Oxford Oriental Studies Students and Applicants

Hey, I'm an Orientalist at Ox, and I can tell you that your grades are definitely good enough. I got worse grades than you did at GCSE, and I'm here.

With subjects like the Oriental languages (which are you thinking of btw?), what's much more important than your grades is your personal statement. You have to show them that you have an interest. You probably haven't studied the language before, so you have to be able to demonstate that you already have the passion to do what's probably going to be a very demanding degree.

Obviously grades are important, but you're already in a position from which you can apply knowing that they won't reject you on the basis of your grades. So what you should do now is read around the subject. Really figure out what interests you in the area. Literature, history and that stuff. With a strong enough personal statement you'll get an interview and then you can blow them away with your passion!

Read the ox website. It doesn't say anything about perfect grades.

All the best. If you want any more info feel free to get in contact.

Hi I'm thinking of applying to Oxford for Oriental Studies, but I haven't any A-Levels in Foreign Languages... I was just wondering if I could ask a few questions?

Do you know anyone who does Oriental Studies without having done a language a level?

Will not having a language a-level count against me? (The prospectus says it is "helpful"- do they imply that I need to have one)

Do you think I should go for it?

Cheers

Hey guys

Im considering Oriental Studies at Oxford, but the problem is, I haven't done any languages for A-Level; the prospectus says it is "helpful/useful" to have one.

Will this count against me in my application?

If, hypothetically, I was competing with another applicant who did have a language, and it was borderline between us, would the other person be given preferential treatment?

I need to know from people doing Oriental Studies- did you do a language? Do you know people doing Oriental Studies that didn't do an A-Level/IB/Higher language?

Cheers anyway

Hey,

I am just starting as a first year doing Japanese at Oxford. I was really worried about this as well as I did not do a language at A-Level and I can say don't stress too much about it. I got in without an A-Level language and there are others (who I know) who got in without an A-Level language. As long as you have a GCSE and a passion for the language and the culture, you have a good chance.

As for preferential treatment, I don't think there is any I do know some people who did Japanese at A-Level and didn't receive an offer, as well as those who got an offer. You just have to prove to them you are committed and are passionate about it

Apart from the ones listed on the website-which are hard to get hold of, are there any suggested reading that you have for the Japanese course? Thanks

Hi

I know there won't be many applying for this course, but is anyone due to sit the OLAT on the 6th November? There is only 1 past paper so how are you all studying for it?

Thanks

hey im applying for Arabic so im sitting it too, there really is nothing you can do to prep for it tbh, just relax

Ah okay, good! What course are you applying for?

Ah okay, good! What course are you applying for?

Arabic and Islamic Studies at Oxford, Arabic and International Relations/Politics at St Andrews, Edinburgh and Exeter, and Arabic and Middle Eastern History, again at St Andrews. You?
Also what college did you apply for?

Hi, I am also sitting the paper on Wednesday. I am applying for Arabic and Islamic studies, you? All I have done to prepare is do that practice paper tbh. As the other Arabist said - try to relax as much as possible Admittedly, I understand it is difficult advice to put into use!! Haha best of luck on Wednesday

Yes, I guess that is all that we can do.
Also- on the website, it does say that the test has 'no material influence' as it is in the PILOT phase! Have you guys submitted the work yet?

Arabic and Islamic Studies at St Johns Oxford!
Good Luck tomorrow

Arabic and Islamic Studies at St Johns Oxford!
Good Luck tomorrow

ahhh we've applied for the same course at the same college, i hate you now! xD good luckkk