Oxford University is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, with a history dating back to the 11th century. It is a collegiate public research institution, consisting of 39 colleges and 6 permanent private halls, and over 100 libraries, making it the largest library system in the UK. Students number around 22,000 in total, just over half of whom are undergraduates while over 40% are international, representing 140 countries between them. In this article, we will provide an overview of the university’s rankings, fees, and courses for prospective students who are interested in studying at Oxford.
Rankings
Oxford University is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world by various international and national rankings. Some of the most recent and notable rankings are:
- QS World University Rankings 2024: 3rd in the world and 1st in the UK1
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024: 5th in the world and 2nd in the UK2
- Academic Ranking of World Universities 2023: 7th in the world and 2nd in the UK3
- US News Best Global Universities 2024: 8th in the world and 2nd in the UK4
- Times Good University Guide 2024: 2nd in the UK5
- Guardian University Guide 2024: 2nd in the UK6
These rankings reflect the university’s reputation for outstanding academic achievement, research impact, international outlook, teaching quality, and student satisfaction. The university has also produced 93 Nobel laureates, 28 British prime ministers, and many other distinguished alumni in various fields of human endeavour.
Fees
The tuition fees for studying at Oxford University vary depending on the course, the year of study, and the fee status of the student. The fee status is determined by the university based on the nationality, immigration status, and residence of the student. There are two main categories of fee status: Home and Overseas.
Home students are those who meet certain criteria of being ordinarily resident in the UK, the EU, the EEA, or Switzerland. Home students are eligible for government-regulated tuition fees and financial support from the Student Loan Company, the Oxford Bursary Scheme, and other sources. The tuition fee for Home students starting their first undergraduate degree in 2024 will be £9,250 for the year. The tuition fee for Home postgraduate students depends on the course and ranges from £9,250 to £34,956 per year7.
Overseas students are those who do not meet the criteria for Home fee status. Overseas students are subject to higher tuition fees and have limited access to financial support. The tuition fees for Overseas students vary depending on the course and the year of study. For undergraduate courses starting in 2024, the tuition fees range from £26,770 to £38,595 per year. For postgraduate courses starting in 2024, the tuition fees range from £25,740 to £59,950 per year8.
In addition to the tuition fees, students also have to pay college fees, which cover the costs of membership and services provided by the college. The college fees for Home and Overseas students are the same and depend on the college and the course. For 2024 entry, the college fees range from £9,570 to £12,159 per year for undergraduate students and from £3,600 to £12,159 per year for postgraduate students9.
Apart from the tuition and college fees, students also have to consider the living costs of studying at Oxford, which include accommodation, food, travel, books, and personal expenses. The university estimates that the average living costs for a single student living in college accommodation for nine months in 2024-25 will be £11,49010. However, the actual living costs may vary depending on the lifestyle and spending habits of the student.
Courses
Oxford University offers a wide range of courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, covering more than 65 subject areas. The courses are designed to provide students with a rigorous and stimulating education that prepares them for their future careers and challenges. The courses are taught by world-leading academics and researchers, who are experts in their fields and passionate about their subjects. The courses also offer students the opportunity to engage in independent research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and practical experience.
At the undergraduate level, the university offers over 30 courses, which are divided into three main types: single-subject courses, joint-subject courses, and flexible courses. Single-subject courses focus on one main subject throughout the course, such as Mathematics, Engineering, or History. Joint-subject courses combine two or more subjects, such as History and Modern Languages, or Computer Science and Philosophy. Flexible courses allow students to choose from a range of subjects within a broad field, such as Natural Sciences, Human, Social, and Political Sciences, or Asian and Middle Eastern Studies. Some courses also offer the option to change the subject or the course after the first year, subject to availability and suitability.
At the postgraduate level, the university offers more than 300 courses, which are divided into two main types: taught courses and research courses. Taught courses are structured programmes that involve lectures, seminars, coursework, and examinations, leading to a Master’s degree or a Postgraduate Diploma or Certificate. Research courses are independent programmes that involve original research, supervision, and a thesis, leading to a Doctoral degree or a Master’s degree by research. Some courses also offer the option to combine taught and research elements, such as the MPhil by Advanced Study or the MRes.
The courses at Oxford are organised and delivered by the six divisions, which are the academic divisions of the university. The six divisions are:
- Humanities
- Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences
- Medical Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Continuing Education
- Gardens, Libraries and Museums
Each division comprises a number of faculties, departments, institutes, and centres, which are responsible for the teaching and research activities within their specific disciplines. The divisions also collaborate with each other and with external partners to foster interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary research and education.
The courses at Oxford are also supported and complemented by the colleges, which are the residential and social communities of the university. The colleges provide students with accommodation, meals, pastoral care, academic guidance, and extracurricular activities. The colleges also arrange small group teaching sessions, known as tutorials, which are an essential part of the Oxford learning experience. The tutorials allow students to discuss their work, clarify their doubts, and receive feedback from their tutors, who are usually senior academics or researchers.
Conclusion
Oxford University is a world-class institution that offers a high-quality education and a rich and diverse student experience. The university is ranked among the top universities in the world by various indicators and has a reputation for excellence in research and teaching. The university also has a competitive and transparent admission process that selects students based on their academic potential and suitability for their chosen course. The university offers a variety of courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, covering a wide range of subjects and disciplines. The courses are taught by leading experts and researchers, who provide students with a challenging and stimulating learning environment. The courses are also supported by the colleges, which provide students with a supportive and vibrant community. Studying at Oxford is a rewarding and fulfilling opportunity that can open up many doors for students’ personal and professional development.