Oxford PPE (Philosophy, Politics and Economics) Students and Applicants
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KwungSun
By the way, is anybody actually enjoying this course? Most comments I hear are sort of along the lines of "well some parts of it are quite interesting, BUT...". It sometimes sounds a bit more like a necessary evil than a pleasurable pursuit...or is that just standard student cynicism?
Erm, it's very tough, and I found that parts of it were great, but other parts were very much not so. I think most people enjoy it to at least some extent, else they wouldn't be able to justify all the work necessary. Incidentally, I didn't change tripos because I didn't like the course (I really enjoyed most of E&B, and liked several parts of the other modules), but because I'm slightly obsessed with my new subject, though of course the crazy natsci workload did tilt my decision somewhat.
Scipio90
Hmm. Overall, for me, I would say physics and maths are a necessary evil, being something I have to study to get to physics in the later years, but are both a bit too slow to be enjoyable, with problems that are a bit too straightforward.
Wow, that's surprising. I would have thought Cambridge maths and physics problem sets to be real brain-rackers. But maybe you're just particularly ambitious?
KwungSun
By the way, is anybody actually enjoying this course? Most comments I hear are sort of along the lines of "well some parts of it are quite interesting, BUT...". It sometimes sounds a bit more like a necessary evil than a pleasurable pursuit...or is that just standard student cynicism?
Excalibur
E&B practicals are a bit weird. Today we watched a video of one of David Attenborough's series for one hour, then looked at some specimens in the Zoology museum. 
I sometimes wish I'd done E&B, I did enjoy the Geology evolution bit - practicals often involved just looking at loads of fossils from where I live (Dudley!), so yay.
The field trip in Geology was awesome as well so probably wouldn't want to have changed any of my choices.
Anyway...slightly useful information now, someone mentioned the geology practical exam and I just thought I'd add that it counts for like 40%. And in second year you get like loads of geology practical exams (maybe 4?) which are all really long. I could look it up, but there isn't much point I guess cause no-one really applies to specialise in Geology and everyone already here can look it up easily enough.
*kinda random waffle over*
KwungSun
By the way...
For what it's worth I enjoy the course, even in first year. Most people either enjoy it more as the years progress, as they get to specialise in what they want, etc, and as it actually gets interesting (physics especially!). (Although there are quite a few who probably have their enthusiasm for science completely drained as time goes on and enjoy it less and less. Which is a shame - they then normally go and work for a bank or something and make loads of money though, so whatever.)
Hi,
I'm currently undecided between geology and materials:
Can anyone tell me whether there are significant differences in work/practical time?
And is there much more learning stuff (especially for the exams in the end) in geology? Is one more about understanding and concepts than the other?
Also I read questions are to be answered in short essay style in geo, is this different in materials?
So basically if you know pros and cons...
And why are finding people materials way more dull, is it the lectures or the content and will it go away in further years?
Thanks!
P.S.: Oh, I forgot: The lecture handouts on the materials homepage look great (all-comprising)! Are the handouts in geology (and also physics, E&B) as well?
P.P.S: I couldnt find the ratio of practical to theoretical weighting of the marks for the final grade (like in materials 20% to 80%) for physics. Anybody knows it?
I'm currently undecided between geology and materials:
Can anyone tell me whether there are significant differences in work/practical time?
And is there much more learning stuff (especially for the exams in the end) in geology? Is one more about understanding and concepts than the other?
Also I read questions are to be answered in short essay style in geo, is this different in materials?
So basically if you know pros and cons...
And why are finding people materials way more dull, is it the lectures or the content and will it go away in further years?
Thanks!
P.S.: Oh, I forgot: The lecture handouts on the materials homepage look great (all-comprising)! Are the handouts in geology (and also physics, E&B) as well?
P.P.S: I couldnt find the ratio of practical to theoretical weighting of the marks for the final grade (like in materials 20% to 80%) for physics. Anybody knows it?
Hello, I'm planning to apply for PPE this year. At the moment I'm doing Maths, Further Maths, Economics, Latin and History but I'm not sure if I should give latin up next year. I don't find it much work at all atm (especially economics, what a joke subject) but apparently A2s are much harder work than ASs. For Oxford, is it worth doing the extra a level? + is there any way of finding out which colleges ask more maths questions in the interview?
anna_c_100
Hello, I'm planning to apply for PPE this year. At the moment I'm doing Maths, Further Maths, Economics, Latin and History but I'm not sure if I should give latin up next year. I don't find it much work at all atm (especially economics, what a joke subject) but apparently A2s are much harder work than ASs. For Oxford, is it worth doing the extra a level? + is there any way of finding out which colleges ask more maths questions in the interview?
1) I've heard economics gets pretty hard next year
2) Do what you want to do with Latin. Personally? Drop it. There is no need to do 4 A levels. Really none. No point piling too much unecessary work on yourself.
3) Doing 4 A levels makes pretty much no difference to Oxford, other than they may ask for AAAA/AAAB if you get an offer
4) Colleges are different. You will have to display that you are competent at pretty much all aspects to get an offer. Sorry! You will have to study the subject for 3 years, so you'll have to get used to being grilled on some tough questions. Having said that, they will be aware that you are obviously good at Maths (due to A level F.M.) and may either choose to give you some hard maths to prove yourself, or not ask it at all as they would assume good enough maths skills for the course.
Hope this helps.
anna_c_100
Hello, I'm planning to apply for PPE this year. At the moment I'm doing Maths, Further Maths, Economics, Latin and History but I'm not sure if I should give latin up next year. I don't find it much work at all atm (especially economics, what a joke subject) but apparently A2s are much harder work than ASs. For Oxford, is it worth doing the extra a level? + is there any way of finding out which colleges ask more maths questions in the interview?
1) Economics does take a big jump between AS and A, though tbh, it's still rather easy. I mean I got 290/300 in my AS, but only a low A at A Level, but that probably had something to do with the no work in the U6....
2) Even if a college is strong on maths one year, it really doesn't guarantee anything for the next year's interviews. My question at Merton was very mathy (nightmare, argh!), but all they asked at Oriel was to solve a quadratic and do a simple differentiation.
3) I only did three A levels, and I'm doing PPE, but most people I know here did 4+. But that may not be so much because Oxford likes that, rather than the kind of people that apply like the extra work
? I'm not terribly sure, but a fourth subject isn't overly necessary.Thanks for the advice.
Also, if I don't get in the first time, I may reapply (since I love the look of the course and I'd really like a gap year anyway). That's something else I have to take into consideration, esp. with A*s - I obviously shouldn't take 5 proper subjects for A2 if I'll slip down to As as a result.
Mrs Carrothead, what's Oriel like? Would you recommend it as a college for PPE? Are the tutors good? Also, I've heard it rewards the "public school trained" at interview, is this true? Is it as Tory and posh as people say? Thanks
Also, if I don't get in the first time, I may reapply (since I love the look of the course and I'd really like a gap year anyway). That's something else I have to take into consideration, esp. with A*s - I obviously shouldn't take 5 proper subjects for A2 if I'll slip down to As as a result.
Mrs Carrothead, what's Oriel like? Would you recommend it as a college for PPE? Are the tutors good? Also, I've heard it rewards the "public school trained" at interview, is this true? Is it as Tory and posh as people say? Thanks
anna_c_100
Thanks for the advice.
Also, if I don't get in the first time, I may reapply (since I love the look of the course and I'd really like a gap year anyway). That's something else I have to take into consideration, esp. with A*s - I obviously shouldn't take 5 proper subjects for A2 if I'll slip down to As as a result.
Mrs Carrothead, what's Oriel like? Would you recommend it as a college for PPE? Are the tutors good? Also, I've heard it rewards the "public school trained" at interview, is this true? Is it as Tory and posh as people say? Thanks
Also, if I don't get in the first time, I may reapply (since I love the look of the course and I'd really like a gap year anyway). That's something else I have to take into consideration, esp. with A*s - I obviously shouldn't take 5 proper subjects for A2 if I'll slip down to As as a result.
Mrs Carrothead, what's Oriel like? Would you recommend it as a college for PPE? Are the tutors good? Also, I've heard it rewards the "public school trained" at interview, is this true? Is it as Tory and posh as people say? Thanks
Ah yeah, completely forgot about those new grades.
I really love Oriel as a college, and the tutors are really good. For economics there's Chris and Andy, both of whom are disturbingly intelligent and a pretty good laugh. For philosophy there's Oliver Pooley who's won some £40 000 grant recently for his work on the philosophy of time (I think). And for politics we've mostly had Dan who's absolutely hilarious, and our tutes mostly consist of arguing about whatever we feel like and him making us tea. That being said, 3/9 of us got Scholarships in my year in first year exams.
As for public school people being rewarded at interview, I'd have to say no. I think it's more to do with what kind of people apply to each college. There are quite a few people who didn't go to private doing PPE (prob about 1/2), which is about the uni average I think. I did go to public school for sixth form, but I went to grammar school before that, and I didn't have any problems or anything.
As for posh and Tory, you should remember that you're applying for PPE at Oxford; everywhere's posh and Tory
! Well not everywhere, but I wouldn't say Oriel's particularly out of the ordinary, plus we're great at rowing, in the city centre (on the high street), have formal hall 6 nights a week, and loads of our rooms on en suite and a good £200 cheaper than, say, Magdalen.In short, apply to Oriel; it's great!
anna_c_100
Thanks for the advice.
Also, if I don't get in the first time, I may reapply (since I love the look of the course and I'd really like a gap year anyway). That's something else I have to take into consideration, esp. with A*s - I obviously shouldn't take 5 proper subjects for A2 if I'll slip down to As as a result.
Mrs Carrothead, what's Oriel like? Would you recommend it as a college for PPE? Are the tutors good? Also, I've heard it rewards the "public school trained" at interview, is this true? Is it as Tory and posh as people say? Thanks
Also, if I don't get in the first time, I may reapply (since I love the look of the course and I'd really like a gap year anyway). That's something else I have to take into consideration, esp. with A*s - I obviously shouldn't take 5 proper subjects for A2 if I'll slip down to As as a result.
Mrs Carrothead, what's Oriel like? Would you recommend it as a college for PPE? Are the tutors good? Also, I've heard it rewards the "public school trained" at interview, is this true? Is it as Tory and posh as people say? Thanks
To add to what Mrs Carrothead said I had no training nd went to a comp then state sixth form and was offered a place and enjoyed my interviews.
For a non-EU applicant from Bangladesh oxford seems like a pipedream-I got A grades in 5 out of 6 GCSE's including eco and english,and 3 A's in A levels.I can apply but dont know if I can get financial help.I am upset.
I want to read around my subjects (Physics and Chemistry) so I am just wondering which scientific magazine is better and more useful for the course (or maybe not?) :New Scientist or Scientific American ?
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
crack_jack21
For a non-EU applicant from Bangladesh oxford seems like a pipedream-I got A grades in 5 out of 6 GCSE's including eco and english,and 3 A's in A levels.I can apply but dont know if I can get financial help.I am upset.
You can, but it's very difficult.
Here's a list of scholarships for international students
http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate_courses/student_funding/scholarships.html
Reach Oxford is the only scholarships I believe you'd be eligible for:
http://www.admin.ox.ac.uk/studentfunding/scholarship_profiles/reachox.shtml
I've added a small section of the guide on funding
To all PPEists here, this thread is remarkably helpful!
But today is not a good day at all, the cold weather, the heavy snows, slipped when I was walking home and a rejection from Warwick.
For me, Warwick has a higher reputation in general compare with York which I have got an AAB offer from already. I would like to go Warwick purely because of higher reputation and also the more mathematical in Economics (As you can see my English is not good. First, I'm an alien. Second, I think I'm more likely a maths person rather than a brilliant essay writer) Here is the question, do you think a person with poor writing skill will struggle in doing PPE at York?
What will be your tips to improve essay skills? I'm doing Maths, Economics and Philosophy at A-level. Not surprisingly, Philosophy is the subject that let me down to AAB instead of AAA. Essay skill is important in Philosophy and I've been struggling by that. Is good writing skill very important for PPE or it isn't as important as I think? Any tips here are welcomed.
Also I want some recommandation of books for introduction of politics. I picked up Jonathan Wolff's "An introduction to political philosophy" and I found it easy to read. After this book and few others had made me obsessed to apply for PPE. Now I realize my knowledge in Politics is simply poor, especially on how democracy works here in the UK. Any recommandation of books, websites, columnists, blogs are welcomed.
p.s. I received a letter about open day for people who already got an offer. Does the uni expect you to turn up? or do I have to?
Anyway thanks and Good luck to those who are waiting for offers!
But today is not a good day at all, the cold weather, the heavy snows, slipped when I was walking home and a rejection from Warwick.
For me, Warwick has a higher reputation in general compare with York which I have got an AAB offer from already. I would like to go Warwick purely because of higher reputation and also the more mathematical in Economics (As you can see my English is not good. First, I'm an alien. Second, I think I'm more likely a maths person rather than a brilliant essay writer) Here is the question, do you think a person with poor writing skill will struggle in doing PPE at York?
What will be your tips to improve essay skills? I'm doing Maths, Economics and Philosophy at A-level. Not surprisingly, Philosophy is the subject that let me down to AAB instead of AAA. Essay skill is important in Philosophy and I've been struggling by that. Is good writing skill very important for PPE or it isn't as important as I think? Any tips here are welcomed.
Also I want some recommandation of books for introduction of politics. I picked up Jonathan Wolff's "An introduction to political philosophy" and I found it easy to read. After this book and few others had made me obsessed to apply for PPE. Now I realize my knowledge in Politics is simply poor, especially on how democracy works here in the UK. Any recommandation of books, websites, columnists, blogs are welcomed.
p.s. I received a letter about open day for people who already got an offer. Does the uni expect you to turn up? or do I have to?
Anyway thanks and Good luck to those who are waiting for offers!
s2000_147
To all PPEists here, this thread is remarkably helpful!
But today is not a good day at all, the cold weather, the heavy snows, slipped when I was walking home and a rejection from Warwick.
For me, Warwick has a higher reputation in general compare with York which I have got an AAB offer from already. I would like to go Warwick purely because of higher reputation and also the more mathematical in Economics (As you can see my English is not good. First, I'm an alien. Second, I think I'm more likely a maths person rather than a brilliant essay writer) Here is the question, do you think a person with poor writing skill will struggle in doing PPE at York?
What will be your tips to improve essay skills? I'm doing Maths, Economics and Philosophy at A-level. Not surprisingly, Philosophy is the subject that let me down to AAB instead of AAA. Essay skill is important in Philosophy and I've been struggling by that. Is good writing skill very important for PPE or it isn't as important as I think? Any tips here are welcomed.
Also I want some recommandation of books for introduction of politics. I picked up Jonathan Wolff's "An introduction to political philosophy" and I found it easy to read. After this book and few others had made me obsessed to apply for PPE. Now I realize my knowledge in Politics is simply poor, especially on how democracy works here in the UK. Any recommandation of books, websites, columnists, blogs are welcomed.
p.s. I received a letter about open day for people who already got an offer. Does the uni expect you to turn up? or do I have to?
Anyway thanks and Good luck to those who are waiting for offers!
But today is not a good day at all, the cold weather, the heavy snows, slipped when I was walking home and a rejection from Warwick.
For me, Warwick has a higher reputation in general compare with York which I have got an AAB offer from already. I would like to go Warwick purely because of higher reputation and also the more mathematical in Economics (As you can see my English is not good. First, I'm an alien. Second, I think I'm more likely a maths person rather than a brilliant essay writer) Here is the question, do you think a person with poor writing skill will struggle in doing PPE at York?
What will be your tips to improve essay skills? I'm doing Maths, Economics and Philosophy at A-level. Not surprisingly, Philosophy is the subject that let me down to AAB instead of AAA. Essay skill is important in Philosophy and I've been struggling by that. Is good writing skill very important for PPE or it isn't as important as I think? Any tips here are welcomed.
Also I want some recommandation of books for introduction of politics. I picked up Jonathan Wolff's "An introduction to political philosophy" and I found it easy to read. After this book and few others had made me obsessed to apply for PPE. Now I realize my knowledge in Politics is simply poor, especially on how democracy works here in the UK. Any recommandation of books, websites, columnists, blogs are welcomed.
p.s. I received a letter about open day for people who already got an offer. Does the uni expect you to turn up? or do I have to?
Anyway thanks and Good luck to those who are waiting for offers!
Hi s2000,
Firstly, I would say thank you for telling us we're useful, though I think London Prophet should take the compliment, considering he gives out the actual help
.Secondly, I assume that you did not get an offer from Oxford, but are instead planning on going to York. Have you also sat your A Levels already?
Thirdly, those Open Days are not compulsory I don't believe (I never went to any, even though Durham kept inviting me).
Fourthly, on to the important stuff! I BELIEVE (you should check this, as I can't seem to download the York PEP handbook) that you can drop a subject (for you, probably one of the Ps) after the first year, meaning that your essay writing will not be as important in your finals. Good essay writing really comes about through practice, so you could try this before you arrive, but your work in the first year should prepare you pretty well for your final honours schools. I'd say that if you got an A at A Level Economics, essay writing in philosophy is indeed different, but not necessarily much harder than that.
Hope that helped!
~charmaine~
I want to read around my subjects (Physics and Chemistry) so I am just wondering which scientific magazine is better and more useful for the course (or maybe not?) :New Scientist or Scientific American ?
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
New scientist is a good magazine IMO, but bad for physics as it's all speculative/far-out stuff rather than solid physics. Don't know about scientific american.
From what I've seen of it, physics world is good.
Hello students. I just posted the following on harris Manchester's forum but was wondering if anyone here had any advice.
QUESTION to all you Harris Manchester boffins.
I am twenty three and sat my A levels in 2003, I got a very ordinary ABC in Theatre studies, Ancient History and History respectivly. My final year was a bit of a waste as I achieved early admittance to RADA, where i graduated with a BA in Acting (i know) in 2006.
I am looking to apply to Harris' in 2010 to read History and Politics. I have searched the internet for intensive 1 year a level & access to Higher education courses in London and can't discern the good from the bad.
Can anyone share their experience of access courses and concentrated A levels. I would really appreciate some guidance. Thanks.
QUESTION to all you Harris Manchester boffins.
I am twenty three and sat my A levels in 2003, I got a very ordinary ABC in Theatre studies, Ancient History and History respectivly. My final year was a bit of a waste as I achieved early admittance to RADA, where i graduated with a BA in Acting (i know) in 2006.
I am looking to apply to Harris' in 2010 to read History and Politics. I have searched the internet for intensive 1 year a level & access to Higher education courses in London and can't discern the good from the bad.
Can anyone share their experience of access courses and concentrated A levels. I would really appreciate some guidance. Thanks.
Scipio90
From what I've seen of it, physics world is good.
It isn't any better, but APS has a similar thing that is available online (I suppose it's better in that sense) helpfully called Physics.
I think there's also a Chemistry World, similar to Physics World but I've only seen it occasionally so it may have just been a beautiful dream.
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