Oxford University - In Depth

Founded: 12th/13th century.

Site: Scattered throughout the city centre. Most college and university facilities (departments, libraries, labs) and sports grounds are within walking or biking distance.

How to get there: Good coach and rail links from London, Birmingham, the north, Heathrow and Gatwick; close to M40. Walk and bike within city.

Special features: Distinctive collegiate system.

University and the colleges: The university is a federation of 39 independent, self-contained and self-governing colleges, 31 of which admit first degree undergraduates. There are also 7 private halls, founded by different Christian denominations. Each college selects its own students, houses them (most for at least 2 out of 3 years), provides meals, common rooms, libraries, sports and social facilities and is responsible, through the tutorial system, for its students' academic work. The majority of colleges teach most, but not all, of the university courses; so you need to check that the course you want is available at the college you prefer. Your college will be the hub of your life. They have their own prospectuses, in addition to the university prospectus.

Academic features: The university provides the curricular framework within which college teaching takes place, as well as providing a wide range of resources for teaching and learning - libraries, labs, museums, computing facilities etc. It sets the exams and awards degrees.

Awarding body: Oxford University.

Main undergraduate awards: BA, BFA, BM, BCh, BTh, MBiochem, MChem, MEng, MEarthSc, MMath, MPhys.

Length of courses: 3 years; 4 years for eg languages, undergraduate Masters'.

Library & information services: Bodleian Library is main university library (a copyright library, so may claim a copy of all books published in the UK). Faculties, departments and colleges also have their own libraries. All new students have library induction pack and induction sessions from libraries relevant to their studies. Annual expenditure on information provision, £307 per (FTE) student, plus £44 by colleges. Separate IT service, ratio workstations to students in colleges & libraries at least 1:4. Some facilities open 24 hours/day (university computing services, in addition to departmental and college facilities). All colleges offer in-house help. OUCS (university computer service) offers self-paced material, help and advice, and courses in eg basic IT skills and training for European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL).

Other learning facilities: University museums of art and archaeology, history of science, anthropology and natural history; musical instruments; botanic garden; university language centre.

Study abroad: Approx 10% of students spend a period abroad. Most exchanges are for language specialists but opportunities in other subjects are increasing eg a 4-year law course with a year at a university in Europe. Links with a large number of European universities and with Princeton University USA.

Careers: University careers service. 47% of graduates to straight into employment, 38% to further study.

Student advice & services: Mainly in individual colleges. University counselling service.

Amenities: Many university societies eg Oxford Union, OUDS (dramatic society) as well as college activities. 4 theatres in city, several cinemas, variety of venues for music of all kinds, ice rink and 3 swimming pools. Also University Parks, Christ Church Meadow.

Sporting facilities: Excellent university sports facilities (and high standards for high fliers) including new swimming pool; also college facilities (range of standards).

Accommodation: All colleges provide accommodation for first year undergraduates; most also house third year students and many house all undergraduates. Students have to live within six miles of the centre of the city, so living at home is extremely rare.

Living expenses budget: Varies by college; £3050 pa is average charged for food and lodging in college.

Term-time work: University does not allow term-time work for first degree students.

Financial help for students: All home students assessed as paying no tuition fees can be offered a bursary of at least £2000 from Oxford Bursary Scheme. Government hardship funds approx £575,000 plus a variety of other funds (£2 million in total) to help students eg from particular countries/areas, studying particular subjects, or suffering financial hardship; awards generally made on the basis of academic merit or financial need (awards range from £100 to £3000). Most colleges also offer scholarships and have funds for students in financial difficulty. In virtually all cases, awards are made only to students already on their course, except for some international student awards. Apply for help to college.

Tuition fees: Home students up to £1200 pa for first degrees (in 2005). International students pay £8170 pa (classroom), £10,890 (lab/studio), £19,970 (clinical). College fees (£3000-£4000 pa) are paid in addition to university tuition fees, except by home and EU students who are publicly funded (eg those eligible for a student loan).