[janjanmmm]

(Original post by llacerta)
If anyone would be willing to give me some advice, I'd much appreciate it.

.....

As the application process is quite strenuous, I'm basically just wondering whether to bother or not or if the idea itself is a bit silly.

Thank you for any help!

I guess one thing you can do is you can look at their admission statistics:

http://www.ox.ac.uk/about_the_univer...ics/index.html

In 2010/11 they got 224 applications for taught Neuroscience degree and have given 31 offers, that is 13.8% offer rate. Very competitive.

However, that does not mean you should not try. I think your grades are not bad, if you work on your statement and get good references you might get in. I would have given it a shot!

[llacerta]

(Original post by janjanmmm)
I guess one thing you can do is you can look at their admission statistics:

http://www.ox.ac.uk/about_the_univer...ics/index.html

In 2010/11 they got 224 applications for taught Neuroscience degree and have given 31 offers, that is 13.8% offer rate. Very competitive.

However, that does not mean you should not try. I think your grades are not bad, if you work on your statement and get good references you might get in. I would have given it a shot!

Ah, I didn't realise admissions statistics were available! Very useful, thanks!

But also quite depressing, haha. Thing is, today I had a chat with a lecturer and I was saying that my plans were to get my degree and spend a year as a research assistant before applying for Masters courses, but she said a year out wouldn't be looked upon favourably. However, I can't help but think I'd have a better chance if I applied with my degree in hand, especially if I managed to get a 1st, so now I'm really torn!

Thanks for your help, though! This is definitely food for thought.

[Aeschylus]

(Original post by llacerta)
Ah, I didn't realise admissions statistics were available! Very useful, thanks!

But also quite depressing, haha. Thing is, today I had a chat with a lecturer and I was saying that my plans were to get my degree and spend a year as a research assistant before applying for Masters courses, but she said a year out wouldn't be looked upon favourably. However, I can't help but think I'd have a better chance if I applied with my degree in hand, especially if I managed to get a 1st, so now I'm really torn!

Thanks for your help, though! This is definitely food for thought.

Girlfriend's Housemate at York doing a BSC Psychology got a funded PHD in neuroscience from Oxford. Talking to her about her interview, a lot of it came down to the experience she'd had working in York's place (YNIC) and the subsequent references on the back of that. So not impossible for you!

[llacerta]

(Original post by Aeschylus)
Girlfriend's Housemate at York doing a BSC Psychology got a funded PHD in neuroscience from Oxford. Talking to her about her interview, a lot of it came down to the experience she'd had working in York's place (YNIC) and the subsequent references on the back of that. So not impossible for you!

Thank you, that's very reassuring! If there's one thing that's on my side it's probably my experience and references, so maybe it's worth a go after all!

[Aeschylus]

(Original post by DynamicSyngery)
I first read the OP to this thread back when I was doing A levels, and it made sense then even if it wasn't really relevant to me. But now it just seems absurd. There's nothing special about Oxbridge at post-graduate level. I feel like the whole premise of this thread is pandering to the chippy didn't-get-in-first-time-round crowd who are more interested in studying at Oxbridge than they are in studying. Ultimately this is a bad reason to do post-grad study and is only going to hurt them in the long run.

(Original post by DynamicSyngery)
At undergrad there's a clear gap between Oxbridge and the rest of the good universities in terms of prestige and arguably teaching quality. At postgrad this is no longer true; they're 'just' top universities. Whether the man in the street has heard of it on TV is more of interest to undergrads looking at generic business jobs than PhD students with particular career goals.

The worst are all the twinky paid-for masters degrees that these universities (among others, LSE is a big culprit too) push on gullible graduates to cash in on the name.

I think these are very important posts for people to read. I personally had to stop myself halfway through applying for postgraduate degrees and ask if I was doing this because I loved my course or because I had a chip on my shoulder about missing my first Oxford offer (as it turns out, the first). I quickly realised after taking to relevant academics at various institutions that, as QHF has said, it's about who you work with, rather than the institution itself. I think Oxford and Cambridge are quickly realising there's a big market of people who'd like a second crack and the amount of paid masters that they're offering have proliferated rather quickly. Each case is individual, Oxbridge often have world-leaders in their fields and are fantastic places to study - by all means have a go, but I'd question whether applying 'because it's Oxbridge' when you're going for postgraduate study is inherently worth it.

[misterwhy]

(Original post by Aeschylus)
I think these are very important posts for people to read. I personally had to stop myself halfway through applying for postgraduate degrees and ask if I was doing this because I loved my course or because I had a chip on my shoulder about missing my first Oxford offer (as it turns out, the first). I quickly realised after taking to relevant academics at various institutions that, as QHF has said, it's about who you work with, rather than the institution itself. I think Oxford and Cambridge are quickly realising there's a big market of people who'd like a second crack and the amount of paid masters that they're offering have proliferated rather quickly. Each case is individual, Oxbridge often have world-leaders in their fields and are fantastic places to study - by all means have a go, but I'd question whether applying 'because it's Oxbridge' when you're going for postgraduate study is inherently worth it.

Fair enough, but there are other reasons (as an overseas student) that make Oxbridge (and UK degrees in general) compelling. Looking at admissions stats, it seems both institutions have a significant population of international students. Compared with the US, a shorter time to degree completion is very compelling. In my case, for example: I have a clear idea of what I want to study, know that I don't want a purely tenure-track academic career, and am ready to get on with it. Finishing a doctorate in 3-4 rather than 5-7 years makes studying in the UK very attractive. Especially for those not planning on staying in the academy, the Oxbridge name does go a fair way in opening doors, much as a Harvard or Yale degree would in the US. All together, that presents some reasons to consider Oxbridge separate from potential advisors or the course itself. I realize this sounds calculating and somewhat awful, but it's the facts of thinking of a career beyond a doctoral degree.

[Aeschylus]

(Original post by misterwhy)
Fair enough, but there are other reasons (as an overseas student) that make Oxbridge (and UK degrees in general) compelling. Looking at admissions stats, it seems both institutions have a significant population of international students. Compared with the US, a shorter time to degree completion is very compelling. In my case, for example: I have a clear idea of what I want to study, know that I don't want a purely tenure-track academic career, and am ready to get on with it. Finishing a doctorate in 3-4 rather than 5-7 years makes studying in the UK very attractive. Especially for those not planning on staying in the academy, the Oxbridge name does go a fair way in opening doors, much as a Harvard or Yale degree would in the US. All together, that presents some reasons to consider Oxbridge separate from potential advisors or the course itself. I realize this sounds calculating and somewhat awful, but it's the facts of thinking of a career beyond a doctoral degree.

As I said, each applicant is different, with their own reasons and desires etc and I'm not denying the brand-name or quality of Oxbridge.

[snapping turk]

(Original post by snapping turk)
Hullo.

I'm currently in my third year of an MMath and considering what to do with my life post-next-year.

I think I'd rather like to do a Phd; my primary interests are Topology and Geometry. I've been pootling around and can't really find anything to give me any ideas how competitive the MPhil at Oxford is.

Moreover, I have a couple of weak-ish module results: though I'm on track for an ~80% first at a good English university and likely to have some rather positive references.

Can anyone shed any light on how I'd potentially fare? Any anecdotal evidence would be great.

Thanks for your help!

A small bump in case someone who could assist perhaps didn't see this :/

[DynamicSyngery]

(Original post by misterwhy)
Fair enough, but there are other reasons (as an overseas student) that make Oxbridge (and UK degrees in general) compelling. Looking at admissions stats, it seems both institutions have a significant population of international students. Compared with the US, a shorter time to degree completion is very compelling. In my case, for example: I have a clear idea of what I want to study, know that I don't want a purely tenure-track academic career, and am ready to get on with it. Finishing a doctorate in 3-4 rather than 5-7 years makes studying in the UK very attractive. Especially for those not planning on staying in the academy, the Oxbridge name does go a fair way in opening doors, much as a Harvard or Yale degree would in the US. All together, that presents some reasons to consider Oxbridge separate from potential advisors or the course itself. I realize this sounds calculating and somewhat awful, but it's the facts of thinking of a career beyond a doctoral degree.

Britain vs US is fair enough, though not Oxbridge specific.

For the private sector maybe it matters more - though not necessarily if you're staying in a narrow field where people actually know about your field.

Like I said, Oxbridge are top universities; it's not always a bad idea to apply to them or something like that. I just question the validity of the impression given by having a separate, pinned thread for specifically Oxbridge admissions.

[PossibleMPP]

How many of you worked in between your degrees? Bit worried about being loads older than everyone else (29), anyone else share this concern at all?

[Libshan]

(Original post by PossibleMPP)
How many of you worked in between your degrees? Bit worried about being loads older than everyone else (29), anyone else share this concern at all?

Well, I'm hoping to go back for a second time and I've worked quite a few years (I'm 41), but the first time I went back - for my first masters degree I was about your age and worried about the same thing. Each school, department, programme etc. and even each session within a programme will vary of course, but I found that though the bulk of the class were younger than I was by 5-7 years, there were a couple my age, and a couple much older (50s!). In general, I think you find that in the more "professional" degrees (business etc.) you'll find more students who have worked for a time before going back as opposed to say physics or maths or something - but still I imagine, if the work is relevant to the degree sought, you'll find some in virtually every course.

What are you hoping to study?

[PossibleMPP]

(Original post by Libshan)
Well, I'm hoping to go back for a second time and I've worked quite a few years (I'm 41), but the first time I went back - for my first masters degree I was about your age and worried about the same thing. Each school, department, programme etc. and even each session within a programme will vary of course, but I found that though the bulk of the class were younger than I was by 5-7 years, there were a couple my age, and a couple much older (50s!). In general, I think you find that in the more "professional" degrees (business etc.) you'll find more students who have worked for a time before going back as opposed to say physics or maths or something - but still I imagine, if the work is relevant to the degree sought, you'll find some in virtually every course.

What are you hoping to study?

That is somewhat reassuring. What college were you at?

I am looking to read for the MPP, so slightly more professionally oriented degree. What about yourself?

[Libshan]

I actually went to school in Canada so my masters was at the University of Western Ontario but from reading and speaking with friends from universities in Canada, the US and the UK I get the impression that this is the general trend. With the economy difficulties, many people your (and my) age are going back to school to upgrade or retrain for new career tracks, or to just weather the recession at school instead of being out of work.

My first masters was library & information science - I'm now a library director and I'm now wanting to study for MPhil and then PhD in management studies (fingers crossed! It's been a while since I was in school!)

Good luck!

[kenpachi88]

I have (mid)2.1 in last year of LSE history degree what are the chances for Latin American studies in Oxford? High, medium or low? Any opinion would be appreciated.

Regards

[kenpachi88]

Hi

Is it worth trying to apply for the the masters in Latin American Studies in Oxford with just a mid range 2.1 for History from LSE? Any opinions?

Thanks

[janjanmmm]

(Original post by kenpachi88)
I have (mid)2.1 in last year of LSE history degree what are the chances for Latin American studies in Oxford? High, medium or low? Any opinion would be appreciated.

Regards

Out of 60 applicants they made 39 offers in 2010/11, it is 65% offer rate.
I'd say your chances are pretty high. Not the most popular programme. Just write a good statement explaining your interest.

[kenpachi88]

Thanks for the advice janjanmmm! It seems that a lot of people say that a 1st is necessary but I guess you are right and the popularity of the programme counts. Thanks again!

[janjanmmm]

(Original post by kenpachi88)
Thanks for the advice janjanmmm! It seems that a lot of people say that a 1st is necessary but I guess you are right and the popularity of the programme counts. Thanks again!

No problem.
I've gotten into MPhil Russian and East European Studies at Oxford, they have similar offer rate (50%), and they did not ask for a First, only 2.1

I have also gotten an offer from MPhi Real Estate Finance at Cambridge, now they did ask for a First or 3.8 GPA, but the programme has only 25% offer rate, so it is more competitive. I think this is how it usually is - the more competitive the programme, the more demanding they will be.

Not to say that how competitive the entry is shows how good the programme is, though. It's just that a lot more people are interested in Finance (big money!) than in regional studies.

[Noldorin]

(Original post by kenpachi88)
Thanks for the advice janjanmmm! It seems that a lot of people say that a 1st is necessary but I guess you are right and the popularity of the programme counts. Thanks again!

And just to confirm you don't necessarily need a top grade, I got into Oxford with a (low!) 2:1 to one of the most competitive courses -- a ~20% accept rate last year, and less than 15% attendance. I don't know what Latin American studies is like to be fair, but I don't remember many courses have a lower rate -- only medicine notably.

Another thing to reassure you about Oxford is that most departments have a reputation of giving a healthy and balanced look at applications beyond the simple degree class/GPA. There's a certain degree of fortune, but the interview most often helps alleviate this, I would argue. Cambridge on the other hand are typically slightly more demanding of high grades, and rarely interview for graduate courses, so it may be more hit and miss there.

In the end, you should definitely give the Oxford application a go. The application fee isn't overly dear, and the chances are your application will get a serious look with a mid 2:1, at the least! Good luck with it.

[Libshan]

I know that for undergrad you can only apply for *either* Oxford or Cambridge and never both, but I'm finding mixed information as to whether or not you can apply to both at the same time as a graduate. Does anyone here know for certain? Are there different rules just at the graduate level or are there different rules for international applicants?

Any definitive help would be much appreciated!