Graduate FAQ

• Which is the most appropriate course for experience of graduate work and life without firm commitment to the DPhil, the MSt or the MPhil?
• Should I apply to a particular college because the person I hope will be my supervisor is a fellow there?
• Do all colleges accept Archaeology graduates?
• I am a mature student. How welcome would my application be for a postgraduate degree in archaeology? What difference might my status as mature student make to my experience of graduate life?
• What exactly is expected of the written work requested as part of the application? Should it be close in subject matter or approach to my proposed thesis topic?
• Who makes decisions on applications and what criteria do they use?
• How much difference does my choice of college make to my chance of being accepted?
• Am I more likely to get a place for graduate study at Oxford if I can guarantee to fund myself, or if the School thinks my application is likely to secure funding?
• What happens if I get a place at Oxford, but am unable to secure funding?
• What sources of graduate funding does Oxford provide? How can I find out deadlines for applications for scholarships and other grants?
• Is funding available for fieldwork, research visits or conference attendance?
• How is the decision made about who will be my supervisor? Can I express a preference?
• How many hours' contact time with my supervisor/other tutors can I expect to have?
• What importance is placed on proficiency in other languages? What opportunities for language learning are there?
• Is attendance at seminars compulsory for graduates?
• What opportunities are there for graduates to gain teaching experience?
• Is there a central site for seminars or socialising with other archaeology students?