Getting into Oxbridge for Postgraduate Study

Reply 2200

7

has there been anyone with a button disappearance and 4 documents showing on view page source that's been subsequently rejected? or is that 99% an offer?

Reply 2201

francescamadsen

3

I am looking at applying to Oxford University for my English Literature Masters, specifically the 1830-1914 course. I think I have a fairly good chance, I'm currently averaging a first, and my first year average is 71.38. I'd like to specialise in animal studies in romantic literature. I have a bit of imposter syndrome about the application process and think the best way to combat this is to get as prepared as possible for when the application period does roll around. If anyone could answer any of my questions, l'd really appreciate it.
1. What do you think made your application stand out?
2. How did you approach your personal statement - any tips on tone or structure?
3. What kind of writing sample did you submit, and why did you choose it?
4. Did you tailor your application to individual tutors or specialisms within the course?
5. Did you do anything outside your degree that helped your application (e.g., publishing, conferences, internships)?
6. Would you recommend mentioning personal context, such as first-gen or access background?
7. If you applied to other universities too, what made Oxford's course unique for you?
8. Any final tips for someone starting to prepare their application now?
Thanks all!

Reply 2202

Covolocampedelli

2

Hi everyone,

I am about to complete my master's degree in philology in Germany and am considering applying for a part-time doctoral programme at Oxbridge. Access to the resources of these universities is essential in my field of study, and the need to pay for manuscripts at the Bodleian Library, for example, is a great problem.

I would like to continue living here in Germany with my partner and am willing to travel to Oxford or Cambridge several times a year to meet with my supervisor. I could also imagine doing my PhD at Oxford while continuing to work here in an extreme case, but I still need funding for the tuition fees.

Is there anyone here who is in a similar situation or knows someone who is? I would be grateful for any advice. Feel free to pm me if that's more comfortable for you.

Reply 2203

Anonymous #4

Original post

by Covolocampedelli

Hi everyone,

I am about to complete my master's degree in philology in Germany and am considering applying for a part-time doctoral programme at Oxbridge. Access to the resources of these universities is essential in my field of study, and the need to pay for manuscripts at the Bodleian Library, for example, is a great problem.

I would like to continue living here in Germany with my partner and am willing to travel to Oxford or Cambridge several times a year to meet with my supervisor. I could also imagine doing my PhD at Oxford while continuing to work here in an extreme case, but I still need funding for the tuition fees.

Is there anyone here who is in a similar situation or knows someone who is? I would be grateful for any advice. Feel free to pm me if that's more comfortable for you.

Unfortunately there are rules of how close you have to live to Oxford - I believe it’s within 3 miles of the city, so you would be unable to live in Germany during your studies. Possibly try contacting your department to see if there are any options around this, but it is unlikely

Reply 2204

beant6464

8

Original post

by Anonymous

Unfortunately there are rules of how close you have to live to Oxford - I believe it’s within 3 miles of the city, so you would be unable to live in Germany during your studies. Possibly try contacting your department to see if there are any options around this, but it is unlikely

Part-time courses at Oxbridge are not subject to the distance rules, that is only a full-time requirement. Part-time only says you must be able to come on site multiple times per year, but can live where you want.

Reply 2205

LiamAxelZephyr

4

I haven’t applied yet, but I’m hoping to apply for an MPhil in History at Cambridge for 2025/26. I just wanted to ask honestly: do I realistically have any chance?

I’ve got a low 2:1 from a Russell Group uni and will be starting the PGDL soon. I don’t have a specific research area pinned down, and I’m not too fussed about the particular strand — I’d just be really grateful for the opportunity to study at Cambridge.

If anyone has any advice about which MPhil routes might be less competitive, or if i have any chance at all I’d really appreciate it as i say id love to study an MPhil at Cambridge for 2025/26.

Best of luck to everyone!

Reply 2206

xyz1234567

11

Original post

by Covolocampedelli

Hi everyone,
I am about to complete my master's degree in philology in Germany and am considering applying for a part-time doctoral programme at Oxbridge. Access to the resources of these universities is essential in my field of study, and the need to pay for manuscripts at the Bodleian Library, for example, is a great problem.
I would like to continue living here in Germany with my partner and am willing to travel to Oxford or Cambridge several times a year to meet with my supervisor. I could also imagine doing my PhD at Oxford while continuing to work here in an extreme case, but I still need funding for the tuition fees.
Is there anyone here who is in a similar situation or knows someone who is? I would be grateful for any advice. Feel free to pm me if that's more comfortable for you.

If you only need to travel to Oxford or Cambridge a few times a year, why not do your PhD in Germany and request a Bodeleian card with special collections access for the few times you need to visit manuscripts in person. This is certainly possible at Oxford (I assume it probably is at Cambridge too but I don’t know for sure). You would need to apply for a category A reader’s card but if you explain your research interests you would get one.

In all honesty the chances of getting funding for a part time PhD are not high - there are very few scholarships around and most would expect you to study full time.

Getting into Oxbridge for Postgraduate Study

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