related courses
Students interested in this course might also like to consider Biochemistry (Molecular and Cellular), Biomedical Sciences, Earth Sciences (Geology), Materials Science or Physics.
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Nick, who graduated in 2009, is now an educational consultant. He says: “Since graduating I have started a company called Explosive Science with a friend from college. We perform chemistry demonstrations in schools, aiming to enthuse children about science.”
Careers
As the central scientific subject, Chemistry provides an excellent opportunity for the development of your critical faculties and intellect, and also instils a variety of important transferable skills that will serve you well whatever your subsequent choice of career. Typically about 55% of our Chemistry graduates go on to do research or further study. Others enter professions such as accountancy, banking and actuarial work, as well as manufacturing, IT and education. The Royal Society of Chemistry provides further information about careers using chemistry, www.rsc.org. Recent Chemistry graduates include a management consultant, a market research analyst, and a scientist.
Sue graduated in 1975 and is now a patent attorney. She says: ‘My job is to assist inventors to achieve proper legal protection for their inventions. I handle chemical inventions, and am involved at the cutting edge of chemistry, as well as being an expert in the relevant law. My Oxford training gave me first-rate scientific understanding, and also the analytical skills I need to handle legal work.’
AMAZING Chemistry AT OXFORD
A unique feature of the Chemistry course at Oxford is the fourth year, which is entirely devoted to a research project, when students work with a supervisor they have selected, and can use the state-of-the-art Chemistry Research Laboratory. See www.chem.ox.ac.uk/crl.
1st Year
Courses
Four courses are taken:
•	Inorganic chemistry
•	Physical chemistry
•	Organic chemistry
•	Mathematics for chemistry
Assessment
First University examinations: Part IA examinations: Four written papers; Satisfactory practical record
2nd Year
Courses
Core material, including courses on:
•	Theoretical chemistry
•	Bio-organic chemistry
•	Bio-inorganic chemistry
•	Molecular spectroscopy
•	Synthetic chemistry
Optional supplementary subject course
Assessment
Three written papers
3rd year
Courses
Further core material, plus advanced courses with a choice from among a variety of options
Optional supplementary subject course
Assessment
Part IB examinations: Seven written papers; continuous assessment of practicals
4th year
Research
Full-time research under the supervision of a member of the academic staff
Optional supplementary subject course
Assessment
Part II examination:
Dissertation; oral examination; determination 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
Student Statement
“We study Organic, Inorganic and Physical Chemistry as well as Maths. The topics we study range from quantum mechanics, to the applications of superconductors, to biochemical warfare and drug targets.
The department is one of the best in the world, with many top research Chemists. It’s amazing how often we have lectures or tutorials given by the authors of the textbooks we use!” Abigail, 2nd year
[46]
Classical Archaeology and Ancient History
UCAS Course Code: VV14
Brief course outline
Duration of course: 3 years
Degree awarded: BA
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Intake: 17
Applications shortlisted for interview: 87.1%
Successful applications: 27.1%
Entrance requirements
A-levels: AAA
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB
IB: 39 including core points, with at least 7, 6, 6 from three subjects at Higher level
Or any other equivalent
A classical language, Classical Civilisation or Ancient History can be helpful to students in completing this course, although they are not required for admission.
Open days
See Classics (p 48 [printed edition page numbers])
Location
See map on inside back cover
Contact details
+44 (0) 1865 288391
enquiries@classics.ox.ac.uk
www.classics.ox.ac.uk
What is Classical Archaeology and Ancient History (CAAH)?
The course combines study of the history, archaeology and art of the classical world. It looks at the societies and cultures of the ancient Mediterranean world through their written texts, visual art and material remains, and has at its centre the two classical cultures of Greece and Rome. It is aimed at anyone interested in investigating ancient civilisations and their remains, from Greek temples and Roman amphitheatres to wall-paintings and the poignant residues of everyday life. Whilst it is primarily a historical and non-linguistic degree, ancient languages can be used and learned as part of the course.
CAAH at Oxford
The CAAH degree is taught through a mixture of tutorials, lectures and classes. Some cover specifically archaeological or historical approaches to ancient Mediterranean cultures, but the degree is unique in also offering courses that combine both approaches. In every year of the course there are classes led by two faculty members, one archaeologist and one historian. These classes are designed to give an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to the topics studied.
The University’s resources for this combined subject are excellent, in terms of both library facilities – much of the Sackler Library’s collection is built around these two subjects – and the range and number of postholders in the two fields. The University’s Ashmolean Museum also contains wide-ranging collections of art and artefacts from the classical cultures.
Fieldwork and international opportunities
There are two practical elements – two weeks at the end of the first year spent either on a University-sponsored excavation or on another archaeological field project, and the preparation of a report in the second and third years focusing either on a particular ancient site or on an artefact or set of artefacts in a museum of your choice, from the Ashmolean to the Metropolitan Museum in New York.
A typical weekly timetable
During the first year, your work is divided between lectures (about four to six a week), team-taught classes (one a week for the first two terms), tutorials (one every week or two) and/or language classes and private study. In the second and third years, besides lectures, tutorials and classes, you will also spend time preparing your museum or site report.
In your second and third years, leading up to your final exams, you build on the work done in the first year and expand your range in time and theme. You will take six options and a site or museum report (equivalent to one paper). The options are chosen from a list of: Integrated Classes, which bring together historical and archaeological approaches to a particular period; Core Papers, which deal with central topics in Greco-Roman studies; Further Papers, whose range allows you either to build up concentrated expertise in some central areas and periods or to extend into earlier and later periods, and into non-classical cultures; and Classical Language Papers, which allow you to continue the study of Greek or Latin.
Written work
As part of your application you will be required to submit by 11 November 2013 two recent marked essays written as part of your school or college course. For further details please see the course pages at ox.ac.uk/courses.
Written tests
You do not need to take a written test as part of an application for this course.
What are tutors looking for?
Tutors are looking for intellectual potential, the specific visual, textual and reasoning abilities that are required for this course, and, of course, serious interest in and commitment to both classical archaeology and ancient history. Tutors will consider all the available information – past and predicted examination results, the personal statement, academic reference and interviews – to assess the 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: ox.ac.uk/criteria.
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Related courses
Students interested in this course might also like to consider Archaeology and Anthropology, Classics, 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.’
Sackler Library
The Sackler Library, part of the Bodleian Libraries, is a principal research library of the University and specialises in Archaeology, Art History, and Classics (Ancient History and Literature).
1st year
Courses
Four courses are taken.
Core elements
Aristocracy and democracy in the Greek world, 550–450 BC
Republic to empire: Rome 50 BC to AD 50
Optional elements
Archaeology: Homeric archaeology and early Greece from 1550 to 700 BC; Greek vases, Greek sculpture c. 600–300 BC; Roman architecture
History: Thucydides and the West; Aristophanes’ political comedy; Cicero and Catiline; Tacitus and Tiberius
Ancient Languages: Beginning Ancient Greek; Beginning Latin; Intermediate Ancient Greek; Intermediate Latin
Assessment
First University examinations: Four written exam papers
2nd and 3rd years
Courses
Six courses are taken from a wide choice of options, including:
Early Greece and the Mediterranean, 950–550 BC
Rome, Italy, and the Hellenistic East, 300–100 BC
Greek art and archaeology, c. 500–300 BC
Roman archaeology: Cities and settlement under the Empire
Art under the Roman Empire, AD 14–337
Archaeology of the late Roman Empire, AD 284–641
Thucydides and the Greek world, 479–403 BC
Alexander the Great and his early successors
Roman history 146–46 BC
Politics, society and culture from Nero to Hadrian
Egyptian art and architecture
Archaeology of Minoan Crete, 3200–1000 BC
Formation of the Islamic world, AD 550–950
Scientific methods in archaeology
Greek and Roman coins
Mediterranean maritime archaeology
Epigraphy of the Greek and/or Roman world
Athenian democracy in the classical age
Sexuality and gender in Greece and Rome
Cicero: Politics and thought in the late Republic
Religions in the Greek and Roman world, c. 31 BC–AD 312
St Augustine and the Last Days of Rome, AD 370–430
Intermediate ancient Greek or Latin
Research for a site or museum report
Assessment
Final University examinations:
Six written papers; one site or museum report
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Classics Classics, Philosophy, Ancient History and Classical Archaeology
UCAS Course Code (Classics I): Q800
UCAS Course Code (Classics II): Q810
Brief course outline
Duration of course: 4 years
Degree awarded: BA
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Intake: 126
Applications shortlisted for interview: 96.3%
Successful applications: 40.5%
Entrance requirements
A-levels: AAA with As in Latin and Greek, if taken.
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB, with As in Latin and Greek, if taken.
IB: 39 including core points with 7, 6, 6 from three subjects at Higher level and an aggregate of 13 in Latin and Greek, if taken.
Or any other equivalent
For Course I, candidates should normally have Latin and/or Greek to A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher Level in the IB or any other equivalent. Candidates with no experience (or more limited experience) of studying these languages should apply for Course II.
Open days
15 March 2013
This open day will be held in Oxford jointly with the University of Cambridge. Booking is required. See: www.classics.ox.ac.uk/outreach/events for further details.
Location
See map on inside back cover
Contact details
+44 (0) 1865 288391
enquiries@classics.ox.ac.uk
www.classics.ox.ac.uk
What is Classics?
Classics is the study of the languages, culture, history and thought of the civilisations of ancient Greece and Rome. It is one of the most varied and interdisciplinary of all subjects; based upon a wide range of options, the course offers the opportunity to study literature (epic, drama, historical writing, and much else), the history and archaeology of the Greek and Roman Mediterranean, philosophy (both ancient and modern), and linguistics.
Classics at Oxford
Oxford has the largest Classics department in the world, with unparalleled teaching, library and museum resources and a range of extra-curricular activities, including performances of Greek plays and various societies.
The Oxford degree involves extensive study of the ancient languages, as many of the texts are read in the original. Some candidates applying to Oxford will be taking A-level (or equivalent) in either Latin or Greek or both, but we also welcome applications for Course II, which enables candidates to learn Greek or Latin from scratch.
Fieldwork/international opportunities
Fieldwork is not a requirement in any part of the course, but some undergraduates may receive financial assistance to travel to Italy or Greece, and to participate in archaeological excavations.
A typical weekly timetable
Your time is divided between lectures, tutorials and private study. Most of your work will be in preparation of essays for your tutorials, although the systematic reading of ancient texts, not necessarily aimed at any particular tutorial, also requires a considerable input of time and effort.
Written work
As part of your application you will be required to submit two essays or commentaries by 11 November 2013. Normally these will be in areas relevant to Classics. They should preferably not be short, timed essays or exercises answering questions on a short passage of text.
For further details please see the course pages at ox.ac.uk/courses.
Written tests
All candidates must take the Classics Admissions Test (CAT), normally at their own school or college, on 6 November 2013. This test is in three parts: the Latin test, the Greek test and the Classics Language Aptitude Test. Candidates who are studying Latin or Greek to A-level or equivalent (those applying for Course I) must take the test(s) in the language(s) you are studying. Candidates who are studying neither Latin nor Greek to A-level or equivalent (those applying for Course II) must take the Classics Language Aptitude Test.
Separate registration for this test is required and the final deadline for entries is 15 October 2013. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure they are registered for this test. See ox.ac.uk/tests for further details.
What are tutors looking for?
For information about the selection criteria please see: ox.ac.uk/criteria.
Tutors will not expect you to know obscure facts and will not be worried by gaps in your knowledge. They are looking for potential and an enquiring mind.
Related courses
Students interested in this course might also like to consider other Classics or Ancient History courses.
Department websites can be very useful when comparing courses.
Careers
The breadth of subjects studied and skills learned to a high level mean that Classics graduates are in great demand among employers. In recent years a high proportion of classicists have continued on to further study in their subject, or for other professional qualifications especially in law and teaching; graduates have entered occupations including accountancy, the Civil Service, finance, media and publishing. Recent Classics graduates include barristers and a junior desk editor for a publisher of children’s books.
Charles, who graduated in 1980, now works at Felsted School. He says: ‘I have taught Classics in both Independent Senior and Preparatory Schools and have also been a Headmaster. I am currently Academic Registrar and still teach Classics. I hope that I have passed on to my pupils some of the lessons I learned at Oxford through tutorials and seminars – the need for precision, a willingness to think “outside the box”, and a vibrant passion for the Classical World.’
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Menai, who graduated in 1997, is now a project manager for Kent County Council. She says:
“I joined Kingfisher Retail and subsequently WHSmith. I then worked for a charity and finally moved to local government. The training in logical thinking and a questioning approach I developed while studying for my degree have been invaluable.”
LARGEST Classics Faculty in the world
As the largest faculty of Classics in the world Oxford can offer an unparalleled range of undergraduate (and graduate) courses, catering for a huge range of interests.
Course IA (Latin and Greek, for those who have studied Latin and Greek to A-level or equivalent)
Terms 1 – 5 Courses
•	Homer’s Iliad
•	Virgil’s Aeneid
•	Texts and contexts: integrating literary, archaeological material
•	A special subject in Philosophy (ancient or modern)
•	A classical special subject: literary historical, archaeological, or philological
•	Work on the Greek and Latin languages
Terms 1 – 5 Assessment
First University examinations IA: Ten papers, including four language papers(Latin and Greek)
Terms 6 – 12 Courses
Choose eight options from more than 80 in the following subjects (no area is compulsory); in most of these subjects it is possible to offer an undergraduate thesis in place of one of the papers:
•	Greek and Roman history (choose up to five): some are period papers, others topic-based
•	Philosophy (choose up to five), ranging from Plato’s Republic to the Philosophy of mind: for a full range of options see: ox.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/philosophy.html
•	Greek and Latin literature (choose up to five) 
•	Greek and Roman archaeology (choose up to two, plus a thesis if you wish)
•	Philology and Linguistics choose up to two, plus a thesis if you wish optional second classical language
•	Second classical language: Course II students can take up the second classical language if they wish (will count as two papers in the final exam)
Terms 6 – 12 Assessment
Final University examinations: eight exam subjects taken, with the possibility of offering one paper as a thesis. For some Literature options instead of a three-hour paper, assessment involves the composition of one long essay over a three- week period
Course IB (Latin or Greek, for those who have studied only Latin to A-level or equivalent)
Terms 1 – 5 Courses
•	Homer’s Iliad
•	Virgil’s Aeneid
•	Texts and contexts: integrating literary, archaeological material
•	A special subject in Philosophy (ancient or modern)
•	A classical special subject: literary historical, archaeological, or philological
•	Work on the Greek and Latin languages
Terms 1 – 5 Assessment
First University examinations IB: Ten papers, including four language papers (Greek language work at a less advanced level than IA, Latin at the same level as IA)
Terms 6 – 12 Courses
Choose eight options from more than 80 in the following subjects (no area is compulsory); in most of these subjects it is possible to offer an undergraduate thesis in place of one of the papers:
•	Greek and Roman history (choose up to five): some are period papers, others topic-based
•	Philosophy (choose up to five), ranging from Plato’s Republic to the Philosophy of mind: for a full range of options see: ox.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/philosophy.html
•	Greek and Latin literature (choose up to five) 
•	Greek and Roman archaeology (choose up to two, plus a thesis if you wish)
•	Philology and Linguistics choose up to two, plus a thesis if you wish optional second classical language
•	Second classical language: Course II students can take up the second classical language if they wish (will count as two papers in the final exam)
Terms 6 – 12 Assessment
Final University examinations: eight exam subjects taken, with the possibility of offering one paper as a thesis. For some Literature options instead of a three-hour paper, assessment involves the composition of one long essay over a three- week period
Course IC (Latin and Greek, for those who have studied Greek to A-level or equivalent)
Terms 1 – 5 Courses
•	Homer’s Iliad
•	Virgil’s Aeneid
•	Texts and contexts: integrating literary, archaeological material
•	A special subject in Philosophy (ancient or modern)
•	A classical special subject: literary historical, archaeological, or philological
•	Work on the Greek and Latin languages
Terms 1 – 5 Assessment
First University examinations IC: Ten papers, including four language papers (Latin language work at a less advanced level than IA, Greek at the same level as IA)
Terms 6 – 12 Courses
Choose eight options from more than 80 in the following subjects (no area is compulsory); in most of these subjects it is possible to offer an undergraduate thesis in place of one of the papers:
•	Greek and Roman history (choose up to five): some are period papers, others topic-based
•	Philosophy (choose up to five), ranging from Plato’s Republic to the Philosophy of mind: for a full range of options see: ox.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/philosophy.html
•	Greek and Latin literature (choose up to five) 
•	Greek and Roman archaeology (choose up to two, plus a thesis if you wish)
•	Philology and Linguistics choose up to two, plus a thesis if you wish optional second classical language
•	Second classical language: Course II students can take up the second classical language if they wish (will count as two papers in the final exam)
Terms 6 – 12 Assessment
Final University examinations: eight exam subjects taken, with the possibility of offering one paper as a thesis. For some Literature options instead of a three-hour paper, assessment involves the composition of one long essay over a three- week period
Course IIA (Latin only, for those who have not studied Greek or Latin to A-level or equivalent)
Terms 1 – 5 Courses
•	Virgil s Aeneid
•	Special subjects and Texts and contexts as Course I
•	Work on the Latin language
Terms 1 – 5 Assessment
First University examinations IIA: Seven papers, including two language papers
Terms 6 – 12 Courses
Choose eight options from more than 80 in the following subjects (no area is compulsory); in most of these subjects it is possible to offer an undergraduate thesis in place of one of the papers:
•	Greek and Roman history (choose up to five): some are period papers, others topic-based
•	Philosophy (choose up to five), ranging from Plato’s Republic to the Philosophy of mind: for a full range of options see: ox.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/philosophy.html
•	Greek and Latin literature (choose up to five) 
•	Greek and Roman archaeology (choose up to two, plus a thesis if you wish)
•	Philology and Linguistics choose up to two, plus a thesis if you wish optional second classical language
•	Second classical language: Course II students can take up the second classical language if they wish (will count as two papers in the final exam)
Terms 6 – 12 Assessment
Final University examinations: As Course I, but Latin only, unless you take optional second classical language
Course IIB (Greek only, for those who have not studied Latin or Greek to A-level or equivalent)
Terms 1 – 5 Courses
•	Homers Iliad
•	Special subjects and Texts and contexts as Course I
•	Work on the Greek language
Terms 1 – 5 Assessment
First University examinations IIB: Seven papers, including two language papers
Terms 6 – 12 Courses
Choose eight options from more than 80 in the following subjects (no area is compulsory); in most of these subjects it is possible to offer an undergraduate thesis in place of one of the papers:
•	Greek and Roman history (choose up to five): some are period papers, others topic-based
•	Philosophy (choose up to five), ranging from Plato’s Republic to the Philosophy of mind: for a full range of options see: ox.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/philosophy.html
•	Greek and Latin literature (choose up to five) 
•	Greek and Roman archaeology (choose up to two, plus a thesis if you wish)
•	Philology and Linguistics choose up to two, plus a thesis if you wish optional second classical language
•	Second classical language: Course II students can take up the second classical language if they wish (will count as two papers in the final exam)
Terms 6 – 12 Assessment
Final University examinations: As Course I, but Greek only, unless you take optional second language class
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Classics and English
UCAS Course Code (3 years): QQ38 
UCAS Course Code (4 years): QQH8 
Brief course outline
Duration of course:
Course I: 3 years
Course II: 4 years (including preliminary year for those without A-level or equivalent in either Greek or Latin)
Degree awarded: BA
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Intake: 5
Applications shortlisted for interview: 82.8%
Successful applications: 24.1%
Entrance requirements
A-levels: AAA with As in Latin and Greek, if taken.
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB, with As in Latin and Greek, if taken.
IB: 39 including core points, with 7, 6, 6 from three subjects at Higher level and an aggregate of 13 in Latin and Greek, if taken.
Or any other equivalent
Candidates are expected to have English Literature, or English Language and Literature, to A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher Level in the IB or any other equivalent. 
Applicants for Course I would be expected to have Latin and/or Greek to A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher Level in the IB or any other equivalent. 
Candidates with no experience of studying these classical languages should apply for Course II.
Open days
See Classics (p 48) [printed edition page numbers]
See English Language and Literature (p 66) [printed edition page numbers]
Applicants are welcomed at any of these days. There will be staff available at open days in both Faculties who can discuss this joint degree with prospective students.
Location
See map on inside back cover
Contact details
Classics
+44 (0) 1865 288391
enquiries@classics.ox.ac.uk
www.classics.ox.ac.uk
English
+44 (0) 1865 271055
english.office@ell.ox.ac.uk
www.english.ox.ac.uk
What is Classics and English?
Classics and English appeals to those with a particular interest in literary and cultural interactions. English may be taken with Latin or Greek or both. For candidates with an A-level or equivalent in either Latin or Greek or both, this is a three-year course (Course I). For those who have not had the opportunity to study either language at school or college there is a preliminary year in which they learn either Latin or Greek, combined with some study of classical literature; for them the course lasts four years (Course II).
Oxford has a long and distinguished tradition of research and teaching in both Classics and English; the Classics Faculty is the largest in the world, and the English Faculty the largest in this country. Oxford possesses remarkable library provision in both subjects, in the Bodleian Library, the Sackler Library, the English Faculty Library and the college libraries.
The first year of the course (which follows the preliminary year of language learning for those taking Course II) is divided equally between the classical and English elements. The core of the Classics and English course at Oxford is formed by the link papers, which are studied over the second and third years of the course. These papers emphasise the interactions between Classics and English. They provide an opportunity to compare texts from both sides of the course, and to study classical influence. Further papers are also chosen from each of the ‘parent’ subjects.
A typical weekly timetable
Students usually have two tutorials a week, plus language classes, and they are often (but not always) working on two papers simultaneously. Most students attend three to four lectures a week and students will be expected to produce around twelve pieces of written work during a term. Up to three papers available in the list of options on each side are examined by an extended essay of 6–8,000 words, written over three weeks of term.
Written work
Candidates are normally expected to submit two pieces of written work, where possible one relevant to Classics and one to English, by 11 November 2013. Candidates will preferably not submit short, timed essays or exercises answering questions on a short passage of text. For further details please see the course pages at ox.ac.uk/courses.
Written tests
All candidates must take both the Classics Admissions Test (CAT) and the English Literature Admissions Test (ELAT), normally at their own school or college, on 6 November 2013. Please see Classics (p 48) [printed edition page numbers] and English (p 66) [printed edition page numbers] for further details.
Separate registration for each test is required. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that they are registered for these tests.
See ox.ac.uk/tests for further details.
What are tutors looking for?
Successful candidates will be expected to display competence in Latin or Greek (or general language aptitude if they are applying for Course II). They will have read widely in English and classical literature (in the original or in translation). They will also enjoy talking and writing about literature and approaches to it. If you are shortlisted for interview tutors may ask you to talk about a piece of prose or verse, supplied before or in the interview.
For further information about the selection criteria see: ox.ac.uk/criteria.
Related courses
Students interested in this course might also like to consider other Classics courses or other English courses.
Careers
Many graduates in Classics and English continue on to 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.
Recent Classics and English graduates include a freelance writer and a teacher.
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Philip, who graduated in 2000, is now a writer. He says: “Since graduating I have embarked on a career in writing and journalism. I have published two novels, and write for a wide range of magazines and papers, and am a Contributing Editor to Literary Review, the Periscope Post and Port. My degree helped me develop the analytical, presentational and linguistic skills that are paramount in the media world.”
1st year
Courses
Five papers are taken:
•	Introduction to English Language and Literature
•	Literature in English 1550-1660
•	Unseen translation for Classics
•	Greek and Latin literature (two papers, offering a choice of Greek or Latin
Assessment
Four written papers from the First University Examination, together with a submitted portfolio of two essays for “Introduction to English Language and Literature”.
All exams must be passed, but marks do not count towards the final degree
2nd and 3rd Years
Courses
Seven papers are taken:
•	Two link papers, one compulsory (Epic), and a choice from Comedy, Tragedy, Reception
•	One of Papers 2-5 from the English single honours course not taken in the first year
•	One of Papers 1-6 from the English single honours course not taken in the first year
•	Classics Greek or Latin core paper 
•	One classics option 
•	Dissertation of 8,000 words, either interdisciplinary, or focused on English or Classics 
Assessment
Up to three papers examined as coursework (extended essays and dissertation). The remaining papers will then be examined by final written examinations at the end of the third year
Student Statement
“From my experience, tutors would rather have someone who is passionate about a subject they don’t know very much about, than someone who knows a lot but isn’t interested in discussing and learning. I had applied for Latin, but after comparing Aristophanes to Blackadder in the interview they persuaded me that I really wanted to study Greek. They were definitely right! Now I’m studying literature that I love, in the original language.
Doing a joint course allows you to bring different perspectives to all of your subjects. Thinking about Renaissance literature with knowledge of the Classics means you have a very different perspective from someone studying straight English, for example. It’s a unique kind of literary criticism.” Emma 3rd year
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Classics and Modern Languages Classics and either Celtic, Czech (with Slovak), French, German, Modern Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish
UCAS Course Codes - There is a unique course code for each combination of subjects. Please see ox.ac.uk/courses.
Brief course outline
Duration of course:
Course I (Option 1): 4 years
Course I (Option 2) and Course II (Options 1 and 2): 5 years
Degree awarded: BA
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Intake: 7
Applications shortlisted for interview: 93.9%
Successful applications: 21.2%
Open days
See Classics (p 48) [printed edition page numbers]
See Modern Languages (p 112) [printed edition page numbers]
Location
See map on inside back cover
Contact details
Classics
+44 (0) 1865 288391
enquiries@classics.ox.ac.uk
www.classics.ox.ac.uk
Modern Languages
+44 (0) 1865 270750
reception@mod-langs.ox.ac.uk
www.mod-langs.ox.ac.uk
Entrance requirements
A-levels: AAA, with As in Latin and Greek, if taken.
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB, with As in Latin and Greek, if taken.
IB: 39 including core points with 7, 6, 6 from three subjects at Higher level and an aggregate of 13 in Latin and Greek, if taken.
Or any other equivalent
Classics I courses are for candidates with Latin or Greek to A-level, Advanced Higher, Higher Level in the IB or another academic equivalent. Classics II courses are for candidates without an A-level or other qualifications in either Latin or Greek. As it is not usually possible for students to study two languages from scratch, Classics II candidates would usually be expected to have studied the Modern Language before, or to speak it at home or school, as detailed below:
For French, German, Russian and Spanish
Candidates would usually be expected to have the language to A-level, Advanced Higher, Higher Level in the IB or another academic equivalent.
For Czech, Modern Greek, Italian and Portuguese
Please note there are different course codes for these languages, depending on whether you are applying with an A-level or equivalent in the relevant language, or if you are applying for a beginners’ course. Beginners’ courses allow students to start studying one of these languages from scratch.
For Celtic
We generally expect all students applying for Celtic to be beginners, though those with experience are also very welcome to apply.
What is Classics and Modern Languages?
Classics and Modern Languages enables you to combine study of either one or both of Latin and Ancient Greek with a modern language. The course involves extensive study of major literary texts, alongside training in linguistic skills.
Classics and Modern Languages at Oxford
Oxford has the largest Classics department in the world, with unparalleled teaching, library and museum resources and a range of extra-curricular activities, including performances of Greek plays and various societies. The Modern Languages Faculty is one of the largest in the country, with a major research library (the Taylorian) and a well-equipped Language Centre. Undergraduates also develop oral proficiency in the modern language by regular contact with native speakers.
International opportunities
Students spend a year abroad in a foreign country before their final year. Please see Modern Languages (p 112 [printed edition page numbers]) for more information. College support may also be available to help undergraduates with academically-related travel to Italy or Greece.
A typical weekly timetable
Your time is divided between lectures, language classes, tutorials and private study. Most of your work will be in preparation of essays for your tutorials, although the systematic reading of literary texts, not necessarily aimed at any particular tutorial, also requires a considerable input of time and effort.
Written work
Candidates must submit written work for each of the subjects forming this joint course, so please see further details on the pages for Classics (p 50 [printed edition page numbers]) and for Modern Languages (p 112 [printed edition page numbers]). Written work must be submitted by 11 November 2013.
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Written tests
All candidates must take both the Classics Admissions Test (CAT) and the Modern Languages Admissions Tests (MLAT), normally at their own school or college, on 6 November 2013. Please see Classics (p 48 [printed edition page numbers]) and Modern Languages (p 112 [printed edition page numbers]) for further details. Separate registration for both tests is required. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that they are registered for these tests.
See ox.ac.uk/tests for further details.
What are tutors looking for?
For information about the selection criteria please see: ox.ac.uk/criteria.
Related courses
Students interested in this course might also like to consider other Classics courses or other language courses.
Careers
Graduates in Classics and Modern Languages go on to careers including the media, teaching, acting, management, advertising and librarianship. Knowledge of a modern language opens up opportunities for internationally-focused careers or careers with international companies or organisations. The Languages Work website has further information about careers using languages: www.languageswork.org.uk.
Recent Classics and Modern Languages graduates include an investment manager and a trainee solicitor.
Erasmus
Please see ox.ac.uk/erasmus for details of Erasmus opportunities for this course.
Option 1 1st year (Course I) or 1st and 2nd year (Course II)
Course II students spend a preliminary year studying Latin or Greek, then follow Course I
Course I
•	Literature (in your modern language) (two papers)
•	Literature in the ancient language or languages (two papers)
•	Translation from the ancient language(s) into English (one paper)
•	Language exercises (including translation) for the modern language (two papers)
Assessment 
First University examinations: 4 papers in the modern language; 3 papers in the ancient language
Option 2 1st and 2nd year (terms 1–5)
Courses
As for Classics (see entry for Classics for the first five terms).
Course II students follow Classics Course II
In addition, undergraduates normally maintain contact with their modern language through language classes
Assessment
First University examinations in Classics: Ten papers
Options 1 and 2 (plus intercalated year abroad) Terms 4–9 (Option 1 Course I), 6–12 (Option 2), or 7–12 (Option 1 Course II)
Courses 
•	Modern Language (four/five papers), including: language exercises (two papers plus oral examination), a period of literature and options (prescribed authors and texts from 12th to 20th century, linguistics papers, or special subject topics)
•	Classics (three/four papers): a core paper in Latin or in Greek literature, two or three Classics options
•	Possibility of a paper or a long essay exploring the links between the ancient and modern literatures
Assessment
Final University examinations: Nine papers in total (eight compulsory, 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
Student Statement
“There’s a strong emphasis on literature in both halves of this degree, but the authors you choose to study can be virtually any from classical to medieval to modern. There’s a chance to look at other disciplines, too, like history, archaeology, philosophy or linguistics. Classical influences can be found in all sorts of places, which means you often pick things up quicker in modern languages too.
One of the great opportunities the degree offers is the year abroad. I spent nine months working for a charity in Argentina teaching English. I know some have used the time to visit more than one place, or combine volunteering and work.” Imogen 4th year
[54]
Classics and Oriental Studies
UCAS Course Codes:
Classics with Oriental Studies: Q8T9
Oriental Studies with Classics: T9Q8
Brief course outline
Duration of course: Usually 4 years; 3 for those taking Oriental Studies as their main subject but not having a year abroad
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Intake: 2
Applications shortlisted for interview: 85.7%
Successful applications: 28.6%
Degree awarded
BA in Classics and Oriental Studies (Classics with Oriental Studies) or BA in Classics and Oriental Studies (Oriental Studies with Classics)
Entrance requirements
A-levels: AAA with As in Latin and Greek, if taken.
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB, with As in Latin and Greek, if taken.
IB: 39 including core points with 7, 6, 6 from three subjects at Higher level and an aggregate of 13 in Latin and Greek, if taken.
Or any other equivalent
It is highly recommended for candidates to have Latin and/or Greek to A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher Level in the IB or any other equivalent. However, candidates with no experience of studying these languages can still apply – please refer to the course details for information.
Open days
See Classics (p 48) [printed edition page numbers]
See Oriental Studies (p 120) [printed edition page numbers]
Both open days cover Classics and Oriental Studies.
Location
See map on inside back cover
Contact details
Classics
+44 (0) 1865 288391
enquiries@classics.ox.ac.uk
www.classics.ox.ac.uk
Oriental Studies
+44 (0) 1865 278312 
undergraduate.admissions@orinst.ox.ac.uk
www.orinst.ox.ac.uk
What is Classics and Oriental Studies?
This course allows you to combine the study of an Oriental language and culture with Latin and/or Greek and the study of the ancient world. There are two options, Classics with Oriental Studies (Q8T9) and Oriental Studies with Classics (T9Q8). In each case the subject mentioned first is the main subject (approximately two thirds of the degree) and the second subject is an additional subject (approximately one third of the degree).
Classics and Oriental Studies at Oxford
Oxford is uniquely placed for the combined study of Classics and Oriental Studies, not least in the numerous and varied teaching staff in each faculty. The Ashmolean Museum houses collections of ancient artefacts, including coins, vases and manuscripts. The Sackler Library brings together books on the classical world and ancient Egypt and the near east, with a particular emphasis on history and art.
Written work
Candidates are expected to submit two pieces of written work by 11 November 2013. For those taking one or more classical subjects already, at least one of these should be on a classical topic. For further details, see the pages for Classics (p 48 [printed edition page numbers]) and for Oriental Studies (p 120 [printed edition page numbers]).
Written tests
All candidates for Classics with Oriental Studies (Q8T9) must take the Classics Admissions Test (CAT), normally at their own school or college, on 6 November 2013. Please see Classics (p 48 [printed edition page numbers]) for further details. Candidates for Classics with Oriental Studies (Q8T9) intending to study Arabic, Turkish, Hebrew, or Persian should always take ‘Part B’ of the CAT (in addition to any other parts required), which is a test of language aptitude.
All candidates for Oriental Studies with Classics (T9Q8) intending to study Arabic, Turkish, Hebrew or Persian must take the Oriental Languages Aptitude Test (OLAT), normally at their own school or college, on 6 November 2013. Please see Oriental Studies (p 120 [printed edition page numbers]) for further details.
Separate registration is required for both tests and the final deadline for entries is 15 October 2013. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure they are registered for the appropriate test. See ox.ac.uk/tests for further details.
What are tutors looking for?
Tutors are keen to find out about your linguistic ability and your commitment to a wide-ranging course. Ability to sustain an argument is also important. Applicants will normally be interviewed by representatives of the Faculty of Oriental Studies and by Classics tutors.
For further information about the selection criteria see: ox.ac.uk/criteria.
[55]
Tikva, who graduated in 2007, is now a teacher. She says: “After graduating, I initially worked as a Classics teacher at Clifton College, Bristol, before taking up my current position at Beth Jacob Grammar School as an English Teacher. I also work as a Classics tutor during the evenings and at weekends.”
Related courses
Students interested in this course might also like to consider other Classics courses or other Oriental Studies courses.
Careers
Students following this course will develop very good linguistic and analytical abilities, combined with a breadth of knowledge of and approaches to the cultures they study, and will thus be very attractive to employers from a wide variety of sectors. Knowledge of a modern language opens up opportunities for internationally focused careers or careers with international companies or organisations. The Languages Work website has further information about such careers: www.languageswork.org.uk.
Bodleian Oriental Institute Library
The Bodleian Oriental Institute Library is located within the Oriental Institute of the University of Oxford. The Library is primarily intended to meet the needs of the Faculty of Oriental Studies teachers and students, with its core collections comprised of Islamic, South Asian and Jewish Studies.
Classics with Oriental Studies
1st year, 2nd year (terms 1 and 2)
Follow the course for Classics (refer to Classics p 48 [printed edition page numbers])
First University examinations in Classics (refer to Classics p 48 [printed edition page numbers])
2nd year (term 3), 3rd and 4th years
Carry on with Classics options and choose Oriental language: Akkadian, Arabic, Aramaic and Syriac, Armenian, Coptic, Egyptian, Hebrew, Old Iranian, Pali, Persian, Sanskrit or Turkish
Final University examinations: Eight written papers (five in Classics, three in Oriental Studies); one paper may be substituted by a thesis
Oriental Studies with Classics
1st year
Select main language: Akkadian, Arabic, Egyptian, Hebrew, Persian, Sanskrit or Turkish
First University examinations in Oriental Studies (refer to Oriental Studies, p 120 [printed edition page numbers])
2nd to 3rd or 4th year
Carry on with Oriental Studies options and choose classical language: Greek or Latin
Final University examinations: Eight to ten written papers (five to seven in Oriental Studies, three in Classics)
[56]
Computer Science
UCAS Course Code: G400
Brief course outline
Duration of course: 3/4 years
Degree awarded: BA/MCompSci
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Intake: 25
Applications shortlisted for interview: 59.0%
Successful applications: 20.9%
Entrance requirements
A-levels: A*AA with the A* in Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics or Computing.
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB
IB: 39 points, including core points
Or any other equivalent
Candidates are expected to have Mathematics to A-level (A or A* grade), Advanced Higher (A grade), or Higher Level in the IB (score 7) or another equivalent. Further Mathematics or another science would also be highly recommended.
Open days
27 April 2013 (places must be booked for this date at www.cs.ox.ac.uk/admissions/ugrad/Open_days), 26 and 27 June, and 20 September 2013
Location
See map on inside back cover
Contact details
+44 (0) 1865 273821 / 273833
undergraduate.admissions@cs.ox.ac.uk
www.cs.ox.ac.uk
What is Computer Science?
Computer Science is about understanding computer systems and networks at a deep level. Computers and the programs they run are among the most complex products ever created by humans; designing and using them effectively presents immense challenges. Facing these challenges is the aim of Computer Science as a practical discipline, and this leads to some fundamental questions:
How can we capture in a precise way what we want a computer system to do?
Should we trust computers? Can we mathematically prove that a computer system does what we want it to do?
•	How can computers help us to model and investigate complex systems like the Earth’s climate, the financial system, or our own bodies?
•	How can different computer systems communicate and cooperate effectively and reliably?
•	Can computers learn to speak English, or Chinese?
•	Can computers do everything that human intelligence can do?
•	What are the limits to computing? Will quantum computers extend those limits?
The theories that are now emerging to answer these kinds of questions can be immediately applied to design new forms of computers, programs, networks and systems that will transform science, business, culture and all other aspects of life in the 21st century.
The course
Computer Science can be studied for three years, leading to the award of a BA degree, or for four years, leading to the award of Master of Computer Science. The fourth year of the Master of Computer Science degree provides the opportunity to study advanced topics and undertake a more in-depth research project. You do not need to decide between these options when you apply; you can choose at the beginning of your third year whether to stay for either one more year or two.
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. We are looking for students who have a real flair for mathematics, which we will help you to develop into skills that can be used both for applications such as scientific computing, and more importantly for reasoning rigorously about the specific behaviour of programs and computer systems. You will also gain practical problem-solving and program design skills; the majority of subjects within the course are linked with practical work in our well-equipped laboratory.
A typical weekly timetable
During the first part of the course, your work is divided between lectures (about ten a week), tutorials (about two a week), and practical classes (about two sessions a week).
In tutorials, you have the opportunity to discuss ideas in depth with an experienced computer scientist, usually with just one or two other students. You will be expected to spend a considerable amount of time developing your own understanding of the topics covered in lectures, answering questions designed to check your understanding, and preparing for your tutorials. As the course progresses, you will also begin to work in small classes (up to ten people) on more specialised topics. In the second year you will take part in an industry-sponsored group design practical. You will spend about a third of your time in your third and fourth years working on an individual project on your own choice of topic.
Written work
You do not need to submit any written work as part of an application for this course.
Written test
All candidates must take the Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT), normally at their own school or college on 6 November 2013. Candidates must make sure they are available to take the test at this time. Separate registration for this test is required and the final deadline for entries is 15 October 2013. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that they are registered for this test. See www.matoxford.org.uk for further details.
[57]
Maria, who graduated in 2007, is an IT consultant at CHP Consulting. She says: “This has been my first job since graduating. It has allowed me to use the technical skills gained in my degree in a client-facing environment.”
What are tutors looking for?
The most important qualities we are looking for are strong mathematical ability, the ability to think and work independently, the capacity to absorb and use new ideas, and a great deal of enthusiasm. We use these criteria and the result of the Aptitude Test to decide whom to shortlist for interview. At the interview we will explore how you tackle unfamiliar problems and respond to new ideas; we are more interested in how you approach problem-solving than whether you can get straight to a solution. We do not require any previous formal qualification in computing, but we do expect you to demonstrate a real interest in the subject.
Related courses
Students interested in this course might also like to consider Computer Science and Philosophy, or Mathematics and Computer Science.
Careers
Common roles for Computer Science graduates include computer programmer, software designer and engineer, financial analyst and scientific researcher.
Recent Computer Science graduates include an IT project manager, a software developer, and a technical trainer.
AMAZING Computer Science AT OXFORD
Modelling the human body in the fight to cure cancer; swarms of autonomous helicopters that can find survivors in disaster zones; ensuring privacy online: Oxford’s Computer Science research is changing the world.
1st year
Courses
Core courses:
•	Functional programming
•	Design and analysis of algorithms
•	Imperative programming
•	Digital systems
•	Continuous Maths
•	Linear algebra
•	Discrete Mathematics
•	Probability
•	Introduction to formal proof 
Assessment
Five written papers, plus practicals
2nd year
Courses
Core courses (37.5%):
•	Object-oriented programming
•	Concurrent programming
•	Models of computation
Options (62.5%) including:
•	Computer architecture
•	Computer graphics
•	Compilers
•	Concurrency
•	Advanced data structures and algorithms
•	Databases
•	Computer networks
Assessment
Four written papers, plus practicals (including a group design practical)
3rd year
Courses
Options (67%) including:
•	Computer security
•	Machine learning
•	Computer-aided formal verification
•	Geometric modelling
•	Intelligent systems
•	Lambda calculus and types
•	Computational complexity
•	Knowledge representation and reasoning
•	Principles of programming languages
•	Further 2nd-year options
Project work (33%)
Assessment
Three written papers, plus practicals and project
4th year
Courses
Options (67%) such as:
•	Categories, proofs and processes
•	Computational linguistics
•	Computer animation
•	Probabilistic model checking
•	Probability and computing
•	Quantum computer science
•	Automata, logic and games
•	Database systems implementation
•	Information retrieval
•	Software verification
•	Theory of data and knowledge bases
Project work (33%)
Assessment
Five written papers, plus practicals and project
Lists of options offered in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th years are illustrative only, and may change from time to time. Further information about all of our courses: www.cs.ox.ac.uk/computerscienceatoxford
Student Statement
“I love many things about my course. I love the fact that it’s hard, that it’s very theoretical and that we get a lot of practical work. Even when the work is a little challenging you’re never lost because there are so many people around to help you. The tutors really support you at every step and this motivates you to do well. There are so many wonderful things that I’ve learnt that I never knew existed before. There are definitely moments when, sitting in front of a problem sheet, you realise that you’re at the right place. Computer Science is everything I had hoped for.” Kamil 3rd year
[58]
Computer Science and Philosophy
UCAS Course Code: IV15
Brief course outline
Duration of course: 3/4 years
Degree awarded: BA/MCompPhil
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Intake: 8
Applications shortlisted for interview: 61.5%
Successful applications: 30.8%
Entrance requirements
A-levels: A*AA with the A* in Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics or Computing.
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB
IB: 39 points, including core points
Or any other equivalent
Candidates are expected to have Mathematics to A-level (A or A* grade), Advanced Higher (A grade), or Higher Level in the IB (score 7) or another equivalent. Further Mathematics or another science would also be highly recommended. Recent experience of writing essays, though by no means essential, would be helpful.
Open days
27 April 2013 (places must be booked for this date at www.cs.ox.ac.uk/admissions/ugrad/Open_days), 26 and 27 June, and 20 September 2013
Location
See map on inside back cover
Contact details
+44 (0) 1865 273821 / 273833
undergraduate.admissions@cs.ox.ac.uk
www.cs.ox.ac.uk
What is Computer Science and Philosophy?
Artificial intelligence (AI), logic, robotics, virtual reality: fascinating areas where Computer Science and Philosophy meet. But there are also many others, since the two disciplines share a broad focus on the representation of information and rational inference, embracing common interests in algorithms, cognition, intelligence, language, models, proof, and verification. Computer Scientists need to be able to reflect critically and philosophically about these, as they push forward into novel domains. Philosophers need to understand them within a world increasingly shaped by computer technology, in which a whole new range of enquiry has opened up, from the philosophy of AI, artificial life and computation, to the ethics of privacy and intellectual property, to the epistemology of computer models (e.g. of global warming). For many more examples, see www.philocomp.net.
Some of the greatest thinkers of the past – including Aristotle, Hobbes, Leibniz, Frege, and Turing – dreamed of automating reasoning and what this might achieve; the computer has now made it a reality for those with the necessary skills, providing a wonderful tool for extending our speculation and understanding.
The study of Philosophy develops analytical, critical and logical rigour, and the ability to think through the consequences of novel ideas and speculations. It opens and stretches the mind by considering a wide range of thought and thinkers, on subjects as fundamental as the limits of knowledge, the nature of reality and our place in it, and the basis of morality. Computer Science is about understanding computer systems at a deep level. Computers and the programs they run are among the most complex products ever created by humans; hence designing and using them effectively presents immense challenges. Facing these challenges is the aim of Computer Science as a practical discipline.
Both disciplines are intellectually exciting and creative; the degree combines analytical and technical knowledge with rhetorical and literary skills. This course offers you the chance to study within two academic departments, both recognised to be international leaders in their respective fields.
Computer Science and Philosophy at Oxford
Computer Science and Philosophy is a new degree, with its first students having started in 2012, the centenary of Alan Turing’s birth. It can be studied for three years (a BA), or four years (Master of Computer Science and Philosophy). You choose at the beginning of your third year whether to stay on for the additional fourth year. The first year of the degree covers core material in both subjects, including a bridging course studying Turing’s pioneering work on computability and artificial intelligence. Later years include a wide range of options, with an emphasis on courses near the interface between the two subjects. The fourth year provides you with the opportunity to study advanced topics and to undertake a more in-depth research project.
A typical weekly timetable
For the first two years, your work is divided between lectures (about ten a week), tutorials in your college (two or three a week), and Computer Science practical classes (about one session a week). In your third and fourth years the Philosophy courses continue in a similar pattern, but most Computer Science courses are run as classes in the department rather than college tutorials.
Written work
You do not need to submit any written work as part of an application for this course.
Written test
All candidates must take the Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT), normally at their own school or college on 6 November 2013. Candidates must make sure they are available to take the test at this time. Separate registration for this test is required and the final deadline for entries is 15 October 2013. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that they are registered for this test. See www.matoxford.org.uk for further details.
What are tutors looking for?
On the Computer Science side, we are looking for strong mathematical aptitude, the ability to think and work independently, the capacity to absorb and use new ideas, and a great deal of enthusiasm. On the Philosophy side, we are looking for a critical and analytical approach to abstract questions, the ability to defend a viewpoint by reasoned argument, and a desire to delve deeper into the way we think about things. You do not need to have previously studied either Computer Science or Philosophy.
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Peter Millican lectured in Computing and Philosophy at Leeds University for 20 years before coming to Oxford in 2005. His research is in Philosophy, but he continues to find computer programming both enjoyable and extremely useful in many aspects of his work, from analysis of philosophical texts, to automated ‘thought experiments’ about biological and social systems, to demonstrations of philosophically interesting phenomena, to administration. He says: “This new course opens very exciting possibilities, with two subjects that have a huge amount in common, and lots of interesting territory waiting to be explored. Philosophical investigations of complex systems (including the moral and economic worlds) are being transformed by the power of computers to extend our analytical reach. The application of computer systems, in ever more areas of life, increasingly demands philosophical reflection to consider new possibilities and their consequences. The invention of the computer, opening the way towards power-assisted human thought, may well prove to be even more significant than the invention of the steam engine that powered the industrial revolution. I’m really looking forward to meeting students who are keen to be part of a new generation of flexible thinkers, with the potential of this wonderful invention at their command.”
Related courses
Students interested in this course might also like to consider Computer Science, Mathematics and Computer Science, and Mathematics and Philosophy.
Careers
Graduates of this degree will have highly marketable skills. Computer Science teaches you how to program computers, and how to design processes that are effective and efficient. Philosophy teaches you how to analyse complex concepts and the interconnections between them and -crucially - how to express this analysis, elegantly and precisely, in written form. You will be able to program, to reason logically and formally, to analyse complex issues both technical and discursive, and to write clear and coherent prose. You will have the intellectual equipment needed for technical leadership and high-level positions in today’s highly complex world.
1st year
Courses
Computer Science:
•	Functional programming
•	Design and analysis of algorithms
•	Imperative programming
•	Discrete mathematics
•	Probability
•	Philosophy:
•	General Philosophy
•	Elements of deductive logic
•	Turing on computability and intelligence
Assessment
Five written papers, plus Computer Science practicals
2nd year
Courses
Computer Science (50%):
Models of computation Options including:
Advanced data structures and algorithms
Compilers
Concurrent programming
Philosophy (50%):
Many options including
Knowledge and reality
History of Philosophy from Descartes to Kant
Philosophy of science
Philosophy of mind
Ethics
Assessment
Two Computer Science papers, plus Computer Science practicals (including a group design practical)
3rd year
Courses
Computer Science:
Options including:
•	Intelligent systems
•	Knowledge representation and reasoning
•	Machine learning
•	Computational complexity
•	Computer-aided formal verification
•	Computers in society
Philosophy:
Options including:
•	Formal logic
•	Philosophy of Mathematics
•	Philosophy of cognitive science
•	Philosophy of logic and language and many others
Assessment
Six three-hour written papers, including at least one in Computer Science and at least three in Philosophy, plus Computer Science practicals
4th year
Courses
Computer Science:
Advanced options including:
•	Computational linguistics
•	Information retrieval
•	Theory of data and knowledge bases
•	Optional Computer Science project
Philosophy:
Advanced options in:
•	Philosophy
•	Optional Philosophy thesis
In the 3rd and 4th years, students can choose where to focus their studies, and the 4th year can be entirely Computer Science or entirely Philosophy.
Assessment
For Computer Science options, written paper or take-home exam, plus practicals; for Philosophy options, three-hour written paper plus 5,000-word essay
Lists of options in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th years are illustrative only, and may change from time to time. Further information about all of our courses: www.cs.ox.ac.uk/computerscienceatoxford
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Earth Sciences (Geology)
UCAS Course Codes:
Earth Sciences F644
Geology F642
Brief course outline
Duration of course: MEarthSc: 4 years; BA Geology: 3 years
Degrees awarded: MEarthSc (Earth Sciences) or BA (Geology)
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Intake: 34
Applications shortlisted for interview: 85.1%
Successful applications: 24.0%
Entrance requirements
A-levels: A*AA/AAAA
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB
IB: 38–40 including core points
Or any other equivalent
Candidates are required to have Mathematics plus Physics or Chemistry either to A-level, or to Advanced Higher or Higher Level in the IB, or an equivalent qualification. Chemistry or Physics are also highly recommended as a third subject. Biology, Geology or Further Mathematics can also be helpful to candidates in completing this course.
Open days
26 and 27 June, and 20 September 2013
Location
See map on inside back cover
Contact details
+44 (0) 1865 272040
enquiries@earth.ox.ac.uk
www.earth.ox.ac.uk
What are the Earth Sciences?
The Earth Sciences are changing rapidly in scope and nature. The course at Oxford reflects these changes, and aims to provide earth scientists with a sound and broadly based scientific training. Earth Sciences courses at Oxford train students in the unique skills required for the interpretation of rock materials and geological phenomena as well as applying theory and techniques from Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science and Biology to the study of the Earth and the environment.
Earth Sciences at Oxford
The Earth Sciences Department at Oxford has an international research reputation, and houses state-of-the-art laboratories and computing facilities within a recently completed building (officially opened in May 2011). The department is a lively place, an active laboratory in fact, where students, teachers and visitors, many from overseas, mix and work together. Offices and teaching labs are close together but with plenty of shared open space, so you will very quickly get a sense of being part of a vibrant community where everyone knows each other. This makes for a very good atmosphere in which a student can not only learn the basics of the subject, but also get some feel for the discoveries emerging from current research.
As an undergraduate you can find yourself on a field trip being taught how to make geological maps by a structural geologist whose other field area is high up in the Himalayas; in a lecture course on ocean circulation given by an oceanographer whose field area is the Arctic; in a lecture course on climate change given by a geochemist who analyses the isotopes of uranium and strontium in stalagmites to measure the annual fluctuations of the climates of the recent past; in a seminar given by an American visiting professor on the imaging of Earth’s interior with seismic waves; having tutorials with a volcanologist whose research involves measuring emissions from active volcanoes; or in a practical class supervised by a palaeobiologist whose research is seeking to understand the explosion in morphological diversity in fishes since the last major mass extinction event, at the end of the Cretaceous period.
Earth Sciences is part of the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division, which also contains Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Materials, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics. In the first year, 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.
A typical weekly timetable
During years 1–3, your work is divided between lectures (about ten a week), tutorials (one or two a week), and practical classes, occupying about a third of your week. In year 4 you have the opportunity for independent work on special topics or in a research laboratory.
Fieldwork/international opportunities
The Earth Sciences course includes a number of excursions (see table detailing the content of the course). These are designed to link closely to material covered in lectures, and to convey the practice of geology, geophysics, geochemistry, and palaeontology in the field environment. This work culminates in an independent project to study and map an area chosen by the student (with advice from lecturers). Many of the field excursions take place out of term time, so students on the course must be available outside of term.
Application information
Both the BA in Geology and MEarthSc in Earth Sciences are exactly the same for the first three years. Students can then choose to continue with the four-year Earth Sciences course or leave with a BA in Geology. The MEarthSc is not open to anyone who has not completed the first three years of the course. If students are unsure which course they would rather follow, then we would advise them to apply for the four-year course, as it is easier then to change to the three-year course later, rather than the other way around.
Written work and written tests
You do not need to take a written test or submit any written work as part of an application for this course.
What are tutors looking for?
For information about the selection criteria please see: ox.ac.uk/criteria.
An interview is not an examination. Tutors will be looking for highly motivated individuals with the potential intellectual skills necessary to do well on the current course (e.g. problem-solving ability). As part of the interview process, candidates may be asked to comment on specimens of a geological nature, or to carry out simple calculations, but always with due recognition of their previous knowledge of, and experience in, the subject being discussed.
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Martin, who graduated in 2009, currently works in the mining industry for De Beers Canada as a Field Geologist. He says: “My Oxford degree helped me to develop the knowledge, understanding and confidence to approach geological problems in a critical and informed manner. I appreciate the course’s focus on both the theoretical and practical side of geology.”
Related courses
Students interested in this course might also like to consider Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Geography, Human Sciences, Materials Science or Physics.
Careers
Typical destinations for Earth Sciences graduates include the energy industry, the environmental sector, and engineering/ technical consultancies. Some enter professions unrelated to their subject, such as finance, in which the analytical and problem-solving skills they have developed are highly sought after. Around 40% continue to study, developing their interests through a PhD or further Masters course. Recent Earth Sciences graduates include a data analyst for a media organisation, a tax accountant, and a hydrogeologist.
Rachael, who graduated in 2007, works for BP as a Geoscientist. She says: ‘I am currently working as an Operations Geologist in London for a project based in North Africa. In the last four years my job has taken me to London, Aberdeen, Algeria, Libya and America. My degree gave me the technical basis for my career, but more importantly it taught me how to think out complex issues from basic principles and to motivate myself to produce the best results I can.’
New Earth sciences building
The new Earth Sciences building was officially opened on Thursday 5 May 2011, providing Oxford students with the best teaching spaces, specialist laboratories and communal spaces.
1st year
Courses
Students take all courses in five parallel streams:
•	Planet Earth
•	Fundamentals of geology I
•	Fundamentals of geology II
•	Physics, chemistry and biology for Earth Sciences
•	Mathematics for Materials and Earth Sciences
Field courses
•	Pembroke field course (pre-session)
•	Arran field course (introduction)
•	Local field courses
Assessment
First University Examinations (Theory and Practical)
2nd year
Courses
Students take all courses in five parallel streams:
•	Earth deformation and materials
•	Palaeobiology
•	Petrology
•	Geochemistry and ocean chemistry
•	Mathematical and geophysical tools
Field courses
•	Dorset field course
•	Assynt field course (mapping)
Assessment
Part A1 Examinations (2nd year, Theory and Practical)
3rd year
Courses
Students take a combination of core and optional papers from the following:
•	Natural resources
•	Sedimentary basins
•	The oceans
•	Palaeoclimate and sea level
•	Seismology and earth structure/ Continental deformation
•	Volcanoes and environment/Igneous processes and petrogenesis
•	Evolutionary turning points/Vertebrate palaeobiology
•	Earth materials, rock deformation and metamorphism
•	Mathematical and geophysical methods
Field courses
South-east Spain field trip
Independent field mapping project
(conducted over summer break between 2nd and 3rd year)
Extended essay
Assessment
Part A2 Examinations (3rd year, Theory, Practical for Field course)
BA Hons (Geology)
4th year
Research
Students choose four options, generally two in each term (four/eight–ten):
•	Anatomy of a mountain belt
•	Planetary chemistry
•	Seismology
•	Records of major environmental change in Earth’s history
•	Palaeobiology
•	Environmental, rock and palaeo-magnetism
•	Topics in oceanography
•	Topics in volcanology
•	Field courses
•	Optional field courses as announced each year
Independent work
Research project over 2.5 terms
Assessment
Part B Examination (Theory)
MEarthSc Hons (Earth Sciences)
Student Statement
“One of the best things about my course is the variety of science you get to do: one minute it’s the geochemistry of the oceans, the next the physics of earthquakes, and then some vector calculus.
At Oxford you are able to discuss your subject with tutors at the forefront of research. And there can’t be many subjects where you are able to hold an actual piece of Mars in a meteorite tutorial!” Freya 2nd year
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Economics and Management
UCAS Course Code: LN12
Brief course outline
Duration of course: 3 years
Degree awarded: BA
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Intake: 94
Applications shortlisted for interview: 29.3%
Successful applications: 9.0%
Entrance requirements
A-levels: A*AA
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB
IB: 38–40 including core points
Or any other equivalent
Candidates are required to have Mathematics to A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher Level in the IB, or another equivalent. 
Open days
26 and 27 June, and 20 September 2013
Location
See map on inside back cover
Contact details
Economics
+44 (0) 1865 271098
econundergrad@economics.ox.ac.uk
www.economics.ox.ac.uk
Management
+44 (0) 1865 288800 
www.sbs.ox.ac.uk
What is Economics and Management?
Economics is the study of how consumers, firms and governments make decisions that together determine how resources are allocated. An appreciation of economics and the general workings of the economy has become increasingly necessary to make sense of government policy-making, the conduct of businesses and the enormous changes in economic systems which are occurring throughout the world.
Management is concerned with the effective use and coordination of materials and labour within organisations in the pursuit of the organisation’s defined objectives. It considers the interrelationship and interactions between distinct parts of an organisation, and between the organisation and its environment. Management students look at theories, models and frameworks in order to understand how managers behave and consider their role in the process of decision-making.
Economics and Management at Oxford
The top-ranking Economics and Management undergraduate degree programme examines issues central to the world we live in: namely how the economy and organisations function, and exploring how resources are allocated and coordinated to achieve the objectives that are set. Economics and management are ideal intellectual partners, each particularly fitted to strengthen and cross-fertilise the other. Economics provides the broader understanding of economic activity within which all organisations function; management in turn analyses the character and goals of that functioning.
The lectures and seminars are provided by the Department of Economics and the University’s Saïd Business School.
A typical weekly timetable
A typical week will involve attending six lectures and two tutorials. Prior to and after attending a lecture, students are required to undertake study to reinforce their understanding of the material introduced in the lecture. The tutorials involve discussing an essay with a tutor. Preparation for a tutorial will typically take up to two and a half days and will require extensive reading around the subject as well as the time to write the essay.
Written work
You do not need to submit any written work as part of an application for this course.
Written tests
All candidates must take the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA), normally at their own school or college, on 6 November 2013. Separate registration for this test is required and the final deadline for entries is 15 October 2013. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure they are registered for this test. See www.tsaoxford.org.uk for further details.
What are tutors looking for?
Economics and Management tutors are looking for candidates with: an interest in and a motivation for studying the organisation of businesses and the economy; independence and flexibility of mind; an ability to analyse and solve problems logically and critically; a capacity to construct and critically assess arguments; and a willingness and ability to express ideas clearly and effectively both on paper and orally.
Throughout the admissions process, tutors are trying to detect the candidate’s potential as an Economics and Management student. Final decisions about offers of places will use the full range of evidence available, including past and predicted exam results, the school report, the personal statement, the Thinking Skills Assessment and the interviews. Entry is competitive, which means that not all candidates who satisfy the admissions criteria will receive offers.
We do not interview everyone who applies, only those who have a realistic chance of getting in. Candidates from overseas may be considered without interview.
The interview is aimed primarily at assessing the candidate’s potential for future development. Interviewers will be looking for evidence of genuine interests and enthusiasms, and the motivation to work hard at them: candidates are expected to give reasons for their expressed interests in the course. The interview is not primarily a test of existing knowledge, and in particular, is not a test of economics or management, unless these subjects have been studied before.
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Dean, who completed his degree in 2009, is an Analyst for Greenhill & Co, a leading independent mergers and acquisitions advisory firm. He says: “Oxford provided an unparalleled opportunity to enhance my self-confidence, develop thorough analytical skills, and hone my ability to communicate in a clear and articulate manner – prerequisites for a career in investment banking.”
Related courses
Students interested in this course might also like to consider History and Economics, or Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE).
Careers
Graduates in Economics and Management are amongst the most sought-after in the University. 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.
Katharine joined the Financial Services Authority (FSA) in 2002, following graduation. After a secondment to the energy regulator Ofgem, she returned to the FSA to work as a policymaker and now specialises in negotiating and developing EU and domestic regulation of investments. Katharine says: ‘The ability to analyse information and make judgements was crucial from my very first role at the FSA – my degree gave me confidence in my own analysis, and in my ability to explain my thinking.’
Oxford Economics ranked 5th in the world
The Oxford Economics Department has been ranked 5th worldwide in the 2011 QS World University Rankings by Subjects. The rankings are based on academic reputation, employer reputation, and research citations.
1st year
Courses
Three courses are taken:
•	Introductory economics 
•	General management
•	Financial management 
Assessment
First University examinations:
Three written papers
2nd and 3rd years
Courses
Compulsory core courses:
•	Microeconomics
•	Macroeconomics
•	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 behavior
•	Marketing
•	Economics of industry
•	International economics
•	Development economics
Assessment
Final University examinations: The core Economics papers and five 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
Student Statement
“I find that Economics and Management is a varied, engrossing, relevant and academically rigorous degree. The scale and scope of the course is amazing. This year, I’m studying Marketing and Strategy as part of my Management options, and think I will keep an even split between Economics and Management as I enjoy being able to study both Mathematics and essay-based elements of the course.
The Saïd Business School, where the Management part of the course is taught, has everything from an expansive library to a subsidised canteen (which is useful for study breaks!). The Economics Department is close to the Social Science Library which has every book an Economics student could need.” Jack 2nd year
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Engineering Science
The related degree Engineering, Economics and Management is under review at the time of publication of this prospectus. For further information, please see updates at ox.ac.uk/courses.
UCAS Course Codes:
Engineering Science H100
Biomedical Engineering H811
Chemical Engineering H800
Civil Engineering H200
Electrical Engineering H620
Information Engineering H630
Mechanical Engineering H300
Brief course outline
Duration of course: 4 years
Degree awarded: MEng
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Intake: 156
Applications shortlisted for interview: 65.9%
Successful applications: 26.6%
Entrance requirements
A-levels: A*AA. The standard offer will be A*AA to include Mathematics and Physics. The A* must be obtained in Mathematics, Physics or Further Mathematics.
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB
IB: 38-40 including core points
Or any other equivalent
Candidates are expected to have Physics and Mathematics to A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher Level in the IB or any other equivalent. Inclusion of Mathematics Mechanics modules is highly recommended. Further Mathematics can be helpful to students in completing this course, although it is not required for admission. Details of the requirements for other qualifications, including the Advanced Diploma in Engineering, can be found at www.eng.ox.ac.uk
Open days
26 and 27 June, and 20 September 2013
Location
See map on inside back cover
Contact details
+44 (0) 1865 273012
deputy.administrator@eng.ox.ac.uk
www.eng.ox.ac.uk
What is Engineering Science?
Engineering Science encompasses a vast range of subjects, from microelectronics to offshore oil platforms, and involves the application of creative reasoning, science, mathematics (and of course experience and common sense) to real problems.
Engineering Science at Oxford
The Department of Engineering Science at Oxford has a top-level quality assessment rating for teaching, and a world-class reputation for research. Because we believe that future engineering innovation will benefit from broad foundations as well as specialised knowledge, teaching is based on a unified course in Engineering Science, which integrates study of the subject across the traditional boundaries of engineering disciplines. Links between topics in apparently diverse fields of engineering provide well-structured fundamental understanding, and can be exploited to give efficient teaching.
The Engineering Science programme is a four-year course, leading to the degree of Master of Engineering. The first two years are devoted to topics which we believe all Engineering undergraduates should study. In the third and fourth years there is scope for specialisation into one of six branches of engineering: Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Information and Mechanical. Decisions about which of these will be your specialisation can be deferred until the third year. In the fourth year there may be opportunities to study abroad.
Engineering Science is part of the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division, which also contains Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Materials Science, Mathematics, Plant Sciences, Physics, Statistics and Zoology.
The course is accredited by the major engineering institutions in respect of the initial requirements for the designation of chartered engineer.
Industrial experience is an extremely important adjunct to an academic engineering education, and undergraduates are strongly encouraged to obtain it. One way to do so is by being sponsored. Further information is generally available through your careers teacher, or from the engineering institutions.
If your sponsoring company wants you to spend a year with them before university, you will be asked to declare this at your interview and in your UCAS application.
A typical weekly timetable
As a guide, you will have up to about ten lectures, two college tutorials or classes, and up to five hours of practical work each week of term for the first three years.
Written work
You do not need to submit any written work as part of an application for this course.
Written test
All candidates must take the Physics Aptitude Test (PAT), normally at their own school or college on 6 November 2013. Candidates must make sure they are available to take the test at this time. Separate registration for this test is required and the final deadline for entries is 15 October 2013. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that they are registered for this test. See www.patoxford.org.uk for further details.
What are tutors looking for?
Enthusiasm for Engineering combined with high ability in Mathematics and Physics is essential for those wishing to study any Engineering course. These qualities will be tested at the interview and combined with an assessment of your predicted and attained examination performance, especially in Mathematics and Physics, and the PAT score, to decide who will be offered places.
Related courses
Students interested in this course might also like to consider Earth Sciences (Geology), Materials Science or Physics.
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Jonathan, who graduated in 2010, now works for a defence electronics firm called Thales Group as an acoustic engineer. He says: “The approaches to problem-solving I learned at Oxford have been directly applicable to the challenges I have faced in my career so far. The tutorial system has given me confidence in my skills, and the ability to communicate my opinions effectively.”
Careers
The analytical skills, numeracy and practicality 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.
Jane, who graduated in 2003, now works as a Senior Geotechnical Engineer with Coffey Geotechnics. She says: ‘I loved that in my first few weeks of work I found myself applying what I had studied at Oxford directly to real engineering problems – something that has continued throughout my career. The breadth of the Engineering Science course has stood me in good stead even in a specialist industry as the sound technical basis has meant I’ve been able to confidently develop wider management and communication skills on the job.’
SET Awards Success
One winner and two finalists from the University of Oxford’s Department of Engineering Science were announced at the 2011 Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) awards ceremony. SET Awards are Europe’s most important Science, Engineering and Technology awards for undergraduates.
1st year
Courses
•	Mathematics
•	Electrical and information engineering
•	Structures and mechanics
•	Energy and the environment
•	Engineering practical work 
Assessment
First University examinations: Four written papers; Assessment of Engineering practical work
2nd year
Courses
•	Mathematics
•	Electrical and information engineering
•	Structures, materials and dynamics
•	Energy systems
•	Engineering practical work
Assessment
Final University examinations Part A: Four written papers; Assessment of Engineering practical work
3rd year
Courses
•	Five optional Engineering courses
•	Engineering in society
•	Engineering computation
•	Engineering practical work
•	Group design project
Assessment
Final University examinations, Part B: Six written papers; Assessment of Engineering practical work; Project reports (Engineering computation and design project)
4th year
Research
A major project, plus six specialist courses chosen from within the areas of:
•	Biomedical engineering
•	Chemical engineering
•	Civil engineering
•	Electrical engineering
•	Engineering mathematics
•	Information engineering
•	Mechanical engineering
•	Production engineering
Assessment
Final University examinations, Part C: Six written papers; Project report
Student Statement
“I’m currently designing an offshore device that could convert wave energy in the sea into electricity, to be transmitted back to land. I’m putting into practice everything that I have been learning over the last two years. I was attracted by the academic challenge of studying at one of the top universities in the world, and the Engineering Science course at Oxford really caught my eye because students cover a wide spectrum of engineering before choosing specialised options. I was convinced that the course would provide me with a broad foundation to understand and tackle real world engineering problems, which cannot be solved solely by one discipline of engineers.” Stephen 3rd year
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English Language and Literature
UCAS Course Code: Q300
Brief course outline
Duration of course: 3 years
Degree awarded: BA
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Intake: 245
Applications shortlisted for interview: 63.3%
Successful applications: 20.3%
Entrance requirements
A-levels: AAA
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB
IB: 38–40 including core points
Or any other equivalent
Candidates are expected to have English Literature, or English Language and Literature to A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher Level in the IB or any other equivalent. A language or History can be helpful to students in completing this course, although it is not required for admission. 
Open days
26 and 27 June, and 20 September 2013
Location
See map on inside back cover
Contact details
+44 (0) 1865 271055
english.office@ell.ox.ac.uk
www.english.ox.ac.uk
What is English Language and Literature?
The English Language and Literature course is one of the broadest in the country, giving you the chance to study writing in English from its origins in Anglo-Saxon England to the literature of the 20th and early 21st centuries. As well as the literature of the British Isles, you can study works written in English from many other parts of the world. The course also allows you a considerable degree of choice about the topics you would like to concentrate on. Studying literature at Oxford involves the development of sophisticated reading skills and of an ability to place literary texts in their wider intellectual and historical contexts. It also requires you to consider the critical processes by which you analyse and judge, to learn about literary form and technique, and to study the development of the English language.
English at Oxford
The Oxford English Faculty is the largest English department in Britain. Most Oxford colleges have at least two Fellows in English who are responsible for tutorial teaching in their own college but also give lectures to all students in the English Faculty. You thus have the opportunity to learn from a wide range of specialist teachers.
Library provision for English at Oxford is exceptionally good. All students have access to the Bodleian Library, the English Faculty Library, other faculty libraries, and their own college libraries. The English Faculty has long pioneered the use of electronic resources in teaching, and currently has a wide range of resources and facilities. The English Faculty building has its own computer room and all colleges have computing facilities for undergraduates to use.
In your first year you will be introduced to the conceptual and technical tools used in the study of language and literature, and to a wide range of different critical assumptions and approaches. At the same time, you will be doing tutorial work on early medieval literature (650-1350), Victorian literature (1830-1910) and modern literature (1910-present day).
In your second and third years you will extend your study of English literary history in four more period papers ranging from late medieval literature to the Romantic age. These papers are assessed by three-hour written examinations at the end of your third year. You will also have coursework papers over the second and third years: a portfolio of work on Shakespeare; a Special Options paper on a topic selected from faculty lists; and an 8,000 word dissertation on a subject of your choice. Submitted work therefore constitutes almost half of your final assessment.
Alternatively, in the second and third years, you can choose to follow our specialist course in Medieval Literature and Language, whose compulsory papers cover literature in English from 650–1550 along with the history of the English language up to 1800, with a further paper either on Shakespeare or on manuscript and print culture. Optional papers for this course include old Norse, medieval French, archaeology, and any of the modern options available to candidates reading for the more general undergraduate course in English.
A typical weekly timetable
Although details of practice vary from college to college, most students will have one or two tutorials each week, together with some lectures and classes. Each tutorial normally involves the writing and discussion of an essay, which you will be asked to produce from your own research over the course of the week. You will be expected to produce between eight and twelve pieces of written work each term.
Written work
Candidates are required to submit one recent example of writing, by 11 November 2013. This should be a marked essay produced in the normal course of your school or college work and should not have been rewritten after marking. Preferably it should be an analytical discussion of a topic or topics in the field of English literature, though an English language topic is permissible. It should not be a short timed essay, a critical commentary on particular passages of text (practical criticism exercises), or a piece of creative writing.
Written test
All candidates must take the English Literature Admissions Test (ELAT), normally at their own school or college, on 6 November 2013. Separate registration for this test is required and the final deadline for entries is 15 October 2013. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that they are registered for this test. See www.elat.org.uk for further details.
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Catherine, who graduated in 2004, is now Editor of Film4’s website and a regular guest on the BBC’s Film 2012 with Claudia Winkleman. She says: “My degree in English wasn’t directly vocational, but developed my critical faculties and writing skills, enabling me to pursue a career as a film journalist. Plus, the many opportunities to be involved with student theatre at Oxford helped build the confidence needed to appear on TV!”
What are tutors looking for?
Successful candidates will tend to be those who can give evidence of wide, enthusiastic and thoughtful reading. Tutors appreciate that you may be nervous in interview. You should not be afraid to defend your views or to suggest authors whose work you would particularly like to discuss.
For further information about the selection criteria see: ox.ac.uk/criteria.
Related courses
Students interested in this course might like to consider other English courses.
Careers
A number of English graduates (about 7%) choose to undertake research, while many more use the communication and analytical skills they develop at Oxford in a range of careers including advertising, acting, publishing, teaching, librarianship, public relations, journalism, the legal professions, management consultancy and finance. Recent English graduates include a projects coordinator in education for a London theatre, a trainee solicitor, and a teacher.
Duncan, who was an English graduate in 2000, now works as a Senior Manager in Deloitte’s strategy consulting practice. He says: ‘The skills I acquired at Oxford, in being able to analyse and assimilate complex volumes of information in short timeframes, have allowed me to write and present board papers and reports to senior business leaders from a young age’.
Laura, who graduated in 2000, works as a freelance journalist and is Associate Editor at i-escape.com. She says: ‘Being able to hit a headline, develop ideas, conduct thorough research and talk to anyone at any level, is essential in my job and my English degree gave me the specific skills to do that’.
1st year
Courses
Four papers are taken:
•	Introduction to English Language and Literature
•	Early medieval literature (650–1350)
•	Literature in English 1830–1910
•	Literature in English 1910–present day
Assessment
Three written papers form the First University Examination, together with a submitted portfolio of two essays for ‘Introduction to English Language and Literature’. 
All exams must be passed, but marks do not count towards the final degree
2nd year
Courses
Course I:
•	Literature in English 1350–1550
•	Literature in English 1550–1660
•	Literature in English 1660–1760
•	Literature in English 1760–1830
Course II:
•	Literature in English 650–1100
•	Medieval English and related literatures 1066–1550
•	Literature in English 1350–1550 
•	The history of the English language to c. 1800
Assessment 
All period papers will be examined by final written examinations at the end of the third year 
3rd year
Courses
Course I:
•	Shakespeare (may also be studied in the 2nd year)
Course II:
•	The Material Text or Shakespeare (choice of option)
Both courses:
•	Special option paper
•	Dissertation
Assessment
One extended essay for Special Options, due in at the end of the first term; dissertation and portfolio for Shakespeare/The Material Text, due in during the second term
Student Statement
“The real value of Oxford’s English course is its sheer scope, stretching from Beowulf to Virginia Woolf and beyond. Being guided through all the different ages of English literature means you explore periods and styles you may otherwise have rejected out of hand, discover brand new tastes, and even more levels to your love of literature!
The ability to sit and read some of the greatest works of prose, poetry and performance in a city steeped in its own near-mythological wealth of history and beautiful architecture gives you a sense of being lost in your own fantasy, your own realm of turrets, tutors and texts.” Jack 2nd year
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English and Modern Languages English and either Celtic, Czech (with Slovak), French, German, Modern Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish
UCAS Course Codes: see below
Brief course outline
Duration of course: 4 years (including compulsory year abroad)
Degree awarded: BA
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Intake: 17
Applications shortlisted for interview: 68.5%
Successful applications: 11.4%
Open days
See English Language and Literature (p 66 [printed edition page numbers])
See Modern Languages (p 112 [printed edition page numbers])
Applicants for this course may like to attend any of the open days for either English Language and Literature or Modern Languages since tutors will be available at each event who can discuss this joint course.
Location
See map on inside back cover
Contact details
English
+44 (0) 1865 271055
english.office@ell.ox.ac.uk
www.english.ox.ac.uk
Modern Languages
+44 (0) 1865 270750
reception@mod-langs.ox.ac.uk
www.mod-langs.ox.ac.uk
Entrance requirements
A-levels: AAA 
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB 
IB: 38–40 including core points Or any other equivalent
Candidates are expected to have English Literature, or English Language and Literature, to A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher Level in the IB or any other equivalent.
Course combinations
You can either study English with a Modern Language you already speak, or with a Modern Language you’d like to learn from scratch. For the following course combinations you would usually be expected to have the Modern Language to A-level, or another academic equivalent. English and:
Czech QR37
French QR31
German QR32
Modern Greek QQ37
Italian QR33
Portuguese QR35
Russian QRH7
Spanish QR34
The following course combinations allow you to begin studying a Modern Language from scratch, although those with experience in Celtic are also very welcome to apply.
English and: Celtic QQ35
Beginners’ Czech QR3S
Beginners’ Modern Greek QR39
Beginners’ Italian RQ33
Beginners’ Portuguese QR3M
What is English and Modern Languages?
The English side of the course offers you a choice from a list of papers covering all literature written in the English language from its origins in Anglo-Saxon through to works produced in English-speaking countries across the world in the present day. The Modern Language side of the course will give you practical linguistic training, encourage you to think coherently about language as a subject of study and introduce you to an extensive and fascinating field of Western literature and thought.
English and Modern Languages at Oxford
Both the English and the Modern Languages Faculties at Oxford are among the largest in the country, and include major scholars in all areas of the respective subjects. Students thus have access to a range of expert tutors. Library provision at Oxford is excellent: all students have access to the English Faculty Library, the Taylor Institution Library (for languages), the Bodleian Library and their own college libraries.
The course is extremely flexible. In the first year you will do practical work in your chosen language and study a selection of important texts from its literature. On the English side, you will be introduced to the conceptual and technical tools used in the study of language and literature, and to a wide range of different critical assumptions and approaches. You will also do tutorial work on either early medieval, Victorian or modern literature. In the second year, a wide range of options opens up for you. Language work in your modern language will continue and you will study literature from a wide range of periods in English and in your language. The third year of the four-year course is spent abroad – see Modern Languages (p 112 for more information). On your return, you will choose from a range of special option papers in both English and Modern Languages, and in comparative literature.
A typical weekly timetable
Most students will have one or two tutorials a week as well as compulsory language classes. Most students also attend three to four lecture courses per subject.
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Written work
Candidates must submit written work by 11 November 2013 for each of the subjects forming this joint course. Please see further details on the pages for English (p 66 [printed edition page numbers]) and for Modern Languages (p 112 [printed edition page numbers]).
Written test
All candidates must take both the English Literature Admissions Test (ELAT) and the Modern Languages Admissions Tests (MLAT), normally at their own school or college, on 6 November 2013. Separate registration for both tests is required and the final deadline for entries is 15 October 2013. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that they are registered for these tests.
See ox.ac.uk/tests for further details.
What are tutors looking for?
Successful candidates will have an aptitude for their modern language, will read widely, and will enjoy writing and talking about literature and language. Candidates who are shortlisted may be asked to talk about a piece of prose or verse supplied before or in their interview.
For information about the selection criteria please see: ox.ac.uk/criteria.
Related courses
Students interested in this course might also like to consider other English courses, other language courses, or History of Art.
Careers
Graduates in English and Modern Languages go on to careers in fields including broadcasting, publishing, teaching, journalism, the theatre, administration, management, advertising, translation, librarianship and law. Knowledge of a modern language opens up opportunities for internationally-focused careers or careers with international companies or organisations. The Languages Work website has further information about careers using languages: www.languageswork.org.uk.
Recent English and Modern Languages graduates include a marketing director, a consultant in environmental management and sustainability, and a journalist.
Erasmus
Please see ox.ac.uk/erasmus for details of Erasmus opportunities for this course.
1st year
Courses
Five papers are taken:
•	Introduction to English Language and Literature
•	One period paper from single honours English Language and Literature
•	Four Modern Languages papers
Assessment
Six written papers form the First University Examination; a submitted portfolio of two essays for ‘Introduction to English Language and Literature’.
All exams must be passed, but marks do not count towards the final degree
2nd and 4th years (3rd year is spent abroad)
Courses
•	Three from papers 1–6 from single honours English Language and Literature
•	Optional bridge (interdisciplinary) paper. This can replace an English or a Modern Languages paper
•	Dissertation
•	Modern Language (four/five papers), including: language exercises (two papers plus oral examination), a period of literature and options (prescribed authors and texts from 12th to 20th century, a special subject, or a linguistics paper)
Assessment
Papers will be examined by extended essays over the course of the second and fourth years, or by practical and written examinations at the end of your fourth year.
Specific timetabling arrangements may vary from college to college
Student Statement
“I chose my degree since I was interested in the way people speak and communicate. I don’t really see English and German as two separate subjects: they are both the study of language, just two different aspects of it. For English I’m studying Old English. My German really helps me with this as the languages are very similar. If you blended modern English with modern German, Old English is pretty much what you would get; the grammar and morphology are very familiar to someone with my background.” Alex 1st year
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European and Middle Eastern Languages – Czech (with Slovak), French, German, Modern Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish, with either Arabic, Hebrew, Persian or Turkish
UCAS Course Codes: see below
Brief course outline
Duration of course: 4 years (including compulsory second year abroad in the Middle East)
Degree awarded: BA
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Intake: 6
Applications shortlisted for interview: 75.0%
Successful applications: 16.7%
Open days
Middle Eastern Languages as for Oriental Studies (p 120 [printed edition page numbers]). European Languages as for Modern Languages (p 112 [printed edition page numbers]). Tutors from Oriental Studies will be available on 27 April 2013 to discuss this joint course.
Location
See map on inside back cover
Contact details
European Languages: Faculty of Medieval and Modern Languages
+44 (0) 1865 270750
reception@mod-langs.ox.ac.uk
www.mod-langs.ox.ac.uk
Middle Eastern Languages: Oriental Institute
+44 (0) 1865 278312
undergraduate.admissions@orinst.ox.ac.uk
Entrance requirements
A-levels: AAA 
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB 
IB: 38–40 including core points Or any other equivalent
You would usually be expected to have the European language to A-level, or another academic equivalent. We would not normally expect you to have any knowledge of the Middle Eastern language before starting the course.
Course combinations/UCAS codes
	Arabic	Hebrew	Persian	Turkish	
Czech	RT7Q	RQ7K	RTT6	RTRP	
French	RT16	RQ14	RTC6	RT1P	
German	RT26	RQ24	RT2P	RT2Q	
Modern Greek 	QT76	QQ74	QT7P	QT7Q	
Italian	RT36	RQ34	RTH6	RT3P	
Portuguese	RT56	RQ54	RTM6	RT5P	
Russian	RT76	RQ74	RT7P	RTR6	
Spanish	RT46	RQK4	RT4P	RTK6	
What is European and Middle Eastern Languages?
This course in European and Middle Eastern Languages (EMEL) enables students to combine papers in one of the languages taught in the Faculty of Modern Languages with papers in Arabic, Hebrew, Persian or Turkish, thus providing opportunities to take advantage of the cultural linkages which exist between a number of European and Middle Eastern languages. For example, appropriate combinations might well be French and Arabic, German and Turkish, or Hebrew and Russian, but even some of the less obvious pairings would provide similar cultural and historical linkage. Thus Spanish and Turkish would be an interesting combination for the history of Sephardi Judaism, while Persian and Portuguese are important for the study of early imperialism.
EMEL at Oxford
Through its long-standing traditions and more recent gifts, Oxford has unique resources for the study of Middle Eastern and modern European languages. The Bodleian Library and Taylor Institution Library (for languages) have a magnificent collection of books and manuscripts. The Taylor Institution Library is one of the biggest research and lending libraries devoted to modern European languages in the world. Associated with the University is the Centre for Hebrew and Jewish Studies, which houses the Leopold Muller Library with more than 35,000 volumes in Hebrew and more than 7,000 volumes in Western languages.
International opportunities
You will normally spend your second academic year at an approved course of study in the Middle East. You are strongly advised to spend the adjacent summers where the European language of your choice is spoken. There are arrangements in place with partner universities to help you make the most of your time abroad.
A typical weekly timetable
Your work is divided between language classes, lectures and tutorials (one or two a week). In the first year, the emphasis is on intensive learning of a Middle Eastern language. Throughout your course, you will prepare essays for your weekly tutorials and classes.
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Written work
For the European language, candidates must submit the same written work as for Modern Languages by 11 November 2013. Please see p 114 [printed edition page numbers] for further details. No written work is required for the Middle Eastern language.
Written test
All candidates must take the Modern Languages Admissions Tests (MLAT) and the Oriental Languages Aptitude Test (OLAT), normally at their own school or college, on 6 November 2013. Separate registration is required for both tests and the deadline for entries is 15 October 2013. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that they are registered for these tests. See ox.ac.uk/tests for further details.
What are tutors looking for?
Tutors will be looking for a good command of the grammar of any language you have already studied at school or college and want to continue studying at Oxford, in addition to an interest in literature and culture.
For further information about the selection criteria please see: ox.ac.uk/criteria.
Related courses
Students interested in this course might also like to consider other language courses or Oriental Studies courses.
Careers
Oxford graduates in these subjects regularly go into highly competitive areas such as law, finance, commerce, management consultancy, accountancy, the media, advertising, the Foreign Office and the arts. The Languages Work website has further information about careers using languages: www.languageswork.org.uk. Recent European and Middle Eastern Languages graduates include a foreign office diplomat, a translator at the UN, and a journalist at a foreign news channel.
ACCELERATED LANGUAGE LEARNING
Start a Middle Eastern language from scratch and within a year you’ll be studying full authentic texts.
1st year
Courses
Study both languages
European languages: one language
Middle Eastern language: Intensive language
Assessment
First University examinations: Three written papers (European language); two papers (Middle Eastern language) plus, in Arabic only, an oral exam
2nd year
YEAR ABROAD
3rd and 4th years 
Courses
Four papers in each language
Literature, poetry and prose
Advanced language classes
Assessment
Final University examinations:
Nine written papers are taken including a bridging extended essay;
Oral exam (both languages, but not Hebrew on the Middle Eastern side)
Student Statement
“I had studied French and German at A level and knew I could do them well. But I wanted to try something new, so I applied for French and Arabic. I loved the idea of learning a language from scratch and becoming near fluent in it in the space of four years.
French kept me grounded in the culture and country I already knew and loved, and Arabic opened the door to a whole new world. When I applied I thought it would just be language and literature but you also get ancient and modern history, religion and politics.” Alice 4th year
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Experimental Psychology
UCAS Course Code: C830
Brief course outline
Duration of course: 3 years
Degree awarded: BA
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Intake: 64
Applications shortlisted for interview: 53.5%
Successful applications: 20.8%
Entrance requirements
A-levels: A*AA
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB
IB: 38–40 including core points
Or any other equivalent
It is highly recommended for candidates to have studied one or more science subjects or Mathematics to A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher Level in the IB or another equivalent. 
Open days
26 and 27 June, and 20 September 2013
Location
See map on inside back cover
Contact details
+44 (0) 1865 271376
admissions@psy.ox.ac.uk
www.psy.ox.ac.uk
What is Psychology?
Psychology has been defined as the science of mental life and its scope includes a wide variety of issues. It addresses such questions as: how do we perceive colours? How do children acquire language? What predisposes two people to get on with each other? What causes schizophrenia?
Psychology at Oxford
Psychology at Oxford is essentially a scientific discipline, involving the rigorous formulation and testing of ideas. It works through experiments and systematic observation rather than introspection.
The Oxford Experimental Psychology Department is widely regarded as one of the leading psychology departments in the UK. The department’s size and its commitment to research, as well as to excellence in teaching, means there are typically four or five research seminars each week, in addition to undergraduate lectures and classes. At present, there are particularly strong research groups in the fields of human cognitive processes, neuroscience, language, developmental and social psychology.
Fieldwork and international opportunities
A wide choice of research projects is available, including projects based in other departments and outside the University.
A typical weekly timetable
During terms 1 and 2 work is divided between lectures (about six a week) and tutorials (two to three a week). During terms 3 to 9 your time will be divided between attending lectures (about six per week), tutorials (average of 1.5 a week), and practical classes (one afternoon a week). You will also carry out your own research project and be given the opportunity to write a library dissertation.
Written work
You do not need to submit any written work as part of an application for this
Written tests
All candidates must take the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA), normally at their own school or college, on 6 November 2013. Separate registration for this test is required and the final deadline for entries is 15 October 2013. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that they are registered for this test. See www.tsaoxford.org.uk for further details.
What are tutors looking for?
In addition to a very good track record of academic achievement, tutors are keen to see whether you appreciate the scope of scientific psychology, can evaluate evidence, are able to consider issues from different perspectives, have a capacity for logical and creative thinking, appreciate the importance of empirical evidence in supporting arguments, and could cope with the quantitative demands of the course.
Related courses
Students interested in this course might also like to consider Human Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, or Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics.
Careers
Experimental Psychology students go on to follow careers in fields such as professional psychology, teaching and research, as well as finance and industry. Some careers will require additional study and/or training. This degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership.
Since graduating in 1993, Adrian has worked as a market researcher in areas such as banking, Government, whisky, and now as Market Research Manager for the Association of Train Operating Companies. He says: ‘The statistical training from a psychology degree is invaluable, as is the curiosity about why people do and think the things they do. Psychologists and researchers share the drive and discipline to approach those questions in an organised manner that leads to robust conclusions.’
Charlotte, who graduated in 2003, now works for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices as a Family Support Practitioner. She continues to use skills of assessment and analysis, developed during her undergraduate degree, to gain a full understanding of the presenting needs of the families she supports. She also uses her research skills to ensure families are offered the most effective evidence-based techniques to help them cope with their loss and grief.
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Rachel who graduated in 2006, is now a client consultant at Nunwood. She says: “Since graduating I have worked for two large market research companies specialising in brands and advertising research. My degree helped me to develop my analytical skills as well as gaining project management experience which have been invaluable in my chosen career path.”
Terms 1 and 2
Courses
Three courses are taken out of:
•	Psychology
•	Philosophy
•	Linguistics
•	Neurophysiology
•	Statistics
Assessment
First University examinations:
Three written papers
Terms 3–5
Courses
Nine courses are taken, including the eight core topics:
•	Cognitive neuroscience
•	Behavioural neuroscience
•	Perception
•	Memory, attention and information processing
•	Language and cognition
•	Developmental psychology
•	Social psychology
•	Personality, individual differences and psychological disorders
One course in experimental design and statistics
Assessment
Final University examinations, Part I: Four written papers Practical portfolio
Terms 6–9
Courses
Three advanced option courses in psychology are taken. One option can be a library dissertation. The courses change each year to reflect advances in psychology;
Research project
Assessment
Final University examinations, Part II: Research project report
Three written papers (or two written papers and a library dissertation)
PSYCHOLOGY delivers World-Leading Research
Oxford Psychology achieved outstanding results in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE)
•	35% of the Department’s work was rated in the highest category 4*, defined as ‘world-leading in terms of originality, significance and rigour’
•	A further 45% was rated 3* i.e. ‘internationally excellent in terms of originality, significance and rigour’
See www.psy.ox.ac.uk/about/epexternalreviews for more details.
Student Statement
I chose the course here because it has a strong rooting in experimental methods and you’re given the chance to talk to the people who are at the top of their field and are involved in current research which is changing the face of psychology.
Every so often some of the departmental researchers are on the lookout for a research assistant which is an amazing experience if you’re interested in staying in psychology after the degree. I’m quite keen on doing this as I would love to work in Clinical Psychology or research so being able to work alongside some of the leading people in the field is absolutely ideal preparation. Katrina 2nd Year
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Fine Art
This course is based at the Ruskin School, but apply to Oxford through UCAS in the normal way.
UCAS Course Code: W100
Brief course outline
Duration of course: 3 years
Degree awarded: BFA
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Intake: 21 (note: no deferred applications are accepted for this course)
Applications shortlisted for interview: 26.4%
Successful applications: 14.9%
Entrance requirements
A-levels: AAA
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB
IB: 38–40 including core points
Or any other equivalent
It is highly recommended for candidates to have studied Art to A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher Level in the IB or another equivalent and to take an Art Foundation course.
Applicants interested in applying for Fine Art who are studying for a BTEC National Extended Diploma (BTEC) will have to submit a portfolio of work, and an offer will require candidates to achieve DDD grades. Tutors welcome applications from those who are engaged on a BTEC National Extended Diploma Art and Design course where there is a substantial element of both Fine Art and Art History. Please note that because of the practical nature of the Fine Art degree, which also includes a substantial theoretical component, a candidate who has successfully completed the BTEC may be well suited to the content and structure of the degree course at Oxford. 
Open days
26 and 27 June, and 20 September 2013
Location
See map on inside back cover
Contact details
+44 (0) 1865 276940
info@ruskin-sch.ox.ac.uk
www.ruskin-sch.ox.ac.uk
Student Statement
“My work explores uncanny happenings that disturb us, and cause us to take a closer look. By using photography and film to supplement my performance work, I try to create illusions that -force the viewer to look; for the unexpected.” Jacob Rowlinson 2nd year
What is Fine Art?
Fine Art is the making and study of visual art. It educates and prepares students to become artists and to follow other practices that are aligned to the making of art. The curriculum is centred on the individual student’s potential and imagination.
Fine Art at Oxford
The Ruskin School of Drawing and Fine Art offers a three-year studio-based BFA course in which all its students work alongside each other in collaboratively organised studios. Whereas many fine art courses run in an environment devoted exclusively to art and design, Ruskin students, as members of a collegiate university, have the advantage of contact with their contemporaries on all of Oxford’s other courses.
The Ruskin course aims to develop strong independent points of view and a mature grasp of the range of critical debate surrounding contemporary art and its many international histories. Oxford’s short terms, coupled with the ambitious atmosphere at the Ruskin, suit highly motivated and resourceful students with a good sense of how to organise their time both in and out of Oxford. The first year of the course is structured to introduce students to each other, to the resources of the School and to all the people involved in teaching and running the Ruskin. The combination of witnessing fellow students at work, group criticism and individual discussion with tutors and visiting artists, swiftly develops a strong sense of the diversity of experience and opinion within the School.
The close working circumstances of the School, arranged in two buildings, means that art history, theory and criticism are seen as integral to the development of all studio work. The Ruskin also enjoys a strong and constructive relationship with Modern Art Oxford, and students have full access to the many exceptional University libraries and museums, including the Ashmolean.
Since the School and its staff have built many personal and professional relationships with museums and galleries in London, these too are seen as one of the Ruskin’s major resources. Independent, as well as organised visits, are seen as essential to maintaining the energy of debate within the School.
Portfolio assessment
Portfolios must be submitted as part of your application by noon on Saturday 9 November 2013. There is no prescription for editing a portfolio, but candidates should aim for any range of work which gives a sense of their interests and appetites. Portfolios may contain original works, photographs, slides or digital images of paintings and sculptures, personal notebooks, short videotapes or CDs, drawings, soundworks etc. We value signs of the ability to engage in critical and inventive discussion, but above all we are looking for a strong visual curiosity.
Please note that the University may use the work which you submit to the extent necessary for the conduct of the admission process. The University is not in a position to verify the contents of portfolios, or to make any special arrangements for care, custody or return. The University cannot therefore accept responsibility for any loss or damage.
Interview and practical test
All candidates, including overseas candidates, who are shortlisted for this course are encouraged to come to Oxford for interview in December. The interview will include a practical test, where candidates are asked to complete two pieces in a variety of media from a number of possible subjects. Candidates themselves do not need to make any special arrangements for the test, as this will be organised for them by the Ruskin.
Related courses
Students interested in this course might also like to consider History of Art.
Careers
Most students aim at becoming professional artists, and this ambition is supported throughout the course. Remember, too, that the education and structure we offer strengthens students’ imagination and knowledge in such a way that other paths may also be pursued. Many graduates subsequently go on to graduate studies in Fine Art, but some also continue in other, related subjects. 
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We maintain good contacts with former students and keenly follow their developing careers. These demonstrate that Ruskin students consistently make substantial contributions in their chosen creative fields. Recent Fine Art graduates include professional artists, critics, writers, teachers and creative directors.
Natasha Peel (BFA 2009–2012) and Amba Sayal-Bennett (2009–2012) were shortlisted for the Saatchi New Sensations 2012 award. Natasha and Amba add to the succession of Ruskin alumni who have reached the top 20 in the last few years including Kira Freije (BFA 2008–11) and Charlie Ogilvie (BFA 2002–5) in 2011, Mimi Norrgren (BFA 2005–2008) in 2010 and Oliver Beer (BFA 2006–2009), the award winner in 2009.
Paul graduated in 1989 and now works as a visual effects artist and filmmaker. He says: ‘I consider my Fine Art studies at Oxford to be absolutely essential to what I do every day as a filmmaker. The studios of the Ruskin School of Drawing and Fine Art might seem to be very far away from the world of Hollywood and summer tentpole movies, but the knowledge and skills I gained at Oxford come into play every day whether it’s in solving the practicalities of staging the action in a complex shot or in a discussion of the film’s visual storytelling with the director.’
TOP RATED ART SCHOOL IN THE UK
The Guardian’s 2012 survey on where to study art and design in the UK rated the Ruskin in first place with a score of 100%.
1st year
Courses
Students develop their studio work in discussion with the School’s lecturers, tutors and visiting staff. They are allocated a tutor at the outset, who monitors progress, sets targets and directs them in their studies. Work is regularly presented and discussed at group crits involving staff and students from across the School. Alongside this, workshops and projects designed to introduce a range of techniques and approaches are offered throughout the year. In addition, they attend taught practical classes in drawing and human anatomy as well as lectures, seminars and tutorials in art history. Experimentation is encouraged
Assessment
Practical studio-based work, human anatomy; Three submitted essays; One written paper in the history and theory of visual culture since 1900
2nd and 3rd years
Courses
Years two and three are similar in structure and continue the tutorial system introduced in the first year. All students are required to continue the study of art history and theory and to submit three essays during the course of the second year. In the final term of the second year they agree an extended essay title with their tutor. This essay is submitted at the end of the second term of the final year as part of the Final Examination. Students are expected to establish a strong bond between the interests of the essay and their studio studies..
Assessment (2nd year)
Satisfactory record in all areas of the course
Assessment (3rd year)
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
Student Statement
Picture for Jeff – a re-staged photograph of a Caspar-David Friedrich painting from the National Gallery in Berlin.
This work was made as a response to Jeff Wall’s ‘Picture for Women’ (1979) which itself is a photographic recreation of Manet’s ‘A Bar at the Folies-Bergère’. Whereas Wall’s photograph is portraying the gaze of the male artist onto the model and his control over it, in ‘Picture for Jeff’ there is no difference made between photographer and photographed subject.
The second picture negates the Fernweh (sense of longing for an unknown, faraway place), revealing that the person is not looking and longing for the possibilities the ships in front of her might represent, but is literally re-locating her contemplation on herself. As opposed to Wall’s image where the focus lies in the relationship between the male artist, and Friedrich’s painting where it lies in the unknown, in ‘Picture for Jeff’ the essence of the work seems to lie in the almost self-obsessed (re)presentation of the self. Jan Kaesbach graduated 2012
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Geography
UCAS Course Code: L700
Brief course outline
Duration of course: 3 years
Degree awarded: BA
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Intake: 85
Applications shortlisted for interview: 77.6%
Successful applications: 21.6%
Entrance requirements
A-levels: A*AA
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB
IB: 38–40 including core points
Or any other equivalent
It is highly recommended for candidates to have Geography to A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher Level in the IB. 
Open days
3 May 2013 – Places must be booked for this date by contacting the Undergraduate Coordinator on +44 (0) 1865 285045 or via undergraduate.enquiries@ouce.ox.ac.uk,
26 and 27 June, and 20 September 2013 – no need to book.
Location
See map on inside back cover
Contact details
+44 (0) 1865 285045
www.geog.ox.ac.uk/undergraduate
What is Geography?
Geography is a diverse discipline that bridges the arts, social and natural sciences, providing a broad education and addressing pressing issues, including: environmental change, regional and global inequalities, the transformation of global economy and culture, ethnic segregation, urbanisation, planning, natural hazards, and many more. Students obtain a coherent view of the rapidly changing world and the ways in which society influences and is influenced by it.
Geography at Oxford
The Oxford Geography degree focuses on the interrelationships between society and the physical and human environment. Students are introduced to the full range of geographical topics in the foundational courses, which they can then follow up in more detail in the optional papers. There is considerable emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches in the course, with opportunities to explore the cross-fertilisation between geography and other disciplines, such as anthropology, sociology, history, political science, economics, earth sciences and biology.
The tutorial system offers ample opportunity for independent work and the pursuit of subjects of particular interest. Seminars and classes offer the chance to interact with other students in discussing specific issues. Many special lectures by visiting speakers, both within and outside the School of Geography, enrich the opportunities open to Oxford geographers.
The facilities in the school are among the best in the country. The Radcliffe Science Library holds a geography collection, which has 107,000 volumes, and the Library has subscriptions to more than 200 journals, many of which are online. Computerised search and database systems are provided. Students may also use the extensive library resources elsewhere in the University. Students taking the physical geography options will use the well-equipped laboratories both for practical courses and for individual research projects.
Fieldwork and international opportunities
The School of Geography and the Environment emphasises the importance of fieldwork since it believes there is no substitute for teaching subjects at first hand. In the first year, all students take part in local skills-related field days and weekends. Second year students will undertake a week-long overseas residential field course which will be linked to the foundational courses. Some of the option subjects in the second and third years involve field trips, which in recent years have included trips to the United Arab Emirates. Independent research in the field or in archives is a key element of the dissertation. Each year, around 40% of our undergraduates choose to do their dissertation overseas, covering a remarkable range of countries worldwide.
A typical weekly timetable
A typical weekly timetable comprises lectures in the morning, and usually a few afternoon seminars or practical classes. In addition, each student will attend at least one college tutorial per week, and some college-based classes.
Written work
Candidates are required to submit two marked pieces of recent work produced as part of their geography course by 11 November 2013.
Written tests
All candidates must take the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA), normally at their own school or college, on 6 November 2013. Separate registration for this test is required and the final deadline for entries is 15 October 2013. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure they are registered for this test. See www.tsaoxford.org.uk for further details.
What are tutors looking for?
Tutors are looking for students who match academic achievement with enthusiasm, commitment and an awareness of the world around them. Candidates may be given a short article to read and discuss during the interview.
For further information about the selection criteria see: ox.ac.uk/criteria.
Related courses
Students interested in this course might also like to consider Earth Sciences (Geology) or Human Sciences.
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Helen graduated in 2006 and is now a chartered accountant in the Corporate Tax Department at Deloitte LLP. She says: “My degree gave me a really broad basis of knowledge and understanding of global issue on which to build more technical skills. The focus on self-study and development as well as more formal lectures has really helped with the transition to a career where I need to be self-motivated and manage my workload.”
Careers
Geography graduates have a broad set of transferable skills including literacy, numeracy and graphicacy, along with their experience of research projects and working in groups. Some graduates are able to use their geographical knowledge directly in their work or in higher degrees. In recent years Geography graduates have proceeded to employment in management consultancy, local and central government, conservation and heritage management, law, the media, teaching and research, and include an assistant manager for a multinational professional services firm, a government and public sector consultant, and a chartered accountant.
Alison, who graduated in 1999, now works at KPMG as a Knowledge Manager across a global tax business line. She believes the skills she acquired during her Geography undergraduate degree prepared her for the role: being able to deliver business messages at the highest level, being an excellent communicator, project-managing and facilitating several initiatives at once and being able to identify the important issues versus the immaterial ones (and having the confidence to shout about them).
School of Geography Podcasts
The School of Geography and the Environment’s recorded talks and lectures are available at www.geog.ox.ac.uk/ news/podcasts
1st Year
Courses
Four core courses are taken:
•	Earth systems processes
•	Human geography
•	Geographical controversies
•	Geographical techniques
Assessment
First University examinations: Four written papers plus practical notebooks
2nd and 3rd Years
Courses
Geographical research Foundational courses (two chosen)
•	Space, place and society
•	Earth system dynamics
•	Environmental geography
Options (three chosen)
Options currently offered include: African societies: geographies of development and inequality; Biogeography, biodiversity and conservation; Climate change impacts and adaptation; Climate change and variability; Contemporary India; Desert landscapes and dynamics; European integration; Forensic geography; Geographies of finance; Heritage, science and conservation; Northlands, peoples and politics; Spaces of politics; Transport and mobilities.
Dissertation (weighted as two papers)
Assessment
Final University examinations: Three written core papers; three written optional papers; three pieces of submitted work on the chosen optional subjects; fieldwork report; dissertation
Student Statement
“I chose to apply for Geography at Oxford because of the uniqueness of the course and the challenge I knew it would provide. I am both a physical and human geographer, choosing Biogeography and Finance as my two special subjects. The highlight of the academic week is the tutorial – one of the main reasons I applied to Oxford. There are so few places where you have the opportunity to discuss your week’s work with a leading academic in their field.
Each Geography year group is relatively small, so you get to know everyone very quickly and there is a great sense of community. The field trips during Easter are also a great opportunity to get to know everyone better.” Rhys 2nd year
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History
UCAS Course Code: V100
Brief course outline
Duration of course: 3 years
Degree awarded: BA
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Intake: 227
Applications shortlisted for interview: 70.6%
Successful applications: 24.2%
Entrance requirements
A-levels: AAA
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB
IB: 38–40 including core points
Or any other equivalent
It is highly recommended for candidates to have History to A-level, Advanced Higher or Higher Level in the IB or another equivalent.
Open days
23 August 2013 – This open day is designed for History and all its joint courses. Places must be booked for this day. Please download the booking form from the History Faculty website, www.history.ox.ac.uk, or contact the Schools Liaison Officer at: schools.liaison@history.ox.ac.uk
27 June and 20 September 2013 - The History Faculty will be open to visitors from 2pm with no need to book.
Location
See map on inside back cover
Contact details
+44 (0) 1865 615020
schools.liaison@history.ox.ac.uk
www.history.ox.ac.uk
What is History?
The study of history at Oxford combines the examination of large regions over extended periods of time with more focused work on smaller groups, shorter periods, and particular problems. It provides a distinctive education by developing an awareness of differing political, cultural, social and economic structures in past societies and their interrelationship. It combines vigorous debate over questions of interpretation with rigorous attention to the source materials. Its constant enrichment by cross-fertilisation from other disciplines leads to the asking of new questions about the past.
History at Oxford
Oxford is celebrated for the broad chronological sweep of its courses and the enormous amount of choice offered to students. You can study options on any part of British and European history from the declining years of the Roman Empire to the present day. The geographical range is also broad: there are options on North American, Latin American, Asian and African history (see website for further details). Students are encouraged to adopt a variety of interdisciplinary approaches to their work, and the faculty is strong on intellectual and cultural history options. The Oxford History Faculty is at the forefront of research.
A typical weekly timetable
You will be expected to attend about five lectures a week during the first year, participate in regular meetings with tutors to discuss work, research in libraries and write at least one essay a week. In the second and third years students choose from an enormous variety of lectures and their regular diet of tutorials is supplemented by faculty classes where you discuss work with a larger number of students. The thesis gives all students the opportunity to engage in a piece of independent research. Throughout the course, you are very much in charge of your own timetable.
Written work
All candidates are required to send in an essay on an historical topic of A2 level, or equivalent, written in their own time as part of their normal school or college work by 11 November 2013.
Written tests
All candidates must take the History Aptitude Test (HAT), normally at their own school or college, on 6 November 2013. Separate registration for this test is required and the final deadline for entries is 15 October 2013. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that they are registered for this test. See www.hatoxford.org.uk for further details.
What are tutors looking for?
For information about the selection criteria please see: ox.ac.uk/criteria.
If you are shortlisted, submitted work and UCAS personal statements may form starting points for discussion in your interview. Some colleges may require you to read a short passage of historical writing while you are here for interview, which they will ask you to discuss as part of the interview process. The tutors are not so much interested in the level of your knowledge as in your ability to think historically.
Related courses
Students interested in this course might also like to consider Archaeology and Anthropology, Classical Archaeology and Ancient History, other History courses or History of Art.
Student Statement
“In the past year I’ve studied a wide range of topics on aspects of history I’d never even considered before, spanning from monasticism in the 11th century to the French Revolution and Napoleon. I love the diversity of my courses, and the fact I have control over every term’s study. The tutors are flexible too, meaning I can choose essays on topics which interest me.” Christy 2nd year
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Sian who graduated in 2008, says: “Since graduating I have worked as assistant brand manager on Pringles and Braun at Procter & Gamble. My degree taught me analytical skills, time management and the ability to think critically, all of which are crucial in my role.”
Careers
History graduates go on to follow careers in fields such as law, investment banking and consultancies, advertising, accountancy, the Civil Service, publishing, journalism and the media, global charity work, museums, librarianship and archive work, and teaching. Recent graduates include a civil servant at the Department of Health, an investment management associate, and a barrister.
Edward, who graduated in 1981, is now a curator. He says: ‘My degree helped me acquire a position with the Pendle Heritage Centre and then at Historic Scotland. Afterwards I became a curator for the National Museum of the US Navy.’
David, who graduated in 2006, is a History teacher at Taunton School. He says: ‘A History degree was a prerequisite to teaching History to A-level and IB, but the Oxford degree accelerated my career path, allowing me to step straight into a position at an academic school. I use my degree on a daily basis, in teaching a wide range of historical topics as well as advising students about Oxford.’
Robin, who graduated in 1981, is the Managing Director of Schneider-Ross. He says: ‘On graduating, I joined Esso UK. Having met my wife there, in 1989 we decided to set up our own consultancy, Schneider-Ross, specialising in global diversity and inclusion. I feel history gave me all the skills I’ve called on to analyse data, make arguments and convince people of the need to change … and the confidence to work at board level with FTSE 100 companies (it’s just like a tutorial really).’
History Off the Shelf
History Off The Shelf (HOTS) is hosted by the University of Oxford. It is a space for sixth formers to chat about History, admissions and History admissions. Check HOTS out at: www.history.ox.ac.uk/hots
1st year
Courses
Four papers are taken:
History of the British Isles
General history (primarily European)
Historical methods (choice of Approaches to history; Historiography; Tacitus to Weber; Quantification; one of seven foreign texts)
Optional subject (choices include Theories of the state; Conquest and colonisation: Spain and America in the sixteenth century; Culture, society and politics in England, 1700–1795; Working class life and industrial work in Britain 1870–1914)
Assessment 
First University examinations:
Four written papers
2nd and 3rd years
Courses
Six subjects are taken:
History of the British Isles
General history
Further subject (choice of about 30, including: Anglo-Saxon archaeology of the early Christian period; China in war and revolution, 1890–1949; The Near East in the age of Justinian and Muhammad, c. 527–c.700; Society and government in France, 1600–1715; The first industrial revolution; Imperialism and nationalism, 1830–1980; Modern Japan, 1868–1972; The Soviet Union, 1924–41)
Special subject: a paper and an extended essay (choices include: The Norman conquest of England; Politics, art and culture in the Italian 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
Assessment
Final University examinations:
Five written papers; one extended essay; one thesis; an additional thesis may be offered
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History (Ancient and Modern)
UCAS Course Code: V118
Brief course outline
Duration of course: 3 years
Degree awarded: BA
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Intake: 13
Applications shortlisted for interview: 59.5%
Successful applications: 18.9%
Entrance requirements
A-levels: AAA
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB
IB: 38–40 including core points
Or any other equivalent
It is highly recommended for candidates to have History to A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher Level in the IB or another equivalent. A classical language, Classical Civilisation and Ancient History can be helpful to students in completing this course, although they are not required for admission. 
Open days
23 August 2013 – This open day is designed for History and all its joint courses. Places must be booked for this day. Please download the booking form from the History Faculty website, www.history.ox.ac.uk, or contact the Schools Liaison Officer at: schools.liaison@history.ox.ac.uk
27 June and 20 September 2013 – The History Faculty will be open to visitors from 2pm with no need to book.
Location
See map on inside back cover
Contact details
History
+44 (0) 1865 615020
schools.liaison@history.ox.ac.uk
www.history.ox.ac.uk
Classics
+44 (0) 1865 288391
enquiries@classics.ox.ac.uk
www.classics.ox.ac.uk
What is Ancient and Modern History?
This course enables students to study history from the Bronze Age Mediterranean and Near East, through the Roman Empire, middle ages, and early modern period, right up to British, European and world history in the present day. Fruitful comparisons between societies abound, and the methods by which we study them are mutually illuminating.
Ancient and Modern History at Oxford
This Oxford course offers an extraordinary range of choices (more than 90 options), reflecting the breadth of interests of those who teach here. The Oxford Classics and History Faculties are world-famous for teaching and research. Most of the people who will teach you here will be leading researchers in their field, and lecturers are encouraged to put on new courses which reflect their own interests. The study of original sources forms the basis of Further and Special Subjects.
A typical weekly timetable
Your work is divided between lectures and classes, tutorials (one or two a week), and private study (including preparing essays for your weekly tutorials).
Written work
All candidates are required to send in a marked essay of A2 level, or equivalent, written in their own time as part of their normal school or college work by 11 November 2013. The essay may deal with a topic from ancient or modern history.
Written test
All candidates must take the History Aptitude Test (HAT), normally at their own school or college, on 6 November 2013. Separate registration for this test is required and the final deadline for entries is 15 October 2013. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that they are registered for this test. See www.hatoxford.org.uk for further details.
What are tutors looking for?
Tutors are keen to find out whether you can demonstrate the skills needed by History undergraduates. Even if you have not previously studied ancient history or classics, it is important to show some awareness of and interest in the ancient world, including its material remains.
Some colleges may require you to read a short passage of historical writing while you are at interview, which they will ask you to discuss.
For further information about the selection criteria see: ox.ac.uk/criteria.
Related courses
Students interested in this course might also like to consider Archaeology and Anthropology, Classical Archaeology and Ancient History, Classics, other History courses, or History of Art.
Careers
Oxford historians typically move on to careers in fields as varied as law, investment banking and consultancies, advertising, accountancy, the Civil Service, publishing, journalism and the media, global charity work, museums, librarianship and archive work, and teaching.
Recent Ancient and Modern History graduates include a civil servant, a librarian, and a charity campaign manager. Mary-Kate, who graduated in 2006, says: ‘Through my joint course I developed skills in working flexibly and under pressure, enhanced my analytical skills and learnt to be independently minded. These have all proven to be invaluable assets in my career as a Fast Streamer for the Home Office. Being a Fast Streamer means that I’m following an accelerated training and development graduate programme.’
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Heather, who graduated in 2002, now works as a Lecturer in British History at the Humboldt University in Berlin, Germany. She says: “Learning to work independently and under time pressure as an undergraduate was the perfect preparation for an academic career. It gave me the skills I needed to teach successfully at a university level and the self-confidence necessary to publish and present my research before my peers.”
1st year
Courses
Four courses are taken:
One period of either Greek or Roman history
One of the periods of general (non-British) history offered by the History Faculty
The world of Homer and Hesiod; or Augustan Rome; or one of the History optional subjects
A text-based paper on Herodotus; or Sallust; or Approaches to history; or Historiography: Tacitus to Weber, from the History syllabus or Greek/Latin language paper
Assessment 
First University examinations: Four written papers
2nd and 3rd years
Courses
Six courses are taken:
A period of Greek or Roman history
A period of general history or one of the periods of the history of the British Isles
Further subjects including work on primary sources, textual or archaeological
A choice of further subjects (either the further or the special subject must be ancient (they can both be ancient, if you wish)) from the History syllabus; or an ancient further subject, including: Athenian democracy in the classical age; Politics, society and culture from Nero to Hadrian; Religions in the Greek and Roman world c.31 BC–AD 312; The Greeks and the Mediterranean world 950–500 BC; Art under the Roman Empire AD 14–337; The Hellenistic World: societies and cultures, ca. 300 BC-100 BC
Special subjects (either the further or the special subject must be ancient (they can both be ancient, if you wish)) (including work on primary sources, textual or archaeological). A choice of special subjects from the History syllabus; or an ancient special subject, including: Alexander the Great and his early successors; Cicero: politics and thought in the late Republic
Disciplines of history
Thesis
Optional Greek/Latin language paper
Assessment
Final University examinations: Six written papers (or five written papers and one extended essay); one thesis
Student Statement
“Choosing to study Ancient and Modern History was, for me, a pretty easy decision. I’d just read Robert Graves’ ‘I, Claudius’ and I was studying some Ancient History at school and really enjoying it so I thought, ‘why not?’ The course allows a great range of options and allows me to study some of the most important aspects of European history. The lecturers and tutors are experts in their field which is a huge benefit and the variety of the libraries, including a specialist Ancient History library, the Sackler, built in true imposing neo-classical style, means I am never unable to find, or forced to buy, a book for my course.” Robert 2nd year
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History and Economics
UCAS Course Code: LV11
Brief course outline
Duration of course: 3 years
Degree awarded: BA
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Intake: 13
Applications shortlisted for interview: 49.4%
Successful applications: 14.9%
Entrance requirements
A-levels: AAA
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB
IB: 38–40 including core points
Or any other equivalent
It is highly recommended for candidates to have both History and Mathematics to A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher Level in the IB or any other equivalent.
Open days
See History (p 78 [printed edition page numbers])
Location
See map on inside back cover
Contact details
History
+44 (0) 1865 615020
schools.liaison@history.ox.ac.uk
www.history.ox.ac.uk
Economics
+44 (0) 1865 271098
econundergrad@economics.ox.ac.uk
www.economics.ox.ac.uk
What is History and Economics?
The History and Economics course integrates these two subjects to form a coherent and intellectually stimulating programme. The combination allows insights that neither subject can realise alone. However, it is possible to specialise primarily in either History or Economics while still preserving the benefits of an integrated approach. The combination of economics, economic history and history (political as well as social) means that you will be equipped to view issues in the real world from a variety of contrasting perspectives. You will learn both the historian’s careful approaches to evidence and argumentation and the economist’s analytical and quantitative methods, providing an excellent preparation for a range of professional, financial and academic careers.
History and Economics at Oxford
The course is designed to equip you with the basic tools of both history and economics, whilst introducing you to some of the areas which you can study later in more depth. You will be given a wide choice of subjects. Everyone studies introductory economics, which is designed to give a solid understanding of the foundations of both micro- and macro-economics. The Economics course is identical to that for Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) and students for both courses are generally taught together.
A typical weekly timetable
You will be expected to attend about five lectures a week during the first year, participate in regular meetings with tutors to discuss work, research in libraries and write at least one essay a week. In the second and third year you will have the opportunity to write a thesis on economic history, which will enable you to do a piece of independent research.
Written work
Candidates are required to submit two recent marked coursework essays by 11 November 2013: one in economics or a similar subject and one on an historical topic, or equivalent. These should have been written in the candidates’ own time as part of their normal school or college work.
Written test
Candidates applying for History and Economics are required to take two tests: the History Aptitude Test (HAT) on 6 November 2013 and a test for Economics for those who are shortlisted, which will take place during the Oxford interview period in December 2013. Separate registration is required for the HAT and the final deadline for entries is 15 October 2013. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that they are registered for this test. See www.hatoxford.org.uk for further details.
What are tutors looking for?
For information about the selection criteria please see: ox.ac.uk/criteria.
Submitted work and UCAS personal statements are likely to form starting points for discussion in your interview. Some colleges may require you to read a short passage of historical writing while you are here for interview, which they will ask you to discuss as part of the interview process. The tutors are not so much interested in the level of your knowledge as in your ability to think historically. We do not require any previous formal qualification in Economics, but we do expect you to demonstrate a real interest in the subject.
Related courses
Students interested in this course might also like to consider other History courses, History of Art or PPE.
Careers
Some of the most popular careers for History and Economics graduates include working in industry, management consulting, law, teaching and many branches of the public service, including the civil and diplomatic services, and the Bank of England. Recent History and Economics graduates include a management consultant, a charity officer and an economist.
Michael, who graduated in 1988, is currently the Managing Director for Thomson Reuters’ Treasury business across Asia Pacific. He says: ‘Running a broad region as diverse as Asia Pacific requires me to think laterally across cultures coupled with a concise and engaging focus – traits that one hones quickly from the tutorial approach at Oxford.’
[83]
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 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.”
1st year
Courses
Four papers are taken:
Introductory economics
General history (primarily European): four options available
Historical methods (available options: Approaches to history; Historiography: Tacitus to Weber; Foreign texts)
Optional subject (involving the use of primary sources)
Assessment
First University examinations: Four written examinations
2nd and 3rd years
Courses
Core courses in Economics and Economic History
Economics Core papers:
Microeconomics
Macroeconomics
Quantitative economics
History Core papers:
A period of British history (7 options) or of general history (18 options)
History Further Subject
British economic history since 1870
Optional paper: History Further Subject, or British history or general history paper; OR Economics Optional Subject, including Money and banking; International economics; Economics of industry; Economics of developing countries Compulsory thesis:aA thesis from original research, usually in Economic History
Assessment
 Final University examinations: Seven written papers, and one compulsory undergraduate thesis. 
Student Statement
“The History and Economics course here is flexible enough that I can choose which of the two to focus on and which specific parts of the subjects to focus on from there. I think the best thing about the teaching at Oxford is the sheer range of experts in fields of your subject you didn’t even know existed. After the lectures and tutorials everything is covered in depth and you generally feel comfortable with a module and if you don’t the tutors are usually happy to give some extra guidance.” Jack 2nd year
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History and English
UCAS Course Code: VQ13
Brief course outline
Duration of course: 3 years
Degree awarded: BA
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Intake: 10
Applications shortlisted for interview: 58.1%
Successful applications: 12.8%
Entrance requirements
A-levels: AAA
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB
IB: 38–40 including core points
Or any other equivalent
Candidates are expected to have English Literature, or English Language and Literature to A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher Level in the IB or any other equivalent. It is also highly recommended for candidates to have History to A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher Level in the IB or another equivalent.
Open days
See History (p 78 [printed edition page numbers])
See English Language and Literature (p 66 [printed edition page numbers])
Applicants for this course may like to attend any of the open days for either History or English since tutors will be available at each event who can discuss this joint course.
Location
See map on inside back cover
Contact details
History
+44 (0) 1865 615020
schools.liaison@history.ox.ac.uk
www.history.ox.ac.uk
English
+44 (0) 1865 271055
english.office@ell.ox.ac.uk
www.english.ox.ac.uk
What is History and English?
A joint degree in History and English requires students to think critically about how we define ‘history’ and ‘literature’, and about how the two disciplines interrelate and, in large measure, overlap. Close attention is given to changing methodologies, to the nature of evidence and to styles of argument. It is assumed that historical documents are just as much ‘texts’ as are poems, plays or novels, and are therefore subject to interpretation as works of narrative, rhetoric and, fundamentally, language. Equally, it is assumed that poems, plays and novels represent historically grounded ways of interpreting a culture.
History and English at Oxford
The History and English Faculties are the largest in Britain, with long and distinguished traditions of teaching and research. Students are offered a great deal of choice in the course over their three years, and whether their interests are in the medieval period, the Renaissance or the later periods, intellectually fruitful combinations are always possible.
The course structure at Oxford is intended to enable students to relate literary and historical ideas as effectively as possible in the investigation of their chosen historical periods, topics or authors, while recognising that some students will wish to opt for variety rather than close congruity between their historical and literary papers. Interdisciplinarity is embedded in each year of the course with dedicated classes in the first year as part of the Introduction to English Language and Literature paper, a ‘bridge paper’ taken in the second year and examined by extended essay, and an interdisciplinary dissertation in the final year.
Oxford possesses unmatched library provision for both subjects in the Bodleian Library, the History Faculty and English Faculty libraries, other faculty libraries, and the college libraries.
A typical weekly timetable
Most students have up to two tutorials a week and are often, but not always, working on two papers simultaneously. Most students attend three to four lecture courses a week. In the first and second years, students will also attend interdisciplinary classes with both English and History tutors present, in preparation for the interdisciplinary bridge paper. For the final year dissertation they will have an adviser from each discipline.
Written work
Candidates will be required to submit one piece of written work for History on an historical topic, and two pieces for English, both by 11 November 2013.
Written test
All candidates must take the History Aptitude Test (HAT), normally at their own school or college, on 6 November 2013. Separate registration for this test is required and the final deadline for entries is 15 October 2013. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that they are registered for this test. See www.hatoxford.org.uk for further details.
Candidates for this joint course are not required to take the English Literature Admissions Test (ELAT).
What are tutors looking for?
For information about the selection criteria please see: ox.ac.uk/criteria.
Shortlisted candidates will usually be given at least two interviews, one with the History tutor or tutors in the college, and one with the English tutor or tutors. In the English interview, the candidate may be asked to discuss a piece of prose or verse, provided before or at the interview. Successful candidates will read widely, will enjoy writing and talking about history, literature and language, and will be interested in pursuing a comparative approach to historical and literary texts.
Related courses
Students interested in this course might also like to consider Archaeology and Anthropology, Classical Archaeology and Ancient History, other English courses, History courses or History of Art.
Careers
By studying this degree you will acquire a range of skills valued by recruiters including: the ability to work independently, to evaluate the significance of evidence and to present arguments clearly and persuasively. Recent graduates from this course have worked in the media, legal professions, public administration, teaching and financial careers.
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Jo, who graduated in 2008, says: “Since graduating, I have worked in the City in both finance and law. I joined the London office of Skadden Arps, a US firm, in September 2011 as a trainee solicitor.”
1st year
Courses
Four papers are taken:
Introduction to English Language and Literature (portfolio paper with one compulsory interdisciplinary question)
One period paper from single honours English Language and Literature
One British History paper from single honours History
One of: Approaches to History; Historiography; optional subject (from single honours History)
Assessment
Three written papers form the First University Examination, together with a submitted portfolio of two exam essays of 2,000 words each for ‘Introduction to English Language and Literature’.
All exams must be passed, but marks do not count towards the final degree
2nd and 3rd years
Courses
Seven papers are taken:
One interdisciplinary bridge essay (6,000 words)
Two of papers 1–6 from single honours English Language and Literature
One British period paper from single honours History
Either: 
One History Special Subject (counts as two papers)
Or two from:
1.	General history paper from single honours History
2.	Further subject from single honours History
3.	British History period paper from single honours History
4.	One of papers 1–6 from single honours English Language and Literature
Interdisciplinary dissertation (10,000 words)
Assessment
Up to four papers for the Final Honour school can be examined as coursework (extended essays and dissertation). Between three and five papers will then be examined by final written examinations at the end of the third year
The History and English course is currently undergoing revision, so these details are subject to approval by the University.
Student Statement
“My degree allows me, above all, to keep studying both the subjects I love, but also to tie them together in interesting ways: by looking at the development of literature during the periods of history I study, as well as by taking bridge papers which are specifically designed to bring the two subjects together. I’m really glad I took the challenge of applying for a joint course, as having the opportunity to be taught by the experts in both fields is so rewarding. I’d tell people who love two different subjects that not only do you not have to choose between them, but also studying them jointly allows you to get even more from your degree.” Josie 2nd year
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History and Modern Languages
History and either Celtic, Czech (with Slovak), French, German, Modern Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish
UCAS Course Codes: see below
Brief course outline
Duration of course: 4 years (including compulsory year abroad)
Degree awarded: BA
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Intake: 17
Applications shortlisted for interview: 71.6%
Successful applications: 21.0%
Open days
See History (p 82 [printed edition page numbers])
See Modern Languages (p 116 [printed edition page numbers])
Tutors from the History Faculty will be available at the Modern Languages open day on 27 April 2013 to discuss this joint course.
Location
See map on inside back cover
Contact details
History
+44 (0) 1865 615020
schools.liaison@history.ox.ac.uk
www.history.ox.ac.uk
Modern Languages
+44 (0) 1865 270750
reception@mod-langs.ox.ac.uk
www.mod-langs.ox.ac.uk
Entrance requirements
A-levels: AAA 
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB 
IB: 38–40 including core points 
Or any other equivalent
It is highly recommended for candidates to have History to A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher Level in the IB, or another equivalent.
Course combinations/UCAS codes
You can either study History with a Modern Language you already speak, or with a Modern Language you’d like to learn from scratch.
For the following course combinations you would usually be expected to have the Modern Language to A-level, or another academic equivalent. 
History and:
Czech VR17
French VR11
German VR12
Modern Greek VQ17
Italian VR13
Portuguese VR15
Russian VRC7
Spanish VR14
The following course combinations allow you to begin studying a Modern Language from scratch, although those with experience in Celtic are also very welcome to apply.
History and:
Celtic VQ15
Beginners’ Czech VR1R
Beginners’ Modern Greek VR1X
Beginners’ Italian RV31
Beginners’ Portuguese VR1N
What is History and Modern Languages?
This course allows you to study subjects in History and a European language which relate to each other significantly. An interest in 19th century French literature, for example, might be reinforced by the study of French and European historical options in the same period, or an interest in medieval Italian history can be enriched by a study of Dante. Not only can the literature be related to its historical context, but the agenda of the historians can also be reassessed by engagement with literary methods.
History and Modern Languages at Oxford
The richness and variety of the cultural and intellectual topics pursued in the two faculties make possible exciting and intellectually innovative combinations. Students undertaking this kind of joint degree therefore regularly make genuinely original contributions.
Work placements/international opportunities
You study History and Modern Languages as a four-year course with a compulsory year abroad in your third year. Please see Modern Languages (p 112 [printed edition page numbers]) for further information. We encourage you to spend as much as possible of your vacations in the countries whose language you are studying. Financial support, including travel scholarships, may be available from your college.
A typical weekly timetable
Your week’s work will include tutorials in history and in the literature and culture of the language you study, language classes involving different skills, and about three or four lectures per subject. You will prepare essays for your weekly tutorials.
Written work
Candidates must submit written work by 11 November 2013 for each of the subjects forming this joint course. Please see further details on the pages for History (p 78[printed edition page numbers]) and for Modern Languages (p 112 [printed edition page numbers]).
Written test
All candidates must take both the History Aptitude Test (HAT) and the Modern Languages Admissions Tests (MLAT), normally at their own school or college, on 6 November 2013. Separate registration for both tests is required and the final deadline for entries is 15 October 2013. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that they are registered for these tests. See ox.ac.uk/tests for further details.
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What are tutors looking for?
For information about the selection criteria please see: www.ox.ac.uk/criteria.
During the interview, your submitted work is likely to be a starting point for discussion. Some colleges may also ask you to read and discuss a short text. Tutors wish to test your capacity for independent thought, your flexibility, your skills in conceptualising and relating ideas, the precision of your thinking and your linguistic accuracy.
Related courses
Students interested in this course might also like to consider Archaeology and Anthropology, Classical Archaeology and Ancient History, other English courses, History courses or History of Art.
Careers
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. Virginia, who graduated in 1976, is now an editor in educational languages publishing. She says: ‘My fascination with languages was developed at Oxford; and I believe that my self-motivation, determination and self-confidence were honed by the tutorial system.’
Erasmus
Please see ox.ac.uk/erasmus for details of Erasmus opportunities for this course.
1st year
Courses
Six courses are taken:
Modern Language
Two language papers (including translation)
Two literature papers
History
General history (four options: 370–900; 1000–1300; 1400–1650; 1815–1914)
Either a British history period, or a historical methods paper, or a foreign text or an optional subject
Assessment
First University examinations: Six written papers
2nd and 4th years (3rd year spent abroad)
Courses
A period of literature
A paper on prescribed authors, or linguistics, or medieval texts
Two language papers
A bridge essay on the relationship between history and literature
A period of general history
Either a special subject in History (two papers, see History), with one additional history or literature option; Or three papers selected from history (British history, further subject, thesis) or literature (special subjects, prescribed authors, extended essay)
An optional additional thesis in History
Assessment
Final University examinations: Nine written papers (including at least one extended essay)
Oral examination in the modern language
Student Statement
“I loved both History and German at A-level, and couldn’t imagine not studying either, so when I discovered that Oxford offered a course that would enable me to study both in greater detail, I decided to apply. ‘Greater detail’ turned out to be an understatement! One of the great things about History and Modern Languages is that I can choose how much the subjects work together.
You can study the literature and the history of a period at the same time, or (like me) you can keep the two separate – my papers this year cover everything from 19th-century Britain to medieval German literature, modern linguistics and the Cold War.” Caitlin 2nd year
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History and Politics
UCAS Course Code: LV21
Brief course outline
Duration of course: 3 years
Degree awarded: BA
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Intake: 46
Applications shortlisted for interview: 55.1%
Successful applications: 17.8%
Entrance requirements
A-levels: AAA
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB
IB: 38–40 including core points
Or any other equivalent
It is highly recommended for candidates to have History to A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher Level in the IB or any other equivalent. Sociology, Politics or Government and Politics can be helpful to students in completing this course, although they are not required for admission.
Open days
See History (p 78 [printed edition page numbers])
Location
See map on inside back cover
Contact details
History
+44 (0) 1865 615020
schools.liaison@history.ox.ac.uk
www.history.ox.ac.uk
Politics
+44 (0) 1865 288564
ug.studies@politics.ox.ac.uk
www.politics.ox.ac.uk
What is History and Politics?
The History and Politics course aims to bring together complementary but separate disciplines to form a coherent and stimulating programme. The degree not only enables students to set contemporary political problems in their historical perspective, but also equips them to approach the study of the past with the conceptual rigour derived from political science.
History and Politics at Oxford
The special feature of the Oxford course is the chance to choose subjects very broadly across the two disciplines, so that it is possible to combine medieval historical options with the analysis of contemporary political systems. The expertise of a number of Oxford’s political theorists and historians in the history of political thought, the thematic approach taken to the teaching of general history in the first year, and the emphasis placed on interdisciplinarity in a number of both politics and history papers strengthen the intellectual rigour of this course.
A typical weekly timetable
You will be expected to attend about five lectures a week during the first year, participate in regular meetings with tutors to discuss work, research in libraries, and write at least one essay a week. You will be required to submit a thesis which will enable you to do a piece of independent research during your second and third years. You are very much in charge of your own timetable, which means that if you are well organised you can easily fit in all the other activities for which Oxford students are renowned.
Written work
All candidates are required to send in an essay, on an historical topic, of A2 level, or equivalent, written in their own time as part of their normal school or college work by 11 November 2013.
Written test
All candidates must take the History Aptitude Test (HAT), normally at their own school or college, on 6 November 2013. Separate registration for this test is required and the final deadline for entries is 15 October 2013. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that they are registered for this test. See www.hatoxford.org.uk for further details.
What are tutors looking for?
For information about the selection criteria please see: ox.ac.uk/criteria.
If your application is shortlisted, submitted work and UCAS personal statements are likely to form starting points for discussion in your interview. Some colleges may require you to read a short piece of prose or other material before the interview, which they will ask you to discuss as part of the interview process. The tutors are not so much interested in the level of your knowledge as in your ability to think analytically.
Related courses
Students interested in this course might also like to consider Archaeology and Anthropology, Classical Archaeology and Ancient History, other History courses, History of Art, or Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE).
Careers
While some History and Politics graduates go on to further study and research to become professional historians, others move into different areas. Recent graduates have started their careers in accountancy, advertising, archive work, finance, the Civil Service, consultancy, international charity work, the media, law, librarianship, management consultancy, museums, politics, publishing, research, social work, teaching and the theatre. Recent graduates include a PhD researcher in political science, a senior account executive in public relations, and a civil servant.
Simon graduated in 2009 and then went to work for a think tank in Westminster for three years. He is now converting to law with a training contract at Slaughter and May.
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Sarah, who graduated in 2006, is now an Assistant Brand Manager at BP. She says: “I have worked in sales and marketing roles. I joined the sales and marketing graduate scheme at a fast moving consumer goods company, Reckitt Benckiser, and upon completion took a role at BP as Retail Marketing Manager for their Castrol brand in the UK. I am now working in a brand management role across Europe and Africa. The skills I acquired at Oxford allow me to make rational cases to make the right business decisions which look at alternative routes and views.”
1st year
Courses
Four examination papers and a short piece of assessed coursework are taken:
Either any one of the seven periods in the history of the British Isles or any one of the four periods of general history
Introduction to political theory or Theories of the state (Aristotle, Hobbes, Rousseau, Marx)
One optional subject: choice of Quantification in History; Approaches to History; Historiography: Tacitus to Weber; or any of the optional subjects (see History, above, except Theories of the State), or any one of seven foreign texts
Introduction to political institutions
Assessment
First University examinations: Four written papers
2nd and 3rd years
Courses
The course has seven components:
A period of the history of the British Isles
A period of general history
Any two of the five core subjects in Politics: Comparative government; British politics and government since 1900; Theory of politics; International relations; Political sociology
One of the following combinations:
1.	A special subject in History (two papers) and an optional subject in Politics (either a core paper not yet taken or a further subject)
2.	A further subject in History and two optional 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
Assessment
Final University examinations: Six written papers and a thesis in History or Politics
Student Statement
“I had always loved History and Politics at school, and found it very difficult to choose between them, so studying History and Politics at Oxford has given me an enormous amount of freedom to study the things that excite me most. I have constructed my course on papers that really interest me, tackling issues ranging from the American War of Independence to the modern-day political culture of the Czech Republic. I have found the intensive engagement with academics one of the most challenging and exciting aspects to life at Oxford. It means that the quality of support and academic feedback is very impressive, and has helped me to constantly evolve and develop new ideas and skills.” Nathan 3rd year
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History of Art
UCAS Course Code: V350
Brief course outline
Duration of course: 3 years
Degree awarded: BA
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Intake: 14 (note: no deferred applications are accepted for this course)
Applications shortlisted for interview: 33.9%
Successful applications: 10.8%
Entrance requirements
A-levels: AAA
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB
IB: 38–40 including core points
Or any other equivalent
Candidates are required to have taken an essay-based subject to A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher Level in the IB or any other equivalent. History of Art, History, English, a language or Art can be helpful to students in completing this course, although they are not required for admission.
Open days
26 June and 20 September 2013
To book a place on either of these dates, please contact: admin@hoa.ox.ac.uk
Location
See map on inside back cover
Contact details
+44 (0) 1865 286830
admin@hoa.ox.ac.uk
www.hoa.ox.ac.uk
What is History of Art?
Anything designed by human beings exhibits visual qualities that are specific to the place and period in which it originates. History of Art concentrates on objects generally described as ‘art’, though in Oxford this definition is framed broadly to embrace items beyond ‘Fine art’ or ‘Western art’. History of Art aims to arrive at an historical understanding of the origins of artefacts within specific world cultures, asking about the circumstances of their making, their makers, the media used, the functions of the images and objects, their critical reception and – not least – their subsequent history. As well as educating students in the historical interpretation of artefacts in their cultural contexts, a degree in History of Art provides skills in the critical analysis of objects through the cultivation of ‘visual literacy’. The acquired skills have broad applicability in a wide range of professional settings, as well as serving the needs of enduring personal enlightenment.
History of Art at Oxford
Oxford possesses unsurpassed resources for the study of visual cultures on a global basis. The University collections, including the world-famous Ashmolean Museum, provide subjects for first hand study under the supervision of those entrusted with their care. The historic architecture of the city and its environs supplies a rich source of study in its own right. The Oxford degree is designed to provide innovative insights into a wider range of world art than is available elsewhere in Britain in a single course, drawing its expertise from various faculties and the staff of University collections, as well as from the department itself. There is a strong emphasis upon how the primary visual and written sources from various periods and places can be analysed in different ways, as well as encouraging students to enquire about the nature of reactions to what we call ‘art’.
Written work
Applicants are asked to submit two pieces of written work by 11 November 2013. The first is a marked essay of up to 2000 words from an A-level or equivalent course. This will demonstrate ability to construct a sustained written argument. The second is a response, written in no more than 750 words, to a piece of art, architecture or design. Applicants should have first hand access to their chosen object, of which if possible they should include a photograph or photocopy. Applicants may focus, as they wish, on the material, and/or the design, and/or the subject of their image. No special preparation or research is required. The 750 word response should demonstrate curiosity, sensitivity and clarity in response to the chosen object and visual culture more generally.
Written test
You do not need to take a written test as part of an application for this course.
What are tutors looking for?
Candidates should show evidence of lively engagement with culture, both contemporary and historical. Prior knowledge of the history of art is absolutely not a requirement: many successful applicants have never studied the subject before university. What is looked for in applicants is a keen and critical observation of art and of the material environment in general. At interview, candidates are invited to demonstrate willingness to engage in focused discussion and debate about visual issues, and in addition to respond to one or more photographs of unfamiliar images (which applicants will not be expected to recognise).
Related courses
Students interested in this course might also like to consider Archaeology and Anthropology, Classical Archaeology and Ancient History, Classics, English, Fine Art, other History courses or Modern Languages.
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Careers
The cultural industries are one of the biggest employers in the world. In addition to museums and galleries, there are many governmental and non-governmental agencies that work to conserve, research and promote cultural heritage and to further the production of art. Furthermore, History of Art graduates will be especially competitive for posts in any area that requires combinations of visual and verbal skills, such as publishing, advertising and marketing, as well as entering the wide range of professions available to all humanities graduates.
History of Art Podcasts
A number of core lectures, and some public lectures and seminars on a range of subjects are available at podcasts.ox.ac.uk/units/department-history-art
1st year
Courses
Four elements are taken:
•	Core course: Introduction to the History of Art
•	Core course: Antiquity after antiquity
•	Core course: European Art 1400–1800: Meaning and interpretation 
•	Supervised extended essay on a building, object or image in Oxford
Assessment
First University examinations: Three written papers and one extended essay
2nd and 3rd years
Courses
Seven elements are taken:
•	Core Course: Approaches to the History of Art
•	Further subject in Art History (choices currently include: Anglo-Saxon archaeology; The Carolingian Renaissance; Culture and society in early Renaissance Italy; Northern European portraiture 1400–1800; Flanders and Italy in the Quattrocento; Court culture and art in early modern Europe; Intellect and culture in Victorian Britain)
•	Two 2nd Year options (choices currently include: Egyptian art and architecture; Greek art and archaeology; The formation of the Islamic World; Byzantine art: the transition from antiquity to the middle ages; Art under the Roman Empire; Gothic art through medieval eyes; Art in China since 1911; 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)
•	‘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; The Dutch Golden Age: 1618-1672; Painting and culture in Ming China; English architecture; Art and its public in France, 1815–67)
•	Undergraduate thesis
Assessment
Final University examinations:
Four or five written papers, one or two extended essay(s) and one thesis
Student Statement
“My only knowledge of the subject before studying it at Oxford had come from my experience as a Fine Art student at A-level, my own reading, and from visiting exhibitions and galleries. I was thrilled to be able to continue my curiosities and further my knowledge in aspects of the course like the extended essay. To be able to do a serious, in-depth, and ultimately fascinating study of Walter Sickert and a collection of his drawings at the Ashmolean with some of the world’s experts on the subject was something I had wanted to do ever since I found out about the artist. Not only was I able to embark upon the project academically, but I also went on an ‘art-pilgrimage’ across northern France in search of the casino in which the works were made.” Arthur 3rd year
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Human Sciences
UCAS Course Code: BCL0
Brief course outline
Duration of course: 3 years
Degree awarded: BA
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Intake: 28
Applications shortlisted for interview: 85.9%
Successful applications: 24.4%
Entrance requirements
A-levels: AAA
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB
IB: 38–40 including core points
Or any other equivalent
Biology or Mathematics to A-level, Advanced Higher or Higher Level in the IB or any other equivalent can be helpful to students in completing this course, although they are not required for admission. 
Open days
26 and 27 June, and 20 September 2013
Location
See map on inside back cover
Contact details
+44 (0) 1865 274702
admissions@ihs.ox.ac.uk
www.ihs.ox.ac.uk
What is Human Sciences?
Human Sciences studies the biological, social and cultural aspects of human life, and provides a challenging alternative to some of the more traditional courses offered at Oxford. The school was founded in 1969 in recognition of the need for interdisciplinary understanding of fundamental issues and problems confronting contemporary societies. Central topics include the evolution of humans, their behaviour, molecular and population genetics, population growth and ageing, ethnic and cultural diversity and the human interaction with the environment, including conservation, disease and nutrition. The study of both biological and social disciplines, integrated within a framework of human diversity and sustainability, should enable the human scientist to develop professional competencies suited to address such multidimensional human problems.
Human Sciences at Oxford
The course draws on specialists from a number of different faculties in the University. Lectures introduce most of the material you will need and provide the core concepts and theories for each paper. Tutorials, given by specialists in different fields, allow you to consider particular topics in greater depth. They also allow students from different academic backgrounds to gain the necessary grounding across a range of subjects.
The course is unusual in having its own building within the University, the Pauling Human Sciences Centre. It has a seminar/ lecture room, tutorial rooms and a reading room. The Human Sciences Centre office is a particularly valuable resource, offering a variety of information and guidance about teaching arrangements, lecture timetables, course syllabuses, and books and journals in other libraries to which students have access. In addition, the centre has a cross-section of books covering different aspects of the course, which are specifically chosen for undergraduate use. The centre is also a focus for many informal activities, ranging from student-organised symposia to regular lunches. In general, the centre provides a friendly base which contributes greatly to undergraduates’ involvement in the course.
Work placements/international opportunities
There are no formal arrangements for work placements but students are encouraged to take part in small-scale research projects or expeditions during the summer holidays.
A typical weekly timetable
During years 1 and 2 your work is divided between lectures (about ten a week) and tutorials (one or two a week). In addition, some practical experience in genetics, physiology, demography and statistics is offered in certain terms. Computers are used for the option in quantitative methods and sometimes in small group teaching in demography. In the third year the tutorial and class requirement is reduced to allow more time for option papers and students’ research for their dissertations.
Written work and tests
You do not need to take a written test or submit any written work when you apply for this course. If you wish, you may submit a statement of around 100 words about why you would like to study Human Sciences. Please submit this using the online form at www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/hsstatement by 11 November 2013.
What are tutors looking for?
The attributes tutors are looking for in applicants include:
•	keenness
•	an ability to see things in context and make connections
•	readiness to modify ideas in the light of evidence
•	the capacity to form and express a personal point of view
Related courses
Students interested in this course might also like to consider Archaeology and Anthropology, Biochemistry (Molecular and Cellular), Biological Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Experimental Psychology, Geography, Psychology and Philosophy, or Earth Sciences (Geology).
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Alison, who graduated in 2000, currently works as the Principal Scientist in HIV epidemiology at the Health Protection Agency. She says: “My undergraduate degree in Human Sciences was excellent preparation for my career. The field of HIV is multifaceted which means we not only measure the prevalence and incidence of HIV but also seek to understand the complexities of sexual behaviour and the political and social context of HIV. Human Sciences gave me a solid grounding in statistical methods, biological and social sciences. Specifically, the cross-disciplinary ethos of the course taught me the importance of collaboration with academics and advocates with a wide range of expertise and the need to interpret data within a social, human context.”
Careers
While some Human Sciences graduates will go on to academic and professional training in medicine, genetics, demography, anthropology and sociology, others move into different areas. Recent graduates have found opportunities in fields including the Civil Service, government, health services, teaching, the 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.
Vanessa who graduated in 1991 has recently produced the series Frozen Planet. She has worked as a Producer/Director on a variety of wildlife series including Wildlife on One, The Natural World, Life of Mammals, and Planet Earth. She also co-wrote the book accompanying Frozen Planet and has contributed to a number of academic books including The Biology of Religion, as well as magazines on various wildlife and conservation subjects. Several scientific papers have also been published on the basis of exceptional behavioural footage taken on films she has produced.
CUTTING EDGE HUMAN SCIENCES
From the nature of evil to apes with a GSOH, fnd out what Oxford’s Human Scientists are up to - follow us on Twitter @Oxford_HumSci.
1st year
Courses
Five courses are taken:
•	The biology of organisms including humans
•	Genetics and evolution
•	Society, culture and environment
•	Sociology and demography
•	Quantitative methods for the human sciences
Assessment
First University examinations:
Five written papers; satisfactory practical record
2nd year
Courses
Five compulsory courses are taken, plus a start on the dissertation and two optional courses.
•	Behaviour and its evolution, animal and human
•	Human genetics and evolution
•	Human ecology
•	Demography and population
•	Either Anthropological analysis and interpretation; or Sociological theory
3rd year
Courses
•	Dissertation to be completed by the beginning of the final term
•	Option courses (two chosen) from a list which may vary slightly depending on teaching availability: Anthropology of a selected region (for example Europe, Japan, Lowland South America, South Asia, or West Africa); Anthropology of medicine; Cognition and culture; Cognitive and evolutionary anthropology; Gender theories and realities: cross-cultural perspectives; Health and disease; Language; Physical and forensic anthropology: an introduction to human skeletal remains; Quantitative methods; Sociology of post-industrial societies; South and southern Africa; plus a range of psychology options.
Assessment
Final University examinations: Seven written papers; a dissertation
Student Statement
“In my first term I have studied human geography, anthropology, maths, physiology, genetics and evolution! That’s what I love about Human Sciences – covering so many different areas and subjects. It’s interesting to develop an understanding of humans as both social and biological creatures, by seeing how everything fits together.” Maija-Eliina 1st year
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Law (Jurisprudence)
UCAS Course Code: M100
with European Law M190
with French Law M191
with German Law M192
with Italian Law M193
with Spanish Law M194
Brief Course Outline
Duration of course:
Course I: 3 years
Course II (Law with Law Studies in Europe): 4 years
Degree awarded: BA in Jurisprudence (equivalent to LLB)
Course Statistics for 2012 entry
Combined intake: 216
Applications shortlisted for interview: Course I: 48.5%, Course II: 42.9%,
Successful applications Course I: 17.8%, Course II: 10.6%, (Applicants unsuccessful in gaining a place on Course II are automatically considered for a place on Course I)
Entrance requirements
A-levels: AAA
Advanced Highers: AAB, or AA plus an additional Higher at grade A
IB: 39 including core points with at least 7, 6, 6 at Higher Level
Or any other equivalent
Candidates are also expected to have at least a C grade in GCSE Mathematics, or other evidence to demonstrate that they are appropriately numerate. We accept any subjects at A-level except for General Studies. There is no particular advantage or disadvantage to studying Law before you apply. Candidates applying for Law with Law Studies in Europe would be expected to have the relevant modern language to A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher Level in the IB or any other equivalent. However, if the candidate wishes to spend their third year of study in the Netherlands (studying European and International Law), then a modern language is not essential since the course is taught in English.
Open days
13, 14 and 15 March 2013 These are law specific open days. Invitation letters are sent out to all UK secondary schools and colleges in January. Bookings are made through your school or college. www.law.ox.ac.uk/undergraduate/opendays.php
26, 27 June and 20 September 2013 University Open Days - The faculty will open, along with other faculties and colleges. For more information see the Law website, www.law.ox.ac.uk
Location
See map on inside back cover
Contact details
+44 (0) 1865 271491
E-brochure
lawfac@law.ox.ac.uk
www.law.ox.ac.uk
www.law.ox.ac.uk/undergraduate
What is Law?
There are two Law courses at Oxford: Course I is a three-year course and Course II is a four-year course which follows the same syllabus, with the extra year being spent abroad following a prescribed course at a university within the European Union.
The Oxford Law degrees aim to develop in their students a high level of skill in comprehension, analysis and presentation. Students are expected to read a good deal, mostly from primary sources (such as cases and statutes), rather than to take other people’s word for things. They are expected to think hard about what they have read, so as to develop views not simply about what the law is, but also about why it is so, whether it should be so, how it might be different, and so on, drawing on moral, philosophical, social, historical, economic and other ideas. Students are asked to process what they read, together with their own thoughts, and to prepare essays and presentations for discussion in tutorials and classes.
Law at Oxford
The Oxford syllabus comprises topics chosen primarily for their intellectual interest, rather than for the frequency with which they arise in practice. But at the same time, the skills of researching, thinking and presentation developed by the Oxford courses are eminently suited to practical application, and employers recognise this. Moreover, the skills can be as well applied outside the law as within it. Oxford is probably the only leading law school in the world where the main means by which teaching is done consists of group discussion (tutorials) in groups as small as one, two or three students and a tutor.
The modern, purpose-built Bodleian Law Library holds more than 450,000 law-related items, more than almost any other comparable library in the UK. The library is conveniently located in the same building as the Law Faculty, the St Cross Building. Colleges also have collections of law books for student use.
The teaching programme
Colleges have the discretion to teach subjects in different terms, but students learn through a form of directed research into one or more different subjects each term, as well as by going to faculty lectures and seminars given by some of the world’s leading legal scholars. This system is academically demanding, but at the same time very rewarding.
European opportunities
Course II students spend their third year of study at a university in France, Germany, Italy or Spain (studying French, German, Italian or Spanish law) or the Netherlands (studying European and International law). See the faculty website for further details about Course II and the admissions arrangements.
Written work
You do not need to submit any written work as part of an application for this course.
Written tests
All candidates applying to study Law at Oxford for entry in 2014 (or for deferred entry in 2015) must sit the Law National Admissions Test (LNAT) between 1 September and 20 October 2013. A number of other universities also require candidates to sit this test.
The expectation is that you will sit the test onscreen in a test centre near your home. It will be a test of your aptitudes rather than your knowledge. Your performance in this test will be used as an additional factor in deciding whether to interview you and whether to offer you a place. Test centres are now located internationally. For further details, a specimen paper and information on how to register, please see www.lnat.ac.uk.
Candidates for Law with Law Studies in Europe who are applying for the French, German, Italian or Spanish law options may be given an oral test in the relevant European language at the time of interview.
What are tutors looking for?
The selection criteria are based on the qualities required of a successful law student. Throughout the admissions process, tutors look for evidence of a candidate’s motivation, capacity for sustained academic work, reasoning ability, and communication skills. Relevant evidence is provided by a candidate’s academic record (including any predicted grades in forthcoming exams), reference, personal statement, and performance in the LNAT. Interviews can provide further relevant information. A candidate’s pre-existing knowledge of the law is not assessed at any stage. For more detailed information on the admissions process, including a video of a mock law interview, please see: www.law.ox.ac.uk.
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Joanna, a solicitor who graduated in 2007, is currently the Private & Legal Secretary to the Chancellor of the High Court. She says: “I regularly draw on the skills I developed at Oxford. If a judge asks me to research a point of law I not only use my research skills and ability to conduct legal analysis, but I also rely on the confidence I developed in tutorials to put across my findings and my opinion.”
Careers
There is no assumption that our Law graduates ought to pursue a legal career: in practice, around 75% of Oxford Law graduates go on to the legal profession; others continue onto further academic study of law. Although Oxford Law graduates gain a BA in Jurisprudence rather than an LLB, each of the Oxford Law courses counts as a qualifying law degree so Oxford Law graduates can immediately go on to the Legal Practice Course (for solicitors) or the Bar Professional Training Course (for barristers).
For more information on those courses, and information on the legal profession generally, please visit www.sra.org.uk and www.barcouncil.org.uk.
Many Oxford Law graduates go on to successful careers practising law outside England and Wales. The Oxford Law courses naturally focus on English law, but the fundamental principles of English common law play a key role in other jurisdictions such as those of, for example, the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Graduates of the four-year course also gain important international knowledge during their year abroad. If you are considering going on to practise outside England and Wales, and want to know the status of an English law degree within that jurisdiction, please contact the relevant local regulatory body. For example, if you are interested in practising in the United States, you should contact the relevant state regulatory body: useful information can also be found at www.abanet.org.
Amal, who graduated in 2000, is now a barrister at Doughty Street Chambers in London specialising in international law, human rights, extradition and criminal law. She was previously a lawyer for the United Nations in the middle east and at various international courts in The Hague. She says: ‘Studying law at Oxford taught me to identify what is important, challenge accepted wisdom and not be intimidated. These skills helped me follow an unusual career path that I have found fascinating and meaningful’.
Erasmus
Please see ox.ac.uk/erasmus for details of Erasmus opportunities for Law with Law Studies in Europe.
1st Year (terms 1 and 2)
Courses
Criminal law
Constitutional law
A Roman introduction to private law
Research skills and mooting programme
For those on Course II, who will be going to France, Germany, Italy or Spain, there are also French/German/Italian/Spanish law and language classes during the first six terms. For those going to the Netherlands there are introductory Dutch language courses in the second year
Assessment
First University examinations:
Three written papers: one each in Criminal law, Constitutional law and a end of the final year Roman introduction to private law
1st year (term 3, 2nd and 3rd (4th) years
Courses
Tort law
Contract law
Trusts
Land law
Administrative law
Course II: year 3 is spent abroad
European Union law
Jurisprudence
Two optional subjects, chosen from a very wide range of options. For full details of courses offered, please see the faculty website
Assessment
Final University examinations:
Tort law, Contract law, Trusts, Land law, Administrative law, European law: one written paper each at the 
Jurisprudence: one shorter written paper at the end of the final year, plus an essay written in the summer vacation at the end of the second year 
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
Student Statement
“Studying Law at Oxford is a unique experience. I feel I have learnt as much about politics, philosophy and sociology as I have about the law! It equips me with the fullest understanding of the law possible. The reasons behind studying something so abstract as Jurisprudence or Roman Law seemed incomprehensible at first, but it all became clear once I started studying them. For example, the ability to see how contract interacts with tort will help now in exams, as well as when the time comes to leave university and start a career.” Tamsin 3rd year
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Materials Science
UCAS Course Code: FJ22
Brief course outline
Duration of course: 4 years
Degree awarded: MEng
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Intake: 35
Applications shortlisted for interview: 69.9%
Successful applications: 29.3% (including MEM applicants)
Entrance requirements
A-levels: A*AA with the A* in any one of Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB
IB: 40 including core points (7, 6, 6 at HL; with the 7 in any one of Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry)
Or any other equivalent
A-level candidates are expected to have Mathematics and Physics to A-level. Candidates studying Advanced Highers or the IB are expected to have Mathematics and Physics to Advanced Higher or IB Higher level respectively. Candidates are also expected to have Chemistry (or double science) to at least GCSE level or its equivalent. It is highly desirable that Chemistry is studied to A-level or equivalent and if it is not studied to A-level or equivalent it is strongly recommended that it is studied to at least AS-level, Scottish Higher Level, Standard Level in the IB, or another equivalent. Most applicants are studying all three of Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry to A-level or equivalent. Further Mathematics and Design and Technology (Resistant Materials) can be helpful to students in completing this degree programme but are not required for admission. For more details see: www.materials.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/prospectus/brochure15-policy.html
Open days
19, 20, and 26 March 2013, places must be booked for these dates by contacting our schools liaison team on +44 (0) 1865 273709 or by email at schools.liaison@materials.ox.ac.uk;
26 and 27 June, and 20 September 2013
Location
See map on inside back cover
Contact details
+44 (0) 1865 273651
undergraduate.admissions@materials.ox.ac.uk
www.materials.ox.ac.uk
Studying Materials Science at Oxford University brochure
www.materials.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/prospectus.html
What is Materials Science?
Modern society is heavily dependent on advanced materials such as lightweight composites for transport applications, optical fibres for telecommunications and silicon microchips for the information revolution. Materials scientists study the relationships between the structure and properties of a material and how it is made. They also develop new materials to meet engineering specifications, and devise processes for manufacturing them. Current work in materials science is key to the practical application of nuclear fusion for power generation. There are links with medical sciences, for example through the development of bone replacement materials, novel sensors and drug delivery systems. Materials science is an interdisciplinary subject, spanning the physics and chemistry of matter, engineering applications, and industrial manufacturing processes. It is at the core of nanotechnology, the production of machines and devices at molecular levels, which is likely to drive the next technological revolution. Such devices include those to enable quantum information processing; the key technology for a new generation of computers.
Materials Science at Oxford
The course spans the subject from its foundations in physics and chemistry to the mechanical, electrical, magnetic and optical properties of materials, and the design, manufacture and applications of metals, alloys, ceramics, polymers, composites and biomaterials. The department has excellent laboratory and teaching facilities, including a computer room for students and a well-stocked library. Students attend a course on entrepreneurship taught partly by the Saïd Business School, during which they learn about intellectual property and how to write a business plan, raise capital and start a company. Students can gain industrial experience through a voluntary summer placement, they learn teamwork through team design projects, and develop IT and presentation skills. There is an option to study a foreign language in the Language Centre or take a supplementary subject in another subject area.
The Oxford degree has the unique feature of an eight-month research project in the fourth year when students join the research teams of one of the strongest Departments of Materials in the UK, or sometimes work in a prestigious overseas university or an industrial laboratory. A wide range of assessment methods is employed in the award of the degree: 50% of the degree classification is determined by written examination papers; the remainder is allocated to practical work, assessed course-work and a thesis based on the fourth year research project. The degree is accredited at CEng level by the Engineering Council. In the course of the first year, it is, in principle, possible to change to another degree course, subject to the availability of space on the course and to the consent of the college. In particular, at the end of the first year, typically two or three students each year transfer to our Materials, Economics and Management (MEM) degree programme. Transfer to MEM is not normally possible for students at Corpus Christi College.
Work placements/international opportunities
Students are encouraged to undertake a voluntary summer placement in industry or a research laboratory. Recent locations for summer placements have included: Beijing, Tokyo, Boston, Santa Barbara, Bochum and several regions of the UK.
A voluntary industrial tour to an overseas destination is organised in most Easter holidays. Recent destinations have included: San Francisco, Amsterdam, Milan, Tokyo, Toulouse, Beijing and Munich.
A typical weekly timetable
During years 1 and 2, the work is divided between lectures (about ten a week), tutorials/classes (about two a week), and practicals (two or three afternoons a week). Typically the work for each tutorial or class is expected to take six to eight hours. Year 3 starts with a two-week design project, and about eight lectures and two classes/tutorials a week for the first two terms. The first two weeks of the second term of year 3 are devoted to a coursework-based module chosen from two options: Characterisation of materials or Materials modelling. The third term is set aside for revision. Year 4 consists of a full-time supervised research project. You will learn how to break down a complex problem, design an experiment or model, manage your time and project, maintain systematic records, present your work orally and write a substantial report. These research skills are transferable to other career paths and are valued highly by employers. Significant scientific publications sometimes result from these projects.
Student Statement
“Being a Materials Scientist is rather like being a physicist, engineer, chemist and mathematician all rolled into one: perfect for the all round scientist! It is challenging, and requires a lot of effort and perseverance, but we get to carry out fun experiments involving orange jelly, molten metal and bubbles, so all the effort seems worth it.” Jodie 2nd year
Written work
You do not need to submit any written work as part of an application for this course.
Written test
All candidates must take the Physics Aptitude Test (PAT), normally at their own school or college on 6 November 2013. Candidates must make sure they are available to take the test at this time. Separate registration for this test is required and the final deadline for entries is 15 October 2013. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that they are registered for this test. See www.patoxford.org.uk for further details.
What are tutors looking for?
For information about the selection criteria please see: ox.ac.uk/criteria.
At interview, tutors are aware that students may not have encountered Materials Science at school or college, and that students may have completed only their AS-level courses or equivalent at the time of interview. Tutors look for an ability to apply logical reasoning to problems in physical science, and an enthusiasm for thinking about new concepts in science and engineering.
Related courses
Students interested in this course might also like to consider Engineering; Materials, Economics and Management (MEM); or Physics.
Careers
Many of our graduates apply their technical knowledge in the manufacturing industry, both in management and in research and development positions. Others enter the financial, consultancy and IT sectors. Some train as teachers. A significant proportion of graduates undertake research degrees in universities in the UK and abroad, and some of these then pursue a career in the university sector.
Recent Materials Science graduates include an assistant professor in Chemical Engineering and a 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 around the globe every three months.’
1st year
Courses
Directly examined
•	Structure of materials
•	Properties of materials
•	Transforming materials
•	Mathematics for materials and earth sciences
Continual assessment
•	Practical work
•	Crystallography classes
Additional elements
•	Engineering drawing & CAD classes
•	IT skills
•	Industrial visits
•	Career planning
•	Foreign language (optional)
•	Introduction to errors in measurement 
Assessment
First University examinations: Four written papers; continual assessment components equivalent to a fifth paper
2nd year
Courses
Directly examined
•	Structure and transformation of materials
•	Electronic properties of materials
•	Mechanical properties
•	Engineering applications of materials
•	Foreign language (optional)
•	Supplementary subject (optional)
Continual assessment
•	Practical work
•	Industrial visits
•	Entrepreneurship course, assessed by written business plan 
Additional elements
•	Mathematics
•	Experimental error analysis
•	Industrial talks
•	Communication skills
3rd year
Courses
Directly examined
•	Option courses in Materials 
Continual assessment
•	Team design project assessed by written report and oral presentation
•	Characterisation of materials or Materials modelling module assessed by written report
•	Industrial visits
Assessment
Final University examinations: Part I: Six written papers; continual assessment components equivalent to a further two papers
4th year 
Courses
Research project (full-time)
Additional elements
•	Presentation skills
•	Project management skills
•	Careers events
•	Information skills
•	Writing skills and IPR
•	Foreign language option
•	Technology transfer
•	Reference management
•	Workshop skills
•	Lab VIEW
Assessment
Final University examinations Part II (equivalent to 4 papers): Part II dissertation submitted and assessed; Oral examination of project dissertation
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Materials, Economics and Management
UCAS Course Code: FLN0
Brief course outline
Duration of course: 4 years
Degree awarded: MEng
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Intake: 1 (with 2 or 3 more students transferring at the end of year one from Materials Science)
Applications shortlisted for interview: 69.9%
Successful applications: 29.3% (including Materials Science applicants)
Entrance requirements
See Materials Science (p 96 [printed edition page numbers])
Open days
See Materials Science (p 96 [printed edition page numbers])
See Economics and Management (p 62 [printed edition page numbers])
Location
See map on inside back cover
Contact details
+44 (0) 1865 273651
undergraduate.admissions@materials.ox.ac.uk
www.materials.ox.ac.uk
Studying Materials Science at Oxford University brochure
www.materials.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/prospectus.html
Application information
We are unable to accept applications for deferred entry for 2015 for Materials, Economics and Management.
What is Materials, Economics and Management (MEM)?
Modern society is heavily dependent on advanced materials such as lightweight composites for transport applications, optical fibres for telecommunications and silicon microchips for the information revolution. Materials scientists study the relationships between the structure and properties of a material and how it is made. They also develop new materials to meet engineering specifications, and devise processes for manufacturing them. MEM combines this industrially-relevant scientific knowledge base with a thorough grounding in economics and management to provide a degree that is ideally suited to a career in technical management, consultancy, or the financial services sector especially the financial appraisal of technology.
MEM at Oxford
MEM is taught by the Department of Materials, the Department of Economics and the Saïd Business School, all of which enjoy outstanding international reputations. The Department of Materials has excellent teaching facilities, including a computer room for students and a well-stocked library. Students learn to work together in team design projects, and they develop IT and presentation skills. Demand for graduates of this challenging course is high. The degree is accredited at CEng level by the Engineering Council. There is an option to study a foreign language during the first year.
Work placements/projects
Students are encouraged to undertake a voluntary materials-oriented summer placement in industry or a research laboratory. Recent locations for placements have included: Beijing, Tokyo, Boston, Santa Barbara, Bochum and several regions of the UK. A principal feature of the course is the six-month management project immediately after the examinations in the third year. This project is usually taken in industry, guided by an industrial supervisor and an academic tutor. A voluntary industrial tour to an overseas destination is organised in most Easter holidays (numbers are usually limited to 20 students). Recent destinations have included: San Francisco, Amsterdam, Milan, Tokyo, Toulouse, Beijing and Munich.
A typical weekly timetable
During years 1 and 2 your work is divided between lectures (about ten a week), tutorials (about two a week), and practicals (two or three afternoons a week). Typically the work for each Materials tutorial or class is expected to take six to eight hours, often more for the Economics and Management tutorials. Year 3 starts with a two-week design project, and about eight to ten lectures and two classes/tutorials a week for the first two terms. After your six-month management project in the fourth year you will be attending about ten lectures and one or two tutorials or classes a week.
Written work
You do not need to submit any written work as part of an application for this course.
Written test
All candidates must take the Physics Aptitude Test (PAT), normally at their own school or college on 6 November 2013. Candidates must make sure they are available to take the test at this time. Separate registration for this test is required and the final deadline for entries is 15 October 2013. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that they are registered for this test. See www.patoxford.org.uk for further details.
Application information
You may apply to read MEM either on entry to the University or, with the exception of students at Corpus Christi College, at the end of the first year of the Materials Science programme. These two degree programmes have a common first year. Transfer to, or continuation on, MEM will depend on you making good progress in this first year and, if you were not formally interviewed by an Economics and/or Management Tutor prior to joining the University, may also be dependent on both the outcome of such an interview held at the end of your first year of study and on your satisfactory completion of a piece of coursework set on an economics or management topic. The Queen’s College and Trinity College prefer those interested in MEM to join the Materials Science programme in the first instance.
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What are tutors looking for?
For information about the selection criteria please see: ox.ac.uk/criteria. At interview, tutors are aware that students may not have encountered Materials Science at school or college and that students may have completed only their AS-level courses or equivalent at the time of interview. Tutors in Materials Science look for an ability to apply logical reasoning to problems in physical science, and an enthusiasm for thinking about new concepts in science and engineering. With the exception of The Queen’s College and Trinity College, MEM applicants will also be interviewed by a tutor in either Economics or Management, who will be looking for analytical and problem-solving skills and will assess how candidates construct and evaluate arguments. No special knowledge of either economics or management is required, but candidates should be informed about current affairs.
Related courses
Students interested in this course might also like to consider Materials Science.
Careers
Most MEM graduates make practical use of their scientific, management and economics knowledge, either in the technology sector or in financial management. A smaller group of graduates go on to further academic study. Recent MEM graduates include a financial auditor for a multinational petroleum company.
OXFORD Materials outreach
As well as raising public awareness of Materials Science as a scientific discipline and making available teaching and learning resources, Oxford Materials Outreach gives all of the information students may require when contemplating applying to study Materials Science at Oxford.
See outreach.materials.ox.ac.uk
1st year
Courses
Directly examined
•	Structure of materials
•	Properties of materials
•	Transforming materials
•	Mathematics for materials and earth sciences
Continual assessment
•	Practical work
•	Crystallography classes
Additional elements
•	Engineering drawing & CAD classes
•	IT skills
•	Industrial visits
•	Career planning
•	Foreign language option
•	Introduction to errors in measurement
Assessment
First University examinations: Four written papers; continual assessment components equivalent to a fifth paper
2nd and 3rd years
Courses
Directly examined
•	Structure and transformation of materials
•	Mechanical properties
•	Engineering applications of materials
•	Electronic properties of materials
•	Introductory economics
•	Microeconomics
•	General management
Continual assessment
•	Practical work
•	Industrial visits
•	Team design project, assessed by written report and oral presentation
Additional elements
•	Mathematics
•	Experimental error analysis
•	Industrial talks
•	Communication skills
•	Essay writing skills
Assessment
Final University examinations, Part I: Seven written papers; continual assessment components equivalent to a further 1.2 papers
4th year
Courses
Directly examined
•	Option courses in Materials
•	Economics or Management options: a range of options, including Accounting & finance; Marketing & strategic management; Game Theory; Macroeconomics
Continual assessment
•	Six-month management project, assessed by written report
Additional elements
•	Industrial visits
•	Careers events
•	Technology transfer
Assessment
Final University examinations, Part II: Two written papers; continual assessment component (project report) equivalent to a further two papers
Student Statement
“Materials, Economics and Management (MEM) offers a great combination between the physical and social sciences. I really like studying MEM as it exposes me to three different disciplines and departments and therefore provides a great opportunity to meet many academics and students from different backgrounds and with different interests. The course also offers the opportunity to do a six-month management placement in any industry you are interested in.” Kai 4th year
[100]
Mathematics
UCAS Course Code: G100
Brief course outline
Duration of course: 3/4 years
Degree awarded: BA/MMath
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Intake: 172
Applications shortlisted for interview: 51.6%
Successful applications: 20.1%
Entrance requirements
A-levels: A*A*A with the A*s in Mathematics and Further Mathematics (if taken).
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB
IB: 39 points, including core points
Or any other equivalent
Candidates are expected to have Mathematics to A-level (A* grade), Advanced Higher (A grade), or Higher Level in the IB (score 7) or another equivalent. Further Mathematics is highly recommended. Please see the ‘Entrance requirements’ tab for Mathematics at www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/courses for further information. 
Open days
27 April*, 4 May*, 26 and 27 June, and 20 September 2013
*Places must be booked for these dates by completing a registration form available at www.maths.ox.ac.uk/events/open-days.
If you have any enquiries please telephone: +44 (0) 1865 615207 or email: opendays@maths.ox.ac.uk
Location
See map on inside back cover
Contact details
+44 (0) 1865 615207
undergraduate.admissions@maths.ox.ac.uk
www.maths.ox.ac.uk
What is Mathematics?
Mathematicians have always been fascinated by numbers. One of the most famous problems is Fermat’s Last Theorem that, if n≥3, the equation xn+yn=zn has no solutions with x, y, z all nonzero integers. An older problem is to show that one cannot construct a line of length 3√2 with ruler and compass, starting with just a unit length.
Often the solution to a problem will lie outside the confines within which the problem has been posed, and theories must be constructed in order to prove a claim. This is true here, and you will see the second problem solved in your course; the first is far too deep!
These are questions in pure mathematics. In applied mathematics we use mathematical concepts to explain phenomena that occur in the real world. For example, you can learn how a leopard gets its spots, examine the intricacies of quantum theory and relativity, or study the mathematics of financial derivatives.
Mathematics at Oxford
We will encourage you to ask questions and find the solutions for yourself. But in order to do so, you must have a solid grounding in the concepts and the methods. In one sense, you will ‘start from the beginning’. We will teach you to think mathematically and so will start with careful definitions from which we build the edifice. Above all, Mathematics is a logical subject, so you will need to argue clearly and concisely as you solve problems. For some of you, this way of thinking or solving problems will be your goal. Others will want to see what further can be discovered. Either way, it is a subject we want you to enjoy.
The course
There are two Mathematics degrees, the three-year BA and the four-year MMath. You will not be asked to choose between the degrees until your third year.
The first year consists of core courses in pure and applied mathematics (including an introduction to statistics). The core part of the degree is completed in the first term of the second year, introducing complex analysis and ideas from topology. Options also start in the second year – five long options and three short options are taken – with the third and fourth offering a still wider variety of courses, with some options from outside mathematics. The fourth year will, naturally, be more challenging, when some of the courses offered will be shared with students reading for graduate degrees or require study by means of guided reading.
A typical weekly timetable
In the first two years, you will attend eight to ten lectures a week, with one or two tutorials and one or two classes within your college. In your third and fourth years, when you specialise, you may have fewer lectures, combined with classes.
In your first year, you will also have classes to develop computing skills, using mathematical packages to solve problems related to your studies. Later, there is practical work associated with options in numerical analysis and statistics.
Written work
You do not need to submit any written work as part of an application for this course.
Written test
All candidates must take the Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT), normally at their own school or college on 6 November 2013. Candidates must make sure they are available to take the test at this time. Separate registration for this test is required and the final deadline for entries is 15 October 2013. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that they are registered for this test. See www.matoxford.org.uk for further details.
Applicants will be shortlisted for interview, to a ratio of around three applicants per place, on the basis of the test score and UCAS application. Further details can be found on the department’s website: www.maths.ox.ac.uk.
What are tutors looking for?
We will be looking for the potential to succeed on the course. A good mathematician is naturally inquisitive and will generally take advantage of any opportunity to further their mathematical knowledge. Whilst AEA and STEP papers are in no sense part of our entry requirements, we encourage applicants to take these papers, or similar extension material and papers, if they are available.
If shortlisted for interview, then these will be predominantly academic. You may be asked to look at problems of a type that you have never seen before. Don’t worry; we will help you! We want to see if you can respond to suggestions as to how to tackle new things, rather than find out simply what you have been taught. Ultimately, we are most interested in a candidate’s potential to think imaginatively, deeply and in a structured manner about the patterns of mathematics.
[101]
Ed, who graduated in 2010, is now a Financial Consultant at Oliver Wyman. He says: “Oxford has given me the opportunities to get where I am today through two main areas in my personal development: academia, as the drive and discipline required to complete a degree at Oxford have to come from yourself; and the inter-personal skills developed through sport, student politics and relaxing in the bar with very bright and interesting people.”
Related courses
Students interested in this course might also like to consider the three joint degrees with Mathematics.
Careers
This degree prepares students for employment in a wide variety of occupations in the public and private sectors. Graduates often secure jobs as actuarial consultants, teachers, investment analysts, management consultants, auditors and software developers. Recent information shows figures for first destinations of graduates as: further study 28%, teacher/academic 18%, analyst 11%, financial 11%, consultant 3%, other 29%. Recent Mathematics graduates include a managing director of an international school in Hong Kong, an analyst for a professional services organisation, a PhD researcher in geophysical fluid dynamics, and an IT consultant.
Christina, who graduated in 1996, is currently a Senior Research Fellow at University College London doing mathematical modelling/operational research applied to healthcare. She says: ‘I think having a degree in Maths from Oxford definitely opened doors and made people more open and receptive to letting me do things I didn’t have any experience in. Plus, having done Maths at Oxford, which required quite a lot of self-discipline and motivation, I had the confidence to believe I could tackle completely new things.’
New Mathematical Institute Building
Due for completion by September 2013. Check it out: ox.ac.uk/roq/maths.html
1st year
Courses
Compulsory 1st year includes:
•	Algebra
•	Analysis
•	Probability and statistics
•	Geometry and dynamics
•	Multivariate calculus and mathematical models
Assessment
First University examinations: Five compulsory papers
2nd year
Courses
•	Compulsory core of; Algebra, Complex analysis, Metric spaces, Differential equations
•	Selection from topics including Algebra; Number theory; Analysis; Applied analysis; Geometry; Topology; Fluid dynamics; Probability; Statistics; Numerical analysis; Discrete mathematics; Special relativity; Quantum theory
Assessment
Final University examinations, Part A: Two core papers and six optional papers
3rd and 4th years
Courses
Large variety, which may vary from year to year, ranging across: Algebra; Analysis; Applied analysis; Geometry; Topology; Logic; Number theory; Applied probability; Statistics; Theoretical mechanics; Mathematical physics; Mathematical biology; Information theory; Mathematical finance; Actuarial mathematics; Undergraduate Ambassadors Scheme; Dissertation; Mathematical philosophy; Computer Science options; History of Mathematics
Assessment
3rd year: Final University Examinations, Part B: Four papers or equivalent
4th year: Final University Examinations, Part C: Four papers or equivalent
Classification on Parts A and B. Separate classification on Part C
Student Statement
“The mathematics course is absolutely fantastic; and is essentially problem-solving on a daily basis, which I love. You attend lectures to learn the material and then complete problem sheets on the topics. Certainly for me, the most rewarding aspect of mathematics is solving problems; especially when they have been initially unyielding, or seemingly unapproachable; and this is right at the core of the course.
I chose to read mathematics at university because I have a real passion for the subject, and wanted to gain a deeper understanding of some of the beauty it holds. I’ve found the course has really pushed the boundaries of what I thought I could achieve, which is extremely rewarding.” Chris 2nd year
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Mathematics and Computer Science
UCAS Course Code: GG14
Brief course outline
Duration of course: 3/4 years
Degree awarded: BA/MMathCompSci
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Intake: 24
Applications shortlisted for interview: 57.3%
Successful applications: 24.8%
Entrance requirements
A-levels: A*AA. If Further Mathematics is taken, then including A*A between Mathematics and Further Mathematics; otherwise including A* in Mathematics.
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB
IB: 39 points, including core points
Or any other equivalent
Candidates are expected to have Mathematics to A-level (A or A* grade), Advanced Higher (A grade), or Higher Level in the IB (score 7) or another equivalent. Further Mathematics is highly recommended. A science is also recommended.
Open days
27 April 2013 (places must be booked for this date at www.cs.ox.ac.uk/admissions/ugrad/open_days)
26 and 27 June, and 20 September 2013
Location
See map on inside back cover
Contact details
Mathematics
+44 (0) 1865 615207
undergraduate.admissions@maths.ox.ac.uk
www.maths.ox.ac.uk
Computer Science
+44 (0) 1865 273821 / 273833
undergraduate.admissions@cs.ox.ac.uk
www.cs.ox.ac.uk
What is Mathematics and Computer Science?
This joint degree offers the opportunity to combine an appreciation of mathematical reasoning with an understanding of computing. Mathematics is a fundamental intellectual tool in computing, but computing is increasingly used as a key component in mathematical problem-solving.
The course
Mathematics and Computer Science can be studied for three years, leading to the award of a BA degree, or for four years, leading to the award of Master of Mathematics and Computer Science. The fourth year of the Mathematics and Computer Science degree provides the opportunity to study advanced topics and undertake a more in-depth research project. You do not need to decide when you apply, and you will not be asked until your third year to choose between the degrees.
Mathematics and Computer Science at Oxford
The course concentrates on areas where mathematics and computing are most relevant to each other, emphasising the bridges between theory and practice. It offers opportunities for potential computer scientists both to develop a deeper understanding of the mathematical foundations of their subject, and to acquire a familiarity with the mathematics of application areas where computers can solve otherwise intractable problems. It also gives mathematicians access to both a practical understanding of the use of computers and a deeper understanding of the limits on the use of computers in their own subject.
The first year and part of the second year of the course are spent acquiring a firm grounding in the core topics from both subjects; students are then free to choose options from a wide range of Mathematics and Computer Science subjects. In the second year students take part in an industry-sponsored group practical.
A typical weekly timetable
The typical week for a student in Mathematics and Computer Science is similar to that for Computer Science or Mathematics.
Written work
You do not need to submit any written work as part of an application for this course.
Written test
All candidates must take the Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT), normally at their own school or college on 6 November 2013. Candidates must make sure they are available to take the test at this time. Separate registration for this test is required and the final deadline for entries is 15 October 2013. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that they are registered for this test. See www.matoxford.org.uk for further details.
What are tutors looking for?
The most important qualities we are looking for are strong mathematical ability, the ability to think and work independently, the capacity to absorb and use new ideas, and a great deal of enthusiasm. We use this set of criteria and the result of the Admissions Test to decide who to shortlist for interview.
At the interview we will explore how you tackle unfamiliar problems and respond to new ideas; we are more interested in how you approach problem-solving than whether you can get straight to a solution.
We do not require any previous formal qualification in computing, but we do expect you to demonstrate a real interest in the subject.
Related courses
Students interested in this course might also like to consider other Mathematics courses, Computer Science or Computer Science and Philosophy.
Careers
This course gives training in logical thought and expression, and is a good preparation for many careers. About 20% of Mathematics and Computer Science graduates tend to go on to further study. Recent graduates secured positions as software and hardware professionals, in research, finance and investment analysis, and include a product controller for an international bank, an actuarial consultant, and an accountant.
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1st year
Courses
Core Mathematics (50%)
•	Linear algebra
•	Analysis 
•	Continuous Maths
•	Probability
•	Introduction to pure maths
•	Introduction to complex
•	Groups and group actions
Core Computer Science (50%)
•	Functional programming
•	Design and analysis of algorithms
•	Imperative programming
Assessment
Five written papers, plus practicals
2nd year
Courses
Computer Science (50%)
•	Object-oriented programming 
•	Concurrent programming
•	Models of computation
•	Logic and proof
Core Mathematics (25%) 
Three of Algebra, Complex analysis, Metric spaces, Differential equations (under review)
Options in Mathematics (25%)
Assessment
Four written papers plus practicals (including a group design practical)
3rd year
Courses
Options chosen from:
•	Options in Mathematics, such as; Number theory; Communication theory
•	Options in Computer Science, such as Computer security; Machine learning; Intelligent systems; Computational complexity; Lambda calculus and types
Assessment
Four written papers, plus practicals
4th year
Courses
Options chosen from:
•	Options in Mathematics
•	Options in Computer Science, such as: Computer animation; Information retrieval; Computational linguistics; Theory of data numbers and knowledge bases; Automata, logic and games; Quantum computer science
Assessment
At least five written papers plus practical, and either a Mathematics dissertation or a Computer Science project
Lists of options in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th years are illustrative only, and may change from time to time. Further information about all of our courses: www.cs.ox.ac.uk/computerscienceatoxford
Student Statement
“For me the best bit of the course is the practical element, such as imperative programming. I like to see new techniques for algorithms and structures because I find it exciting to see how they could be used in the real world. I find the tutorial system very helpful – I think it is the best thing about Oxford. The people here are very competent and the facilities are well suited to the course.
My advice to prospective students would be: if you like both Mathematics and Computer Science and think you’ll enjoy the course, give it a shot and apply.” Jessica 2nd year
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Mathematics and Philosophy
UCAS Course Code: GV15
Brief course outline
Duration of course: 3/4 years
Degree awarded: BA/MMathPhil
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Intake: 19
Applications shortlisted for interview: 52.2%
Successful applications: 25.0%
Entrance requirements
A-levels: A*A*A with the A*s in Mathematics and Further Mathematics (if taken).
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB
IB: 39 points including core points
Or any other equivalent
Candidates are expected to have Mathematics to A-level (A* grade), Advanced Higher (A grade), or Higher Level in the IB (score 7) or another equivalent. Further Mathematics would also be highly recommended.
Open days
See Mathematics (p 100 [printed edition page numbers])
Location
See map on inside back cover
Contact details
Mathematics
+44 (0) 1865 615207
undergraduate.admissions@maths.ox.ac.uk
www.maths.ox.ac.uk
Philosophy
+44 (0) 1865 276926 enquiries@philosophy.ox.ac.uk
What is Mathematics and Philosophy?
This course brings together two of the most fundamental and widely applicable intellectual skills. Mathematical knowledge and the ability to use it is the most important means of tackling quantifiable problems, while philosophical training enhances the ability to analyse issues, question received assumptions, and clearly articulate understanding. The combination provides a powerful background from which to proceed to graduate study in either Mathematics or Philosophy or to pursue diverse careers. Historically, there have been strong links between Mathematics and Philosophy; logic, an important branch of both subjects, provides a natural bridge between the two, as does the philosophy of mathematics.
Mathematics and Philosophy at Oxford
The degree is constructed in the belief that the parallel study of these related disciplines can significantly enhance your understanding of each.
The Philosophy Faculty is the largest 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 faculty members have a worldwide reputation, and the faculty has the highest research ratings of any philosophy department in the UK. The Philosophy Library is among the best in the country. The large number of undergraduates and graduates reading philosophy with a variety of other disciplines affords the opportunity to participate in a diverse and lively philosophical community.
The Mathematics Department is also one of the largest and best in the UK and contains within it many world-class research groups. This is reflected in the wide choice of mathematics topics available to you, especially in the fourth year.
The course
There are two Mathematics and Philosophy degrees, the three-year BA and the four-year MMathPhil. You are not asked to choose between them on your application, and so long as your exam results in the second and third years are of an appropriate standard you have the option either to complete an honours BA or continue to the fourth year for the MMathPhil.
The mathematics units in this joint course are all from the single-subject Mathematics course. Accordingly the standard in mathematics for admission to the joint course is the same as for admission to the single-subject Mathematics course.
The compulsory core mathematics for the joint course consists of the pure (as opposed to applied) mathematics from the compulsory core for the single-subject Mathematics course. The philosophy units for the Mathematics and Philosophy course are mostly shared with the other joint courses with Philosophy.
All parts of the course in the first year are compulsory. In the second and third years some units are compulsory, consisting of core mathematics and philosophy and bridge papers on philosophy of mathematics and on foundations (logic and set theory), but you also choose options. The structure of the fourth year Master’s level is currently under review.
A typical weekly timetable
In your first two years work is divided between lectures (about ten a week) and tutorials in your college (two or three a week). In your third and fourth years the same applies to Philosophy subjects, but most Mathematics courses are linked to intercollegiate classes rather than tutorials in your college. About a third of your week will be spent working on your own, preparing essays for Philosophy tutorials, and solving problems for Mathematics tutorials or classes.
Written work
You do not need to submit any written work as part of an application for this course.
Written tests
All candidates must take the Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT), normally at their own school or college on 6 November 2013. Candidates must make sure they are available to take the test at this time.
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Separate registration for this test is required and the final deadline for entries is 15 October 2013. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that they are registered for this test. See www.matoxford.org.uk for further details.
Jack who graduated in 2007, is currently a capital actuarial analyst at Catlin Insurance. He says: “The mathematical skills developed during my degree have helped with the technical side of my work, but studying philosophy alongside maths also developed my abilities to analyse an argument and to take a logical approach to problem-solving. These skills have proven particularly valuable in the workplace both in my current role and as an associate on the Financial Services Authority’s graduate scheme.”
What are tutors looking for?
For information about the selection criteria please see: ox.ac.uk/criteria.
During the interview for Philosophy you will be given the opportunity to show a critical and analytical approach to abstract questions and the ability to defend a viewpoint by reasoned argument. In Mathematics you may find yourself asked to look at problems of a type that you have never seen before. Don’t worry; we will help you! We want to see if you can respond to suggestions as to how to tackle new things, rather than find out simply what you have been taught.
Related courses
Students interested in this course might also like to consider other Mathematics courses or Computer Science and Philosophy.
Careers
Recent graduates secured positions in diverse occupational 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.
Will, who graduated in 1999, works as a data analyst at the University of Michigan. He says: ‘My degree taught me to construct a rigorous and detailed argument, and also to adapt and defend it “live” in a tutorial setting. This is a crucial skill for jobs that require the analysis and presentation of complex data.’
1st year
Courses
Mathematics
•	Algebra
•	Analysis
•	Calculus and probability
Philosophy
•	Elements of deductive logic
•	Introduction to philosophy
Assessment
First University examinations: Five compulsory written papers
2nd and 3rd years
Courses
Mathematics
•	Core pure mathematics (Algebra, Metric spaces, Complex analysis)
•	Foundations (set theory, logic)
•	Intermediate mathematics options
Philosophy
•	Knowledge and reality or History of philosophy from Descartes to Kant
•	Philosophy of mathematics
•	Further philosophy
Assessment
Final University examinations, Part A (2nd year):
•	Two written papers on pure mathematics core and two written questions on options
Final University examinations, Part B (3rd year):
•	Six three-hour written papers, at least two in Mathematics, at least three in Philosophy
4th year
Courses
Units from M-level Mathematics (including a Mathematics dissertation) and M-level Philosophy (including a Philosophy thesis) (Precise exam structure under review)
Assessment
Final University examinations, Part C: Units are mostly examined by a three- hour written paper; plus one 5,000-word essay for Philosophy subjects
Student Statement 
“I came to Oxford because I wanted to study at one of the best universities in the country. I enjoy the reading in preparation for essays and also the tutorials, especially the philosophical discussions; it’s really interesting to try and make your point clearer and to discover sides of the argument you’d never thought about. Organising your time is very important. If you enjoyed Maths and Further Maths at A-level and you find questions in philosophy interesting then this is definitely the course for you.” Thomas 1st year
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Mathematics and Statistics
UCAS Course Code: GG13
Brief course outline
Duration of course: 3/4 years
Degree awarded: BA/MMath
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Intake: 13
Applications shortlisted for interview: 60.0%
Successful applications: 11.9%
Entrance requirements
A-levels: A*A*A with the A*s in Mathematics and Further Mathematics (if taken).
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB
IB: 39 points, including core points
Or any other equivalent
Candidates are expected to have Mathematics to A-level (A* grade), Advanced Higher (A grade), or Higher Level in the IB (score 7) or another equivalent. Further Mathematics is highly recommended.
Open days
See Mathematics (p 100 [printed edition page numbers])
Location
See map on inside back cover
Contact details
Mathematics
+44 (0) 1865 615207
undergraduate.admissions@maths.ox.ac.uk
www.maths.ox.ac.uk
Statistics
+44 (0) 1865 272870
undergraduate.admissions@stats.ox.ac.uk
www.stats.ox.ac.uk
Why Mathematics and Statistics?
Statistics is data analysis. New kinds of data are emerging all the time in science and industry. Statisticians are needed to set up cutting edge statistical methods to analyse these data. Statistical methods use advanced mathematical ideas and modern computational techniques. They require expert knowledge and experience to apply. Statisticians do the work. This combination, of deep and mathematically well-grounded method-building, and wide-ranging applied work with data, is what makes statistics a great subject.
Mathematics and Statistics at Oxford
The Department of Statistics is the top-ranked Statistics department in the UK according to the Government’s 2008 Research Assessment Exercise. Many of its 27 academic staff work in the development of fundamental statistical methodology and probability. There is a large research group working on models and inference in genetics and evolution and their applications, for example concerning human genetic variation and disease. Other groups work on pattern recognition and image analysis, networks, medical, actuarial and financial applications. These interests are reflected in the lecture courses available to undergraduates in their third and fourth years.
Course structure
For the first four terms this course is identical to Mathematics, up to and including the compulsory core of the second year of the Mathematics course.
Mathematics and Statistics students follow core second-year courses in probability and statistics, and the remainder of the second year allows for some choice of topics in preparation for the greater selectivity of the third and fourth years. In the first two years it is usually straightforward to move between the Mathematics course and the Mathematics and Statistics course, subject to the availability of space on the course and to the consent of the college.
There are two Mathematics and Statistics degrees, the three-year BA and the four-year MMath. You will not be asked to choose between the degrees until you are in your third year. All third- and fourth-year mathematical topics available in the Mathematics course are also available to Mathematics and Statistics students.
The fourth year is, naturally, more challenging and it provides an opportunity for more in-depth study, including a substantial statistics project.
A typical weekly timetable
The typical week of a student in Mathematics and Statistics is similar to that for Mathematics. In courses involving work with statistical software packages, some lecture hours are replaced by teaching sessions in the labs.
Written work
You do not need to submit any written work as part of an application for this course.
Written tests
All candidates must take the Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT), normally at their own school or college on 6 November 2013. Candidates must make sure they are available to take the test at this time. Separate registration for this test is required and the final deadline for entries is 15 October 2013. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that they are registered for this test. See www.matoxford.org.uk for further details.
What are tutors looking for?
In order to succeed in the Mathematics and Statistics degree, students need to have a strong aptitude for mathematics. The criteria applied at admissions are entirely comparable to those applied to the Mathematics degree, and we refer you to the Mathematics entry (p 100 [printed edition page numbers]).
Related courses
Students interested in this course might also like to consider other Mathematics courses or Computer Science.
Careers
Many of our graduates have careers in statistics and the closely related field of operational research. They are in demand in the insurance and financial services professions, especially those whose studies have included a substantial component of statistics and applied probability. In recent years about 35% of Oxford Mathematics graduates have joined the finance and finance-related sectors, and include a management analyst for a management consultancy firm and an actuarial consultant.
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Ellis, who graduated in 2008, is now a strategist for Macquarie Capital Securities Limited. He says: “I have been working as a strategist in Hong Kong since June 2008 where I am involved in equity index sales, portfolio trading and trading models. The invaluable educational background from my degree gives a fair justification for my strong analytical and quantitative skills.”
1st year
Courses
Compulsory 1st year includes:
Algebra
Analysis
Probability and statistics
Geometry and dynamics
Multivariate calculus and mathematical models
Assessment
First University examinations: Five compulsory papers
2nd year
Courses
Core courses
•	Probability
•	Statistics
•	Algebra and differential equations
•	Metric spaces and complex analysis
Options
•	Statistical programming and simulation
•	Selection from a menu of other options in Mathematics
Assessment
Final University examinations, Part A: Four core papers and four optional papers
3rd year
Courses
•	Applied statistics
•	Statistical inference
•	Applied probability
•	Statistical lifetime models
•	Actuarial science
•	Mathematical finance
•	Wide range of other options in Mathematics
Assessment
Final University examinations, Part B: The equivalent of four written papers including assessed practicals
4th year
Courses
•	Statistics project
•	Advanced options ranging across probability and statistics, pure and applied mathematics, and statistical genetics
Assessment
Final University examinations, Part C: Project and papers (or equivalent) in ratio 3:5
Student Statement
“I find the range of practical applications for statistics really appealing. I heard a talk about the uses of statistics at a maths talk on the open day, and immediately knew that this would be the right course for me.
I have lectures in both pure and applied maths each week, and then have problem sheets that I have to prepare for my tutorials. It’s great fun to try and solve a variety of different problems using newly learnt skills.” Henry 1st year
Top ranked Statistics department in the UK
According to the Government’s 2008 Research Assessment Exercise.
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Medicine
UCAS Course Code: A100
Brief course outline
Duration of course: 3-year Pre-clinical, followed by 3-year Clinical.
Degree awarded: BM BCh (includes an Honours BA)
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Intake: 155
Applications shortlisted for interview: 28.8%
Successful applications: 10.6%
Entrance requirements
A-levels: A*AA, in three A-levels taken in one academic year
Excluding Critical Thinking and General Studies. Candidates are required to have Chemistry (compulsory), plus Biology and/or Physics and/or Mathematics to full A-level.
Advanced Highers: AA (including Chemistry)
Highers: AAAAA
Highers must include Biology or Mathematics or Physics. We will accept applications from students with only one Advanced Higher; see the website for details of our policy.
IB: 39 (including core points) with 7, 6, 6 at HL
Candidates are required to take Chemistry and a second science (Biology or Physics) and/or Mathematics to Higher Level.
Subject combinations
Please note that we have no preference for whether the third or fourth A-level subject (or further subject in equivalent qualifications) is a science or not.
Other qualifications
Other national and international qualifications are also acceptable. Please see our website for further guidance: www.medsci.ox.ac.uk/study/medicine. Any candidate in doubt as to their academic eligibility for this course is strongly encouraged to seek advice by emailing admissions@medschool.ox.ac.uk.
Level of attainment in Science and Mathematics
In order to be adequately equipped for the BMAT (see ‘Written test’) and for the academic demands of the course, and if Biology, Physics, or Mathematics have not been taken to A-level (or equivalent), applicants will need to show that they have received a basic education in those subjects (achieving at least a grade C at GCSE, Intermediate 2 or Standard grade (Credit), or equivalent; the GCSE Dual Award Combined Sciences is also acceptable).
Graduates
Students with degrees may apply for the standard course. There are no places specifically reserved for graduates, and there is no separate application process. Graduates are in open competition with school-leavers, and need to fulfil the same entrance requirements.
Open days
26 and 27 June, and 20 September 2013
For information please email opendays@medsci.ox.ac.uk or visit our website at www.medsci.ox.ac.uk/study/medicine/pre-clinical/open-days
Location
See map on inside back cover
Contact details
admissions@medschool.ox.ac.uk
Medical School Prospectus
www.medsci.ox.ac.uk/study/medicine
The accelerated course (graduate entry)
Graduates in experimental science subjects may be eligible to apply for the four-year accelerated course (UCAS code A101 BMBCh4). After a special two-year transition phase covering both basic science and clinical skills, the accelerated programme leads into the final two years of the standard course and to the same Oxford medical qualification as the standard (six-year) course. The four-year course is designed specifically for science graduates, and places a strong emphasis on the scientific basis of medical practice.
Applicants to the four-year accelerated course must follow the application procedure described on p 110 (including the BMAT), and also complete an additional Oxford application form. See www.medsci.ox.ac.uk/study/medicine for further information and details of eligibility.
Is Medicine for you?
The practice of Medicine offers a breadth of experiences that it is impossible to find in any other subject. Every day brings different patients with different needs. It’s a great choice for scientists who strive to understand and apply research findings to improve the lives of the patients in their care. It offers a meaningful career that is prestigious, secure and relatively well-paid. However, practising Medicine can be arduous, stressful, frustrating and bureaucratic and it’s not suited to everyone. You need to be sure that Medicine is the right choice for you. These pages will help you work that out, but there’s no better way to find out for sure than by gaining insight of medical practice by seeing it in action and talking to those who provide healthcare. Studying Medicine because that is what is expected of you is never a good idea: make sure that your motives for choosing to do so are well-reasoned.
Medicine at Oxford
Medicine has been studied at Oxford from as early as the 14th century, although a Clinical School was established as recently as 1936 by a benefaction from Lord Nuffield for postgraduate teaching and research. Clinical student training started during the Second World War when medical students were evacuated from London. Today, the Medicine course at Oxford provides a well-rounded intellectual training with particular emphasis on the basic science research that underpins medicine. We have retained a distinct three-year preclinical stage that includes studying towards a BA Honours degree in Medical Sciences, followed by a three-year clinical stage.
Although the Medical School at Oxford has expanded in recent times, it remains relatively small, allowing students and staff to get to know one another and benefit from a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
The Pre-clinical stage
Applicants are initially admitted to the pre-clinical stage of the course.
The first five terms of this course are devoted to the ‘First BM’. This addresses not only much of the science that underpins Medicine, but also the clinical problems that arise when systems fail. Students are introduced to the major systems of the body and study all aspects of their structure and function in health and also the principles of disease processes. Students are encouraged to develop an enquiring approach and to consider the experimental basis of the
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science in the course. Matters of clinical relevance are illustrated from the outset. There are clinical demonstrations in hospitals, and students make regular visits to GP tutors.
The First BM is followed by a four-term BA Honours course (the ‘Final Honour School’) in Medical Sciences. Students specialise in an area of biomedical science selected from one of five options. They will become fully accustomed to working from research papers and primary sources in the literature, and will be encouraged to think both critically and creatively. Students will gain in-depth knowledge of their chosen option, and will improve their technical ability both at the bench and in the use of electronic resources to handle and present experimental results and to search scientific databases.
The Principles of Clinical Anatomy course, delivered at the end of the third year, is designed to teach students clinically relevant aspects of anatomy that will be of immediate use in their clinical years.
Teaching methods and study support
During the pre-clinical stage of the course, the college tutorial system is a central feature: students see their tutors and are taught weekly in groups often as small as two. This teaching can be tailored to individuals’ needs and interests. Most University lectures, seminars and practical classes take place in the Medical Sciences Teaching Centre in the Science Area. Lecturers are drawn from Oxford’s extensive Pre-clinical and Clinical departments, all of which have international reputations for excellence in research, and the courses are organised on an interdisciplinary basis so as to emphasise the interrelatedness of all aspects of the curriculum.
Research work
In addition to taking written and computer-based examinations, and submitting practical reports and an extended essay, students undertake a research project as part of their BA course. This will be in a field of interest to the student, and will offer valuable first-hand experience of scientific research. Students have the opportunity to undertake research in a laboratory from a wide range of departments within the University.
A typical weekly timetable
During the First BM, lectures and practicals occupy about half of the time, and the remainder is free for tutorial work, self-directed study and extra-curricular activities. During the BA course, formal lecturing is kept to a minimum, and students are mostly free to pursue their research and to prepare for tutorials and seminars. Strong academic support ensures that students manage their time effectively.
Progress to Clinical training
In December of the third year, students must apply to be accepted by a clinical school. A joint admissions scheme is in place with the Universities of Cambridge and London to ensure that all suitably qualified Oxford pre-clinical students will be allocated a clinical school place within the scheme. Of those who choose to apply to the Oxford Clinical School, about 85% have been successful in past years. The rest mostly go to London or to Cambridge. No student is guaranteed a place in Oxford, but there are sufficient places in the system to ensure that all qualified students will find a place for their Clinical training. Upon completion of the clinical stage of the course, the subsequent years are spent on Foundation and Specialist Training programmes.
best in THE world for medicine
Oxford is the best in the world for medicine, according to a major international league table for ‘clinical, pre-clinical and health’. The Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2011–12 saw Oxford medicine overtake previous leader Harvard for the top spot, a position we maintain in 2012–13.
Student Statement
“I was attracted to the strong scientific grounding of the Oxford medical course. The pre-clinical stage enables you to gain in-depth knowledge of the science behind clinical practice while experiencing the primary scientific research that fuels medical progression. The first year encompasses organisation of the body and so includes dissection – an incredibly useful tool in learning anatomy! Being lectured by world leaders in their field is awe-inspiring and gave an edge to my learning. I’m currently in my third year and love the freedom and self-direction of my research project. I am developing skills as a scientist which will be useful in clinical practice, while also getting to grips with topics that fascinate me. I’m doing an option called ‘Infection and immunity’, and love being able to trace current developments in the field and apply them to potential future therapeutic applications. There is also a clinical aspect provided by the doctor-patient course. I found this valuable in helping me to develop good communication skills, as I learnt how to take patient histories and interact with patients under the guidance of a practising GP.” Alex 3rd year
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How to apply
For details on how to apply please refer to ox.ac.uk/apply. Please note the closing date for applications for all Medicine courses is 15 October 2013.
Written work
You do not need to submit any written work as part of an application for this course.
Written test
All applicants must take the Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT) in their own school or college or approved test centre on 6 November 2013. The standard deadline for registration is 1 October 2013, and the final deadline for registration is 15 October 2013. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure they are registered for this test. See www.bmat.org.uk for further details.
What are tutors looking for?
Please note that competition to study Medicine at Oxford is particularly strong and only around 425 applicants are shortlisted for interview each year. Applicants are shortlisted for interview on the basis of BMAT test performance, prior academic record, and all other information on their application. No student is admitted without interview. Any overseas candidates for Medicine who are shortlisted will be expected to come to Oxford for interview in December. Students are selected for their scientific ability and for their aptitude for Medicine. Applicants are expected to show that they have a realistic understanding of what a medical career will involve, and that they have the potential to become effective and caring doctors. All colleges use a common set of selection criteria that relate to academic potential and suitability for Medicine. For further information about selection criteria, please see: www.ox.ac.uk/criteria.
Applicants are free to make reference to skills or experience acquired in any context to illustrate how they might fulfil the selection criteria; sometimes candidates refer to voluntary work and other extra– curricular activities, but many forms of evidence can help demonstrate to tutors that a candidate has made an informed decision regarding their own suitability to study Medicine.
Application conditions
Oxford conforms to the UK Department of Health’s requirements regarding immunisation status (hepatitis, BCG and rubella) and the GMC’s conditions on Fitness to Practise, and a satisfactory Criminal Records Bureau disclosure. Students may be refused entry to, or be removed from, the University’s Register of Medical Students on grounds that may be either academic or non-academic (for instance health or conduct). Applicants should be aware that some practical studies involving living animal tissue are an obligatory component of the course.
Related courses
Students interested in this course might also like to consider Biomedical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Human Sciences or Chemistry.
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Gordon, who graduated in 2004, now works in the field of biotechnology. He says: “Although I studied medicine as an undergraduate and qualified as a doctor in 2004, I have not remained working in clinical medicine in the NHS. Instead building my career in small high-growth biotechnology companies in the UK, California, and France. My time as an undergraduate at Oxford was hugely influential in seizing interesting scientific and business opportunities well outside the boundaries of a typical medical career in the NHS.”
Careers
From becoming a GP to training as a brain surgeon, a vast array of speciality training pathways is available after obtaining a medical qualification, ranging from anaesthesia or emergency medicine through obstetrics or ophthalmology to paediatrics or psychiatry.
Of course, you need not remain confined to the surgery or the operating theatre: the lecture theatre or the laboratory could also beckon. Some of our graduates end up leading the education of the next generation of doctors or directing biomedical research. You don’t need to know right now what you want to do when you qualify: the Medical School organises careers sessions for final year clinical students and helps students learn about and apply for foundation house officer posts.
BM BCh graduates are entitled to provisional registration with the General Medical Council (GMC) with a licence to practise, subject to demonstrating to the GMC that their fitness to practise is not impaired.
Brad, who graduated in 2004, currently works as a Forensic Psychiatrist with Mentally Disordered Offenders at Broadmoor High Secure Psychiatric Hospital. Brad developed through tutorials at Oxford the strong academic knowledge base and confidence to challenge ‘received wisdom’. This has allowed him to diversify his clinical career to include roles in leadership and innovation in the NHS.
First BM Part 1: Terms 1–3
Courses
•	Organisation of the body
•	Physiology and pharmacology
•	Biochemistry and medical genetics
•	Medical sociology
•	Patient and Doctor course
Assessment
Three core computer-based assessments
Four written papers
Satisfactory practical record
First BM Part 2: Terms 4–6
Courses
•	Systems of the body: Integrative aspects
•	The nervous system
•	Principles of pathology
•	Psychology for medicine
•	Patient and Doctor course
Assessment
•	Three core computer-based assessments
•	Four written papers
•	Satisfactory practical record
Final Honour School in Medical Sciences: Terms 6–9
Courses
•	Option (one from Neuroscience; Molecular medicine; Infection and immunity; Myocardial, vascular and respiratory biology; and Signalling in health and disease)
•	Research project
•	Extended essay
•	Principles of clinical anatomy
Assessment
•	Written papers
•	Submission of extended essay and research project write-up
•	Oral presentation of research project
•	Qualifying exam in Principles of clinical anatomy
•	Computer-based assessment
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Modern Languages – Celtic, Czech (with Slovak), French, German, Modern Greek, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish
UCAS Course Codes
There is a unique course code for each combination of subjects. Please see ox.ac.uk/courses.
Brief course outline
Duration of course: 4 years (including compulsory year abroad)
Degree awarded: BA
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Intake: 179
Applications shortlisted for interview: 88.4%
Successful applications: 3.9%
Joint courses
You can also study a modern language with a Middle Eastern language (Arabic, Hebrew, Persian or Turkish) or with Classics, English, History, Linguistics or Philosophy. Please see the separate pages on these courses for further information.
Single language courses available
Single language courses are available in French, German, Modern Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. If you study Modern Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish by itself, you must also take Linguistics in the first year.
Joint language courses available 
There are also many joint language courses which allow you to study two languages together. The languages are Celtic, Czech, French, German, Modern Greek, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. For details of exactly which combinations are available please see the Modern Languages pages at ox.ac.uk/courses.
Open days
27 April, 26 and 27 June, and 20 September 2013 Places must be booked at: www.mod-langs.ox.ac.uk/fac_open_days
Location
See map on inside back cover
Contact details
+44 (0) 1865 270750
reception@mod-langs.ox.ac.uk
www.mod-langs.ox.ac.uk
Entrance requirements 
A-levels: AAA 
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB 
IB: 38–40 including core points 
Or any other equivalent
There are several combinations available that allow students to begin studying a language from scratch. However, please note that it is not usually possible for students to study two languages from scratch. 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.
For French, German or Spanish
Candidates would usually be expected to have the language to A-level, Advanced Higher, Higher Level in the IB or another academic equivalent. The faculty may be introducing a beginner / intermediate German course from 2014 - See www.mod-langs.ox.ac.uk for updates.
For Czech, Modern Greek, Italian, Portuguese and Russian
Please note there are different course codes for these languages, depending on whether you are applying with an A-level or equivalent in the relevant language, or if you are applying for a beginners’ course. Beginners’ courses allow students to start studying one of these languages from scratch. The faculty may be introducing a beginner / intermediate German course from 2014 - See www.mod-langs.ox.ac.uk for updates
For Celtic and Polish
We generally expect all students applying for these courses to be beginners, though those with experience are also very welcome to apply.
What is Modern Languages?
Studying Modern Languages provides both practical training in written and spoken language and also an extensive introduction to European literature and thought. You will learn to write and speak the language(s) fluently, and will be able to choose from a broad range of options including linguistics, film studies and advanced translation.
Modern Languages at Oxford
Modern Languages have been taught in Oxford since 1724. The faculty is one of the largest in the country, with a total intake of more than 250 students a year (including joint courses). Undergraduate students can use the Taylor Institution Library, the biggest research library in Britain devoted to modern languages.
The University’s modern and excellently equipped Language Centre (see p 12 [printed edition page numbers]) received special praise in the last Teaching Quality Assessment. Some of its resources are specifically tailored to the needs of Modern Languages students.
Language is at the centre of the Oxford course, making up around 50% of both first year and final examinations. The course aims to teach spoken fluency in colloquial and more formal situations, the ability to write essays in the foreign language, and the ability to translate into and out of the foreign language with accuracy and sensitivity to a range of vocabulary, styles and registers.
The course also focuses on studying literature, as this study is enjoyable, personally and linguistically enriching, and intellectually challenging. It gives you an understanding of other cultures that cannot be acquired solely through learning the language, and it leads you into areas such as gender issues, popular culture, theatre studies, aesthetics, anthropology, art history, ethics, history, philosophy, politics, psychology and theology. You can either study a broad, chronological range of literature or focus your studies on the medieval, the early modern, or the modern period right up to the present day.
The course also offers a wide range of options in non-literary subjects including linguistics, philology, advanced translation and film studies.
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Course structure
Your first year is closely structured. You will attend oral classes and courses on the grammatical structure of your language(s), translation into and out of the language(s) and, in some of the languages, comprehension. You will also attend introductory lecture courses and participate in seminars and/or tutorials on literature. If you study either French or German as a single language, you will take a range of additional options in that language in the first year, such as literary theory and film studies. If you study any other language by itself then you must take Linguistics as well in the first year (see Modern Languages and Linguistics – p 116 [printed edition page numbers]).
Your other years of study give you more freedom to choose the areas you wish to focus on, from a range of options. You will have tutorials and language classes each week in each of the languages being studied. Students studying courses with Polish take this as a subsidiary language, beginning in the second year. Catalan, Galician, Provençal, Yiddish and most of the Slavonic languages may also be taken as additional options.
Year abroad
Modern Language students usually spend the third year of their course abroad. This is often as a paid language assistant in a foreign school, though you may also undertake other work abroad or study at a foreign university. (The exception to this is for those students taking Beginners’ Russian, who are required to spend the second year – as opposed to the third year – of their studies on a specially designed eight-month language course in the city of Yaroslavl.) We encourage you to spend as much as possible of your vacations in the countries whose languages you are studying. Financial support, including travel scholarships, may be available from your college and/or the faculty.
A typical weekly timetable
Your week’s work will include a tutorial in, or organised by, your college, language classes on different skills relating to the language(s) you study, and probably three to four hours of lectures per subject.
The Taylor Institution Library
Part of the world-famous Bodleian Libraries, the Taylor Institution Library is the biggest research library in Britain devoted to modern languages.
Student Statement 
“I was drawn to Oxford by the wealth of world-class resources and the prospect of being taught by tutors who are some of the best in the world. It’s immensely fulfilling to discuss opinions and analyses with tutors who are experts in their field. In particular, I have found that the inspiring teaching has deepened my interest in French and German literature and I have enjoyed studying a broad range of authors and playwrights and their innovative work.
I found the Modern Languages course at Oxford especially appealing because it’s so flexible, with lots of language and literature topics to choose from. This flexibility has allowed me to pursue and explore my own interests, such as the theme of politics in literature and the works of Goethe and Zola.
I found that there was a sizeable step between A-level work and university assignments because you are encouraged to express and develop your own thoughts and ideas much more at degree level.” Vanessa 2nd year
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Written work
All candidates must submit a piece of written work by 11 November 2013 in each of the languages which you plan to study, where you will have those languages to A2 (or an equivalent standard) before university.
All candidates must also submit one piece only of marked writing in English.
For further details on what to send, please see the Modern Languages pages at ox.ac.uk/courses.
Written test
All candidates must take the Modern Languages Admissions Tests (MLAT), normally at their own school or college, on 6 November 2013. Separate registration for this test is required and the final deadline for entries is 15 October 2013. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that they are registered for this test. See ox.ac.uk/tests for further details.
College choice
For guidance on making a college choice, please refer to our website for details of which language combinations are available at each college.
Deferred entry
Students are welcome to apply for deferred entry for any language courses except those including Beginners’ Russian.
What are tutors looking for?
Selection criteria for this course may be viewed at ox.ac.uk/criteria. Tutors will be looking for a good command of the grammar of any language you have already studied at school and want to continue studying at Oxford, as well as an interest in literature and culture.
Tutors want to find out as much as possible about your intellectual interests and academic potential, so you may be asked about your reading, your interest in the culture of the relevant country, or the work you have submitted. You may be asked questions about a short passage in English or the relevant foreign language(s). You will be given the opportunity to speak 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, advertising, the Foreign Office and the performing arts. Recent Modern Languages graduates include a business development manager for a social enterprise company, a theatre director, and a personal tax manager.
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Catherine, who graduated in 2004, is now Founder and Programmes Manager at the Refugee Support Network. She says: “Since graduating from Oxford, I have worked in the field of refugee education and education in emergencies for various charities, including Save the Children and various United Nations agencies. The skills I gained at Oxford have helped me to analyse situations thoughtfully and critically, and gave me the confidence to establish the Refugee Support Network in 2009. I never thought I would use my language skills in situations as diverse as Sudanese refugee camps, with Haitian earthquake survivors and with young victims of trafficking in London.”
Jenny, who graduated in 2000, has been working as a translator for the Star Group in the UK since 2005. She says: ‘I spent three years in a multinational blue chip company in the fast moving consumer goods sector using my languages daily in customer account management before studying for an MSc in Translation. The rigour and challenge of Oxford’s small-group tuition, plus the practical experience of working bilingually as a teaching assistant during my year abroad in Spain provided useful foundations for my work as a professional linguist.’
Richard, who graduated in 1999, is now a content developer for Linguascope.com. He says: ‘Studying languages at Oxford gave me a real focus for the subject, which has remained a life-long obsession and opened up great career opportunities. I have combined the strong grounding my studies gave me with a passion for IT, and currently work as lead developer for the UK’s best-known language resources website for schools. Oxford set me up as a lifelong learner of languages, and the learning skills I picked up there continue to help me adapt and develop in the professional world.’
Erasmus
Please see ox.ac.uk/erasmus for details of Erasmus opportunities for this course.
1st year
Courses
Two modern languages, or one modern language, or one modern language and linguistics (or other options for either French or German as a single language)
•	Practical language work
•	Study of important works and/or topics in the literature of each language
•	Linguistics option: Introduction to phonetics; General linguistics; Grammar
•	Single language option: Introduction to film studies; Literary theory (French only); Medieval studies (German only); Key texts in French or German thought
Assessment
First University examinations: Seven or eight written papers, including translation and literature (language only for Beginners’ Russian)
2nd year
Courses
Two-language course
•	Language work (translation, comprehension, essays)
•	A period of literature
•	Optional subjects, including Linguistics; Medieval literature; Authors prescribed for detailed study
One-language course
•	As above, with the opportunity to cover a broader range of subjects
•	Beginners’ Russian: Year 2 is spent abroad
3rd and 4th years
Year 3
Spent abroad
Beginners’ Russian: Year 3 as Year 2 for other courses
Year 4
Continues the course from year 2, plus special subjects across a wide range of options
Assessment
Final University examinations: Nine or ten written papers and an oral examination are taken, including unprepared translations, literature subjects, special subjects and linguistics. Some special subjects are examined by submitting a portfolio of essays
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Modern Languages and Linguistics Linguistics and French, German, Modern Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish
UCAS Course Codes: See below
Brief course outline
Duration of course: 4 years (including compulsory year abroad) 
Degree awarded: BA
Course Statistics for 2012 entry
Usual intake: 25
Applications shortlisted for interview: 84.4%
Successful applications: 33.8%
Entrance requirements
A-levels: AAA 
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB 
IB: 38-40 including core points 
Or any other equivalent
No experience of studying Linguistics is required, though knowledge of the relevant modern language may be expected, as detailed below. English Language, Mathematics, a science or any other language may be useful for some elements of the course, although they are not required for admission.
Course combinations
You can either study Linguistics with a Modern Language you already speak, or with a Modern Language you’d like to learn from scratch.
For the following course combinations you would usually be expected to have the Modern Language to A-level (or another academic equivalent). 
Linguistics and:
French RQ11
German RQ21
Modern Greek QQ71
Italian RQ31
Portuguese RQ51
Russian RQ71
Spanish RQ41
The following course combinations allow you to begin studying a Modern Language from scratch.
Linguistics and:
Beginners’ Modern Greek QQ72
Beginners’ Italian QR13
Beginners’ Portuguese RQ5D
Open days
See Modern Languages (p 112 [printed edition page numbers]) 
Location
See map on inside back cover
Contact details
Modern Languages
+44 (0) 1865 270750
reception@mod-langs.ox.ac.uk
www.mod-langs.ox.ac.uk
Linguistics
+44 (0) 1865 280400 
enquiries@ling-phil.ox.ac.uk
www.ling-phil.ox.ac.uk/pros_undergrads
www.mod-langs.ox.ac.uk/linguistics
What is Modern Languages and Linguistics?
This course allows students to study one modern language together with linguistics, the study of language itself. One half of your course will be half of the Modern Languages course as described on pp 112–115 [printed edition page numbers], giving you practical linguistic training and an extensive introduction to the literature and thought of the European language you have chosen.
The other half of the course focuses on linguistics, where you will be introduced to the analysis of the nature and structure of human language. Topics include; how words are formed, how sentences are constructed, how we make and hear sounds, and how these sounds behave in particular languages; how age, sex and social status affect language use; how children learn to speak; how languages change and how the same language can vary according to where it is spoken; how words and sentences mean what they mean – and how they sometimes don’t mean what they seem to mean; how language is used in literature, the media and by various social groups; and how language is organised in the brain. In this part you will also apply these ideas to the study of the structure and history of your modern language.
Modern Languages and Linguistics at Oxford
Oxford offers facilities for the linguistic and philological study of European languages unmatched anywhere else in Britain. The University has particular expertise in general linguistics, phonetics, syntax and semantics, and in the history and structure of many individual European languages and families of related languages. These are seen to best advantage in this degree course, which combines the different elements to give a mutually reinforcing package of theoretical study of what human language is and how it works and more detailed study of specific issues of language structure and change applied to the language you are studying. You will 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 entry (p 112 [printed edition page numbers]).
A typical weekly timetable
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.
Written work
For the language part of this course, candidates must submit the same written work as required for Modern Languages by 11 November 2013. Please see p 114 [printed edition page numbers] for further details. Additionally, if you are studying an A-level or other qualification involving linguistic analysis (e.g. English Language) please also send in a piece of written work from that.
Written tests
All candidates must take the Modern Languages Admissions Tests (MLAT), normally at their own school or college, on 6 November 2013. Separate registration for these tests is required and the final deadline for entries is 15 October 2013. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that they are registered for this test. See ox.ac.uk/tests for further details.
What are tutors looking for?
Language tutors will be looking for a good command of the grammar of any language you have already studied at school or college and want to continue studying at Oxford as well an interest in literature and culture.
Linguistics is a subject that virtually everybody starts from scratch at University, and our primary requirements are interest in exploring the nature of human language; aptitude for describing and analysing language; and willingness to acquire the formal tools for acquiring a detailed and rigorous understanding of the structure, use and history of the language you are studying.
For further information about the selection criteria please see: ox.ac.uk/criteria.
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Martin, who graduated in 1997, is an Associate Principal at ZS Associates, a management consultancy firm specialising in sales and marketing issues. He says: “The Oxford tutorial system really mirrors the kind of deadline-driven project work we do for our clients – we understand and synthesize a large amount of qualitative and quantitative data in a short space of time and then make recommendations by layering in insights on top of the analysis to help solve the client’s business problem ... when you think about it, the process has a lot in common with writing a good essay!”
Related courses
Students interested in this course might also like to consider other language courses, Oriental Studies courses, or Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics.
Careers
The combination of a modern language with the ability for rigorous analysis will be popular with a wide range of employers. The Languages Work website has further information about careers using languages www.languageswork.org.uk.
Recent Modern Languages and Linguistics graduates include a management consultant, a brand marketing manager, a market researcher for a company in the chemical industry, and a teacher.
Tamsin, who graduated in 2000, now works as a lecturer in psychology at the University of Abertay Dundee. As part of her undergraduate degree, she spent a year teaching English in La Réunion, visiting nearby Madagascar and Mauritius along the way, and developing a flexibility, independence and resolve that have supported her ever since. She also believes that the extensive linguistic training received at Oxford has shaped her approach to psychology.
Erasmus
Please see ox.ac.uk/erasmus for details of Erasmus opportunities for this course.
1st year
Courses
Modern Language
•	Same as for Modern Languages
Linguistics
•	General linguistics
•	Phonetics and phonology
•	Grammatical analysis
Assessment
First University examinations:
Seven written papers, including translation and literature
2nd and 4th years (3rd year spent abroad)
Courses
Modern Language
•	Same as for Modern Languages
Linguistics
•	General linguistics
•	History of the language you will be studying
•	Structure and use of that language in its modern form
•	One or two specialist options, for example: Syntax; Semantics; Phonetics and phonology; Sociolinguistics; Psycholinguistics
Assessment
Final University examinations:
Eight or nine papers and an oral examination are taken
Student Statement
“I applied to Oxford on a whim: when I finally received my acceptance letter, I was convinced there’d been a mistake! Like most students, I began Linguistics as a completely new subject. I knew I loved languages, but had no idea what the study of them would entail. What makes this course so absorbing is that it offers such scope for specialisation that you can explore anything from controversial new theories on first-language acquisition to translation of nonsense verse like The Jabberwocky.” Ashley 2nd year
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Music
UCAS Course Code: W300
Brief course outline
Duration of course: 3 years
Degree awarded: BA
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Intake: 76
Applications shortlisted for interview: 95.4%
Successful applications: 40.4%
Entrance requirements
A-levels: AAA
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB
IB: 38–40 including core points
Or any other equivalent
Candidates are expected to have Music to A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher Level in the IB or another equivalent. Also keyboard ability of ABRSM Grade V or above is highly recommended. 
Open days
26 and 27 June, and 20 September 2013 Places must be booked by completing the online form available at www.music.ox.ac.uk
Location
See map on inside back cover
Contact details
+44 (0) 1865 286264
academic.admin@music.ox.ac.uk
www.music.ox.ac.uk
Why study Music?
Music can be studied from a wide variety of perspectives. We ‘study music’ by listening or by learning to perform a musical composition. We may also investigate, through analysis, the relationships between the various parts of the composition, or use documentary evidence to explore how reliable and authoritative a given score might be and how we might perform it in a historically sensitive manner. Historical studies, too, allow us to investigate the various uses of music – be it in 16th century Rome, in Hollywood films, amongst the aboriginal peoples of Australia, or in some other context – and to understand better how our perception of a musical work (or repertory or style) has been shaped over time, and how it might differ from that of earlier ages or of different cultures. Although these and many other approaches, such as the more creative activities of performance and composition, might be singled out, they cannot so easily be kept separate if we are to study music musically.
Music at Oxford
Music has been part of the intellectual and cultural life of Oxford for more than eight centuries. Today, some dozen professors, readers and lecturers form the academic staff in the Faculty of Music, all of whom have internationally distinguished reputations as musicologists, performers or composers. Their work is complemented by that of many college Fellows and lecturers, bringing the total staff number to about 30. Numerous visiting speakers, and our close links with professional performing ensembles, including Phantasm and the University’s professional orchestra in residence, the Oxford Philomusica, add further richness and enjoyment to the experience of being a music student here.
The faculty offers performance and composition workshops, and many students play an active part in the life of college chapels, as either choral or organ scholars. The faculty building includes practice rooms for solo, chamber and orchestral work; there is an electronic music and recording studio; and the library holdings of scores, recordings, books and other research materials are probably the most extensive in the UK. The world-famous Bate Collection of Musical Instruments is also housed at the faculty, and many of these historical instruments are available for use by students.
The Oxford course is broadly-based without compromising the possibility of increasing specialisation in one or more areas as you proceed. Performance and performance-related studies are especially prominent, particularly among the options for Finals, while those wishing to concentrate on other areas such as history, analysis and stylistic or original composition can do so equally well. Combined with the rich opportunities for personal development which arise from the musical facilities and activities sustained throughout the University and the city, this course helps every student to graduate as a mature and well-rounded musician with an informed and lively sense of the contemporary study and practice of the subject.
A typical weekly timetable
Work is divided between lectures and classes in the Faculty of Music and college tutorials. There are between four and six lectures a week, depending on the chosen options, as well as classes and tutorials. In the final term there are generally fewer lectures and more time for independent study.
Written work
You will need to submit written work by 11 November 2013 when applying for this course. Please refer to the course page at ox.ac.uk/courses for further details.
Written tests
There is no written test, but candidates who are invited to interview in Oxford will be asked to give a performance of a prepared piece on the candidate’s principal instrument or voice (organists, percussionists and candidates requiring an accompanist should inform the faculty in advance of the interview period).
Candidates not possessing keyboard fluency to ABRSM Grade V may be asked to take a standardised keyboard sight-reading test at interview. Please indicate your level of keyboard proficiency on your UCAS application. Some tutors may ask you to study a short piece of music and/or text about music in preparation for your interview; if so, this material will be given to you during your stay in Oxford.
What are tutors looking for?
Tutors are looking for a genuine spirit of enquiry and keenness to think critically about music, and those showing the potential to engage with the undergraduate course.
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Andrew, who graduated in 2006, is now the assistant director of music at King Edward VI School in Stratford-upon-Avon. He says: “Since graduating, I have been involved in professional music-making and education. I’m currently combining teaching music with working on educational research. The experiences afforded by an Oxford education and participation in student societies around my course have enabled me to be seen, in post-Oxford life, as a safe pair of hands, both in terms of academic issues and administrative matters. This means I have been able to gain responsibilities in the areas of education management and school governance fairly early on in my career.”
Careers
Teaching, performance and arts administration are among the more popular destinations for Music graduates, but others include broadcasting, publishing, politics and the Civil Service. Those wishing to undertake further study in performance often win coveted places at conservatoires in the UK and abroad. Josephine, who graduated in 2005, is now an analyst for HSBC Private Bank. She says: ‘My music degree developed core research skills which are essential to rigorous fundamental analysis, a high standard of written communication which is key to concise report writing, and stage presence which translates into confident public speaking.’ Deborah, who graduated in 2001, now works in a university library in London. She says: ‘Over the last 10 years I have worked as a librarian and research assistant. I went on to gain masters degrees in both musicology and librarianship, and am working towards a PhD in music librarianship. I am currently responsible for cataloguing and classification at the library.’
1st year
Courses
Six subjects are taken (one chosen from a list of options)
Compulsory
•	Special topics
•	Musical analysis
•	Techniques of composition and keyboard skills
Options
•	Issues in the study of music
•	Composition
•	Performance
•	Extended essay
Assessment
First University examinations: Three written papers and one ‘take-away’ paper, a practical examination and a recital/portfolio of compositions/essay
2nd and 3rd years
Courses
Eight subjects are taken (six chosen from a list of options)
Compulsory
•	Topics in music history before 1750 
•	Topics in music history after 1700
Optional topics studied (these vary from year to year and have recently included the following): Singing, music writing, and memory, c. 600–1100; Opera in Purcell’s England 1659–1705; The Keyboard Concerto, 1740–1830; Richard Wagner; From Tasso to Tapiola: The symphonic poem, c. 1850–1950; Beyond modernism: Music since 1945; Musical analysis and criticism; Musical thought and scholarship; Techniques of composition; Solo performance; Orchestration; Dissertation; Composition portfolio; Edition with commentary; Analysis portfolio; Chamber music performance; Choral conducting; Choral performance. Special Topic papers (these may vary from year to year and have recently included the following): Choral studies; The music of 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
Assessment
Final University examinations: Three or more written papers and a combination of ‘take-away’ papers, portfolio submissions, recitals and practical tests, depending on the options chosen
Student Statement
“From playing for three evensongs a week to being immersed into the sound world of the Bosavi Rainforest people in Papua New Guinea, Oxford has been a fantastic experience so far. One aspect of Oxford’s music course that first attracted me was the diversity and the choice it gives students, particularly in the final year.
I am currently studying a variety of history topics, ranging from the 13th-century Motet to film music, along with some composition and analysis courses. I want to be a performer and knowing that I can choose to concentrate on this later in the course has helped me to focus my interests throughout the term.” Olivia 2nd year
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Oriental Studies – Arabic, Chinese, Egyptology and Ancient Near Eastern Studies, Hebrew Studies, Japanese, Jewish Studies, Persian, Sanskrit, Turkish
UCAS Course Codes: see pp 121–123 [printed edition page numbers]
Brief course outline
Duration of course: 3/4 years (see individual subjects)
Degree awarded: BA in Oriental Studies
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Intake: 41
Applications shortlisted for interview: 89.9%
Successful applications: 32.7%
Entrance requirements
A-levels: AAA
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB
IB: 38–40 including core points
Or any other equivalent
Students are not expected to have studied any Oriental language before. A language to A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher Level in the IB or another equivalent can be helpful to students in completing this course, although they are not required for admission. 
Open days
27 April and 27 June 2013 Booking is required by contacting undergraduate.admissions@orinst.ox.ac.uk.
Location
See map on inside back cover
Contact details
+44 (0) 1865 278312
undergraduate.admissions@orinst.ox.ac.uk
www.orinst.ox.ac.uk
Institute for Chinese Studies 
+44 (0) 1865 280387 
enquiries@chinese.ox.ac.uk
What is Oriental Studies?
Among subjects in the humanities, Oriental Studies is unique in introducing students to civilisations that are radically different from the Western ones that form the basis of the curriculum in most British schools and colleges. The courses present both the major traditions of the regions studied and, in most cases, their modern developments. All courses include language, literature, history and culture, and there is a wide range of options in such fields as art and archaeology, history, literature, philosophy, religion and modern social studies.
Oriental Studies at Oxford
Oriental Studies has a long history in Oxford. The Bodleian and other libraries have acquired magnificent collections. The Oriental Institute, Institute for Chinese Studies, Bodleian Japanese and Indian Institute Libraries offer loan collections in their respective fields. Adjacent to the Oriental Institute is the Ashmolean Museum, which houses superb collections. The Sackler Library includes the principal library for Egyptology and Ancient Near Eastern Studies.
Work placements/international opportunities
Most courses offer the opportunity to spend time in the region being studied. The Arabic course includes a year in the Middle East, the Persian and Turkish courses a year in Iran or Turkey respectively, the Hebrew course an optional year in Israel. The Chinese and Japanese courses also include a year in China and Japan respectively.
Written work
All candidates are required to submit two pieces of written work, preferably of two different kinds, by 11 November 2013. Please refer to the course page at ox.ac.uk/courses for further details.
Written tests
Candidates for course combinations which include Arabic, Turkish, Hebrew and Persian will need to take the Oriental Languages Aptitude Test (OLAT), normally at their own school or college on 6 November 2013. Candidates must make sure they are available to take the test at this time. Separate registration for this test is required and the final deadline for entries is 15 October 2013. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that they are registered for this test. See www.olatoxford.org.uk for further details.
What are tutors looking for?
For information about the selection criteria please see: ox.ac.uk/criteria.
Related courses
Students interested in this course might also like to consider Classics, language courses, Theology and Religion, Oriental Studies or other courses.
Careers
A degree in Oriental Studies is not a vocational degree, but a wide range of employers appreciate the skills our graduates gain from their studies. Careers options exist in finance, the media, commerce, the Civil Service, law, accountancy and the arts. Around 30% of Oriental Studies graduates go on to further study.
Recent Oriental Studies graduates include Jane and Emma who both graduated with a BA (OS) Chinese in 2011. Jane is about to start an 11 month internship at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office as well as applying for postgraduate study, and Emma is getting ready to start her new position as International Data and Support Assistant at the International Dunhuang Project, based at the British Library.
Andi, who graduated in 1996 with a BA (OS) in Japanese, is now Director, International Business Development at Ping Identity. He says: ‘My first job after graduating was with a small software company in Cambridge. I’ve since worked for two software start-ups, as well as much larger companies (though acquisition). My time at Oxford gave me a good foundation for the varied demands of both small and large companies, and the skills required to handle the constant change and learning required in the software industry. I’ve also had the opportunity to do business in Japan on several occasions through my career.’
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Iason, who graduated in 2001 with a BA (OS) Arabic, is a photojournalist, film-maker and lecturer currently working for the UN in Libya. He says: “I have lived in Cairo, Damascus, Sanaa and Tehran, and covered events like the 2011 Arab revolts and the Greek economic crisis. After studying for a Masters in Persian and Contemporary Iranian Studies, I was a Nieman fellow at Harvard.”
BEIJING, Kobe & OXFORD
Peking University hosts the year abroad for students of Chinese. The University of Kobe is our partner in the Kobe-Oxford Japanese Studies Programme.
Arabic and Islamic Studies (T601)
Arabic with subsidiary language (T6T9)
Persian with Islamic Art and Archaeology (QT46)
Persian with Islamic Studies/History (QT96)
Persian with subsidiary language (T6TX)
Turkish (T600)
Turkish with Islamic Art and Archaeology (TQP9)
Turkish with subsidiary language (T6TY)
1st year
Courses
•	Elementary language
•	Islamic history and culture
Assessment
First University examinations preliminary after term 3: Three written papers; an oral exam, in Arabic
2nd year
Courses
Year abroad: approved course of language instruction
Assessment
Qualifying examination at the end of the course
3rd and 4th years
Courses
•	Core work on language and literature
•	History
•	Specialisation or subsidiary language
Assessment
Final University examinations: Oral exam and eight or nine written papers (one of which may be a thesis)
Chinese (T101)
1st year
Courses
•	Elementary language in classical and modern Chinese
•	History and culture
Assessment
First University examinations
2nd year
Courses
Year abroad at Peking University
3rd and 4th years
Courses
•	Extended language classes and historical study
•	Options: Ancient history; Literature; Modern society and politics; or subsidiary languages: Tibetan, Japanese, or Korean
Assessment
Final University examinations: Oral examination; eight written papers; dissertation
Student Statement
“Spending a year living in Egypt gave my studies a real sense of purpose, not to mention the memorable experiences I had. On my return, I took up a second language, Hebrew. The combination of Arabic and Hebrew was wonderful, because of the close connection between the languages and because of the chance the course gave me to look at Israeli literature alongside Arabic literature and grapple with their very different perspectives on the modern Middle East. Since graduating I’ve started out as a freelance translator, working on theatre, poetry, journalism, film and most recently, a novel. Next, I’m off to do an MA in Translation at Manchester and hope to train as an interpreter. Then I’ll head back to the Middle East and who knows what’s next, Arabic speakers are in serious demand and every day throws up a new opportunity!” Kate Halls BA Oriental Studies: Arabic, 2011
Egyptology (Q400), Egyptology and Ancient Near Eastern Studies (Q401)
1st year
Courses
•	Broad survey of civilisations of Egypt and the Ancient Near East
•	Language teaching in Egyptian or Akkadian
Assessment
First University examinations: Four written papers
2nd year
Courses
•	Addition of second language, or Archaeology and Anthropology
•	Options: Akkadian, Arabic, Aramaic and Syriac, Archaeology, Classical Greek, Coptic, Hebrew (Biblical and Mishnaic), Old Iranian, Sumerian or Hittite (if available)
•	Literary and historical topics through study of texts and essay writing
•	Intensive class work
3rd year
Courses
•	Essay writing and dissertation work
•	Intensive classes in the first and second terms
•	Artefact classes
•	Field of concentration
Assessment
Final University examinations: Ten units
Hebrew Studies: (primarily languages, literature, culture and history) (Q480)
1st year
Courses
•	Intensive study in Hebrew language in all periods
•	Introduction to ancient and modern Jewish history
Assessment
First University examinations: Four written papers
2nd year
Courses
•	Handling Hebrew texts and developing knowledge of historical and cultural background
•	Choice of options from Jewish Studies
3rd and 4th years
3rd year can optionally be spent abroad
Courses
•	Texts
•	Historical and cultural background
Assessment
Final University examinations: Seven written papers; dissertation 4-year course only: oral examination
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Student Statement
Most students who study Oriental languages are in quite small groups in class so we all know each other, there’s the common room café downstairs in the OI, which is always very social plus there’s always someone you know in the library so it’s a friendly atmosphere! Fuschia Hart BA Persian
Japanese (T201)
1st Year
Courses
•	Elementary Japanese language
•	History and culture
Assessment
First University examinations
2nd year
Courses
Year abroad at Kobe University
Assessment
Test at end of course
3rd and 4th years
Courses
•	Extended language classes
•	Options (five subjects to be chosen): Classical Literature; Modern Literature; Linguistics; History; Politics; Economics; additional language (counts as three subjects): either Chinese, Korean, or Tibetan
Assessment
Final University examinations: Oral examination; eight written papers; dissertation.
Jewish Studies: (primarily focused on the history, religion and culture of the Jews from biblical to modern times) (QV91)
1st year
Courses
•	Intensive study in Hebrew language in all periods
•	Introduction to ancient and modern Jewish history
Assessment
First University examinations: Four papers
2nd year
Courses
•	Options (three subjects to be chosen) 
•	One tutorial a week, with essay
3rd year
Courses
•	Options (two subjects to be chosen)
•	One tutorial a week, with essay
Assessment
Final University examinations: Six written papers; dissertation
Sanskrit (Q450)
1st year
Courses
•	Intensive language teaching
Assessment
First University examinations:
2nd year
Courses
•	Preparation for Final University examinations in final year
•	Study of Sanskrit grammar
•	Subsidiary language options: Hindi, Old Iranian, Pali, Prakrit and Tibetan
3rd year
Courses
•	Sanskrit literature
•	Special subject
Assessment
Final University examinations: Nine papers: seven in Sanskrit and two in subsidiary languages
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Philosophy and Modern Languages Philosophy and either Celtic, Czech (with Slovak), French, German, Modern Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish
UCAS Course Codes: see below
Brief course outline
Duration of course: 4 years (including compulsory year abroad)
Degree awarded: BA
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Intake: 18
Applications shortlisted for interview: 87.5%
Successful applications: 35.9%
Open days
See Modern Languages (p 112 [printed edition page numbers])
Tutors from the Philosophy Faculty will be available on 27 April 2013 to discuss this joint course
Location
See map on inside back cover
Contact details
Philosophy
+44 (0) 1865 276926
enquiries@philosophy.ox.ac.uk
www.philosophy.ox.ac.uk
Modern Languages
+44 (0) 1865 270750
reception@mod-langs.ox.ac.uk
www.mod-langs.ox.ac.uk
Student Statement
Philosophy and French work extraordinarily well together. Before coming to Oxford, I had not quite realised how many things I could study under the subjects ‘French’ or ‘Philosophy’, and part of me wishes I could do it all, but it is a wonderful opportunity to get to specialise as this allows me to go to much greater depth within the subject. And again, this is when I am glad to have two subjects, because switching means I have to resurface to the real world before being absorbed by the other again!
Gabrielle 2nd year
Entrance requirements
A-levels: AAA 
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB 
IB: 38–40 including core points 
Or any other equivalent
Candidates are not required to have any experience of studying Philosophy, though some background reading is highly recommended.
Course combinations
You can either study Philosophy with a Modern Language you already speak, or with a Modern Language you’d like to learn from scratch.
For the following course combinations you would usually be expected to have the Modern Language to A-level, or another academic equivalent. 
Philosophy and:Czech VR57
French VR51
German VR52
Modern Greek VQ57
Italian VR53
Portuguese VR55
Russian VRM7
Spanish VR54
The following course combinations allow you to begin studying a Modern Language from scratch, although those with experience in Celtic are also very welcome to apply. 
Philosophy and: 
Celtic VQ55
Beginners’ Czech VR5R
Beginners’ Modern Greek VR59
Beginners’ Italian RV35
Beginners’ Portuguese VR5M
What is Philosophy and Modern Languages?
Philosophy and Modern Languages brings together some of the most important approaches to understanding language, literature and ideas.
The study of philosophy develops analytical rigour and the ability to criticise and reason logically. It allows you to apply these skills to questions ranging from how we acquire knowledge and form moral judgements to the nature of language, art and literature. Since many works of literature are shaped by the dominant philosophical ideas of their epoch, study of philosophy can illuminate that intellectual background.
The study of a modern European language develops analytical and critical abilities as well as a high level of linguistic skills; the study of the literature written in that language contributes to an understanding of many aspects of European culture. It develops attention to stylistic and terminological detail and rhetorical strategies, and sensitivity to cultural and historical context, which are also of great value for the study of philosophy.
Philosophy and Modern Languages at Oxford
Studying these two disciplines in parallel has numerous advantages and affords students greater insights into each.
The Philosophy Faculty is the largest philosophy department in the UK, and one of the largest in the world, admitting more than 500 undergraduates annually to read the various degrees involving philosophy. Many faculty members have a worldwide reputation, and our library and other facilities are acknowledged as among the best in the country.
Oxford’s Modern Languages Faculty is one of the largest in the country, with a total intake of more than 250 students a year, including those reading joint degrees. The Taylor Institution is the biggest modern languages research library in the UK. The Modern Languages Faculty also has an undergraduate lending library and a modern and excellently equipped Language Centre (see p 12[printed edition page numbers]).
A typical weekly timetable
Your work is divided between tutorials (one or two weekly), lectures (typically about six hours weekly) and classes (first-year logic, language classes throughout the course, typically about two to three hours weekly). The rest of your week will be spent in private study to prepare essays for tutorials.
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Samuel, who graduated in 2000, is now Africa Divisional Manager for Programme Development at Christian Aid. He says: “My one-to-one tutorials gave me the tools and confidence to analyse and question accepted knowledge, perspectives and structures. These skills have transferred to a variety of roles since graduating, enabling me to challenge and improve my performance and that of others. The reflex of continuous learning that my degree instilled has helped me adapt to different sectors – from oil and gas, to international development – and navigate across diverse cultures on the four continents where I’ve worked.”
Written work
Candidates must submit the same written work as required for Modern Languages by 11 November 2013. Please see p 114 [printed edition page numbers] for further details. The piece of written work submitted in English may also be seen by philosophy tutors, so it should show your capacity for reasoned argument and clear writing; a good length would be between 1000 and 2000 words. Most candidates will not be studying philosophy, so there is no expectation that it will be on a philosophical topic.
Written test
All candidates must take the Modern Languages Admissions Tests (MLAT), normally at their own school or college, on 6 November 2013 and the deadline for final entries is 15 October 2013. Separate registration for this test is required. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that they are registered for this test.
For Philosophy, if your application is shortlisted, you will be required to take a one-hour test of your ability to reason analytically and to use language accurately. This will be taken during the Oxford interview period in December 2013. See ox.ac.uk/tests for further details.
What are tutors looking for?
For information about the selection criteria please see: ox.ac.uk/criteria.
At 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.
Related courses
Students interested in this course might also like to consider other language courses, or Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE).
Careers
Philosophy and Modern Languages graduates enter careers including academic teaching and research, teaching, commerce, banking and financial services, journalism and communications. An Oxford degree in a modern language opens up opportunities for internationally-focused careers or careers with international companies or organisations. The Languages Work website has further information about careers using languages at: www.languageswork.org.uk.
Recent Philosophy and Modern Languages graduates include an economic consultant, a management consultant, and a bilingual editor for a publishing company.
Paul, who graduated in 1989, is now a partner at Invigors France. He says: ‘Clear thinking and presentation are at the heart of providing good consulting advice – the training I received in one-to-one tutorials is an invaluable skill in my line of work.’
Erasmus
Please see ox.ac.uk/erasmus for details of Erasmus opportunities for this course.
1st year
Courses
Philosophy
Introduction to philosophy
•	General philosophy
•	Moral philosophy
•	Logic
Modern Languages
Translation into and from a European language and other exercises in the foreign language; two papers on the literature of the relevant language
Assessment
First University examinations: Six written papers: two in Philosophy, four in Modern Languages
2nd and 4th years (3rd year spent abroad)
Courses
Philosophy
•	Either History of philosophy from Descartes to Kant
•	or Plato’s Republic
•	or Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics
Modern Languages
•	Three language papers
•	One period of literature paper
•	One further paper from a list of options
Further options
•	Either four further papers in Philosophy (many options, including thesis)
•	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
Assessment
Final University examinations: Nine papers (with a minimum of three in Philosophy and four in 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
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Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)
UCAS Course Code: L0V0
Brief course outline
Duration of course: 3 years
Degree awarded: BA
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Intake: 260
Applications shortlisted for interview: 45.9%
Successful applications: 15.6%
Entrance requirements
A-levels: AAA
Advanced Highers: AA
IB: 39 (including core points) with 7, 6, 6 at HL
Or any other equivalent
You may apply for PPE having done any combination of subjects at school; it is not necessary to have studied Politics, Philosophy or Economics. History and Mathematics are useful backgrounds, but are not essential.
Open days
26 and 27 June, and 20 September 2013
Prospective applicants are welcome to visit the Manor Road Building during open days.
Location
See map on inside back cover
Contact details
PPE Administrator
+44 (0) 1865 288564
ppeadmissions@socsci.ox.ac.uk
www.ppe.ox.ac.uk
Philosophy
+44 (0) 1865 276926
enquiries@philosophy.ox.ac.uk
www.philosophy.ox.ac.uk
Politics
+44 (0) 1865 278705
ug.studies@politics.ox.ac.uk
www.politics.ox.ac.uk
Economics
+44 (0) 1865 271098
econundergrad@economics.ox.ac.uk
www.economics.ox.ac.uk
What is PPE?
PPE brings together some of the most important approaches to understanding the social and human world around us, developing skills useful for a whole range of future careers and activities.
Studying Philosophy, you will develop analytical rigour and the ability to criticise and reason logically, and be able to apply these skills to questions concerning how we acquire knowledge or how we make ethical judgements.
The study of Politics provides a thorough understanding of the impact of political institutions on modern societies. It helps you to evaluate the choices that political systems must regularly make, to explain the processes that maintain or change those systems, and to examine the concepts and values used in political analysis. Politics at Oxford also encompasses the study of Sociology and International Relations.
Economics is the study of how consumers, firms and government make decisions that together determine how resources are allocated. An appreciation of economics and the general workings of the economy has become increasingly necessary to make sense of governmental policy-making, the conduct of businesses and the enormous changes in economic systems occurring throughout the world.
PPE at Oxford
All three branches of PPE at Oxford have an international reputation, supported by more than 200 tutors and scholars of the highest calibre. You will also be able to attend lectures given by the many distinguished visitors to Oxford each year.
PPE at Oxford is a very flexible course which allows you to study all three branches, or to specialise in two of the branches after the first year. Although there is no reference to Sociology or International Relations in the title of the course, you may specialise in either of these subjects by choosing relevant options.
A typical weekly timetable
Your work is divided between lectures (six to eight a week), tutorials and classes (typically two tutorials or one tutorial and one class a week), and private study mainly spent preparing essays for tutorials and classes.
Written work
You do not need to submit any written work as part of an application for this course.
Written tests
All candidates must take the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA), normally at their own school or college, on 6 November 2013. Separate registration for this test is required and the final deadline for entries is 15 October 2013. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure they are registered for this test. See www.tsaoxford.org.uk for further details.
What are tutors looking for?
Tutors will want to find out if you can think clearly and analytically. They are not so much concerned with what you know as how you think about it and how you use it. They will seek evidence of your interest in social and political concerns and your ability to discuss them critically. In addition to reading a good quality daily newspaper applicants may enjoy reading one or more of the following introductory texts.
There are many introductions to philosophy: Thomas Nagel’s What Does It All Mean? is a useful introduction. Martin Hollis’s An Invitation to Philosophy and Simon Blackburn’s Think are also recommended. If you have trouble finding these, or would like more suggestions, please feel free to contact the Faculty of Philosophy by email.
Politics is a very wide-ranging subject, encompassing both theoretical approaches and the study of real world institutions and processes. Jonathan Wolff’s An Introduction to Political Philosophy and Adrian Leftwich’s edited collection, What Is Politics? The Activity and Its Study, are useful introductions.
The best introduction to the use of economic analysis, whether or not you have studied Economics at school, is to read the economics and business pages of newspapers, particularly The Economist.
Related courses
Students interested in this course might also like to consider Economics and Management, History and Economics, History and Politics, Philosophy and Modern Languages, Philosophy and Theology, or Human Sciences.
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Jan, who graduated in 2009 now works for OC&C Strategy Consultants in London. He says: “As a strategy consultant, I have to break down and analyse companies’ complex problems in a team environment and communicate the solution clearly to the client. Preparing and discussing essays in weekly tutorials in Oxford helped developing these skills, as well as the ability to think outside the box.”
Careers
The careers most commonly chosen by PPE graduates are in banking and finance, politics, journalism and broadcasting, law, industry, teaching, social work, accountancy, business management, management consultancy, advertising and the many branches of the public services, including the civil and diplomatic services and local government.
Recent Philosophy, Politics and Economics graduates include a hedge fund analyst, a primary school teacher, and a fundraising officer for a disease research foundation. Amit, who graduated in 1996, is currently Head of Corporate Partnerships at the British Heart Foundation. He says: ‘PPE encouraged me to be inquisitive, open-minded and analytical, preparing me for a career that has spanned the private, public and charity sectors.’
Masa, who graduated in 2007, is now a reporter at the Financial Times. She says: ‘After university I went into banking, then moved to journalism. I found the skills I learnt reading PPE invaluable in both of these very different fields. Most importantly, the course teaches you to think in a very rigorous way. Your tutors are constantly challenging you and won’t let you get away with woolly arguments. While this can initially be difficult to get to grips with, it has been a source of great personal satisfaction and incredibly useful in my career so far.’
1st year
Courses
All three branches of PPE are studied equally
Philosophy
•	General philosophy
•	Moral philosophy
•	Elementary logic
Politics
•	Theorising the democratic state
•	Analysis of democratic institutions in the United Kingdom, France, Germany and the United States
Economics
•	Microeconomics: the functioning of the market
•	Macroeconomics: dealing with national output and employment, exchange rates and policy issues
•	Mathematical techniques used in economics
Assessment 
First University examinations: Three written papers
2nd and 3rd years
Courses
Students choose to continue with all three branches or concentrate on any two, taking compulsory courses in the chosen branches along with optional courses:
Compulsory core courses
•	Philosophy: Ethics, and either Early modern philosophy; or Knowledge and reality; or Plato’s Republic; or Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics
•	Politics (any two of these): Comparative government; British politics and	government since 1900; Theory of politics; International relations; Political sociology
•	Economics: Microeconomics; Macroeconomics; Quantitative economics	
Optional courses
More than 50 choices, including: Post-Kantian philosophy; Later Wittgenstein; Politics in Sub-Saharan Africa; Political thought: Plato to Rousseau; economy International economics; Economics of developing countries (see www.ppe.ox.ac.uk for the full list of optional PPE papers); Philosophy and economics of the environment
Assessment
Final University examinations: Eight written papers, one of which can be replaced by a thesis
Student Statement
“The teaching system in Oxford has enabled me to tailor my degree to fit me. Most of the focus is on tutorials – meetings with my tutor usually once a week to discuss the reading and work that I have completed. These are incredibly useful as not only are they a chance to ensure that I have a full understanding of the subject, but they are also an opportunity to ask my tutors for their views, and create a discussion. This is a great advantage as it means that I have plenty of opportunity to develop my thoughts and increase my knowledge.” Elle 2nd year
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Philosophy and Theology
UCAS Course Code: VV56
Brief course outline
Duration of course: 3 years
Degree awarded: BA
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Intake: 24
Applications shortlisted for interview: 91.3%
Successful applications: 28.3%
Entrance requirements
A-levels: AAA
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB
IB: 38–40 including core points
Or any other equivalent
A subject involving essay writing to A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher Level in the IB or another equivalent can be helpful to students in completing this course, although this is not required for admission.
Open days
See Theology and Religion (p 140 [printed edition page numbers])
Location
See map on inside back cover
Contact details
Philosophy
+44 (0) 1865 276926
enquiries@philosophy.ox.ac.uk
www.philosophy.ox.ac.uk
Theology and Religion
+44 (0) 1865 270790
undergraduate-admissions@theology.ox.ac.uk
www.theology.ox.ac.uk
What is Philosophy and Theology?
Philosophy and Theology brings together some of the most important approaches to understanding and assessing the intellectual claims of religion, and in particular of Christianity. It fosters intellectual capacities that you can apply across both disciplines, and develops skills which you will find useful for a wide range of careers and activities after graduation.
The study of philosophy develops analytical rigour and the ability to criticise and reason logically. It allows you to apply these skills to many contemporary and historical schools of thought and individual thinkers, and to questions ranging from how we acquire knowledge and form moral judgements to central questions in the philosophy of religion, including the existence and nature of God and the relevance of religion to human life.
The study of Theology brings together a wide range of skills and disciplines, historical, textual, linguistic, sociological, literary-critical and philosophical. It provides a grounding in the theology and ethics of early and of modern Christianity, along with a wide range of options in the academic study of religion, including non-Christian traditions.
Philosophy and Theology at Oxford
The degree is constructed in the belief that the parallel study of these related disciplines provides new perspectives on each, leading to deeper understanding.
The Philosophy Faculty is the largest philosophy department in the UK, and one of the largest in the world, admitting more than 500 undergraduates annually to read the various degrees involving philosophy. Many faculty members have a worldwide reputation, and library and other facilities are acknowledged as among the best in the country.
The Theology and Religion Faculty has more than 100 members, covering almost every possible branch of the discipline, ranging from experts in the ancient languages and literature of the world’s religions to church historians and systematic theologians. Its reputation attracts scholars from all over the world as visiting lecturers.
A typical weekly timetable
Your work is divided between tutorials (usually one a week), lectures (typically six to eight weekly), and perhaps some classes, for instance for first-year logic, or for modern doctrine. A large part of your week will be spent in private study to prepare essays for tutorials.
Written work
For Theology, candidates are required to submit two essays by 11 November 2013. Please see ox.ac.uk/courses and the Theology and Religion entry (p 136 [printed edition page numbers]) for further details.
Written tests
For Philosophy there is a one-hour test of your ability to reason analytically and to use language accurately, taken during the Oxford interview period in December 2013.
What are tutors looking for?
For information about the selection criteria please see: ox.ac.uk/criteria.
During the interview, tutors are looking for interest in the proposed fields of study, a critical and analytical approach to abstract questions and the ability to defend a viewpoint by reasoned argument.
Related courses
Students interested in this course might also like to consider Classics, Theology and Religion, or Theology and Oriental Studies.
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Edward, who graduated in 1980, is now a senior solicitor and currently Deputy Head of Legal Department in an overseas affiliate of Royal Dutch Shell. He says: ‘Studying at Oxford has provided me with the necessary analytical skills to thrive as a practising lawyer. To my mind, I am at a distinct advantage when pitting my legal skills against an opposite number who lacks the intellectual discipline which an Oxford-taught course provides one with.
Careers
Philosophy and Theology graduates enter careers including academic teaching and research, school teaching, commerce, banking and financial services, journalism and communications. Recent graduates have secured positions as authors, writers, newspaper and periodical editors and teachers, and include a student at the Royal Academy of Music, a journalist, and a marketing executive for a philanthropy adviser. The Theology and Religion Faculty’s website www.theology.ox.ac.uk has further information about careers for theologians. Marc, who graduated in 1981, went on to take an MSc in Computing at Bradford University, now works as Consultant Manager at international services provider Sword Group. He says: ‘The transition from the fascinating, inspiring but unworldly dreaminess of a non-vocational degree to the more mundane but equally exciting world of IT is quite possible. I warmly recommend the transition via a vocational post-graduate course such as I took. I am less technical but more articulate than some of my whizz-kid colleagues, and my more rounded education has given me a broader vision which has been genuinely useful in my career.’
Terms 1 and 2
Courses
Philosophy
Introduction to philosophy: General philosophy; Moral philosophy; Logic 
Theology (two or three taken)
The Christian doctrine of creation; The study of religions; Old Testament set texts; New Testament set texts; Church history; New Testament Greek; Biblical Hebrew; Classical Arabic; Pali; Sanskrit
Assessment
First University examinations (taken after the second term): Three or four written papers (one in Philosophy two or three in Theology)
Terms 3-9
Courses
Philosophy
Either History of philosophy from Descartes to Kant, or Plato’s Republic, or Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics] Philosophy of religion; either Knowledge and reality, or Ethics
Theology
The Gospels and Jesus; God, Christ and salvation; either Development of doctrine in the early church, or Christian moral reasoning
Further options
Two further subjects (one may be an extended essay), either both in Philosophy or both in Theology, or one in Theology and one in Philosophy
Assessment
Final University examinations: Eight written papers (either five in Philosophy and three in Theology, or five in Theology and three in Philosophy or four in each). A thesis may replace one written paper or three in Theology)
Student Statement
“The course itself exceeded my expectations, not only in the way it was taught, but the extraordinarily wide range of topics that it was possible to study. It is a course that allows the study of Byzantine Church History alongside the philosophical problems of the Mind and of Language, to name just a few diverse areas. This has really allowed me to follow what I found myself to be genuinely interested in. The freedom the course gives me to follow my passions in the subject is a massive boost.” Tom 3rd year
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Physics
UCAS Course Code (3 year): F300
UCAS Course Code (4 year): F303
Brief course outline
Duration of course: 3/4 years
Degrees awarded: BA/MPhys
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Intake: 167
Applications shortlisted for interview: 48.7%
Successful applications: 20.0%
Entrance requirements
A-levels: A*AA – this should either be A*A in Physics and Mathematics (with the A* in either Physics or Mathematics) plus any other A, or A* in Further Mathematics with AA in Mathematics and Physics
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB
IB: 38–40 including core points
Or any other equivalent
Candidates are expected to have Physics and Mathematics to A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher Level in the IB or another equivalent. The inclusion of a Maths Mechanics module would also be highly recommended. Further Mathematics can be helpful to candidates in completing this course, although not required for admission.
Open days
26 and 27 June, and 20 September 2013
Location
See map on inside back cover
Contact details
+44 (0) 1865 272200
enquiries@physics.ox.ac.uk
www.physics.ox.ac.uk
What is Physics?
Physics is concerned with the study of the universe from the smallest to the largest scale, why it is the way it is and how it works. Such knowledge is basic to scientific progress. The language of physics is mathematics, indeed formulating physical theories has sometimes required the development of new mathematical structures. Although physics is a fundamental science it is also a very practical subject. Physicists have to be able to design and build new instruments, from satellites to measure the properties of planetary atmospheres to record-breaking intense magnetic fields for the study of condensed matter. Many of the conveniences of modern life are based very directly on the understanding provided by physics. Many techniques used in medical imaging are derived directly from physics instrumentation. Even the internet was a spin-off from the information processing and communications requirement of high-energy particle physics. Looking to the future, growth areas that may have a big impact are nanotechnology, quantum computing and molecular biophysics.
Physics at Oxford
Oxford has one of the largest university physics departments in the UK and indeed worldwide, with an outstanding and very diverse research programme. Research is organised in six sub-departments: Astrophysics; Atmospheric, Oceanic and Planetary Physics; Atomic and Laser Physics; Condensed Matter Physics (including Biophysics); Particle Physics; and Theoretical Physics. Researchers are also college physics tutors; thus physics students will come into personal contact with physicists working at the forefront of their subject. The concentration of expertise also ensures that the fourth year MPhys option courses bring you to the threshold of current research. Option work may be possible in other departments. The Physics Department is well-equipped with teaching laboratories, which are regularly updated. Excellent library provision is available in the Radcliffe Science Library and in all colleges.
Physics is part of the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division, which also contains Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Sciences (Geology), Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, Materials and Biological Sciences, some of which are taught in joint courses. At the end of the first year, it may be possible to change to another degree course, subject to satisfactory first year examination results, availability of space on the course and the consent of the college. In the later years of the honour schools in Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences there are opportunities to take options in other subjects.
Project work/international opportunities
A wide choice of fourth year MPhys projects is available across all six physics sub-departments and sometimes from related departments. Occasionally students arrange to do their projects at outside laboratories. Those taking the three-year BA course undertake a group project in the first term and an individual project in the second term of their third year.
A typical weekly timetable
In the first year your time is equally divided between mathematics and physics, with about ten lectures and two paired tutorials a week. In addition you spend one day a week, over two terms, in the practical laboratories. In the second and third years the core and mainstream physics topics are covered, with about ten lectures a week and a mix of tutorials and small group classes. Practical work occupies two days a fortnight over four terms. In the fourth year you take two major options, about six lectures plus one class a week, plus the MPhys project.
Course structure
Exams are taken in June at the end of each year of the courses. Most written papers are of 1.5, 2.5 or 3 hours duration. Short options are shared across years 1–3 and are examined by a 1.5-hour paper; the titles shown are illustrative and may change from year to year of the course. Up-to-date information will be available from the department.
Written work
You do not need to submit any written work as part of an application for this course.
Written tests
All candidates must take the Physics Aptitude Test (PAT), normally at their own school or college, on 6 November 2013. Separate registration for this test is required and the final deadline for entries is 15 October 2013. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that they are registered for this test. See www.patoxford.org.uk for further details.
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Helena, who graduated in 2010, is now a Trainee Clinical Scientist at the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust. She says: ‘Since graduating, I have been following the IPEM Medical Physics training scheme specialising in Radiotherapy Physics, Nuclear Medicine and Physiological Measurements. Throughout my degree I developed the practical skills necessary for work in a clinical science setting both for routine and experimental work. The practice in scientific writing and research skills has been invaluable for application to hospital-based medical physics project work. The tutorial teaching style has enabled me to interact with colleagues within a small department, sharing thoughts and ideas with confidence.
What are tutors looking for?
For information about the selection criteria please see: ox.ac.uk/criteria. During the interview, tutors are looking for enthusiastic and highly motivated students with a physicist’s ability to apply basic principles to unfamiliar situations. Although the course requires a good level of mathematical competence, the key requirement here is the ability to formulate a problem in mathematical terms and then extract the physical consequences from the solution.
Related courses
Students interested in this course might also like to consider Chemistry, Earth Sciences (Geology), Engineering Science, Materials Science, or Physics and Philosophy.
Careers
More than 40% of Physics graduates go on to study for a higher degree, leading to eventual careers in research in universities or in industry. Typical destinations include research and development, technical consultancy, manufacturing and science education. Many others enter professions unrelated to their subject, such as finance and business, in which the analytical and problem-solving skills they have developed are highly sought after.
Recent Physics graduates include a trainee clinical scientist and a post-doctoral research associate. Nigel graduated in 1987 and went on to do a PhD in microelectronics. He says: ‘I have been working as an electronic engineer ever since, designing integrated circuits for a number of employers until 2006, when I became self-employed. My physics degree was a good preparation for a career in electronics, providing all the mathematical and scientific background required, but also giving the opportunity to study interesting theoretical subjects such as quantum mechanics and relativity.’
ALL ABOUT OXFORD PHYSICS
Visit www.physics.ox.ac.ak/profles to get the inside view from current Physics students.
1st year 
Courses
Foundation courses
•	Classical mechanics and special relativity
•	Electromagnetism and circuit theory
•	Mathematical methods I
•	Differential equations, waves and optics
Short options
•	Astronomy
•	Complex analysis
•	Quantum ideas
Assessment
First University examinations:
Four written papers; short option paper; satisfactory laboratory work
2nd year
Courses
Core courses
•	Thermal physics
•	Electromagnetism and optics
•	Quantum physics
•	Mathematical methods II
Short options, e.g: 
•	Classical mechanics
•	Energy studies
•	Introduction to biological physics
Assessment
Final University examinations, Part A (both): Three written papers; short option paper; laboratory work
3rd year
Courses
Mainstream courses
•	Flows, fluctuations and complexity
•	Symmetry and relativity
•	Quantum, atomic and molecular physics
•	Sub-atomic physics
•	General relativity and cosmology
•	Condensed-matter physics
Short options, e.g:
•	Physics of climate change
•	Classical mechanics
•	Plasma physics
Assessment
Final University examinations, Part B (MPhys): Three written papers; short option paper; laboratory work
Final University examinations, Part B (BA): 
Four written papers; short option paper; laboratory work; project report
4th year
Courses
Project and two option courses:
•	MPhys project
Major options
•	Astrophysics
•	Laser science and quantum information processing
•	Condensed matter
•	Particle physics
•	Atmospheres and oceans
•	Theoretical physics
•	Biological physics
Assessment
Final University examinations, Part C (MPhys):
Project report
Two major option papers
Student Statement
“I’ve always wanted to study Physics. I saw Apollo 13 when I was about 13 years old and there’s this bit where the scientists are trying to fit a square peg into a round hole – this made me want to work for NASA! But the more Physics I study the more I realise that there’s so much awesome stuff apart from Astrophysics; I’ve ended up focusing on condensed matter which gets me thinking about the applications of physics in the real world. Learning the theoretical stuff is all very well, but I like being able to get useful things out of it.” Karla-Luise 3rd year
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Physics and Philosophy
UCAS Course Code: VF53
Brief course outline
Duration of course: 3/4 years
Degrees awarded: BA/MPhysPhil
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Intake: 18
Applications shortlisted for interview: 44.7%
Successful applications: 14.6%
Entrance requirements
A-levels: A*AA – this should either be A*A in Physics and Mathematics (with the A* in either Physics or Mathematics) plus any other A, or A* in Further Mathematics with AA in Mathematics and Physics..
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB
IB: 38–40 including core points
Or any other equivalent
Candidates are expected to have Physics and Mathematics to A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher Level in the IB or another equivalent. The inclusion of a Maths Mechanics module would also be highly recommended. An arts subject and Further Mathematics can be helpful to candidates in completing this course, although they are not required for admission.
Open days
26 and 27 June, and 20 September 2013
There will be a Physics and Philosophy enquiry desk in the Physics Department on these University open days.
Location
See map on inside back cover
Contact details
Physics
+44 (0) 1865 272200 
enquiries@physics.ox.ac.uk 
www.physics.ox.ac.uk http://users.ox.ac.uk/~ppox
Philosophy
enquiries@philosophy.ox.ac.uk 
+44 (0) 1865 276926 
www.philosophy.ox.ac.uk
Application information
If your application for Physics and Philosophy is unsuccessful you will be considered for Physics. If you do not want to be considered for Physics please make this clear at interview.
What is Physics and Philosophy?
Physics and Philosophy is a demanding and rewarding course, combining as it does the most rigorous and fundamental subjects in the arts and the sciences. It seeks understanding of the nature of reality and of our knowledge of it. Historically, there have been strong links between physics and philosophy, and the stimulus for each discipline lies in part in the other. The combination of the two provides a powerful background from which to proceed to graduate study in either, or to pursue other diverse careers.
Physics and Philosophy at Oxford
Oxford has one of the largest physics departments in the UK, with an outstanding and broad research programme. The wide range of expertise available in the department ensures the undergraduate curriculum is updated in the light of developments at the research frontier.
The Philosophy Faculty is the largest in the UK, and one of the largest and most prestigious in the world. It admits around 500 undergraduates annually and the library and other facilities are acknowledged as among the best in the country. The large number of undergraduates and graduates reading Philosophy affords the opportunity to participate in a diverse and lively philosophical community.
The Oxford research group in Philosophy of Physics is extremely active, with interests in classical space-time theories, foundations of classical statistical mechanics, quantum mechanics, quantum field theory, and quantum gravity. It is the largest of its kind in the UK and among the foremost in the world.
Physics and philosophy are studied in parallel during the first three years. The physics corresponds to the more theoretical side of the standard three-year Oxford Physics course while the philosophy focuses on modern philosophy and particularly on 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. Other final year options include a physics project or philosophy thesis.
A typical weekly timetable
Your work is divided between tutorials and classes (two or three per week), lectures (about eight weekly) and private study. The private study will take up the majority of your working time.
Written work
You do not need to submit any written work as part of an application for this course.
Written tests
All candidates must take the Physics Aptitude Test (PAT), normally at their own school or college, on 6 November 2013. Separate registration for this test is required and the final deadline for entries is 15 October 2013. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that they are registered for this test. See www.patoxford.org.uk for further details.
What are tutors looking for?
Philosophy is not usually taught in British schools, but anyone who has an interest in general questions about the nature of science, mathematics, mind, knowledge, or truth has an interest in philosophy. No more than that is needed – you are not disadvantaged if you have not studied philosophy before.
For information about the selection criteria please see: ox.ac.uk/criteria.
During the interview tutors are looking for evidence of good potential in the proposed fields of study, in mathematics and in problem-solving more generally; a critical and analytical approach to abstract questions; and the ability to defend a viewpoint by reasoned argument.
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Related courses
Students interested in this course might also like to consider Mathematics and Philosophy or Physics.
Careers
Graduates in Physics and Philosophy offer an unusual and valuable combination of skills to employers in commerce and industry. Almost 40% go on to study for a higher degree. Some will enter science professions such as research and development or technical roles in industry. Many others enter professions unrelated to their subject. Recent graduates have entered sectors as diverse as law and finance, and include a technical policy adviser for a security agency, an auditor of central government departments, and a solicitor.
1st Year
Courses
Physics
•	Mechanics and special relativity
•	Differential equations and linear algebra
•	Calculus and waves
Philosophy
•	Elements of deductive logic
•	Introduction to.philosophy
Assessment
First University examinations:
Three written papers in Physics;
Two written papers in Philosophy
2nd Year
Courses
Physics
•	Thermal physics
•	Electromagnetism
•	Quantum physics
•	Mathematical methods
•	Three physics practica
Philosophy
•	History of philosophy from Descartes to Kant, or Knowledge and reality
•	Philosophy of special relativity
Assessment
Final University examinations, Part A: Three papers in Physics; satisfactory lab work
3rd Year
Courses
One elective paper in either Physics or Philosophy Physics
A choice of three (or five if the elective paper is in Physics) of the following subjects:
•	Classical mechanics
•	Flows, fluctuations and complexity
•	Symmetry and relativity
•	Quantum, atomic and molecular physics
•	Sub-atomic physics
•	General relativity and cosmology
•	Condensed-matter physics 
Philosophy
•	Philosophy of science option
•	Philosophy of quantum mechanics
•	Choice of Philosophy option (if the elective paper is in philosophy)
Assessment
Final University examinations, Part B: 
Three or four written papers in Philosophy
One or two written papers and one short paper in Physics
4th Year
Courses
Three units chosen in any combination from the lists for Physics and Philosophy. Advanced philosophy of physics is an option.
 Assessment
Final University examinations, Part C: A mix (three in all) of written papers and essays, or thesis (in Philosophy), or project (in Physics)
Student Statement
“It is refreshing to be able to have a break from writing an essay to work on some maths problems or puzzle out a physics theorem. Although the work required for physics is hugely different from that for philosophy, a great aspect of the Oxford Course is how linked the two halves are. I don’t feel like I am studying two separate subjects but rather one from two different points of view. Being able to learn the physics of special relativity and the philosophy behind it as well is incredibly exciting!” Elise 2nd year
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Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics
UCAS Course Codes:
Psychology and Philosophy CV85
Psychology and Linguistics CQ81
Philosophy and Linguistics VQ51
Brief course outline
Duration of course: 3 years
Degree awarded: BA
Expected Intake: 28
Course statistics for 2012 entry for Psychology and Philosophy
Intake: 15
Applications shortlisted for interview: 56.9%
Successful applications: 18.6%
Entrance requirements
A-levels: A*AA
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB
IB: 38–40 including core points
Or any other equivalent
For Psychology, it is highly recommended for candidates to have studied one or more science subjects or Mathematics to A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher Level in the IB or any other equivalent. For Linguistics, it is helpful for candidates to have studied English Language, Mathematics, a science or any other language.
Open days
26 and 27 June, and 20 September 2013
Prospective applicants should visit the
Department of Experimental Psychology during open days.
Location
See map on inside back cover
Contact details
Psychology
+44 (0) 1865 271376 
admissions@psy.ox.ac.uk 
www.psy.ox.ac.uk
Philosophy
+44 (0) 1865 276926
enquiries@philosophy.ox.ac.uk
www.philosophy.ox.ac.uk
Linguistics
+44 (0) 1865 280400
enquiries@ling-phil.ox.ac.uk
www.ling-phil.ox.ac.uk
What is Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics?
There are close connections between the three subjects of Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics, so studying them together makes a lot of sense. Psychology includes subjects as diverse as social interaction, learning, child development, schizophrenia and information processing. Philosophy is concerned with a wide range of questions including ethics, knowledge and the nature of mind. Linguistics is the study of language in all its aspects, including the structure of languages, meaning (semantics), how children learn language, pronunciation, and how people understand, mentally represent and generate language.
Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics at Oxford
Psychology at Oxford is essentially a scientific discipline, involving the rigorous formulation and testing of ideas. It works through experiments and systematic observation rather than introspection. The Oxford Experimental Psychology Department is widely regarded as one of the leading psychology departments in the UK. At present, there are particularly strong groups in the fields of human cognitive processes, neuroscience, language, developmental and social psychology.
The Oxford Philosophy Faculty is the largest philosophy department in the UK, and one of the largest in the world. Many faculty members have a worldwide reputation, and library and other facilities are acknowledged as among the best in the country. Philosophy at Oxford has active interests in the philosophy of mind and the philosophy of science, and has very close links with those working in neuroscience and psychology.
The Faculty of Linguistics, Philology and Phonetics is the newest Faculty in Oxford; it brings together internationally-renowned scholars working in theoretical and descriptive linguistics (especially syntax, semantics and phonology), experimental phonetics, psycholinguistics, linguistics of the Romance languages, historical linguistics and comparative philology. Unlike other subjects in the humanities, it includes two scientific research laboratories – the Language and Brain Laboratory, and the Phonetics Laboratory.
You apply to study any pair of the three; subject to college approval, you may be permitted to study all three after two terms.
A typical weekly timetable
During terms 1 and 2 work is divided between lectures (about six a week) and tutorials (two to three a week). During terms 3–9 your time will be divided between attending lectures (about six a week), tutorials (average of one to two a week), and practical classes (one afternoon a week). You will also be given the opportunity to carry out your own research project or library dissertation (thesis).
Fieldwork/international opportunities
A wide choice of third-year research projects is available, including research projects based in other departments and outside the University.
Written work
You do not need to submit any written work as part of an application for this course.
Written tests
All candidates must take the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA). See www.tsaoxford.org.uk for further details.
Candidates for the Psychology and Linguistics, and Philosophy and Linguistics courses must also take the Linguistics section of the Modern Languages Admissions Tests (MLAT).
Both tests will take place on 6 November 2013, normally at the candidate’s own school or college. Separate registration is required for both tests and the final deadline for entries is 15 October 2013. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that they are registered for these tests.
See ox.ac.uk/tests for further details.
What are tutors looking for?
In addition to a very good track record of academic achievement, tutors are keen to see whether you appreciate the scope of those branches of Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics you are applying for, can evaluate evidence, are able to consider issues from different perspectives, have a capacity for logical and creative thinking, appreciate the importance of empirical evidence in supporting arguments, and could cope with the quantitative demands of the course.
Related courses
Students interested in this course might also like to consider Experimental Psychology, Human Sciences, or Modern Languages and Linguistics.
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Careers
Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics students can enter careers in fields including professional psychology, education, research, medicine, the health services, finance, commerce, industry, the media and information technology. Some careers will require further study and/or training after your degree. If you study Psychology as part of PPL and it constitutes 50% of your course, your degree is accredited as conferring eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the British Psychological Society, provided you study sufficient psychology and the minimum standard of a Second Class Honours is achieved. This is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist.
Terms 1 and 2
Courses
Three courses are taken from:
•	Psychology
•	Philosophy
•	Linguistics
•	Neurophysiology
•	Statistics
Assessment
First University examinations: Three written papers
Terms 3–9
Courses
After the second term, students can continue to follow a bipartite degree (Psychology and Philosophy, Psychology and Linguistics, or Philosophy and Linguistics) or, subject to their college’s approval, a tripartite degree (Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics).
Students choosing Psychology take four of the eight courses in Experimental Psychology in terms 3–5, plus a course in Experimental Design and Statistics, followed by one, two or three advanced options in Psychology in terms 6–8.
Students choosing Philosophy take from three to five courses in Philosophy, from a wide range including Philosophy of mind and Philosophy of cognitive science. For details see ox.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/philosophy.html.
Students choosing Linguistics take from three to five courses in Linguistics. For further details, see the Paper XII and Paper XIII options at www.ling-phil.ox.ac.uk/undergrads#fhs.
Students opting for a bipartite degree may take a single paper in the third subject. Students opting for the tripartite degree must take at least two courses in each of the three subjects, Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics.
Assessment
Final University examinations:
Eight papers; practical portfolio (for Psychology); a research project or thesis may also be taken (depending upon the combination of courses).
Students choosing Psychology take the equivalent of two written papers in Psychology in the second year based on the core courses (see Experimental Psychology pp 72–73 [printed edition page numbers])
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Theology and Religion
UCAS Course Code: V600
Brief course outline
Duration of course: 3 years
Degree awarded: BA
Course statistics for 2012 entry
Intake: 40
Applications shortlisted for interview: 91.4%
Successful applications: 41.0%
Entrance requirements
A-levels: AAA
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB
IB: 38–40 including core points
Or any other equivalent
A subject involving essay writing to A-level, Advanced Higher or Higher Level in the IB or another equivalent can be helpful to students in completing this course, although this is not required for admission.
Open days
16 March (Booking is required for this event), 26 and 27 June, and 20 September 2013
Please see www.theology.ox.ac.uk for further details.
Location
See map on inside back cover
Contact details
+44 (0) 1865 270790
undergraduate-admissions@theology.ox.ac.uk
www.theology.ox.ac.uk
What is Theology and Religion?
While Theology is a very ancient intellectual discipline no one can doubt the earth-shaking significance of religious ideas and commitments in society today. Theological study provides an understanding of the intellectual structures of religions, and of the social and cultural contexts for religious belief and practice. Oxford has been at the very heart of religious debate, reform and turmoil in the British Isles for eight centuries so that the Faculty here is unique in that it wears a mantle of history not available in other universities. At the same time Theology and Religion at Oxford is embracing wholeheartedly the challenges of the twenty-first century with the inclusion in its curriculum of all the major world religions and the opportunity to learn their primary languages. Students can also examine the relationship between religion and science, and the place of religion and religious ethics in public life. To enjoy studying Theology and Religion you need to be interested in the questions that religions raise and be ready to engage in them from a range of perspectives. This will prepare you to be something of a historian and a philosopher, a textual and literary critic, and a linguist. To be able to employ a combination of these disciplines effectively will not only make you a theologian but equip you to embark on a wide range of careers.
Theology and Religion at Oxford
The Faculty of Theology and Religion has more than 100 members covering almost every possible branch of the discipline, ranging from experts in the ancient languages and literature of the world’s religions to church historians and systematic theologians. Its reputation attracts scholars from all over the world as visiting lecturers. As an undergraduate the first year provides experience of the methods of theological study and an opportunity to acquire skills in one of the scriptural languages, or to investigate philosophical problems. In years two and three you may choose to specialise further in biblical studies, or in historical and contemporary theology, or in the study of another major world religion; while certain core papers give you a full grounding in the key principles and disciplines of theological study. Our library facilities are excellent. Besides the Bodleian and the library at Pusey House, most college libraries have a theology section. Our Faculty library provides access to a vast range of networked resources in Humanities including electronic journals, library catalogues, language learning programmes, and digitised texts for different parts of the course.
A typical weekly timetable
The University arranges lectures (up to six weekly). Languages are for the most part taught in classes which may meet three times a week or more. A large part of the week is spent in private study in preparation for tutorials organised, and usually given by, college tutors once a week.
Written work
Written work is required when applying for this course which must be submitted by 11 November 2013. For further details please refer to the course page at ox.ac.uk/courses.
Written test
You do not need to take a written test as part of an application for this course.
What are tutors looking for?
Selection criteria for this course can be viewed at www.theology.ox.ac.uk/prospective_students/undergraduates/admissions_criteria.htm.
Tutors are primarily interested in your previous academic achievements as demonstrated, for example, by your GCSE results or other examination results (where these are more appropriate to your situation), and in the quality of your submitted written work, but may also take the other information on your UCAS application into account (such as your personal statement and references). Personal statements should focus on your academic reasons for wishing to pursue the course applied for, and references should comment primarily on your academic performance.
During the interview, tutors will be looking for your ability to think clearly, form sound arguments and to listen and respond to counterarguments; your openness to learning; evidence of your enthusiasm and motivation for the course, and your oral communication skills.
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Rob, who graduated in 2002, now works as a Manager in Accenture within their Management Consulting division. “People are always surprised when I tell them what my degree was! However, it really helped shape my analytical skills through the tutorial system. The breadth of subject matter in Theology prepared me for the different subjects I encounter each day as a management consultant.”
Related courses
Students interested in this course might also like to consider Philosophy and Theology, or Theology and Oriental Studies.
Careers
While some Theology and Religion graduates go on to further study and research to become professional theologians, others will move into different areas. Recent graduates have gone on to careers as diverse as law, the Civil Service, social work, education, the media, publishing, banking, management consultancy, accountancy, personnel management, teaching, the police force and, in some instances, the churches. The Theology and Religion Faculty’s website (www.theology.ox.ac.uk) has further information about careers for theologians. Recent graduates include an editor for a publishing company and a head of Divinity at an independent school. Gillian, who graduated in 2009, is now a clerk in holy orders for the Church of England. She says: ‘Whether I am preaching, debating, teaching or ministering to the dying, a deep and rounded grounding in Theology is indispensable when it comes to the diverse nature of my job.’
Terms 1 and 2
Courses
Three or four papers are taken:
•	The Christian doctrine of creation
•	The study of religions
•	The study of Old Testament set texts
•	The study of New Testament set texts
•	The history of the early church
•	Introduction to philosophy
•	New Testament Greek
•	Biblical Hebrew
•	Classical Arabic
•	Pali
•	Sanskrit
Assessment
First University examinations
One written paper in three or four subjects
Terms 3-9
Courses
Four compulsory core subjects
•	History, literature and theology of the Old Testament (Hebrew as optional)
•	History, literature and theology of the New Testament (Greek as optional) 
•	Development of doctrine in the early church
•	Plus one other
Four further options
You may choose between three tracks, from which you take four papers in all:
•	Track One: at least two papers from a range which offers a more extensive study of the Old and New Testaments, with some use of biblical languages
•	Track Two: two or three papers on the development of Christian doctrine and history from the early medieval period to modern times, Philosophy of religion and Christian moral reasoning
•	Track Three: one paper on the nature of religious belief and two papers specializing in one of four major world religions - Judaism, Buddhism, Islam or Hinduism 
Whichever track you choose, you may add one or two language papers or an extended essay on a topic from the same or other tracks or from a wider range of other options
Assessment
Final University examinations:
Eight written papers (four core papers and four options), plus an optional extended essay and optional papers in Greek and Hebrew
Student Statements
“The course at Oxford is very diverse; it gives you an opportunity to explore interests from Pauline literature to modern Judaism in society. The Reformation papers that I opted to study allowed me to engage with the subject as if I were an historian or literature student as well as tackling major theological issues.” Janelle 3rd year
“I didn’t find the degree too traditional at all. Yes, there is a firm grounding in the basics: biblical studies, basic theology/ doctrine, Patristic theology, and some language studies. But for me, the beauty of an Oxford degree is that this structure can then be developed and built upon in a variety of different ways. So with the basic foundation in place, you are offered a bewildering and yet wonderful array of optional modules that you can take off in the direction that pleases you.” Tim graduated in 2012
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Theology and Oriental Studies
UCAS Course Code: VT69 
Brief course outline 
Duration of course: 3 years 
Degree awarded: BA 
Entrance requirements 
A-levels: AAA 
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB 
IB: 38–40 including core points 
Or any other equivalent
Experience of studying a language, and a subject involving essay writing, to either A-level, Advanced Higher, Higher Level in the IB or another equivalent can be helpful to students in completing this course, although they are not required for admission. Students are not expected to have studied any Oriental Language before.
Open days
See Theology and Religion (p 136 [printed edition page numbers])
See Oriental Studies (p 120 [printed edition page numbers])
Both open days cover Theology and Oriental Studies
Location
See map on inside back cover
Contact details
Theology and Religion
+44 (0) 1865 270790
undergraduate-admissions@theology.ox.ac.uk
www.theology.ox.ac.uk
Oriental Studies
+44 (0) 1865 278312
admissions@orinst.ox.ac.uk
www.orinst.ox.ac.uk
What is Theology and Oriental Studies?
The course in Theology and Oriental Studies enables you to learn in depth about a number of the world’s great religious traditions, including Christianity (taught primarily in the Theology Faculty) and Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism (taught primarily in the Oriental Studies Faculty). To engage with all the different aspects of the course, you have to be something of a historian and a philosopher, a textual and literary critic, and a linguist. All these disciplines together not only enable students to appreciate the qualities of religions that in some cases are radically different from those in western societies but, like the other arts subjects, equip graduates to embark on a wide range of careers.
Theology and Oriental Studies at Oxford
The Theology and Religion and Oriental Studies Faculties have between them more than 270 members, ranging from experts in the ancient languages and literature of the world’s religions to church historians and systematic theologians.
Our library facilities are excellent. Besides the Bodleian Library and the Theology Faculty library, most college libraries have a theology section, and the Oriental Institute Library and the Sackler Library offer loan collections in fields important for the study of oriental religions.
The Theology Faculty Centre and the Oriental Institute provide access to a vast range of networked resources in Humanities including electronic journals, library catalogues, language learning programmes, and digitised texts for different parts of the course.
A typical weekly timetable
The University arranges lectures (up to six weekly) and classes. For Theology subjects and some Oriental Studies subjects, a large part of the week is spent in private study in preparation for tutorials, which are usually held with college tutors once a week. Subjects which require a great deal of language work are taught for the most part in classes, which may meet three times a week or more.
What are tutors looking for?
For information about the selection criteria please see: ox.ac.uk/criteria.
During the interview, tutors will be keen to find out about your linguistic ability and your commitment to a wide-ranging course. Ability to sustain an argument is also important. Applicants will normally be interviewed by representatives of the Faculty of Oriental Studies and by Theology tutors.
Written work
Candidates are expected to submit two pieces of written work, one for Theology and one for Oriental Studies by 11 November 2013. The work should be marked in the normal process of school or college work. All written work must be in English.
The written work for Theology should be in Religious Studies. If you cannot submit samples of work in Religious Studies, please submit work in a related area. If you do not have any such written work available, please contact the Tutor for Admissions at the college considering your application.
The written work for Oriental Studies may be on any subject.
Written tests
Candidates who intend to specialise in Hebrew/Judaism or Arabic/Islam must take the Oriental Languages Aptitude Test (OLAT), normally at their own school or college on 6 November 2013. Candidates must make sure they are available to take the test at this time. Separate registration for this test is required and the final deadline for entries is 15 October 2013. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that they are registered for this test. See ox.ac.uk/tests for further details.
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Related courses
Students interested in this course might also like to consider other Theology and Religion or Oriental Studies courses.
Careers
Oxford graduates in Theology and Oriental Studies can expect to go on to careers as diverse as law, social work, the media, journalism, publishing, banking, management consultancy, accountancy, personnel management, teaching, the police force and the arts. Employers look very favourably on applicants who have learned oriental languages, and Oxford graduates with such skills are among the most successful each year in finding employment. The Theology and Religion Faculty’s website has information about careers for theologians: www.theology.ox.ac.uk.
1st year
Courses
Follow the course for Theology and Religion (refer to Theology and Religion – p 136 [printed edition page numbers]). In the third term all students take one Theology and Religion paper; no Oriental Studies teaching
Assessment
First University Examinations in Theology and Religion (refer to Theology and Religion – p 136 [printed edition page numbers])
2nd and 3rd years
Courses
Language courses taken alongside Oriental Studies students who are taking language as a subsidiary subject
Theology options taken alongside Theology and Religion students
Assessment
Final University Examinations:
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
Student Statement
“I have the chance to study not only the emergence and formation of western Christianity but also an Oriental religion in depth. I chose to study Buddhism, but the course also offers Hinduism, Islam and Judaism. The chance to learn a language at the same time is an amazing opportunity.” Alex 1st year