Oxford Maths and Philosophy Students and Applicants
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Meena373
I'm in the same position. I haven't studied philosophy before, just read around it a bit, and I'm quite worried about the philosophy questions. If anyone has had one of these interviews can you remember what they asked? And what may be good preparation material?
The only question I know of my friend who got in was about whether in a world 'made of jelly' (i.e. things merge and separate easily so distinctions between things is impossible) whether a concept of 'number' could exist, so a sort of crossover between maths and philosophy.
Original post by john7093
I want to study maths and phil at oxford. I'm going to do double maths and physics. then i have 2 choices left.
my parents think i should do chemistry but i don't enjoy it.
i want to do german because i enjoy it and am good at it (but its not hugely relevant)
i think i should do at least one bonafide essay subject. religion and ethics seems more relevant but apparently history is better looked upon?
and its been suggested i should do latin because its a strong and well-respected subject.
i could get the grades in any of these subjects
i think i should do german and religion and ethics. am i right?
swift response appreciated!
my parents think i should do chemistry but i don't enjoy it.
i want to do german because i enjoy it and am good at it (but its not hugely relevant)
i think i should do at least one bonafide essay subject. religion and ethics seems more relevant but apparently history is better looked upon?
and its been suggested i should do latin because its a strong and well-respected subject.
i could get the grades in any of these subjects
i think i should do german and religion and ethics. am i right?
swift response appreciated!
hey, well to be fair i have managed to wrangle an interview by taking maths, further maths, french and rs- philosophy and ethics.
Ive been told it's no worries if you do rs- its a matter of your ability to argue and succinctly display your own point of view, so rs helps loads with finding your own viewpoints (from my own experience)
tbh id recommend doing whatever you enjoy
hope that helps!
I'm in L6 now and am thinking about applying to Oxford to read Philosophy or Philosophy and Maths. Ignoring the difficulty of getting in, which I know is a big stumbling block, does anyone have any experience of either of the courses? I currently study Maths, Further Maths, Philosophy and Ethics and History at RGS Guildford. Any help would be appreciated
I can't be much help, but I do know that Oxford don't have a straight Philosophy course.
Original post by tulliver
I'm in L6 now and am thinking about applying to Oxford to read Philosophy or Philosophy and Maths. Ignoring the difficulty of getting in, which I know is a big stumbling block, does anyone have any experience of either of the courses? I currently study Maths, Further Maths, Philosophy and Ethics and History at RGS Guildford. Any help would be appreciated
You can't do straight Philosophy. You can do PPE, Philosophy and Modern Languages, PsychPhil, PhysPhil, MathsPhil or Philosophy and Theology, and, starting from 2012, Philosophy and CompSci.
Your A levels are well-suited to MathsPhil. I have a few good friends studying it. The first year is relatively maths and logic heavy, but in second year you get more choice, and by your third and fourth year, you can make it much more philosophy. I don't really know what else you want to know...
Original post by Bezzler
You can't do straight Philosophy. You can do PPE, Philosophy and Modern Languages, PsychPhil, PhysPhil, MathsPhil or Philosophy and Theology, and, starting from 2012, Philosophy and CompSci.
Your A levels are well-suited to MathsPhil. I have a few good friends studying it. The first year is relatively maths and logic heavy, but in second year you get more choice, and by your third and fourth year, you can make it much more philosophy. I don't really know what else you want to know...
Your A levels are well-suited to MathsPhil. I have a few good friends studying it. The first year is relatively maths and logic heavy, but in second year you get more choice, and by your third and fourth year, you can make it much more philosophy. I don't really know what else you want to know...
Do your friends enjoy the course? Also, on the Oxford website there is no explicit mention of Applied Maths which would make sense because of the logical thought processes connecting Pure Maths and Philosophy in which Mechanics and the like play little part. Can you confirm that Applied Maths is all but absent as I much prefer, and am much better at, the pure side.
Do you personally enjoy Oxford Uni? Sorry for the personal question but I am so undecided on uni choices and courses and need to start doing further reading and so forth. I think I could get into Oxford: I got straight A*s at GCSE bar one A and am confident I can get straight As at AS and get an A* in Maths A2 at the end of the year.
Sorry if my writing is somewhat incomprehensible and/or I rambled a bit; it's late and I'm tired
Thanks for your help.
Original post by tulliver
Do your friends enjoy the course? Also, on the Oxford website there is no explicit mention of Applied Maths which would make sense because of the logical thought processes connecting Pure Maths and Philosophy in which Mechanics and the like play little part. Can you confirm that Applied Maths is all but absent as I much prefer, and am much better at, the pure side.
Do you personally enjoy Oxford Uni? Sorry for the personal question but I am so undecided on uni choices and courses and need to start doing further reading and so forth. I think I could get into Oxford: I got straight A*s at GCSE bar one A and am confident I can get straight As at AS and get an A* in Maths A2 at the end of the year.
Sorry if my writing is somewhat incomprehensible and/or I rambled a bit; it's late and I'm tired
Thanks for your help.
Do you personally enjoy Oxford Uni? Sorry for the personal question but I am so undecided on uni choices and courses and need to start doing further reading and so forth. I think I could get into Oxford: I got straight A*s at GCSE bar one A and am confident I can get straight As at AS and get an A* in Maths A2 at the end of the year.
Sorry if my writing is somewhat incomprehensible and/or I rambled a bit; it's late and I'm tired
Thanks for your help.
You don't do any Applied Maths whatsoever. I think it might be possible to choose to do some in second year, but I'm not sure about that. I know that first year is analysis, linear algebra and geometry, and that after that only analysis and linear algebra are compulsory.
I, and my friends, love it at Oxford, both student life in general and the course itself. I couldn't recommend it highly enough.
Original post by Bezzler
You don't do any Applied Maths whatsoever. I think it might be possible to choose to do some in second year, but I'm not sure about that. I know that first year is analysis, linear algebra and geometry, and that after that only analysis and linear algebra are compulsory.
I, and my friends, love it at Oxford, both student life in general and the course itself. I couldn't recommend it highly enough.
I, and my friends, love it at Oxford, both student life in general and the course itself. I couldn't recommend it highly enough.
Cheers mate.
Original post by Bezzler
You don't do any Applied Maths whatsoever. I think it might be possible to choose to do some in second year, but I'm not sure about that. I know that first year is analysis, linear algebra and geometry, and that after that only analysis and linear algebra are compulsory.
I, and my friends, love it at Oxford, both student life in general and the course itself. I couldn't recommend it highly enough.
I, and my friends, love it at Oxford, both student life in general and the course itself. I couldn't recommend it highly enough.
You don't get examined on any applied maths, but a lot of colleges expect you to do at least a term's worth of calculus in the 1st year.
I'm super duper interested in the math and philosophy course - it's just so cool! - and I was wondering if anyone else was in the program, had gone through the process of applying to it, or will apply to it? I'm especially wondering about how to tie into why you want to study it, like what to put in the personal statement. Like, are people mentioning particular work experiences or concepts they'd like the study? And what are the interviews really like? Is there one for Math and one for philosophy for each college? I was able to find online interviews for law and stuff, but that just seems like it is very different from the interviews that this course must have. Hah, I just read everything I just wrote and realize how probing and obnoxious and obsessively admissions-grubbing I sound! I swear I'm not usually this way!
Also, I was wondering if the course was primarily for mathematician-types with just an interest in philosophy, or if it was also looking for/had students with a more balanced interest in both, or philosophy-types with an interest in math?
Also, I was wondering if the course was primarily for mathematician-types with just an interest in philosophy, or if it was also looking for/had students with a more balanced interest in both, or philosophy-types with an interest in math?
(edited 12 years ago)
Original post by mikeandikes
I'm super duper interested in the math and philosophy course - it's just so cool! - and I was wondering if anyone else was in the program, had gone through the process of applying to it, or will apply to it? I'm especially wondering about how to tie into why you want to study it, like what to put in the personal statement. Like, are people mentioning particular work experiences or concepts they'd like the study? And what are the interviews really like? Is there one for Math and one for philosophy for each college? I was able to find online interviews for law and stuff, but that just seems like it is very different from the interviews that this course must have. Hah, I just read everything I just wrote and realize how probing and obnoxious and obsessively admissions-grubbing I sound! I swear I'm not usually this way!
Also, I was wondering if the course was primarily for mathematician-types with just an interest in philosophy, or if it was also looking for/had students with a more balanced interest in both, or philosophy-types with an interest in math?
Also, I was wondering if the course was primarily for mathematician-types with just an interest in philosophy, or if it was also looking for/had students with a more balanced interest in both, or philosophy-types with an interest in math?
I very nearly applied for this, then suddenly had a change of heart at the last minute and changed to PPE. But I did write a wasted personal statement for it. I talked about what the two subjects have in common and why they are interesting. I'd recommend talking about a specific area that interests you whatever that may be. Don't bother talking for more than a line on work experience, focus on academics.
From the open days I went on, I definitely get the impression that it's generally for mathematicians who can write essays too. I think if you get to the standard in Maths then you'll get a place if your philosophy isn't terrible. (That's pure speculation though so someone correct me if I'm wrong.) Though you can adapt the course to what you are interested in if it turns out you prefer philosophy.
Also, have a look at the admissions test that you will need to sit if you haven't.
Original post by mikeandikes
I'm super duper interested in the math and philosophy course - it's just so cool! - and I was wondering if anyone else was in the program, had gone through the process of applying to it, or will apply to it? I'm especially wondering about how to tie into why you want to study it, like what to put in the personal statement. Like, are people mentioning particular work experiences or concepts they'd like the study? And what are the interviews really like? Is there one for Math and one for philosophy for each college? I was able to find online interviews for law and stuff, but that just seems like it is very different from the interviews that this course must have. Hah, I just read everything I just wrote and realize how probing and obnoxious and obsessively admissions-grubbing I sound! I swear I'm not usually this way!
Also, I was wondering if the course was primarily for mathematician-types with just an interest in philosophy, or if it was also looking for/had students with a more balanced interest in both, or philosophy-types with an interest in math?
Also, I was wondering if the course was primarily for mathematician-types with just an interest in philosophy, or if it was also looking for/had students with a more balanced interest in both, or philosophy-types with an interest in math?
Hi, I've just done my first year Maths and Philosophy. Feel free to message me if you have questions although I am very lax at checking tsr. In my personal statement I gave a paragraph to Maths, a paragraph to Philosophy and a paragraph on extra curricular stuff. I mentioned a couple of philosophy books I'd read, but that was it. One thing I think helped was that I'd written an essay at school about axioms, which turned out to be quite relevant.
Anyway, The admissions process: First you take the MAT. If you do well on this, you get invited for interview. I had 3 interviews (2 maths and 1 philosophy) at my chosen college Worcester. Then a further 2 (1 maths, 1 philosophy) at LMH, which is standard. Then on the final day, they arranged for me to have a further 2 at Teddy Hall (again 1 maths 1 philo) and 2 at Keble (again 1 maths and 1 philosophy). The Maths interviews are standard maths interviews, although they are unlikely to stray into the area of applied maths since the maths you do will almost all be pure. The Philosophy interviews were actually really good fun. Some subjects that came up were: ideas of logical validity, the nature of infinity, and the sorites paradox. You don't have to know things about them before, I didn't. It might be worth looking through "The Logic Manual" by Volker Halbach (first year text) if you can get your hands on it.
I'd say that what you really need, rather than simply an ability in Maths, or ability to write philosoophy essays, is an ability to analyse and be absolutely precise. So much of the work in maths is about using definitions to prove propositions rigorously, and Logic is all about proof and rigour.
Well i've rambled on loads...if you've got any more questions feel free to ask
Just to reiterate / rephrase what people may have alluded to here, having talked about switching to the Maths and Phil course with my tutors, and having helped out at interviews and seen the process a couple of times over, I'd certainly say that your Maths ability is non-negotiable, of which an important factor is the MAT. I think for Philosophy, you have to demonstrate that you're interested in the subject and the natural overlap with Maths, and that you are able to construct reasoned arguments. Essay writing skills will be honed in the degree, so as such it's not necessary to come in with excellent written technique, though it is obviously helpful. It's not uncommon, I don't think, for interviewees who come across as very good Mathematicians, but don't quite demonstrate the pre-requisites for Philosophy, to be offered a place on the sole Maths course.
Good luck with your application! If you have any questions about the Maths side, please feel free to ask!
Good luck with your application! If you have any questions about the Maths side, please feel free to ask!
How have I not seen this thread before? I was under the impression I'd searched TSR pretty thoroughly.
You applied to Worcester for MathsPhil last year? Same, I probably met you.
The above posts are all accurate, read them. Since I've gone through the application process twice now for MathPhil (first to Worcester, rejected after interview, and second to Merton, accepted), I guess I ought to comment. You get both maths and philosophy interviews, with at least one maths interview at another college. Maths interviews involve you being given problems by the interviewer(s) and solving them, and they're generally calculated to make you feel stupid at at least one point. My philosophy interviews varied a bit more; involving things like a big logic puzzle, explaining why an argument is wrong and discussing knowledge and ethics. My personal statement talked about areas of maths and philosophy I found interesting and some of the additional reading/study I'd done in them. There's not really any relevant work experience you can do, so don't worry about that. I did have one or two things from my PS mentioned in interviews, but not in great depth (you can find mine in the PS library here if you want).
As for whether the course is for mathematicians or philosophers, I'd say you probably do have to have a genuine interest in both, although once you get to the 3rd and 4th years it looks like you can choose to specialise in one or the other to an extent. They don't assume that you know philosophy beforehand though, so in terms of getting in maths ability is perhaps more relevant, especially since they don't require written work any more. Hope that helps, feel free to ask whatever else.
Original post by WorcesterSevern
Hi, I've just done my first year Maths and Philosophy.
You applied to Worcester for MathsPhil last year? Same, I probably met you.
Original post by mikeandikes
I'm super duper interested in the math and philosophy course - it's just so cool!
The above posts are all accurate, read them. Since I've gone through the application process twice now for MathPhil (first to Worcester, rejected after interview, and second to Merton, accepted), I guess I ought to comment. You get both maths and philosophy interviews, with at least one maths interview at another college. Maths interviews involve you being given problems by the interviewer(s) and solving them, and they're generally calculated to make you feel stupid at at least one point. My philosophy interviews varied a bit more; involving things like a big logic puzzle, explaining why an argument is wrong and discussing knowledge and ethics. My personal statement talked about areas of maths and philosophy I found interesting and some of the additional reading/study I'd done in them. There's not really any relevant work experience you can do, so don't worry about that. I did have one or two things from my PS mentioned in interviews, but not in great depth (you can find mine in the PS library here if you want).
As for whether the course is for mathematicians or philosophers, I'd say you probably do have to have a genuine interest in both, although once you get to the 3rd and 4th years it looks like you can choose to specialise in one or the other to an extent. They don't assume that you know philosophy beforehand though, so in terms of getting in maths ability is perhaps more relevant, especially since they don't require written work any more. Hope that helps, feel free to ask whatever else.
Original post by dbmag9
How have I not seen this thread before? I was under the impression I'd searched TSR pretty thoroughly.
I have no idea; I'm even subscribed to it for some reason.
You applied to Worcester for MathsPhil last year? Same, I probably met you.
He did. I think I may have asked him whether he met you before. I forget. He got interviewed at EVERY college. Okay, not quite true. But quite a lot. I feel quite sorry for him, he ended up at Teddy Hall. Most unfortunate. He could probably tell you all of this for himself. Except the last part, because he may be under some delusions about Teddy Hall. And if you think I'm mean about them, you should hear what people at St Peter's have to say about them.
(edited 12 years ago)
Original post by Bezzler
He did. I think I may have asked him whether he met you before. I forget. He got interviewed at EVERY college. Okay, not quite true. But quite a lot. I feel quite sorry for him, he ended up at Teddy Hall. Most unfortunate. He could probably tell you all of this for himself. Except the last part, because he may be under some delusions about Teddy Hall. And if you think I'm mean about them, you should hear what people at St Peter's have to say about them.
Yeah, I'm pretty sure I'm friends with him on Facebook too. My PhysPhil friend is at Teddy Hall, as were two of the better teachers at my old school, so I should probably stay out of it for now.
Original post by Bezzler
I have no idea; I'm even subscribed to it for some reason.
He did. I think I may have asked him whether he met you before. I forget. He got interviewed at EVERY college. Okay, not quite true. But quite a lot. I feel quite sorry for him, he ended up at Teddy Hall. Most unfortunate. He could probably tell you all of this for himself. Except the last part, because he may be under some delusions about Teddy Hall. And if you think I'm mean about them, you should hear what people at St Peter's have to say about them.
He did. I think I may have asked him whether he met you before. I forget. He got interviewed at EVERY college. Okay, not quite true. But quite a lot. I feel quite sorry for him, he ended up at Teddy Hall. Most unfortunate. He could probably tell you all of this for himself. Except the last part, because he may be under some delusions about Teddy Hall. And if you think I'm mean about them, you should hear what people at St Peter's have to say about them.
Ha yeah, Peter's...cause that's a proper college. Oldest college in the university, and that's a fact. Av it Merton, you workhard no play boring types
Original post by WorcesterSevern
Ha yeah, Peter's...cause that's a proper college. Oldest college in the university, and that's a fact. Av it Merton, you workhard no play boring types
Pffft, nobody even takes your claim seriously. When people are debating about the oldest colleges (why there should be a debate is beyond me, it's clearly Merton) it's only ever between Balliol, Univ and Merton. And I don't recall the last time I saw you out being fun...
I just found out about this course and it looks awesome 
I'll definitely consider this course.I'm starting my a-levels in September and I was wondering if it'd be beneficial to take philosophy?
It is available at my school but the timetable block doesn't fit with the rest of my subjects :/
I'm doing maths, further maths and physics for sure (my top3 choices)
What are philosophy interviews like?
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