Admissions Criteria For the Mathematical Sciences Admissions Group

The following Honour Schools (both three or four year) fall within the aegis of the Group

• Mathematics
• Mathematics and Philosophy
• Mathematics and Statistics
• Mathematics and Computer Science
• Computer Science
• Computer Science and Philosophy

and the criteria will be measured with full regard to their differing requirements.

Candidates will be invited to take the Admissions Test and to come for Interview in Oxford* if their application gives evidence of the motivation and ability (including an appropriate mathematical background) to undertake what are demanding courses at one of the world's leading universities, sufficient to offer the possibility of final selection given the overall field of applicants. In the case of candidates whose first language is not English, an English language qualification (such as IELTS level 7) will form part of the admissions requirements. See www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate_courses/courses/courses_and_entrance_requirements/english_language.html for details

( * If unable to travel for interviews in Oxford, colleges may arrange for candidates to be interviewed in their home countries via video-conferencing, Skype or telephone.)

During the selection process, tutors will seek a demonstration of the skills and/or the aptitude necessary for the successful study of the course in question together with the motivation to undertake a demanding programme on that course, and will assess these via

(i) the Admissions Test, and

(ii) interviews (when held),

taking into account the level of relevant existing knowledge and experience.

Tutors will, in addition to assessing aptitude and technical skills, seek in successful candidates

A. a capacity to absorb and use new ideas,

B. the ability to think and work independently, and

C. perseverance and enthusiasm,

in each case to be assessed in respect of the course applied for.

Evidence of the extent to which these criteria have been met will be taken from the performance in (i) and (ii) above, together with

(iii) past examination records, and

(iv) references and the personal statements contained both on the UCAS form.

Candidates will also have the opportunity to present any special factors that they would wish to be considered.

Candidates interviewed in Oxford will have interviews by at least two colleges. An overall assessment of the strength of each candidate relative to the field of all applicants at this stage will be made on the basis of the criteria detailed above. Ultimate selection is necessarily competitive since the number of places is limited. However, through early identification during the interview process of strong candidates who may not gain places at their first or second choice colleges, the Mathematical Sciences Admissions Group takes active steps to ensure that (whenever possible) such candidates may be offered places at other colleges.

Mathematics and Philosophy, and Computer Science and Philosophy applicants should also note the Faculty of Philosophy's Admissions Criteria for joint degrees with Philosophy at http://www.philosophy.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/criteria_of_admission_for_philosophy_in_other_joint_degree_courses

Deferred Entry Policy

Deferred entry applications in Mathematics, its Joint Schools, and Computer Science will be considered from applicants who have planned structured activities in their gap year; activities might include technical employment relevant to Mathematics, Statistics or Computer Science, teaching abroad or a gap year programme. If uncertain, applicants should raise any questions with the tutors at their chosen/allocated college; tutors may discuss details of the gap year during interviews. After discussion with the candidates, some deferred entry applicants may be offered an immediate place instead. There is no policy for making more demanding offers to candidates seeking a deferred offer. Tutors will typically set successful gap year applicants academic work to be completed during the year or the summer before their first term in Oxford.