University of Oxford
Oxford
Getting into Oxbridge for Postgraduate Study
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Original post by GrandPessimist
I really don't want to sound mean, but I don't think that's enough!
It is great that you got 74, but you need to constantly aim higher and do everything to achieve firsts in multiple essays. And if you can do that for exams, I think it will be even more impressive!
Think of the volume of applications Oxford receives for this course. They receive a number of applications probably 5 times over the number of places they can offer. You are not simply competing with UK students, but with students from all over the world who may have 1st class degrees in a variety of areas (economics, law, politics, languages) and may also have relevant working experience. Getting a single 74 in one essay will not be enough to have a realistic chance.
Have you spoken to any tutors especially tutors who may be Oxford graduates? What is their opinion about your chances?
It is great that you got 74, but you need to constantly aim higher and do everything to achieve firsts in multiple essays. And if you can do that for exams, I think it will be even more impressive!
Think of the volume of applications Oxford receives for this course. They receive a number of applications probably 5 times over the number of places they can offer. You are not simply competing with UK students, but with students from all over the world who may have 1st class degrees in a variety of areas (economics, law, politics, languages) and may also have relevant working experience. Getting a single 74 in one essay will not be enough to have a realistic chance.
Have you spoken to any tutors especially tutors who may be Oxford graduates? What is their opinion about your chances?
To be honest, I doubt most Oxford graduates know everything inside out about the admission process. Unless they happened to go through admitting students as Oxford admission tutors, they won't know how applications are assessed. I can imagine they can provide reassuring anecdotal experiences, such as "I managed to get in despite lower grades/lack of work experience/whatever", but that still cannot give the applicant an accurate picture. Besides, so many things play part in the process: grades, references, personal statement, professional experience and, sometimes, additional test results and written work. Without seeing all of these, it would be hard to assess someone else's chances, unless the candidate was a straightforward reject (degree result under 40%, lack of written work where required and so forth).
University of Oxford
Oxford
Original post by the mezzil
What is the accommodation like for postgraduates at both Universities? Do they live in colleges, or in the city in private accommodation?
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I don't know about Cambridge, but in Oxford it entirely depends on what college you end up in as to whether they'll be able to offer accommodation. The vast majority do, but many don't have enough to house all of their postgrads. A common policy is for new postgrads to be guaranteed accommodation, but for continuing students to go private, or to be told that there's a 'chance' that they might get accommodation but it's not guaranteed. There's also university-wide accommodation but there seems to be less and less of that as colleges are reserving some of those rooms, so that's not guaranteed either. However, many postgrads opt to go private anyway, and there is a fair bit of private accommodation available in areas such as Cowley and Jericho.
Original post by llacerta
I don't know about Cambridge, but in Oxford it entirely depends on what college you end up in as to whether they'll be able to offer accommodation. The vast majority do, but many don't have enough to house all of their postgrads. A common policy is for new postgrads to be guaranteed accommodation, but for continuing students to go private, or to be told that there's a 'chance' that they might get accommodation but it's not guaranteed. There's also university-wide accommodation but there seems to be less and less of that as colleges are reserving some of those rooms, so that's not guaranteed either. However, many postgrads opt to go private anyway, and there is a fair bit of private accommodation available in areas such as Cowley and Jericho.
Right, thanks. What is the average price for both private and college, or does it vary hugely?
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Original post by the mezzil
Right, thanks. What is the average price for both private and college, or does it vary hugely?
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It really does vary. I've heard people often say that college is 'so much more expensive', but the house I live in now is college-owned and is about the same price as many of the private houses in the same area- and especially considering we also get a scout who cleans the house, and bills are all included, I think it's a pretty sweet deal. It's also worth considering the quality of accommodation; for example, to be fair, a lot of the other rooms at my current college are a lot more expensive than the one I'm in now, but that's because they're modern, built only last year, and are en-suite and very swish- much nicer than a lot of the stuff you can get privately. So it depends on the college (some are known for being expensive, others for being cheap) and on the quality of the accommodation itself.
Original post by llacerta
It really does vary. I've heard people often say that college is 'so much more expensive', but the house I live in now is college-owned and is about the same price as many of the private houses in the same area- and especially considering we also get a scout who cleans the house, and bills are all included, I think it's a pretty sweet deal. It's also worth considering the quality of accommodation; for example, to be fair, a lot of the other rooms at my current college are a lot more expensive than the one I'm in now, but that's because they're modern, built only last year, and are en-suite and very swish- much nicer than a lot of the stuff you can get privately. So it depends on the college (some are known for being expensive, others for being cheap) and on the quality of the accommodation itself.
Okay, thanks for the help!
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Original post by ellie.rew
Sorry, my point was that unless you're sure that a particular masters will allow you to do one of those things for you, then it's difficult to justify the cost, especially when it's as prohibitively high as Oxbridge.
There's no guarantees in the jobs market, but I think a Masters degree from a top university will always add something big to somebodies CV.
Original post by Ivanka
To be honest, I doubt most Oxford graduates know everything inside out about the admission process. Unless they happened to go through admitting students as Oxford admission tutors, they won't know how applications are assessed. I can imagine they can provide reassuring anecdotal experiences, such as "I managed to get in despite lower grades/lack of work experience/whatever", but that still cannot give the applicant an accurate picture. Besides, so many things play part in the process: grades, references, personal statement, professional experience and, sometimes, additional test results and written work. Without seeing all of these, it would be hard to assess someone else's chances, unless the candidate was a straightforward reject (degree result under 40%, lack of written work where required and so forth).
Pardon me. I should have specified if he/she has any tutors who are Oxford graduates and have also worked for the university in some capacity. First, if they are graduates they would probably be able to offer a more accurate opinion on whether a student has the qualities and qualifications necessary to get in and "survive" at Oxford and secondly, if they worked as tutors or lecturers there they might be able to help even more in this sense.
For example, we have a quite large number of lecturers in my faculty who studied for a degree at Oxford. Some of them were undergrads, and other postgrads and then many of them worked there for a few years before leaving to pursue careers at other universities. A handful of them can offer incredible advice, exactly because they were also involved in admissions.
The OP here has a dream and while currently he/she doesn't have many chances, listening the "ugly" truth from a lecturer/tutor, might help him/her get motivated and prepare for the "battle"!
From an academic point of view, what are the cons of doing your Master's at Oxbridge as opposed to other Russell Group universities?
This post from a student doing his DPhil in CS at Oxford got me thinking. He's explaining why he hates Oxford: http://pastebin.com/ndA58Gr7
This post from a student doing his DPhil in CS at Oxford got me thinking. He's explaining why he hates Oxford: http://pastebin.com/ndA58Gr7
Original post by just_passing_bye
From an academic point of view, what are the cons of doing your Master's at Oxbridge as opposed to other Russell Group universities?
This post from a student doing his DPhil in CS at Oxford got me thinking. He's explaining why he hates Oxford: http://pastebin.com/ndA58Gr7
This post from a student doing his DPhil in CS at Oxford got me thinking. He's explaining why he hates Oxford: http://pastebin.com/ndA58Gr7
Although I can understand that the things this person has listed are cons of their experience at Oxbridge, they're firstly issues that arise at most universities outside of Oxbridge (aside from the first point). And even within Oxbridge, this person's experiences aren't generalisable to other people within the same university, or from Oxford to Cambridge...To address his points specifically:
1. This is probably the 'fairest' complaint out of the list here. However, again, it's hardly specific to Oxford- most universities have very segregated departments. In fact, my personal experiences are that collaboration is often actively encouraged as there are many small centres specialising in certain aspects of a subject that collaborate with each other.
2. That's kind of odd. This may be subject-dependent, but I've never come across an article or paper that I can't access. And the Bodleian library system means that as an Oxford student, you basically have access to any book you may want. This is a vast improvement on my undergrad uni, certainly. And there are also like a billion libraries, haha, so much study space that I sometimes struggle to choose where to study!
3. I see my supervisor every week, sometimes several times a week if he's about. Again, this varies from department to department, individual to individual, university to university, subject to subject...
4. Eh, my experiences of the teaching here have been mixed. Some great lectures, some not so.
5. I don't really know how to respond to this; I guess it's sort of obvious to say that, of course, the system hasn't been set up to stifle ideas- that'd be weird. There's certainly a case for saying that tradition means a lot at Oxford, so there are extra layers of bureaucracy that can make things trickier than elsewhere. But the college system is a great example of how the system actually encourages interdisciplinary thought, as lecturers from different departments and areas are able to spend time in college with others that they wouldn't usually spend time with (if they interact with college life, that is- many don't). So it can really go either way.
This is not to say that I've had a flawless Master's year here- in fact, I'd probably claim the opposite...but rather that these particular criticisms are ill-considered, and certainly not specific to Oxford (or Cambridge). My personal biggest criticism, as such, is of my Master's course, so I would warn those thinking of applying to Oxford or Cambridge that just because the subject is being taught at a fantastic institution, it doesn't mean that the course itself will automatically be amazing, so just be wary of that. And yeah, room rents are expensive here, but it's not the only place where the prices are high. Also, complaining about the weather in England is pretty hilarious- that's like choosing to study in the Sahara, and then upon arrival, complaining about the heat.
I genuinely can't think of any other cons, though. Maybe course cost might be one of them for some courses, but mine was by far the cheapest option in comparison to UCL, KCL, Edinburgh, etc. I've enjoyed my Master's enough to want to stay for a DPhil, but I wouldn't stay based just on the Oxford name- my great supervisor and lab and the great facilities are what are keeping me here.
In summary, everyone has very different experiences at Oxford (and Cambridge), just like everywhere else. There are some benefits of being here, e.g. the college system and the library facilities and so on, that perhaps go over and above what other Russell Group universities have. And the cons of being here are often shared by these other universities, and are specific to the subject and people you're working with. Anyway, I'll shut up now, I'm sure you get the idea.
Original post by Eboracum
There's no guarantees in the jobs market, but I think a Masters degree from a top university will always add something big to somebodies CV.
I see your point, but I'm not sure that an Oxbridge masters is enough of an advantage to justify the £15-20k minimum pricetag on job prospects alone.
Original post by just_passing_bye
From an academic point of view, what are the cons of doing your Master's at Oxbridge as opposed to other Russell Group universities?
This post from a student doing his DPhil in CS at Oxford got me thinking. He's explaining why he hates Oxford: http://pastebin.com/ndA58Gr7
This post from a student doing his DPhil in CS at Oxford got me thinking. He's explaining why he hates Oxford: http://pastebin.com/ndA58Gr7
I agree with llcerta on most points that this person makes; they're either hopelessly personal (such as supervisor problems - I've heard horror stories even worse than this at Oxford, but my supervisor is amazing and terrible supervisors (or teachers) are not confined to Oxbridge) or just silly (rain in England - stop the press!). In fact, many of the points I would see as the best part of my Oxford experience. There are countless seminars, many of which are interdisciplinary, which have the effect of making it much easier to mix with researchers from different areas because they're open to all. The Bodleian library system is probably the best university library in the world, rivaled only maybe by the big Ivies in the States - I have no idea what articles he couldn't find, but I know even when there wasn't something to be found in the Bod (usually because someone else was using it), the librarians have a huge budget (relatively speaking) and will buy it in for you.
As for whether Oxbridge is better than another RG academically, well that very much depends on the subject and topic you're interested in. Oxbridge are pretty good at most things but like all unis are only the best at some things. Oxbridge isn't automatically the best place to do a masters, but it's very often in the running.
Hey,
I just have a few questions about my chances. I am applying for development studies at Cambridge and Migration and Refugee studies at Oxford. I am currently reading PPE at Warwick.
I really struggled to adapt to university life in the first year scoring 56.3% average with 44 in Economics 1 and 41 in my Maths modules. Although I should point out, owing to the fact I am on a hard PPE course, I did 30 extra credits of modules compared to all UK students to cover the breadth of the course. 150 as opposed to 120, to be clear. My first year did not count.
This year, I knew I had my dream and I wanted to turn it around, worked day in and day out and ended up with a 68.6% (about 3% less than what I expected but realistically, you aren't getting above 73 odd on my course, no matter who you are). As it happens 68-70.9% is borderline first and is left to the discretion of the board of examiners, but for now I guess it's provisionally a very high 2.1. This year counting for 50% of my degree and my final year being the same.
My module marks were 72 in Economics 2 (the follow-up to the 44 Economics 1 module), 73, 74, 66, 63. Though I improved 12.3% in my second year, it was actually the year that I had mitigating circumstances. I was on anxiety medication which the university does know about and it did affect me throughout the year.
My question is with good references and the fact I am currently doing a research internship with one of the most famous UK think tanks and going off to work with a NGO this summer on resource scarcity and trade agreements, will I have a realistic and strong chance of getting in? To be honest, Oxford is the one I really want.
I have been reading how people have been top in the year on their courses and this has slightly worried me, I am one of the better ones no doubt but there are a few in my year who did score 70-74 area (often doing the BSc version of PPE though and not the BA variant like I did), but then again, it really depends on what you are doing and where, right?
It's a shame there is a fetishness with numbers full stop, I know what I scored this year wasn't reflective of my abilities (even if it was good) and they really do not indicate much. In the context of the broader world, it's all what people seem to focus on and end up in symbolic positivist approaches to problems rather than tackling the deeper issues.
I just have a few questions about my chances. I am applying for development studies at Cambridge and Migration and Refugee studies at Oxford. I am currently reading PPE at Warwick.
I really struggled to adapt to university life in the first year scoring 56.3% average with 44 in Economics 1 and 41 in my Maths modules. Although I should point out, owing to the fact I am on a hard PPE course, I did 30 extra credits of modules compared to all UK students to cover the breadth of the course. 150 as opposed to 120, to be clear. My first year did not count.
This year, I knew I had my dream and I wanted to turn it around, worked day in and day out and ended up with a 68.6% (about 3% less than what I expected but realistically, you aren't getting above 73 odd on my course, no matter who you are). As it happens 68-70.9% is borderline first and is left to the discretion of the board of examiners, but for now I guess it's provisionally a very high 2.1. This year counting for 50% of my degree and my final year being the same.
My module marks were 72 in Economics 2 (the follow-up to the 44 Economics 1 module), 73, 74, 66, 63. Though I improved 12.3% in my second year, it was actually the year that I had mitigating circumstances. I was on anxiety medication which the university does know about and it did affect me throughout the year.
My question is with good references and the fact I am currently doing a research internship with one of the most famous UK think tanks and going off to work with a NGO this summer on resource scarcity and trade agreements, will I have a realistic and strong chance of getting in? To be honest, Oxford is the one I really want.
I have been reading how people have been top in the year on their courses and this has slightly worried me, I am one of the better ones no doubt but there are a few in my year who did score 70-74 area (often doing the BSc version of PPE though and not the BA variant like I did), but then again, it really depends on what you are doing and where, right?
It's a shame there is a fetishness with numbers full stop, I know what I scored this year wasn't reflective of my abilities (even if it was good) and they really do not indicate much. In the context of the broader world, it's all what people seem to focus on and end up in symbolic positivist approaches to problems rather than tackling the deeper issues.
(edited 9 years ago)
Original post by Deep456
Hey,
It's a shame there is a fetishness with numbers full stop, I know what I scored this year wasn't reflective of my abilities (even if it was good) and they really do not indicate much. In the context of the broader world, it's all what people seem to focus on and end up in symbolic positivist approaches to problems rather than tackling the deeper issues.
It's a shame there is a fetishness with numbers full stop, I know what I scored this year wasn't reflective of my abilities (even if it was good) and they really do not indicate much. In the context of the broader world, it's all what people seem to focus on and end up in symbolic positivist approaches to problems rather than tackling the deeper issues.
I think your point about the 'fetishness with numbers' is a good one- but in fact, from my experiences at Oxford (and knowing people who study a really broad range of subjects, from the arts to the hard sciences) the point is that Oxford doesn't just focus on the cold, hard numbers. (If they did, I wouldn't have got a place with my 2.1 in second year!) It's more that the competition tends to be so tough, that those who get a place often not only came top of their year, but also have relevant experience/extra-curriculars/publications/internships, etc. So your extra experiences will definitely help your application, but it's just worth bearing in mind that other people applying will often have top marks alongside excellent references and internships and so on.
However, no-one can truly comment on whether you have a 'realistic' or 'strong' chance of getting in, especially as this does vary from course to course (so perhaps someone who has applied for something in your area might know more than I do). And even if someone is more able to assess your chances, it will only ever be a very rough judgement. The best thing you can do is apply, make your application the best it can be, and hope for the best! If it helps, I really didn't think I had a chance and yet things worked out. The fact that you've improved so much in your second year will certainly show determination and perseverance to the admissions tutors, and your extras will help. So fingers crossed and good luck!
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Thank you so much. Yeah 80% of it is just turning up isn't it, I mean I meet requirements, the worst they can say is no right?
I'm great believer of positive energy so I remain optimistic and can only hope to build on the foundations I've set and continue to try my best.
Thank you so much. Yeah 80% of it is just turning up isn't it, I mean I meet requirements, the worst they can say is no right?
I'm great believer of positive energy so I remain optimistic and can only hope to build on the foundations I've set and continue to try my best.
(edited 9 years ago)
Original post by Deep456
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Thank you so much. Yeah 80% of it is just turning up isn't it, I mean I meet requirements, the worst they can say is no right?
I'm great believer of positive energy so I remain optimistic and can only hope to build on the foundations I've set and continue to try my best.
Thank you so much. Yeah 80% of it is just turning up isn't it, I mean I meet requirements, the worst they can say is no right?
I'm great believer of positive energy so I remain optimistic and can only hope to build on the foundations I've set and continue to try my best.
Like you said, you meet the requirements in terms of the raw numbers and Oxford does take everything into account, not just the numbers. If you want to make a competitive application, start thinking now about your research proposal/personal statement - it's your chance to really prove why you want to be on the course and to show that you would get the maximum benefit from it.
The detailed breakdown of your grades also matters; you seem to have quite a few grades in the 70s with on low 60 dragging the average down. If the 70s modules are particularly relevant to the Masters you want to do (I have no idea if they are or not), that increases the chances that they'll be willing to look past an outlier of a low mark. It is very competitive, but you have just as much of a shot as anyone.
For maths masters at Oxford, I know that you need a 'high' first but what percentage would be 'high'? And if you are supposed to apply on early final year of undergraduate, then what marks do they look at? The second year? What percentage would you have to get in the second year to get an offer? Also does the university you're currently in matter? I go to uni of bham.
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Original post by cooldudeman
For maths masters at Oxford, I know that you need a 'high' first but what percentage would be 'high'? And if you are supposed to apply on early final year of undergraduate, then what marks do they look at? The second year? What percentage would you have to get in the second year to get an offer? Also does the university you're currently in matter? I go to uni of bham.
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Hi cooldudeman, I've just finished my BSc at the University of Sussex (In maths), and I have recieved a place in one of the Oxford Centres for Doctoral training (the PDE-CDT to be exact), and they will be going off your second year grades, since the interviews (well atleast for the CDT's, but I imagine the interview for masters are around the same time), start early in the year, but can last up until may, I had 76% for my first year grades and 88% for my second year grades, I had also done a summer research placement with my university, which I think helped as I had not done a masters.
One really important part is your statement of purpose/ research proposal (I did an SOP), I would be happy to upload mine if you want to have a look, also you have to upload a C.V. and have three references I believe.
Do ALL of your documents in latex, its a lot nicer than word etc.
Good luck!
Original post by flapnuble
Hi cooldudeman, I've just finished my BSc at the University of Sussex (In maths), and I have recieved a place in one of the Oxford Centres for Doctoral training (the PDE-CDT to be exact), and they will be going off your second year grades, since the interviews (well atleast for the CDT's, but I imagine the interview for masters are around the same time), start early in the year, but can last up until may, I had 76% for my first year grades and 88% for my second year grades, I had also done a summer research placement with my university, which I think helped as I had not done a masters.
One really important part is your statement of purpose/ research proposal (I did an SOP), I would be happy to upload mine if you want to have a look, also you have to upload a C.V. and have three references I believe.
Do ALL of your documents in latex, its a lot nicer than word etc.
Good luck!
One really important part is your statement of purpose/ research proposal (I did an SOP), I would be happy to upload mine if you want to have a look, also you have to upload a C.V. and have three references I believe.
Do ALL of your documents in latex, its a lot nicer than word etc.
Good luck!
Oh that makes sense I think. I'm actually going into the second year now. I got 73% in my first year. Hopefully going to get higher in this year so I have a chance.
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Original post by cooldudeman
Oh that makes sense I think. I'm actually going into the second year now. I got 73% in my first year. Hopefully going to get higher in this year so I have a chance.
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I think anything above a first and you'll be in a good position, with a 2:1 it would be harder, but since your applying for a masters and not a PhD, you should be on an even playing field in terms of research.
Also don't do any of the "easier" modules, always go for the relevant ones, close to your interests!
Original post by flapnuble
I think anything above a first and you'll be in a good position, with a 2:1 it would be harder, but since your applying for a masters and not a PhD, you should be on an even playing field in terms of research.
Also don't do any of the "easier" modules, always go for the relevant ones, close to your interests!
Also don't do any of the "easier" modules, always go for the relevant ones, close to your interests!
The thing is with the masters, on the ox Web it says you need at least a first class so a second upper is way too low for them.
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Original post by flapnuble
One really important part is your statement of purpose/ research proposal (I did an SOP), I would be happy to upload mine if you want to have a look, also you have to upload a C.V. and have three references I believe.
One really important part is your statement of purpose/ research proposal (I did an SOP), I would be happy to upload mine if you want to have a look, also you have to upload a C.V. and have three references I believe.
I'm not the poster you were talking to, but I'd very interested in having a look at it if you kindly upload it.
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