Admissions Criteria

Graduate Admissions Criteria for M.Sc. in Mathematical Modelling and Scientific Computing for Entry in 2013-14

1.  Criteria

Within equal opportunities principles and legislation, applications will be assessed in the light of a candidate's ability to meet the following criteria:

2.  Academic ability

Proven and potential academic excellence.

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or to have achieved a first-class or an upper second class undergraduate degree (or equivalent international qualifications [if you hold non-British qualifications, you are advised to check with the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC) how your qualifications match these requirements]) in mathematics, physics or engineering or in a subject with a significant mathematical content. In particular applicants should be familiar with the areas of geometry, real and complex analysis, linear algebra, calculus of several variables and ordinary and partial differential equations as listed on the pre-requisites webpage. Candidates with suitable industrial or vocational experience who can demonstrate satisfactory mathematical pre-requisites will also be considered.

Appropriate indicators will include:

Academic references/letters of recommendation: These should support intellectual ability, academic achievement, motivation, and commitment to pursue the chosen programme to a successful conclusion.

Personal statement: This should be approximately one page of A4 and must be written in English. The statement should focus on your motivation for wishing to undertake the course rather than personal achievements, interests and aspirations. This will be assessed for your reasons for applying; evidence of motivation for and understanding of the proposed area of study; the ability to present a reasoned case in English; and commitment to the subject, beyond the requirements of the degree course.

Transcripts: These should demonstrate a good level of knowledge of the pre-requisite material.

Performance at interview: Interviews are normally held as part of the admissions process. Candidates are shortlisted for interview if their application demonstrates proven academic excellence and potential and that they satisfy the pre-requisites (as judged from transcripts and references) and also if they are motivated to study the course (as judged from the personal statement and references).

Interviews will usually be held within one month of the application deadline which the applicant met.  Should we still accept applications after the final standard University deadline, interviews will be held within one month of the application becoming complete. Applicants who are in the U.K. are invited to Oxford for an interview whilst other interviews take place either via Skype (with a webcam) or on the telephone. The interviews last approximately 30 minutes and there are a minimum of two interviewers. The interviewers will be trying to evaluate a candidate's background knowledge and suitability for the course as well as motivation and technical skills. The major part of the interview will be a technical interview in which candidates are asked questions on the pre-requisite material. In addition candidates will be asked why they would like to do the course and there will be opportunity for the candidates to ask questions (although these questions are not taken into account when assessing interview performance).

3. Availability of supervision, teaching, facilities and places

The following factors will govern whether candidates can be offered places:

• The ability of the Mathematical Institute to provide the appropriate supervision, research opportunities, teaching and facilities for your chosen area of work.
• There are minimum and maximum limits to the numbers of students who may be admitted onto Oxford's research and taught programmes.

The provision of supervision is subject to the following points:

• The allocation of graduate supervision is the responsibility of the Mathematical Institute and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff.
• Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the Mathematical Institute.

4. English language requirement

Applicants whose first language is not English are usually required to provide evidence of proficiency in English at the higher level required by the University.

5. Deadlines and required full set of application materials

Please refer to the Graduate Admissions website for information on the deadlines which must be met, and the full set of supporting materials required, in order for applications to be guaranteed to be considered.

6. Funding

Whether you have yet secured funding is not taken into consideration in the decision to make an initial offer of a place, but please note that the initial offer of a place will not be confirmed until the college which gives you an initial offer of a place is satisfied that you have sufficient funding to cover your fees and living costs for the standard period of fee liability for your course.

7. Disability, health conditions and specific learning difficulties

Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background. Decisions on admission are based solely on the individual academic merits of each candidate and the application of the selection criteria appropriate to the programme of study. 

8. Assessors

All applications will be assessed by more than one member of the academic staff; with relevant experience and expertise.

9. Course webpages

See graduate admissions page and the Mathematical Institute page.