University of Oxford Review: A Comprehensive Guide
The University of Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world and one of the most respected academic institutions globally. Located in Oxford, England, it offers a distinctive collegiate system, world-class teaching, and access to cutting-edge research.
Oxford consistently ranks among the top universities worldwide and attracts some of the most talented students and researchers. Its rigorous admissions process and intellectual environment are designed to challenge and inspire.
University of Oxford Summary
- City: Oxford
-
Graduate Employment Rate：
93% within 15 months of graduation.
Table of Contents
Overview of the University of Oxford
Oxford offers over 50 undergraduate courses across a wide range of disciplines, including humanities, sciences, social sciences, and medicine. Each course is designed with academic depth, critical thinking, and practical relevance in mind.
Teaching is delivered through lectures, classes, and small-group tutorials led by experts in the field. Students belong to a college, which provides personalised academic support and a close-knit community within the larger university.
The university supports a strong research culture, with facilities, labs, and libraries recognised internationally. Oxford also provides opportunities for global study, internships, and outreach through a wide alumni network.
Every year, their graduates go on to excel in sectors such as law, medicine, finance, academia, technology, and public policy.
University of Oxford Rankings 2026
UK Ranking (Complete University Guide 2026): 2nd
World Ranking (QS World University Ranking 2026): 4th
University of Oxford Courses and Programmes
The MChem Chemistry course at the University of Oxford is a four-year integrated programme that combines rigorous academic study with hands-on research experience.
Duration: 4 years (MChem)
Entry Requirements: A*AA
– Must include Chemistry and Maths
– Another science or Further Maths is recommendedAdmissions Stats:
– Interviewed: 66%
– Successful: 18%
– Intake: ~180 students annually
Oxford’s Chemistry programme focuses on the structure, properties, synthesis, and transformation of materials at the atomic and molecular level.
You’ll cover key areas such as:
- Reaction mechanisms
- Analysis and measurement
- Theoretical and computational chemistry
- Medicinal and biological chemistry
- Sustainable energy and advanced materials
You’ll study in world-class laboratories and take part in a strong research culture, with Oxford known globally for its cutting-edge chemistry research.
Teaching and Learning
- All students follow a shared core curriculum, with opportunities to specialise in later years.
- The fourth year is entirely research-based, allowing students to work on real projects alongside academic staff.
- The course is non-modular, promoting a deep and integrated understanding of the subject.
- Practical work is a key part of the programme, supported by newly built labs and advanced facilities.
Why Oxford for Chemistry?
Oxford has one of the most prestigious chemistry departments in the world. Its strong links between teaching and research, combined with a history of innovation and commercialisation, make it an ideal place for students aiming to pursue advanced scientific careers or further study.
The Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics (PPL) degree at the University of Oxford offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the mind, behaviour, language, and thought.
Degree options:
BA (3 years) or MSci (4 years, Psychology-focused)Subject combinations:
Students apply to study any two of the following:Psychology
Philosophy
Linguistics
(In rare cases, students may study all three, with college approval after admission.)
Fourth-year MSci:
Only available to those studying Psychology.
It involves a research-intensive project in experimental psychology or related areas.
Accreditation
- The programme is BPS-accredited (British Psychological Society), giving graduates eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership.
- To qualify, students must take sufficient psychology modules and achieve at least a 2:2 Honours.
Why Study PPL at Oxford?
At Oxford, psychology is treated as a scientific discipline. The course places strong emphasis on experiments and systematic observation, rather than introspection. Students gain exposure to cutting-edge research in areas such as human cognition, neuroscience, social psychology, and language development.
Philosophy at Oxford is globally respected and academically rigorous. The department is particularly strong in the philosophy of mind and philosophy of science, with active collaborations linking philosophical research to psychology and neuroscience.
Linguistics at Oxford offers a balanced approach between theoretical frameworks and experimental methods. The faculty is supported by two research labs: the Language & Brain Laboratory and the Phonetics Laboratory. They provide students with opportunities to engage in practical, data-driven research.
The Medicine (A100) course at the University of Oxford offers a six-year path to becoming a doctor, combining academic rigour with clinical training. It’s structured into two distinct phases: pre-clinical (3 years) and clinical (3 years).
Course Duration:
3 years (BA in Medical Sciences)
6 years (BM BCh qualification)Entry Requirements:
A*AA at A-level (excluding Critical Thinking and Thinking Skills)
Required: Chemistry with either Maths, Further Maths, Biology, or PhysicsAdmissions Statistics:
Interviewed: 25%
Successful: 9%
Annual intake: ~153 students
Course Structure
Pre-Clinical Stage (Years 1–3)
Focuses on the science behind medicine – anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology, and related fields.
Ends with a BA in Medical Sciences.
Includes an independent research project in a chosen area.Clinical Stage (Years 4–6)
Focus shifts to hands-on medical training in hospitals and GP practices.
Students apply their scientific knowledge to real patient care.
Why Study Medicine at Oxford?
- Emphasis on research-led teaching and scientific foundations of medicine
- Access to top researchers and facilities
- Smaller cohort, leading to more personal support and a tight-knit academic community
- A strong focus on developing critical thinking and a research mindset
University of Oxford Entry Deadline
| Date | What Happens |
| 13 May 2025 | Applications open. Students can start filling in their UCAS forms. |
| 2 Sep 2025 | Students can start submitting completed applications to UCAS. |
| 15 Oct 2025 (6pm) | Deadline for Oxford, Cambridge, and most medicine, dentistry, vet courses. |
| 14 Jan 2026 (6pm) | Main deadline for most undergraduate courses. |
| 26 Feb 2026 | UCAS Extra opens. Students with no offers can apply for more courses. |
| 30 Jun 2026 (6pm) | Last date to apply before Clearing. After this, applications go to Clearing. |
| 5 Jul 2026 | Clearing opens. Students can view and apply to available places. |
| 24 Sep 2026 | Final deadline to apply for 2026 entry. |
| 19 Oct 2026 | Last date to add a Clearing choice. |
University of Oxford Entry Requirements
Typical offers for Oxford students:
| Grade Requirement | Courses |
|---|---|
| A*AA | Biochemistry, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, Psychology, PPL, Medicine |
| AAA | Most Humanities, Social Sciences, and Language Courses (e.g. History, Law, PPE, English, Modern Languages, Architecture, Music, Theology, etc.) |
| A*AA | Chemistry, Engineering Science, Mathematics (and joint degrees), Computer Science |
| A*AA/AAAA | Earth Sciences |
| BBB – AAB | Foundation Year programmes |
Common Subject Requirements
| Subject | Required / Strongly Recommended For |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | Compulsory for Computer Science, Economics, Maths-related courses, Engineering, Physics, PPE, Psychology |
| Further Maths | Often recommended or required for Computer Science, Maths, Physics, Engineering |
| Chemistry | Required for Medicine, Biochemistry, Chemistry |
| Biology | Required/recommended for Medicine, Biology, Human Sciences, PPL |
| Physics | Required for Engineering, Physics, Materials Science |
| English Lit | Required for English, English and Modern Languages |
| History | Required for History and related joint courses |
| Languages | Required for Modern Languages, AMES, Classics (if applicable), Law with Law Studies in Europe |
| Essay Subjects | Required or recommended for Law, PPE, Philosophy, Theology, Humanities generally |
University of Oxford Fees
Fees vary by course, here are some of the 2025/2026 fees:
Computer Science
UK
International
University of Oxford Facilities
The university offers a wide range of sports facilities across three main sites, supporting both recreational and high-performance sport:
Iffley Road Sports Complex: The university’s main hub for sport and fitness.
Key facilities include:
- Indoor sports hall
- 25-metre swimming pool
- Squash courts
- Fully equipped gym and fitness suite
- Athletics track (made famous by Roger Bannister’s four-minute mile)
- Strength and conditioning room
- Rowing tank
- Cricket nets
- Group exercise studios
Marston Road Sports Ground: A large outdoor space for team and field sports.
Facilities include:
- Rugby pitches
- Football pitches
- Lacrosse fields
- Training spaces for college and university teams
University Parks: Over 70 acres of green space in central Oxford.
Used for:
- Cricket
- Football
- Ultimate Frisbee
- Recreational walking, running, and informal games
University of Oxford Notable Alumni
Here are 10 notable alumni of the University of Oxford:
Stephen Hawking – Theoretical physicist and cosmologist, known for his work on black holes and author of A Brief History of Time. Studied at University College.
Tony Blair – Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (1997–2007). Studied law at St John’s College.
Margaret Thatcher – First female Prime Minister of the UK (1979–1990). Studied chemistry at Somerville College.
Oscar Wilde – Playwright, poet, and author of The Picture of Dorian Gray. Studied at Magdalen College.
T.S. Eliot – Influential poet and Nobel Laureate in Literature. Studied at Merton College.
Indira Gandhi – First and only female Prime Minister of India. Studied briefly at Somerville College.
Malala Yousafzai – Nobel Peace Prize winner and education activist. Studied Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) at Lady Margaret Hall.
David Cameron – Former Prime Minister of the UK (2010–2016). Studied PPE at Brasenose College.
Emma Watson – Actress and activist, best known for playing Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films. Studied English Literature at Worcester College.
Rishi Sunak – Current Prime Minister of the UK (since 2022). Studied PPE at Lincoln College.
Experience the City of Oxford as a Student
Life as a student at the University of Oxford is intellectually intense and highly structured. The academic system is built around small-group tutorials, where students meet weekly with subject experts to discuss their work in depth. This format demands critical thinking, independence, and discipline, but also provides personal attention and regular feedback.
Every student belongs to one of Oxford’s colleges, which offer accommodation, meals, and a strong sense of community. Colleges also handle much of the academic and pastoral support, making the experience more personal. Outside of studies, students can choose from hundreds of clubs and societies covering music, drama, politics, sport, volunteering, and more.
Oxford offers world-class libraries, including the historic Bodleian, as well as museums, laboratories, and green spaces. The city itself is compact, walkable, and filled with cafes, bookshops, and places to relax. While academic expectations are high, the combination of strong support, rich resources, and a close-knit community makes Oxford an exceptional place to study and grow.
How much does it cost to live in Oxford as a Student
Accommodation
£700 – £1,100
Food and Groceries
£200 – £350
Transport
£0 – £50 (most students walk/cycle)
Leisure
£100 – £200
University of Oxford Contact Information
- Official website: https://www.ox.ac.uk/
- Address: Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2JD, United Kingdom
- General information for international students: +44 1865 270000
