University of Oxford

University of Oxford

Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world and lays claim to nine centuries of continuous existence.
As an internationally renowned centre for teaching and research, Oxford attracts students and scholars from across the globe, with almost a quarter of our students from overseas.
More than 130 nationalities are represented among a student population of over 18,000.
Oxford is one of Europe's most innovative and entrepreneurial universities.
Drawing on an 800-year tradition of discovery and invention, modern Oxford leads the way in creating jobs, wealth, skills and innovation for the 21st century.
The leading UK university for knowledge transfer and commercial spin-outs, Oxford was also the UK pioneer in developing a university intellectual property policy.Teaching has been taking place in Oxford since at least 1096 and developed rapidly through the 12th century.
The University has played a major role in the intellectual life of the country since its early days. Over nine centuries it has been a centre for debate and controversy in science, religion and the arts.
During the 20th and early 21st centuries, Oxford added to its humanistic core a major new research capacity in the natural and applied sciences, including medicine.

Location and Transport
About 100km (62 miles) north-west of London, with excellent links to the capital and the rest of the country.
Oxford is a lively medium-sized city with a total student population of over 40,000 (including students at both Oxford and Oxford Brookes).
Most University and college buildings are located in the centre and are easily reached on foot or by bike.


Entry Standards

Conditional offers for students studying A-levels range between A*A*A and AAA (or 38–40 points in the International Baccalaureate including core points, or another equivalent) depending on the subject. Each course page will detail the requirements necessary.
Specific A level (or equivalent) subjects may be required to apply for some subjects, especially in the sciences.
Most subjects require applicants to sit a written test and/or submit written work.

Course Flexibility

Most subjects include compulsory courses for the first year, and then give students the opportunity to choose options in subsequent years.
Teaching Standards

Tutorials are at the heart of teaching at Oxford. A tutorial is a lesson with a tutor usually taking place once or twice every week. Tutors are experts in their field and often world-leaders. Students usually have to prepare work in advance, for example an essay or some mathematical problems, which they then discuss in the tutorial.
Through tutorials, students develop powers of independent, critical thought; analytical and problem-solving abilities, and written and oral communication skills.

Research Standards

Oxford has more world-leading academics (rated 4* in the 2014 national Research Excellence Framework) than any other UK university.
It ranked first in terms of the volume of material assessed as world-leading in 12 out of 31 Units of Assessment.
92% of the examples it submitted of impact its research has on the wider world was rated as outstanding or very considerable.
Oxford consistently has the highest research income from external sponsors of any UK university.

Academic Strengths

Oxford has a world-class reputation for academic excellence and courses have an academic rather than vocational focus.
Many Oxford academics are international experts in their chosen fields in all disciplines of the sciences and arts.

Student Facilities

The Careers Service offers all students a comprehensive range of CV and interview workshops, eleven fairs (attended by 60+ employers at each one), hundreds of employer presentations throughout the year, and opportunities ranging from a 20-minute 1:1 careers guidance meeting with an experienced Careers Adviser, to taking part in The Student Consultancy, Insight into Teaching, and our leading Intern-ship Programme around the world.
Every college has its own library which provide core material with multiple copies of the most popular books and other key works. Most are open around the clock. There are also departmental and major research libraries including the world-famous Bodleian which can claim a copy of every book published in Britain.
The University is well equipped with IT facilities with most departments and colleges providing computer rooms, network access and computing support. The central Oxford University Computing Services also offer computer facilities and free training.
All students may use the Language Centre, which offers courses, computer-based learning and audio-visual study rooms.
The University has a professionally staffed confidential Student Counselling Service.