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Are the professors of my subject something I should consider when choosing a college?

Question in the title.

I'm applying for psych&phil at oxford and currently looking at college choices. Was just wondering if how interesting the fellows and tutors are in the college is something I should consider?

Reply 1

melancollege

Maybe if it's between two identical colleges but fellows come and go and may not even supervise you (or whatever the Oxford term is). I think if particularly pertinent to you, you could probably request them. Personally I'd go for things like location, atmosphere, facilities, that sort of thing

Reply 2

emilyalexandria

Original post by dowchbag

It can be? There's a good chance you'll be taught by the tutors in college, especially for more common modules and for first year papers. However, there's no real guarantee, as certain tutors might not teach certain years, and some modules will be taught at other colleges. It's probably not worth picking a college for one specific tutor.

Reply 3

eeeli

Original post by dowchbag

Possibly, but it shouldn't be at the top of your list. Can only speak for Psychology as I took EP not PPL but who the college tutors were was only really relevant in first year as most of the tutorials were college based. Once I started more specialised modules in second year and advanced options in third year tutors for those topics were selected based on subject expertise and not location so you do meet plenty of other academics, and if you do a research project your supervisor can be anyone willing to supervise you, from any college. Also not all the academics in a college will teach undergrad/supervise undergrad/teach at all so bear that in mind. I'd say more practical concerns about available facilities, accommodation, location etc. are more important when picking a college but if there are a few that meet all your practical requirements the academic staff is as good a way as any to tie-break. Just also keep in mind they may not still work there when you arrive as well!