University of Oxford

History

• Oxford University is the oldest university in the English-speaking world. Teaching has been taking place in Oxford since 1096.
• Former Oxford students include 26 British Prime Ministers; at least 30 international leaders; 26 Nobel Prize winners; seven current holders of the Order of Merit; at least 6 kings, 12 saints and 20 Archbishops of Canterbury; some 100 Olympic medal winners.
• Read more facts and figures about the University of Oxford online.

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.
  Some subjects require applicants to sit a written test and/or submit written work.

Applying

• For a comprehensive guide on applying to Oxford, see here.

Student mix

• All students: 55% male, 45% female (undergraduates 54% male, 46% female).
• All students: 63% home, 37% overseas (undergraduates 85% home, 15% overseas).
• State school intake (undergraduates): 55.4%.
• Around five applications per place overall, though this varies between subjects.

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 2008 national Research Assessment Exercise) than any other UK university.
• Oxford consistently has the highest research income from external sponsors of any UK university, and receives the highest level of quality research funding from HEFCE.

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, including library and computing

• The Careers Service offers all students a comprehensive range of CV and interview workshops, ten fairs (attended by 60+ employers at each one), hundreds of employer presentations throughout the year, and the opportunity to book a 1:1 careers guidance meeting with a professional adviser.
• 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.

Disability services

• The Oxford University Student Union (OUSU) campaigns on matters affecting students and offers a range of services, including advice and club nights.
• Each college has its own student group which organises entertainment, provides welfare support and represents its students.

Sport

• The University of Oxford boasts some of the best sporting facilities in the university sector including a gym, all-weather running track, Olympic standard artificial hockey pitch, sports hall and 25-metre swimming pool.
• Colleges also offer sporting facilities of their own, ranging from in-college squash courts or fitness suites to cricket grounds.

Availability of part-time work

• Opportunities for a limited amount of paid work within college, for which you may need your tutor's permission.
• Colleges may also offer some employment during the summer conference season.
• The University Careers Service facilitates summer internship and work opportunities through the Oxford University International Internship Programme and employer events and fairs.

Distinguished alumni

• 26 Nobel Prize winners including Oliver Smithies (Medicine, 2007), V S Naipaul (Literature 2001) and Aung San Suu Kyi (Peace, 1991).
• 26 UK Prime Ministers including David Cameron and Tony Blair.
• At least 30 international leaders, including Bill Clinton, Benazir Bhutto, Dr Manmohan Singh.
• Some 100 Olympic medal winners, including Matthew Pinsent and Stephanie Cook.
• Scientists including Edmond Halley, Edwin Hubble, Dorothy Hodgkin, Stephen Hawking.
• Poets and writers including John Donne, Oscar Wilde, Iris Murdoch, Julian Barnes, Monica Ali.
• Actors and film-makers including Kate Beckinsale, Hugh Grant, Ken Loach.

Click here for more information about living in Oxford