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Support with applying to Oxford or Cambridge

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Expert Oxbridge Application Support | Oxbridge Applications

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Established in 1999, Oxbridge Applications is the leader in providing tailored support for students preparing for Oxford and Cambridge applications.

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Read this guide to make sure your personal statement hits the mark.

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Overused UCAS Personal Statement Topics | Oxbridge Applications

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Find out from our expert advisors which topics and tropes are being overused so you can avoid them and stand out from the crowd.

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Use your Leeds Libraries membership number to sign up to Libby, where you can access thousands of e-books, audiobooks and magazines to help you read around your subject e.g. Philosophy Now, History Magazine, National Geographic, New Scientist, Spectator etc.

If you aren't a member of Leeds Libraries you can sign up for free online. Google Leeds Libraries membership.

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ESAT for Universities

The ESAT is currently used by Imperial College London and the University of Cambridge for entry onto selected courses in Engineering, Physics, Natural Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine.

You must refer to the relevant course pages of each institution's website to find out if the courses you are applying to require the ESAT. Failure to register for the ESAT where it is compulsory may invalidate your application.

Different courses will require you to register for a different combination of parts. You will need to select the parts relevant to your application at the point of registration. You will not be able to change this when you get to the test centre so it is your responsibility to ensure you are correctly registered.
If you are applying to Cambridge and are required to sit the ESAT you must sit it in the October test sitting. All other candidates can choose whether to sit the test in October or January.

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The ESAT is currently used by Imperial College London and the University of Cambridge for entry onto selected courses in Engineering, Physics, Natural Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine. You must refer to the relevant course pages of each institution's website to find out if the courses you are applying to require the ESAT.

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ESAT for Universities

The ESAT is currently used by Imperial College London and the University of Cambridge for entry onto selected courses in Engineering, Physics, Natural Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine.

You must refer to the relevant course pages of each institution's website to find out if the courses you are applying to require the ESAT. Failure to register for the ESAT where it is compulsory may invalidate your application.

Different courses will require you to register for a different combination of parts. You will need to select the parts relevant to your application at the point of registration. You will not be able to change this when you get to the test centre so it is your responsibility to ensure you are correctly registered.
If you are applying to Cambridge and are required to sit the ESAT you must sit it in the October test sitting. All other candidates can choose whether to sit the test in October or January.

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The ESAT is currently used by Imperial College London and the University of Cambridge for entry onto selected courses in Engineering, Physics, Natural Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine. You must refer to the relevant course pages of each institution's website to find out if the courses you are applying to require the ESAT.

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These courses may make you eligible for an alternative offer from York, or make your application stronger for other universities.

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The course was full to the brim with info to make the transition to uni much smoother and less daunting. I absolutely love the interactivity and videos throughout, which definitely gave it a community feel. I can't recommend it enough!

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Designed by York academics, our Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are free and open to everyone. Engage with uni-level study, explore a new subject area, or prepare for higher education.

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10 months programme from LSE which would help you to get into LSE and other high tariff universities

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London School of Economics and Political Science

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London School of Economics and Political Science

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LSE Springboard is a 10-month access programme for Year 12 students who live outside the South East of England and are interested in applying to study at LSE.

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What to expect at your Cambridge interview | Undergraduate Study

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Admission interviews at Cambridge are more like a conversation. Find out what happens on the day, questions we’ll ask and what we’ll expect you to do.

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Interviews in 2023 for 2024-entry will be held online.

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MAT (Mathematics Admissions Test) | University of Oxford

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What is the MAT?If you are applying for one of the following courses you will be required to sit the MAT: Computer ScienceComputer Science and PhilosophyMathematicsMathematics and Computer

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Test of Mathematics for University Admissions (TMUA)

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Test of Mathematics for University Admissions (TMUA)

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The TMUA tests your mathematical thinking and reasoning skills.

You need to take the TMUA if you are applying to:

You will take the test 15-17 October 2024. You must take the test in this first sitting.

Test format

The TMUA lasts 2 hours 30 minutes in total. It is divided into two parts.

Part 1: Applications of Mathematical Knowledge

Assesses your ability to apply your knowledge of mathematics in new situations.

20 multiple-choice questions

75 minutes

Part 2: Mathematical Reasoning

Assesses your ability to deal with mathematical reasoning, and simple ideas from elementary logic.

20 multiple-choice questions

75 minutes

You will not be able to use a calculator or dictionary.

There is no pass or fail for TMUA. You should aim to do the best you can.

Your final scores are based on the number of correct answers you give. You do not lose marks for wrong answers, so it's worth attempting all questions.

How to register for the TMUA

You must be registered in advance to sit the TMUA. You take the TMUA at your local Pearson VUE test centre. You can choose from a global network of test centres in more than 5,500 locations in over 180 countries.

Visit the Pearson VUE website, where you will be able to:

create an account

find your nearest test centre

book and pay for the test

We will provide further information about test dates, registration and cancellations in spring 2024.

Access arrangements

If you normally have access arrangements in your public exams, you can apply for the same arrangements. You will need to submit an application and may need to provide supporting evidence in advance. Further information on this process will be available in spring 2024.

TMUA for other universities

TMUA is used by several universities. If you're applying to other universities who require TMUA, you only need to take the test once, but you must take the test in the October sitting.

TMUA Costs

There is an entry fee for the TMUA:

£75 if taken in the UK or Republic of Ireland

£130 if taken anywhere else

You'll need to pay this fee (using a debit/credit card or bursary voucher) when you book your test.

Bursary voucher

UK candidates in financial need can apply for a bursary voucher to book the ESAT free of charge. If you are eligible we will provide you with a unique bursary voucher code which you can enter on the Pearson VUE website when you book your test, which will allow you to book the test without paying.

We will publish more information about the process and the eligibility criteria for the bursary voucher in spring 2024.

How to prepare for the TMUA

The test covers mathematics you will have already learned at school. Revise what you have learned so far and familiarise yourself with the format of the test.

Free practice materials will be available in May 2024 to help you prepare. There will also be information about the test format, specification and other useful support materials.

We don't expect you to get every question right - you can learn more about how your performance fits into the rest of your application on the admissions assessment page.

Test results

You will get your results through the Pearson VUE booking portal, approximately six weeks after you take the test. The results will be automatically shared with us, so you don't need to send them on.

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Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA)

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You need to take the TMUA if you're applying to study Computer Science or Economics at Cambridge. Learn how to register and prepare and when the test is.

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STEP support programme

The free online STEP support programme is offered by the University of Cambridge to help any university applicants develop their advanced mathematical problem-solving skills and prepare for STEP mathematics exams.

Help is available on How to use the STEP support programme and support for teachers as well as a free book that will help you prepare for STEP and for studying university-level mathematics:

Past papers, resources and helpful links

In addition to the STEP support programme we provide past papers, solutions and mark schemes. We also recommend downloading the STEP specification as it provides a detailed overview of the test content.

Past papers

These documents will help you understand how to answer questions when preparing for your STEP exam. They contain more detail and explanation than would be expected in the exam.

STEP 2 and STEP 3 past question papers and examiner reports are available in zipped files below:

We also offer STEP legacy past papers should you require further preparation or need further challenges.

Solutions and mark schemes

These documents will help you understand how to answer questions when preparing for your STEP exam. They contain more detail and explanation than would be expected in the exam.

The example solutions and mark scheme have been produced from the 2011 STEP Mathematics Paper I.

STEP shade in a circle

In the answer booklet, candidates must show which question they are answering by shading in a circle on each page.

Please see samples below:

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Information for candidates to prepare for the STEP examination.

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Sixth Term Examination Papers (STEP) | Undergraduate Admissions

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Achievement in the Sixth Term Examination Papers (STEP) normally forms part of a conditional offer to read mathematics at Cambridge. The examinations are set and administered by the OCR examination board and are usually taken in mid to late June. There is extensive free online support offered by the Faculty and NRICH to help you prepare for STEP, and many other free online resources are also available.

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A student-led access project to make the Oxford and Cambridge (Oxbridge) applications intuitive and accessible for everyone.

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Everyone with a realistic chance of being offered a place to study at Cambridge is invited to interview - that's around 75 per cent of applicants each year.

Although it can seem daunting, the interview is just one part of the Cambridge admissions process, so it isn't "make-or-break" like a job interview. On this page you can find advice from both staff and students at the University on how you can prepare in order to make the best impression you can. Director of Admissions Dr Mike Sewell says: "Above all else, remember that we're not looking for perfection, we're just looking to see if you're right for the course for which you've applied".

Preparation

1. Remind yourself of your motivation, why do you want to study HSPS, and why is the course right for you?

2. Re-read your application and personal statement, and be ready to discuss the things you've said and studied.

3. Check the Undergraduate Study website for information on the interview process and further tips on how to prepare.

The Interview

In this video, you can see four example interviews so you can get a sense of the kind of questions you might be asked. There's even a specific example of an HSPS inverview question (01:50-03:50), as well as an example of the kind of "unseen" material that you might be asked to interpret and reflect on during the interview (08:47-10:51). Throughout the video there are pointers on what the interviewers are looking for.

Most importantly...

Listen carefully

If you don't understand something, ask for clarification

Don't be afraid to take a moment to gather your thoughts

Be yourself!

Remember that the interviewers are not trying to trick or scare you, they just want to know if you're right for the course. Don't be disheartened if you think you give a poor answer to one question, try and let it go, turn over a new page, and approach the next question with a fresh head. The fact that you have been invited to interview means you have the potential to come to Cambridge, so try to relax and let your interest and enthusiasm for the subject shine!

Inside Uni

A student-led website, InsideUni, compiles tips from over 700 successful applicants for your benefit. You can read their tips for HSPS interviews here, and you can follow their YouTube Channel for live Q&A sessions.

Up-to-date Information

Finally, we recommend all students carefully check over the general information available about the interview process on the Cambridge University website.
Outreach & Open Days

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Everyone with a realistic chance of being offered a place to study at Cambridge is invited to interview - that's around 75 per cent of applicants each year.

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Applying to HSPS | Human, Social, and Political Sciences - HSPS Tripos

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The admissions process at the University of Cambridge is a little different to other Universities. Key Information Applications to HSPS are made through UCAS (Course Code L000). The deadline is 15 October, which is earlier than most other Universities.

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Listed below are details of qualifications leading to registration with the GDC as a dentist and the providers offering these qualifications.

Registering with the GDC

If you wish to register with us, please check to ensure that your qualification is listed below.

If you qualified several years ago and your specific qualification is not listed below, please check our list of historic qualifications or contact the Registration team.

If you have qualified outside the UK, please check your route to registration. This includes qualifications awarded in the European Union, European Economic Area and all other primary qualifications awarded by an overseas institution.

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Details of qualifications leading to registration with the General Dental Council as a dentist, and the schools that offer these qualifications.

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British Dental Association - How to become a Dentist

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British Dental Association - How to become a Dentist

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Dentistry is one of the most popular degrees in the UK and there is a lot of competition for university places. To qualify as a dentist, you need to complete a dental course which usually takes five years and leads to a bachelor’s degree (BDS or BChD).

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Dentists are the frontline of good oral health. They work with communities to prevent and treat dental/oral disease, correct dental irregularities and treat dental/facial injuries.

Working life

You'll lead the dental team using the the skills and confidence gained through world-class training to diagnose and treat dental problems. You'll provide advice to patients and use high levels of manual dexterity to carry out complex surgical and dental procedures.

Your training will lead to an excellent knowledge of human anatomy and oral disease while giving you the best clinical skills to help your patients.

Your work is increasingly about, protecting teeth and preventing gums from decay and disease. You're likely to work in your local community but you'll also have the chance to work in a variety of areas:

Most dentists work as general dental practitioners (GDPs), usually in a high street practice, providing dental care to the general public. You can largely choose where you work but you may need to be flexible with your working hours.

You may practise either under the NHS or privately, or both. You could also work part time in hospitals and some go into clinical teaching.

Dental care is provided in community settings for patients who have difficulty getting treatment in their high street dental practice.

You might be looking after young children who need special help, as well as elderly and people who are housebound or with severe physical disabilities or mental illness. This can be demanding and rewarding work. You might be able to balance this work managerial and research duties. You can also be involved in working with schools doing screening and in studies of oral health.

You'll work in a variety of locations such as a patient's own home, nursing homes, community clinics and mobile clinics. You'll also work with a wider clinical team including school nurses, health visitors and district nurses.

Dentists have excellent knowledge of human anatomy and oral diseases.

Dental public health is a specialty which involves assessing dental health needs and ensuring dental services meet those needs. Your work will look to improve the dental health of communities rather than individuals.

Being a dentist in a hospital usually means working in the following areas:

offering consultant advice and treatment for cases referred to hospitals or for patients admitted to hospital as a result of trauma or disease

dental care and treatment for patients in hospital for a long time

dental care for patients in hospital for a shorter period where pain relief of treatment is needed as part of their general care

treatment of out-patients

Working in a specialist dental hospital covers:

oral and maxillofacial surgery

oral surgery

orthodontics

paediatric dentistry

restorative dentistry

You'll likely to see fewer patients than general dental practitioners, but treatment is usually more complex. You'll generally work as part of a team and have access to specialised knowledge and facilities.

Another option for graduates in dentistry is to join the armed forces as a dental officer. You have the option of joining the Army, Royal Navy or Royal Air Force.

You will receive full officer training and be required to commit for a minimum period of around six years. However, the salary (and benefits) can be substantial and sometimes grants are available to help pay for university costs if you are accepted before graduation.

You'll have access to the latest equipment and appointment times are usually longer than in a typical NHS practice. You'll need to be flexible with location and can expect to move several times, both in the UK and abroad. Perhaps the most important factor to take into account is that as a dental office in the armed forces, you are always a military officer first and a dental officer second.

Pay and benefits

Most NHS dentists working in dental practices are self-employed contractors. The profit of dental practices varies according to the services they provide for their patients and the way they choose to provide these services. Find out more about the pay for dentists.

Entry requirements

Becoming a dentist involves at least five years' study at dental school, followed by one or two years of supervised practice. Most entrants will require three As at A-level, although one year pre-dental courses are offered by some dental schools.

Must-have skills

You'll need a willingness to learn about human anatomy and oral disease.

You'll need to be able to put patients at ease, gain their confidence and deal sympathetically with their fears. You will hold a position of trust, so you will need to behave with integrity, tact and understanding. You will need to be able to communicate well with everyone from toddlers to the elderly.

It's also important for you to be able to lead your team effectively, so good managerial and administrative skills are essential.

How to become a dentist

Becoming a dentist comprises three stages:

To qualify as a dentist you must complete five years' training for a degree at university. You will spend much of the five years learning practical skills as well as attending academic lectures and seminars. You will get experience of a range of hospital and community clinics where you will treat patients under close supervision.

Financial support while studying at university
Find out about financial support while studying dentistry at university
This comprises dental foundation training, dental core training and specialist training.

Once you have successfully completed your undergraduate dental education, you will need to register with the General Dental Council (GDC) so that you can practise as a qualified dentist. As soon as you have registered with the GDC and throughout your career, you will need to undertake continuing professional development to be allowed to continue to practise. Throughout your career, scientific knowledge will need to be updated as methods and theories of disease change.

Find your course to become a dentist

Other roles that may interest you

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Your work is increasingly about, protecting teeth and preventing gums from decay and disease. You're likely to work in your local community but you'll also have the chance to work in a variety of areas: general dental care community dental care dental public health hospital dental care​ armed forces dentists General dental care Most dentists work as general dental practitioners (GDPs), usually in a high street practice, providing dental care to the general public.

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OCR information for STEP (Sixth term examination paper) mathematics and how to register.

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Sixth Term Examination Papers (STEP) | Undergraduate Admissions

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Achievement in the Sixth Term Examination Papers (STEP) normally forms part of a conditional offer to read mathematics at Cambridge. The examinations are set and administered by the OCR examination board and are usually taken in mid to late June. There is extensive free online support offered by the Faculty and NRICH to help you prepare for STEP, and many other free online resources are also available.

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Enter your email address and password to log in to your account.

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Tips for acing the Oxbridge personal statement

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Tips for acing the Oxbridge personal statement

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How to write a great Oxbridge Personal Statement

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Tips for acing the Oxbridge Personal Statement

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Successful Oxbridge Personal Statement Exemplars

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Successful Oxbridge Personal Statement Exemplars

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Take a look at some of the example personal statements and the feedback that Oxford and Cambridge tutors have given them. How can you build those strengths into your personal statement?

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Oxbridge Application Support | UniAdmissions | World's First Oxbridge Prep School

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Successful Oxbridge Personal Statements | UniAdmissions

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Explore our collection of successful personal statements from Oxford and Cambridge students, with analysis to explain the strengths and weaknesses.

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Working or Training Abroad as a Doctor

Many doctors consider taking time out of training to broaden their clinical and personal experience. UK-trained doctors are usually in demand in other countries, and many doctors will consider overseas work at some point during their medical career.
It is proving more difficult to find employment in Australia and New Zealand as a junior doctor and forward planning many months in advance is necessary.

There are a number of issues to consider when contemplating working abroad and these are outlined in the following document. Please continue to keep up to date with requirements as these can change frequently.

When to work overseas

As a student:

Most, but not all, doctors first experience working abroad during the final year of medical school while on their elective.

If you are considering working abroad later on in your medical career it is a good opportunity to use your elective to experience working life in another country.

During Foundation:

You would need exceptional reasons as to why you cannot complete F1 in the UK. Any application would need to be approved by your medical school in conjunction with your allocated Foundation School. Please see the UKFPO Reference Guide (2018).

It is possible to complete F2 abroad however hardly any Foundation Schools allow this. The Peninsula Foundation School do not offer F2 abroad.

To find out if it is possible visit the individual school's website.

If you go abroad for F2 we suggest that you progress your full GMC Registration before you go. It can save money BUT

If any incidents occur whilst abroad the GMC may not reinstate your name on the register until a full investigation has taken place
In addition, you may not be able to use the services of the MDU/MPS whilst not on the GMC register

Some feedback from previous trainees who have completed F2 abroad can be found on the Peninsula Foundation School website.

Other options:

You could take time out of the Foundation Programme which is usually 12 months.

If this option was approved you would be guaranteed a place back in the Foundation School to complete your F2 when you return.

This would give you more flexibility in terms of what work you do and when you do it, for example, you might combine with travel and you don't have to meet the criteria of an F2 approved post
More information on time out during Foundation is contained within the UKFPO Reference Guide (2012)
Different Foundation Schools will have different policies in place so please refer to local policies before making any plans

Time out and work abroad after F2 gives you more flexibility in terms of what work you do and when you do it, as mentioned above

Remember that some specialties will not let you apply at ST1/CT1 if you have 18 months experience in that specialty post-foundation. Check the relevant ST1/CT1 person specification carefully.

Build in time to attend interview back in the UK. Also see (1) below.

For more information please see the Foundation School website.

After Foundation:

1. If planning to work abroad after Foundation Year 2, and applying for specialty training the following year; it is vitally important that travel back to the UK for Specialty and GP interviews are factored into your plans. The interview window for recruitment normally runs from January to mid-February.

2. If you are considering applying for General Practice and lived abroad in the last five years for longer than three months, a Foreign Police Check is required.

During specialty:

Postgraduate Doctors in training may also seek to take time out of their specialty training programme. There are four different categories for time out of programme:

OOPT - Time out of programme for approved clinical training

OOPE -Time out of programme for clinical experience

OOPR - Time out of programme for research

OOPC - Time out of programme for career break

The Out of Programme Policy need to insert link when available

How to use the time:

It is important to use the time working overseas wisely; this could incorporate both paid employment and voluntary work. If the time is used well it will give you enhanced clinical skills and experience which can help you stand out at interview.

Returning to the UK

Planning your experience abroad:

Research the medical system in the country you plan to visit. UK training grades may not have the same equivalence in other countries.

Separate Indemnity Insurance will need to be obtained if you wish to work overseas.

It is important to consider protecting your pension during your time spent working overseas.

Don't forget to retain your name on the GMC Register

Information about working overseas in English speaking countries

Australia

Doctor Connect - Work as a doctor in Australia (Government website)
Australian Medical Council Australian Rural Health Education Network Australian Government Dept. of Immigration and Citizenship Northern Territory Government
There is no nationally regulated system for applications to work in the medical system in Australia. You must apply to all of the following:

State or Territory Health Department for a job

State or Medical Territory Medical Board for registration

Department of Immigration for a visa

Medicare Australia for a Medicare Provider Number

International Medical Recruitment
New Zealand

New Zealand is similar to Australia but does not have different states or a territory, once you are registered to practice this applies to the whole country, however, there may be restrictions depending on your work permit/immigration status.
Medical Council of New Zealand
The Medical Council registers doctors in New Zealand and carries responsibilities in the areas of standards, conduct and competence.

If you would like to register to practice in NZ you can use the online self-assessment tool to check your eligibility.
You must also go through the New Zealand Immigration process for a visa/work permit etc.

USA

Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) - Assess whether International Medical Graduates are ready to enter programs of graduate medical education in the United States' you must have this certification.
Fact sheet - USA
Canada

The process for applying to train/work in Canada is a similar challenge to that of the USA. However, each province has different rules and regulations and you will need to check what is required, once you have decided in which area you would like to work.

Canadian Information Centre for International Medical Graduates

This tool helps identify your occupation as well as labour market information
Federation of Medical Regulatory Authorities of Canada Medical Council of Canada Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials Ontario Immigration
Useful links

Voluntary and other organisations
Medicins Sans Frontieres Projects Abroad Mercy ships Expedition & Wilderness Medicine British Antarctic Survey Medical Unit Medics Travel
The following are useful recent articles relating to working abroad

BMA article on working abroad

Medical Success, alternative careers paths for doctors' advice on working overseas

Antarctic medicine - article on the challenges of being a doctor in an isolated and confined environment

This page was last updated November 22nd 2022 (11 months ago)

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Many doctors consider taking time out of training to broaden their clinical and personal experience. UK-trained doctors are usually in demand in other countries, and many doctors will consider overseas work at some point during their medical career.It is proving more difficult to find employment in Australia and New Zealand as a junior doctor and forward planning many months in advance is necessary.

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Deciding on a legal career can be a challenge, especially when there are so many law jobs on offer. To help you make an informed choice here's a breakdown of available jobs in the sector

Solicitor

You'll be a confidential adviser that has direct contact with clients, combining expertise and people skills to provide legal guidance and assistance. Once qualified, you can work in private practice, in-house for a commercial or industrial organisation, in local or central government or in the court service.

If you have a qualifying law degree, you need to do the Legal Practice Course (LPC) and then a training contract. If your undergraduate degree isn't in law you'll need to do the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) first. However, in 2021 the way that solicitors qualify is set to change with the introduction of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).

Discover the skills you'll need and what you can earn as a solicitor.

Solicitor, Scotland

Solicitors and advocates in Scotland have very similar duties to solicitors and barristers in England and Wales. However, Scotland has its own legal system, procedures and terminology. The Scottish legal profession also has its own entry and training arrangements.

The main way to become a solicitor in Scotland is to take the university route, which involves three stages: the LLB degree in Scots Law, the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice, and a two-year traineeship, which is work-based training under the supervision of a practising solicitor.

Find out more about being a solicitor in Scotland.

Barrister

Passion, dedication and hard work are just three of the qualities needed for a career at the Bar.

From providing specialist legal advice to representing clients in court, your tasks will vary depending on your area of expertise. You'll advise clients on the law and the strength of their case, hold conferences with clients to discuss their situation and provide legal advice, represent clients in court by presenting the case, examining witnesses and giving reasons why the court should support the case, and negotiate settlements with the other side.

Discover whether life as a barrister is for you.

Barristers' clerk

Also known as practice assistants or assistant practice managers, barristers' clerks are responsible for running the administration and business activities of a barrister's chambers. You need to be familiar with court procedures and etiquette and develop an expertise in the type of law undertaken by your chambers.

A successful clerk has commercial acumen, legal knowledge and strong interpersonal skills. You shouldn't think of this as a route to becoming a barrister, as chambers may not offer a pupillage to someone who has been working for them as a clerk due to a conflict of interest.

Read about the responsibilities of a barristers' clerk.

Chartered legal executive

As a qualified lawyer you'll have your own client files and, as a fee-earner in private practice, your work is charged directly to the client. This is an important difference between chartered legal executives and other legal support staff.

Only those who have completed the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx) training programme can use the title of chartered legal executive.

The academic course is split into two sections: CILEx Level 3 Professional Diploma in Law and Practice, which takes two years and is equivalent to an A-level; and the two-year CILEx Level 6 Professional Higher Diploma in Law and Practice, which is at honours degree level and is the final stage of academic training.

Take a look at what a chartered legal executive does.

Paralegal

You can offer legal services but aren't qualified as a solicitor, barrister or chartered legal executive. Traditionally, you didn't need qualifications to refer to yourself as a paralegal, but employers now demand some form of training or qualification.

Paralegals don't just work for solicitors, but if they do then larger firms expect solid work experience, especially if you haven't completed a law degree or the LPC. You'll also need an understanding of the client and sector, good people and networking skills, to be a methodical problem solver and the ability to analyse information and look at possible implications.

Find out more about the role of a paralegal.

Licensed conveyancer

These are property law specialists who work on behalf of clients buying or selling property in England and Wales. You'll deal with all legal matters, administration, finance and queries involved in a property transaction.

This area of work is open to graduates with any degree, but to become a licensed conveyancer in England and Wales, you must pass the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) qualification, which is usually taken while working.

Read about the qualifications that a licensed conveyancer needs.

Legal secretary

It's your job to ensure the office runs smoothly by providing administrative support to solicitors and legal executives. You'll produce wills and contracts, accompany solicitors to court or police stations or deal with clients.

The ability to type accurately and quickly, a good eye for detail and discretion are skills you'll need to succeed.

Patent attorney

Specially trained in drafting patents and with knowledge of intellectual property law, you'll lead inventors or companies through the process of obtaining a patent and then act to enforce inventors' rights if infringed.

You can only use the title 'patent attorney' once you're qualified and on the Register of Patent Attorneys. An understanding of scientific and technological principles and processes, and the ability to explain complex technical ideas clearly and concisely are what you'll need to do well in this role.

Take a look at the skills you need to become a patent attorney.

Trade mark attorney

A thorough knowledge of trade mark law and practice, as well as excellent communication skills and commercial awareness, are attributes you'll need to qualify as a registered trade mark attorney.

As a specialist legal professional, you'll advise clients about protecting and enforcing their trade mark rights. By providing legal support on the registration, use and exploitation of new and existing trade marks, you'll ensure that companies successfully protect the identity and integrity of their brands.

Discover what else a trade mark attorney does.

Company secretary

You'll be responsible for ensuring that an organisation complies with standard financial and legal practice and maintains high standards of corporate governance. You can expect a starting salary of around £30,000.

The capability to work with numbers, good analytical and problem-solving skills, a diplomatic approach and the confidence to provide support to high-profile staff and board members are all necessary skills for a successful company secretary.

Find out more about the role of a company secretary.

Judge

It's up to you to control trials and hearings in your courtroom. You need to look at the evidence, interpret the law and make an impartial decision in favour of one of the parties. In criminal cases you'll also decide what sentence to give a defendant if they're convicted.

You can't become a judge straight after graduation as you need significant experience as a solicitor or barrister first. This is followed by some part-time work supervised by an experienced judge.

Usher

In charge of preparing the courtroom, ushers check that everyone is present and call defendants and witnesses into court. There are also 'sworn ushers' who accompany the jury to and from the courtroom and pass messages between the jury and the judge.

As the first point of contact, you'll need effective communication and people skills. You'll also need to be discreet, as a lot of the information you'll hear is confidential. The ability to follow instructions and an assertive and tactful manner are also important.

Immigration assistant

Working closely with the police at airports, seaports and the Channel Tunnel, you'll help to effectively monitor immigration and make sure those entering the UK have the right to do so.

You'll take fingerprints, check passports and interview those entering the country. Because of this, you'll need to be able to engage with and relate to a range of people, be firm and fair in abiding by the law, and able to handle high-pressure and challenging situations.

Night, weekend and public holiday shifts will need to be covered. Salaries start at roughly £16,500 for entry-level positions. Extra allowances apply to overtime work and unsocial shifts.

Coroner

It's a coroner's job to investigate deaths where the cause is unknown, such as if the deceased dies in police custody or a medical certificate isn't available.

You'll decide a cause of death by looking at available information, talking with medical professionals or conducting a post-mortem. Once the cause of death has been identified, you'll notify the registrar and write an official report, making recommendations for future cases.

Some enter the profession as former barristers or medical doctors, with five or more years' experience. Because of this, the role draws high salaries - depending on your location, your starting salary could be as high as £85,000, rising to £115,000 and above for chief coroners.

To succeed as a coroner you'll need to be tactful, have great attention to detail and be an excellent communicator.

Mediator

As a mediation specialist it'll be your job to establish and maintain civil relationships between conflicting parties, solving any disputes with efficiency, tact and patience.

Mediation specialists are impartial third parties who work with a range of people, such as divorcing couples, separated parents, and landlords and tenants. Your tasks will include meeting clients, finding ways to work through their conflicts and involving legal authorities in cases where mediation isn't working.

Learn more about the role of a mediator.

Take a few minutes to answer the Job Match quiz and find out what careers would suit you

Alternative law careers

If you decide that a job in law isn't for you, you could also work in:

Find out more

Written by Jemma Smith, Editor

Prospects · May 2019

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Deciding on a legal career can be a challenge, especially when there are so many law jobs on offer. To help you make an informed choice here's a breakdown of available jobs in the sector You'll be a confidential adviser that has direct contact with clients, combining expertise and people skills to provide legal guidance and assistance.

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A guide to applying for Law at university

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A guide to applying for Law at university

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Wondering where to start with your UCAS law application? This page will help with your application to study law at university.

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Working as a lawyer can be hugely rewarding in many ways; perhaps you have strong feelings about social justice, or would simply like to work in a sector where you can be generously financially remunerated. As a profession which will most likely always be required within society, a legal career is also one of the most future-proofed that you could choose.

The UK has long held a significant political role in world affairs, with English remaining one of the principal global languages of communication, and the main language for international law. Becoming qualified in the UK as a lawyer means that you will be expertly prepared to communicate, negotiate and transact with partners and clients all over the world.

Graduates of UK law degrees have a range of employment options available to them. Many graduates practice law by pursuing a career as a solicitor or barrister, and a UK degree in law is recognised by the Bar in many countries around the world.

A law degree is also a highly respected qualification among employers with many transferable skills that can be applied in other industries. International students who complete law degrees in the UK might be especially interested in pursuing a career in international law, where they might work on human rights cases, and advise NGOs or government departments. There are also opportunities within large law firms which deal with international legal cases.

To become a lawyer in the UK, you'll likely need to complete a university degree and several years of training. It is an academically challenging profession and highly competitive.

In this guide, we look at the steps to becoming a qualified lawyer in the UK, exploring:

the path to law school in the UK

the different legal professions and how to decide which to aim for

the different undergraduate law courses at UK universities

the top UK law schools, and how to make your final choice of universities, including as a postgraduate option

We are experienced in helping students intent on a career in the legal world get on the path to success, and our programmes are specially designed to prepare them for the challenges ahead.

Table of Contents

The path to a career in law (International and UK students)

Step #1: Consider whether you want to be a barrister or solicitor

Step #2: Decide on whether you want to study a Bachelor of Laws (BBL), a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Law

Step #3: Choose the right law school

8 of the best law schools in the UK

How to become a lawyer in the UK if you already have a degree

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The path to a career in Law (International and UK students)

There are generally four stages to becoming a fully qualified lawyer in the UK.

Stage #1: Gain A-level qualifications or an equivalent Law Foundation

To get in to law school you will need at least three A-levels with high grades. The top universities, with the most competitive courses will most likely require three A or A* grades, although entry requirements for each university vary.

There are no specific A-levels needed for L aw, but your Course Director will advise you on the best subject choices, which will most likely include Government and Politics, Geography, History and/or Economics. A-level Law is not required but can be useful to give you an idea of the subject.

A Law Foundation is an alternative route to studying law. Law Foundations, such as the Kings Law Foundation, are generally one-year pre-university programmes primarily for international students that prepare them for the rigours of a UK law degree. At Kings, it is based on A-levels and assured by Pearson, and recognised by a broad range of quality UK universities.

Stage #2: Complete an Undergraduate degree

To become a lawyer, you need to study an undergraduate degree, which takes three years (or four years in Scotland). You can choose an LLB or BA/BSc (see below for more information on the differences).

Stage #3: Do a Legal Practice Course (LPC)

The LPC is the final vocational stage of training to become a qualified solicitor. It is taken after successful completion of a qualifying Law degree, or other recognised qualifications and is intended to bridge the gap between theory and practice, providing the practical skills needed for a career as a solicitor. The LPC can generally be studied either full time or part time.

It's important to note that any student beginning a degree from September 2021 onwards will study for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), which will effectively replace the LPC (and Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL)). Those who had already started a Law degree, GDL or LPC before September 2021 will be able to qualify via the traditional route until 2032.

Stage #4: Complete any specialist training

The final step to becoming a qualified lawyer in the UK is to gain practical experience with a law training contract. This means spending two years at a law firm before you are a qualified solicitor. During this time, you will also complete the Professional Skills Course, a series of specialist training modules paid for by your law firm.

Below we look at some of the steps that form part of the decision-making process when it comes to applying for a law degree.

Step #1: Consider whether you want to be a barrister or a solicitor

The term 'lawyer' is a general term referring to anyone who is qualified to give legal advice as a licensed legal practitioner. This includes solicitors and barristers, and an important thing to understand is that in the UK, there is a specific distinction between the two.

What does a barrister do?

A barrister is someone who defends or advocates for someone inside of court. Barristers are hired by solicitors to represent a case in court and only become involved when an advocate for that case is required. Barristers are usually specialists in distinct legal areas.

What does a solicitor do?

A solicitor is a legal professional who undertakes work outside of court and liaises directly with clients to give legal advice. Solicitors conduct initial client meetings and provide advice on their specific situations. They also build up case files if it needs to go to court. Solicitors are usually employed by a law firm or organisation and will be paid a salary, rather than barristers, who are generally self employed.

What are the differences between a solicitor and a barrister?

Solicitors provide legal support, advice and services to clients, who can be individuals, private companies or public sector organisations. They can often specialise in certain areas of law.

In England and Wales, barristers represent individuals or organisations in court, carry out research into points of law and advise clients on their case. Often they are self-employed, although some do work in government departments or agencies such as the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). In Scotland, advocates hold a similar role.

Step #2: Decide on whether you want to study a Bachelor of Laws (BBL), a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Law

If you want to pursue a law career in the UK, you need to study an undergraduate degree, which takes three years (or four years in Scotland). You can choose a LLB or BA/BSc, depending on your future plans or preferences for study.

Bachelor of Laws (LLB)

The LLB initiates from the Latin abbreviation of Legum Baccalaureus (also known as the Bachelor of Laws). It is a Qualifying Law Degree and is the first stage of training if you want to become a lawyer in the UK. It teaches the seven 'Foundations of Legal Knowledge' and develops the knowledge, analytical and practical skills you need for a career in law. The seven core modules include contract law, criminal law, constitutional & administrative law, EU law, land law and equity & trusts.

The LLB can be studied in several forms: in the usual three year, full-time law degree format; as a two-year graduate course; or as a part-time degree over four to six years.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Law

Rather than the LLB, some students choose to take a BA in Law or an undergraduate degree in another subject. These students then need to complete a one-year Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) conversion course before they can apply for the Legal Practice Course.

Whilst this route can take longer, it can suit students who are more interested in the academic side of Law, rather than the prospect of practicing as a Solicitor or joining the Bar, or who is considering a career in journalism, politics or business, which all make use of the skills developed on a BA in Law.

What are the differences between an LLB and a BA/BSc in Law?

The difference is that the LLB focuses exclusively on Law, whereas a BA in Law includes modules in law and other subjects like history or business. BA Law students often study for joint honours, for example, they can study Law with German, or Law with Criminology.

You are able to become a Barrister or a Solicitor with a BA in Law. But unlike the LLB Law, the BA in Law is not a qualifying law degree. This means you will most likely still have to take the GDL - the one year conversion course taken by all non-Law degree holders seeking to qualify as lawyers (which is now being replaced by the SQE).

Step #3: Choose the right Law School

Once you have established what kind of legal career you might like to pursue, and the type of law degree you are most interested in completing, the next step is to research different law schools in the UK, so that you can make your UCAS application.

Of course, overall university rankings, as well as subject-specific rankings for law are important to look at, but equally as important to consider are factors such as:

tuition fees

location and cost of living

graduate prospects for employment

Should you enrol on a pre-university programme at Kings our expert UCAS advisors will help establish the best university for your law course, putting you on the best possible path for success..

8 Best Law Schools in the UK

The UK law schools have a long and rich tradition and the variety of law degrees offered is huge. Once you have decided which type of law degree you would like to do, you can then turn your attention to choosing the universities to apply for.

British universities are renowned the world over for their academic prestige, with four of the current global top 10 based in the UK according to the Times Higher Education World University rankings (University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, UCL and LSE).

There are several different annual university league tables, most of which include rankings by subject area, including the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, the Guardian Good University Guide and the Complete University Guide.

The eight universities selected below all feature regularly within top rankings for Law within them.

1. University of Oxford

As one of the most prestigious and globally renowned universities the world-over, studying law at the University of Oxford certainly carries academic acclaim, which in turn can be hugely advantageous when it comes to looking for employment post graduation. Here, you'll encounter some of the best academics, the widest range of resources and the finest cohort of fellow students anywhere in the world.

The Faculty of Law in the University of Oxford is one of the largest in the United Kingdom. It is a federation of thirty law schools in the colleges of the University

The University of Oxford's BA in Jurisprudence is a three year undergraduate law degree, equivalent to what would be called an LLB in other universities . The BA in Law with Law Studies in Europe follows the same syllabus as the three-year BA course, except that the third year is spent studying at a law faculty in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, or the Netherlands, before returning to complete the Oxford degree in the fourth year.

Location: Oxford, central England

Website: Faculty of Law

2. University of Cambridge

Ranked the second best place to study Law in the entire world within the Times Higher Education World rankings, renowned University of Cambridge offers a BA (Hons) course (referred to at other universities as an LLB degree) that is primarily concerned with English law, though there are also opportunities to study other legal systems, including civil (Roman) law, EU law and international law. Students can also elect to study theoretical and sociological aspects of law such as jurisprudence or parts of criminology.

The David Williams Building houses lecture theatres, seminar rooms and a moot court. It is also home to the Squire Law Library, home to one of the most extensive academic law collections in the UK.

The Faculty and University Law Society organise numerous activities, including public lectures, careers events with leading barristers' and solicitors' firms, social events, and mooting competitions (debates about hypothetical legal cases). Thanks to a firm trust established in the job market, Cambridge graduates enjoy high employability.

Location: Cambridge, East of England

Website: Faculty of Law

3. University of London (UCL)

Ranked among the best law schools not just in the UK but also globally (Times Higher Education World University rankings), UCL is a university which attracts a large number of ambitious students from all around the world.

The three-year LLB Law combines theory and research with practical application and skills-based training. Students may also have the opportunity, after year two, to extend their studies by a year and spend part of their degree studying abroad in the USA, Australia, Hong Kong or Singapore.

The UCL Faculty of Laws also offers some of the following law degrees:

Law with French Law LLB

Law with German Law LB

Law with Hispanic Law LLB

Law with Another Legal System (Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong)

LLM (Master of Laws)

Law MPhil/PhD

Location: Central London

Website: Faculty of Laws

4. King's College London

The Dickson Poon School of Law at King's College London is traditionally recognised as one of the best law schools in UK. Ever since its foundation in 1831, this school has played a massive role in serving the community by supplying the legal system with well-educated lawyers.

Its law degrees aim to identify and address common problems in today's world, such as climate change, international relations, global finance and so on.

Currently, the following degrees offered at the King's College London:

LLB Law

LLB English Law & Spanish Law

LLB Politics, Philosophy & Law

LLB English Law & French Law

LLB English Law & German Law

LLM Master of Laws

MA Medical Law

MA Medical Ethics & Medical Law

Location: London

Website: The Dickson Poon School of Law

5. University of Glasgow

Excellent law degrees, a leading team of academics, a vibrant, dynamic and a research community, plus an extensive range of modern facilities make the University of Glasgow one of the best law schools in UK.

A law degree at this university will provide you with a fundamental understanding of the Scottish and Common Law, but will also enable you to gain additional critical and analytical skills much sought after by prospective employers.

Location: Glasgow, West of Scotland

Website: School of Law

6. University of Edinburgh

The Faculty of Law at the University of Edinburgh, now known as Edinburgh Law School was founded in 1707 and is situated in historic Old College in the heart of Edinburgh, minutes from both the Law Courts and Scotland's Parliament. It has been ranked 11th in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2022 for Law.

The University's undergraduate degree programmes enable students to gain a qualifying degree in Scots Law, whilst offering the flexibility to choose from a wide range of optional courses during their studies.

The Law School's historic home in Old College has recently undergone a complete refurbishment and students will now benefit from brand new teaching, study, and research facilities.

Location: Edinburgh, Scotland

Website: Edinburgh Law School

7. Durham University

Ranked in the Top 50 universities to study Law globally by QS Durham University delivers excellent tuition through small group teaching in seminars and their tutorial system, which is highly valued by employers.

The LLB degree is a flexible, full-time course delivered over three years. Students also have the opportunity to specialise across a wide range of optional modules from public law and human rights to corporate and international law as well as modules in other subject areas.

Location: Durham, north east England

Website: Durham Law School

8. London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

LSE Law School is one of the world's top law schools with an international reputation for the quality of its teaching and legal research.

In the 2018 QS World University Rankings the LSE was ranked 9th globally, and 1st in London, for the study of Law. The LSE law student body is one of the most cosmopolitan in the world with over 60% international students.

According to LSE, their Law students learn 'that law in not a body of knowledge stored in libraries, but a presence all around us, constantly evident in our social, civil and business interactions.'

LSE students benefit from being instructed by academics who, through their world-leading research, actively contribute to shaping the development of the law, and exploring how the law can provide solutions to issues of contemporary significance.

Location: London

Website: LSE Law School

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How to become a lawyer in the UK if you already have a degree

Whilst overseas law degrees are not recognised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority as qualifying law degrees, students who have completed a full-time degree (in any subject including law) from an overseas university will qualify for entry onto the Graduate Diploma in Law or an equivalent law conversion course. After this, they can then complete either the LPC or the Vocational Component of Bar training.

The GDL (replaced by the SQE from September 2021) is offered by many institutions and provides a way for non-law graduates to convert their degree into a qualifying law degree.

An equivalent to the GDL is the 'qualifying LLM', which provides the opportunity to study the core requirements of the GDL as well as achieving a masters degree alongside it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below are some of the most commonly asked questions relating to becoming qualified as a lawyer in the UK.
Q1. What grades do you need to be a lawyer?

Universities generally expect excellent A-level grades as evidence that you'll be able to cope with the intellectual demands of studying law. Entry requirements for an undergraduate law degree at top universities typically range from A*AA to AAB, although it varies by institution. A Law Foundation is an alternative route to studying law.

Some universities specify require GCSE grades in English, maths and possibly a foreign language.

In addition, to study law at university you'll often have to take the National Admissions Test for Law (LNAT) as part of your application. This does not test your knowledge of law - instead, it assesses your aptitude for the required skills.

Q2. How many years does it take to become a lawyer in the UK?

It takes six years to become a lawyer if you choose the LLB degree route. It takes seven years if you choose the BA undergraduate degree route as you will need to complete the GDL conversion course.

You need to study for five years to qualify as a barrister:

Q3. What qualifications do you need to become a lawyer?

Becoming a solicitor via the university route requires you to complete a qualifying law degree (LLB) before taking the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), which is replacing the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) and Legal Practice Course (LPC) for all new entrants as of September 2021, although there are transitional arrangements in place for those already studying these courses.

Those who studied an unrelated subject at undergraduate level will need to embark on a SQE preparation course before sitting the exams. The next step is to complete two years of qualifying legal work experience, which can include a training contract, before passing the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) character and suitability requirements. In summary:

Three-year undergraduate degree (+ 1 year GDL conversion course if required)

One-year Legal Practice Course (LPC)

Two-year Professional Skills Course

Two-year law training contract in a law firm

To become a barrister in England and Wales you need to complete at least three stages or components of training.

Three-year undergraduate degree

One-year Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC)

One-year pupillage in Chambers (also known as the work-based learning component)

Next steps

We hope that this article has helped you understand more about the processes involved with applying to law school, and to learn about some of the best universities for Law degrees in the UK. You can find more detailed information about studying Law and a career as a doctor in the Subjects/Career Guides section of the Kings website.

You can also find detailed profiles of the top UK universities.

If you would like receive more detailed information about the Kings and our programmes, please get in touch with us at enquiries@kingseducation.com.

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How to Become a Lawyer in the UK: Steps & Schools Explained

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Interested in becoming a lawyer in the UK? You're in the right place! Our guide will take you through the steps, grades, and best law schools in the UK.

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NHS - resources to support applications to medicine

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NHS - resources to support applications to medicine

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Preparing to apply Your application to medical school will include a number of stages: you need to be aware of the different types of medical school courses available it’s important to be aware of a range of factors when choosing your medical school your UCAS application will include writing a stron…

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Step-by-step guide to applying for medicine

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Step-by-step guide to applying for medicine

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9 Steps In Applying To Medicine

There are 9 key milestones in your Medicine application journey:

1. Decide if it's the right career path for you

2. Make sure you're taking the right A-Levels

3. Do work experience and/or volunteering

4. Choose a Medical School - you can apply to four Med Schools in total (you also get a fifth UCAS choice which you can use as a back-up option)

5. Sit the UCAT test if you're applying to UCAT unis

6. Take the BMAT test if you're applying to BMAT unis

7. Write your Personal Statement for Medicine

8. Stand out at your Medicine interview and secure an offer to study Medicine

9. Survive your first year of Med School and beyond...

1. Decide on Medicine

An Undergraduate Medicine course at university involves five or six years of study, plus extra training. It's a big commitment, so it's important that you spend some time deciding if Medicine is the right path for you.

Being a Doctor is incredibly rewarding - but it's also incredibly challenging. Research different medical degrees and find out what the day-to-day life of a Doctor involves to discover if this is the right option for you.

2. Choose Your A-Levels

Different Med Schools have different A-Level entry requirements. Some want you to be taking A-Levels in both Chemistry and Biology, whereas some will accept applicants with just one of these. Your predicted grades may also affect which Med Schools you can apply to.

You can check entry requirements on university websites - or in our Med School Comparison Tool.

3. Start Gaining Experience

Work experience is crucial if you want to study Medicine, as it allows you to build a portfolio of experience to draw on in your Personal Statement and at interviews.

Securing hospital placements or Volunteering is just as relevant to your Medicine application and can be easier to obtain. GP work experience can be very competitive.

When it comes to work experience, Medical Schools prefer quality over quantity: it's about what you have learned, rather than listing an impressive list of placements. That's why reflection is the most important aspect of this stage.

If you want to experience medical work in a real hospital setting this summer, you could consider Medicine summer schools.

Specialist Application Advice

Want expert advice to navigate the Medicine application process?

Get Application Advice

4. Choose Your Medical Schools

Most degrees last three years, but your Medicine course will last five or six, so it's important that you choose the right one for you.

Take a look at each university's entry requirements. Which subjects and grades do they require at A-Level, and does that align with what you're studying and what your predicted grades are? Do they require the UCAT or the BMAT?

Make sure you research the course structure too. Is it an integrated or traditional course? Do they use Problem-Based Learning? Make a note of the universities that most appeal to you, and a list of open days to attend over the summer.

5. Sit the UCAT

Most Medical Schools require that you take the UCAT exam. The UCAT testing period is typically July-September, and you can only sit the test once during this period. It's recommended that you spend around 6-8 weeks preparing for the UCAT test.

Universities want to know that you possess the skills to study Medicine and become a great Doctor, so the UCAT has five sections: Situational Judgement, Abstract Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning and Decision Making.

UCAT universities will take your UCAT score into account when selecting candidates for interview - so it's essential you prepare well.

6. Take the BMAT

If you're applying to BMAT universities, you'll need to sit the BMAT exam. It's designed to test your problem-solving, mathematic and scientific skills, as well as your ability to think critically and to form a logical argument - and BMAT preparation is key to a good BMAT score.

Unlike the UCAT, there is typically just one BMAT test date each year and it's usually in October or November. This means you won't know your BMAT score until after you've chosen your four Medical Schools and submitted your UCAS application.

Get An Edge For Med School

Boost your CV with Medicine summer school

7. Write your Personal Statement

Your Personal Statement is your chance to show universities that you are a perfect candidate for Medicine.

You'll need to cover the following three questions:

Why do you want to study Medicine?

How have you explored your interest in Medicine?

Why are you a strong candidate?

It's important to describe your personal motivation for Medicine, and how you have explored this interest through work experience or volunteering, as well as any wider reading or research you've done. You can find out more in our Personal Statement guide. And don't forget that the UCAS deadline for Medicine is typically in mid October, which is earlier than other courses.

8. Stand Out At Interview

If you get shortlisted by a Med School, you'll be invited to interview - but you might not get a lot of notice. That's why we encourage you to begin preparing for interviews as soon as you submit your UCAS application for Medicine.

To find out more, check out our guide on how to prepare for interviews.

9. Get Ready for Medical School

If you receive any offers after interview, you'll just need to meet the A-Level grade requirements specified in your offer to secure your Med School place.

Getting into Medical School is a huge achievement! Have a look at our guide to surviving your first year of Med School so you can make the most of the experience.

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Applying For Medicine: Step-By-Step Guide - The Medic Portal

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Want to study Medicine and wondering what the application process is like? Read our step-by-step guide to applying for Medicine here!

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The British Medical Association is the trade union and professional body for doctors in the UK.

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If you are applying to medical school there will be a range of things to consider. From attending a university open day, submitting your application and attending an interview, we have produced a guide to help you get through the application process.

Subjects you need to study medicine

For students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, all UK medical schools accept applications that demonstrate:

good GCSE grades in math, science and english

a combination of GCSEs, AS levels and A-levels

chemistry at A-level and often A-level biology

one other science subject is often required, for example, physics (or physical science), or mathematics.

a good A-level grade in an arts subject such as history or a modern language will usually be accepted as a third A-level.

Students with mainly non-science A-levels are normally required to study a foundation course, which will add a year to the standard five year undergraduate course.

Applicants to UK medical schools with other qualifications, such as an international baccalaureate, should contact the individual medical schools or UCAS for details on equivalent entry requirements.

Live outside of the UK?

See our guidance for international students looking to study or train in the UK.

Visit guidance

Find the right medical school for you

It's important you leave enough time to do research, before applying to medical school.

The research will help you to find out what type of course will suit you and outline what you need to do for the application process.

Remember you can only choose up to four medical schools, so many students use the fifth as a back up option, applying to related courses like bio-medical science which require lower grades. Consider what other course you'd be interested in taking instead of medicine.

Attending university open days and visiting the campus will give you an idea of what life at university is like. Ask yourself if you would be happy to spend the next five years of your life there.

Take a look at our map of medical schools in the UK.

Writing your personal statement

The most important part of writing your personal statement is not to rush it. Find out the deadlines, apply as early as possible and give yourself plenty of time to get your application ready.

Medical schools want to know not just about your grades, but about you as a person. Talk about all the things you've achieved in your life: personal interests, hobbies, sports achievements, academic prizes, projects you've work on, social groups you've been a part of.

Read some more guidance from the Medic Portal website.

Getting work experience in a caring role

Whether it be as a volunteer or in paid employment, having experience in a caring role is extremely valuable.

We would advise looking up your local hospital or nursing home to see if you can do a placement. You could get in touch with doctors who have inspired you or your local GP, and ask them if you can do work experience with them.

Getting hands on experience will also give you a great insight into the day-to-day life of being a doctor and show your commitment to becoming a medic.

Read more about getting medical work experience.

Submitting your application

Have a checklist, double check your application against it and make sure you're including everything that is being asked for. Have a friend, teacher, family member or careers advisor look through and check all your application items.

Many medical schools have the same requirements, but it's up to you to be organised and make sure your application is received on time and includes everything required.

Medical school admission tests

Some medical schools use the UCAS tariff point system to designate entry requirements. This point system establishes agreed comparability between different types of qualifications and between applicants with different types and volumes of achievement.

In addition to application through UCAS, medical schools require applicants to take admission tests.

Read more about UCAT.

Biomedical admissions test (BMAT)

Attending an interview

Congratulations you've got an interview! One of the first questions you might be asked is 'why do you want to study medicine?', it's important to be 100% honest. You will stand out much more if you give a genuine answer, even if it sounds cliched.

For some medical schools, attending a face to face interview is an integral part of the application process. The medical school wants to get a sense of who you are not just academically, but who you are as a person.

Prepare as much as possible by practicing answering questions with friends and family, talk to others who have been through an interview to find out what it will be like.

Be prepared for questions about what you talked about in your personal statement, like your voluntary work, interests and background.

Once you've been accepted

Most offers to medical school are a conditional offer and based on scores you are expected to achieve at A-level.

The pressure will be on to make sure you achieve the results that are expected so you can take up your place at medical school.

Keep studying, focus on your exams and ask for help if you feel you need it. There's no harm in asking your teachers, a family member or friends for help if you feel you are struggling with your studies or just need someone to talk to.

You've not been accepted. What next?

Medical schools in the UK are generally oversubscribed, which means competition for a place is tough. If you miss out, it is important to consider your options.

Ask your teachers and career advisors for help in figuring out what your options are in higher education based on your grades and subjects studied. There may be a career out there which is just as rewarding and interesting within the medical profession, that is the right fit for you and your skills.

Don't be afraid to approach the medical schools to which you applied and ask for constructive feedback. Review your personal statement, continue to get work experience to give extra support to your application and look at alternative medical schools to the ones you originally applied to.

Start preparing for life as a medical student

If you are moving out of home or shifting to another part of the country to attend medical school, use all the resources on offer from your university. This includes sorting out your accommodation, attending any pre- course events and getting settled in to your new life as a medical student.

It's also worth looking through all the student finance options, do your research on bursaries, loans and grants on offer that can help you out during your studies.

Most of all, enjoy your success and look forward to starting your journey to becoming a doctor.

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Our guide will help you to navigate the process of applying to medical school.

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Making an application | Medical Schools Council

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Making an application to study medicine can be daunting. This page aims to make the process easy to understand, laying out the initial parts of an application.

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Your personal statement is the only real chance you have to tell the universities to which you are applying all about your love of your chosen subject and what marks you out as a strong candidate.

Personal Statement Tips

When you consider that you only have 4000 characters or 47 lines of text to do this, the personal statement for university can prove a rather daunting challenge for many applicants.

The ﬁrst thing to say is: don't be afraid to ask for help from teachers, parents or other sources. You only get one chance to make a ﬁrst impression, so seek advice from those who have been there before! There's no need to go it alone.

With that in mind, here are the most important tips for writing a personal statement for the university, and to get you started:
Recommended for reading:
Write More Than One Draft

Many people don't leave themselves enough time to write multiple drafts of their personal statements, hoping that they will simply 'come good on the day.

Your personal statement for the university plays a large part in determining your academic future, so make sure you give it the attention it deserves.

When writing your ﬁrst draft, don't worry too much about style or length. Simply write down everything you think may be relevant and you can shape and edit it later.

Once you have a basic version that you're happy with it's time to seek out some advice.

Your ﬁrst port of call should be your teachers. They read university personal statements from their pupils every year and have a clear sense of 'what works.

There may be time or professional limitations on the help they can give you, however.

They are only allowed to give general advice and won't be able to point out speciﬁc mistakes or problems, for example, so don't push them for more details than they are allowed to give. Do take any helpful and insightful advice they can offer on board, however.

Your parents may also prove useful readers at this stage. They are the people who probably know you the best and can give you the most honest appraisal of whether the statement accurately reﬂects you.

They will probably have gone to university years ago, however, or maybe not gone at all; so make sure you take anything speciﬁc they may say about 'what universities are looking for with a pinch of salt and try and combine their feedback with more up-to-date advice if you can.

Some writing companies can also offer personal statement tips and editing services; which utilise the skills and talents of top graduates to help you shape a top-quality personal statement for the university. If you do decide to use a professional company rather than providing 'one size ﬁts all' templates for their customers.

UCAS uses sophisticated plagiarism software that will be able to detect these 'cut and paste' statements.

Learn how to write a personal statement.

Focus On Your Subject

Your personal statement for the university should be like a 'love letter' to your subject, making it clear why you are so committed to it. It may also help to think of your statement as a mini-essay, the essence of which should be your enthusiasm and suitability for studying your subject.

While there is certainly scope for including extra-curricular activities and other supporting evidence that shows that you are a 'well-rounded' candidate. The fact is that you are more likely to impress universities with a dedication to, and knowledge of, your chosen subject rather than other achievements.

There are three main points you should think about when writing about your subject:

What do you enjoy about studying the subject?

Why the subject is important and relevant.

Which skills, insights or ways of thinking make you a good student of the subject?

You can deal with each of these elements individually or, ideally, you can integrate each of them into an overall argument about why the subject matters and what you have done to pursue it.

Try and convince them that you don't simply want to study your subject 'because you are good at it and certainly not 'because it is easy!

Instead, try and focus on what makes your subject important, both to you and to the world in general, and how this drives your passion for study. It is a good idea too to indicate your career ambitions and how they relate to your chosen course.

Know What Are You Talking About

To let universities know that you are a good student, you might be tempted to turn to obscure facts or quotations to demonstrate the grasp of your subject. This approach must be handled carefully, however.

Remember that you are talking to established academics; you will not be able to tell them anything new about their subject so don't worry too much about trying to sound clever. Instead, try and sound passionate and intellectually curious!

If you do decide to include a quotation or fact, make sure that you discuss it in further detail.

Don't simply think that quoting Karl Marx or Albert Einstein demonstrates that you have a complete grasp of Political Philosophy or Physics.

Admissions tutors will want to see what you do with the quotation, so only include it if you have something speciﬁc to say.

For all subjects, but particularly for those with a heavy language bias such as English, your statement will also be a demonstration of your ability to structure an argument.

While it is not a test, and the main point of it is to allow universities to get a better idea of who you are, it is worth considering all the supporting material you include in detail as you would in any essay.

Again, while it may sound obvious, it might be worth pointing out that you also should NEVER include material that you haven't read, or with which you are unfamiliar. Claiming expertise that you don't have can seriously backﬁre on you if you are called to an interview and they ask you about it.

Don't Be Too Distracted By Extra-Curricular Activities

Alongside your love of your subject, you may wish to include some detail about sports and hobbies, volunteering and charity/community work or your work experience and career aspirations.

You should always be careful not to distract from the main point of your statement (your love of your subject and your suitability for studying it) when it comes to including these elements, however. While it is great to show that you are a 'well-rounded' candidate with a range of interests, most courses will be more impressed by your enthusiasm for, and knowledge of, your subject.

That said; you may have work experience or hobbies that are directly relevant to your course, particularly if you are studying something more practical, such as Business Studies, Medicine, Law or Sports Science.

In this case, you should deﬁnitely mention each of your extra-curricular activities as they will have a direct impact on your knowledge of your subject.

It's also possible to mention non-related work and hobbies but, as with quotations and facts, make sure you point out how they have helped to prepare you for study or how they link to your subject.

Did you learn skills that might be transferable to university studies, such as teamwork and leadership, through the sport of creative pastimes? Or did employment or volunteer work give you a different perspective on Sociology, Psychology, Politics or Business from a practical perspective?

By all means, mention your achievements and experience, but never forget the primary purpose of the UCAS personal statement: to demonstrate why you should be studying your chosen subject.

Remember These Crucial Personal Statement Tips

1. Avoid Humour - Because prospective students are so often told that they have to 'catch admissions tutors' attention,' they sometimes think that humour will be a good way to make the tutor remember them. This might be true if the tutor has the same sense of humour as you do - but in all likelihood, he or she probably won't. A joke or pun also uses up valuable space! (Always remember the critical 4000 character limit)

2. Don't Use Self-Help Speak To Talk About Your Aspirations - Although admissions tutors want people who feel they will beneﬁt from the course, they don't want you to be more focused on your personal growth than your intellectual development. Saying things like 'the course will be the next step in my path towards discovery,' sounds vague as well as un-academic.

3. Check Word Count Again And Again - The Word Count feature doesn't work in the UCAS 'Apply' box, so make sure that your statement is perfect in Word before you cut and paste it into Track. Make sure that you have the option 'included spaces' ticked in the options for character count, and if you decide to change anything - even if it's only a few words - once it's in the 'Apply' box, cut and paste it back into Word to do a ﬁnal character check before you hit 'Send.'

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Tips for Writing a Personal Statement for the University

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Read the essential tips for writing a personal statement for the university. Success is guaranteed if you implement it.

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Personal Statement Examples UK - Student Good Guide

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We have over 1000 personal statement examples and samples. Find what you need to craft your application for university. Check it now.

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Applying to Russell Group Universities in 2023

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Read on to discover our essential guide for applying to Russell Group universities, including tips on how to write a winning Russell Group personal statement.

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We're excited you're thinking of studying an undergraduate degree at Cambridge. Join us to experience world-class teaching and learning at one of the best universities.

Before you apply

Are you starting to explore your university options? You can:

How to apply

Ready to apply? It's time to:

After you apply

Once you submit your UCAS application and My Cambridge Application, you can:

External consultants

We're aware of private companies and individuals who offer, at a charge, information and advice on our admissions process, assessments and interviews. We DO NOT support or encourage any of these commercial enterprises. None of these companies/individuals has access to any information that's not already available free of charge to all schools, colleges and individual students from College admissions offices, the Cambridge Admissions Office or Cambridge Students' Union; and we're unable to verify the accuracy of information these companies/individuals may provide. Please contact the admissions office at any College or the Cambridge Admissions Office for more information.

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How to apply to study an undergraduate course at Cambridge, advice to help you prepare for interview and tips to improve your chances of getting a place.

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Completing a UCAS application for Oxford follows the same process as for other universities, we just have an earlier submission deadline of 16 October. (This date is usually 15 October, except where the date falls on a weekend).

Please note that you should not send us as part of your application any certificates, transcripts or other documents for qualifications which you have already taken. The only exception to this is if you already have a degree from a university - see Other forms below. We will contact you for evidence of your qualifications if you are offered a place at Oxford.

Before you start:

1. Choose which course you would like to study. You can only apply to one course at Oxford, and you can't apply to Oxford and Cambridge in the same year. Read more information on all our courses.

2. Check the admission requirements for your course. Specific grades and subjects required are also shown on each course page.

3. Decide whether to express a preference for a particular college or make an open application. If you make an open application, you will be assigned to a college which has had relatively fewer applications for your course in the year you apply.

What will the UCAS application ask for?

1. Personal details including an email address. Make sure you check this address frequently.

2. Details about your education, and any qualifications you have already achieved.

3. A personal statement where you tell us why you are interested in your chosen course. Read our guidance on writing your personal statement.

4. Your reference. Remember that your teacher or adviser will need some time to complete your reference, and this must be completed before the deadline. Read our guidance on academic references.

5. A fee payment to UCAS is required to complete the process.

Read guidance from UCAS on filling in your application.

Admissions tests

For most courses at Oxford you are required to take a test as part of your application. Registration for tests is not automatic and is not part of the UCAS process. Please check the details for your course, including how to register.

Other forms

If you are applying for a second undergraduate degree, please send a copy of the transcript from your first degree to the college that is considering your application, to arrive by 10 November. No other references, transcripts, or certificates are required or accepted except for students applying for Graduate-entry Medicine (A101) or Choral or Organ Awards.

Personal statement

One section of the application is called your personal statement. This is where you can write whatever you'd like to say about yourself and your motivation to study your course.

People sometimes think that there is a trick to writing a personal statement for Oxford, or that we are looking for some special secret formula, but this is not the case.

It's important to remember that you can only write one personal statement and so the same wording will be seen by all the universities you apply to.

Your personal statement should therefore focus on the course you want to study, not the universities themselves. Please read this helpful advice from UCAS. Please also view UCAS' guidance on the use of assistive technology (including artificial intelligence) when writing your personal statement.

Provided that your academic referee can give us some background on the impact of COVID-19 on your education in their reference, you do not need to specifically refer to this in your personal statement. If the pandemic has shaped how you think about your subject or offered you relevant opportunities to show your interest in your subject area, you can of course include this as part of your motivation for applying for the course. Otherwise, follow the advice given below.

How important is the personal statement?

Universities build a picture of you as a student from all the different information you provide, to help decide whether or not to offer you a place.

The picture is made up of several different pieces: your personal statement, academic record, predicted A-level grades (or equivalent), and your teacher's reference. For most courses at Oxford you will also need to take an admissions test or submit written work ( check the details for your course).

If your application is shortlisted, your interview will also be taken into account. This means that your personal statement is important but it's not everything: it's just one part of the overall picture.

What are Oxford tutors looking for?

Tutors at Oxford are only interested in your academic ability and potential. They want to see that you are truly committed to the subject or subjects you want to study at university but it's not enough just to say that you have a passion for something. You need to show tutors how you have engaged with your subject, above and beyond whatever you have studied at school or college. This can include any relevant extra-curricular activities.

Try to avoid writing your personal statement as though you are ticking things off a list. There is no checklist of required achievements, and tutors will not just scan what you have written to look for key words or phrases.

Tutors will read your personal statement to try to understand what has motivated you to apply for their course. It's a good idea to evaluate your experiences, to show what you have learned from them and how they have helped develop your understanding of your subject.

Where should I start?

Think about talking to your friends about what you want to study at university: what would you tell them?

What have you read or watched or seen that has inspired you? (This might have been at school, at home, in a museum, on TV, in a book, on YouTube or a podcast or anywhere else. You can also take a look at our suggested reading and resources.) Why was it interesting? What do you want to find out next? What did you do?

If you find this difficult, it might be time to think about whether or not you've really chosen the right course. If you can't think of anything that has inspired you, this lack of enthusiasm will probably come across in your personal statement, or it will become clear at interview, and you're unlikely to gain a place at Oxford. If you find it easy to answer these questions, you will have a long list of ideas to help you write your personal statement.

When you start to write, remember not just to list your achievements but show how they have affected you, how you have benefited, and what you'd like to learn next. Be honest about yourself and what has inspired you, whether that's been text books, museums and literature, or websites, podcasts and blogs.

Be sure to tell the truth, as tutors might check later, so don't exaggerate and certainly don't make any false claims. Don't hold back either - this is no time for modesty.

When you've written a first draft, have a look back at the selection criteria for your course and think about the evidence you've given for each of the criteria. Have you covered everything?

Should I include extra-curricular activities?

We typically suggest that you focus around 80% of your personal statement on your academic interests, abilities and achievements. This can include discussion of any relevant extra-curricular activities. The remaining 20% can then cover any unrelated extra-curricular activities.

There's a myth that Oxford is looking for the most well-rounded applicants, and that you will only be offered a place if you have a long list of varied extra-curricular activities. In fact, extra-curricular activities are only helpful in so far as they demonstrate the selection criteria for your course.

If you are applying to other universities as well as to Oxford (you can make five choices on your UCAS form) then you may need to find out whether the other universities have different selection criteria. If they do, then you might want to provide some information about your extra-curricular interests - but keep it to a minimum.

The space in your personal statement is limited, so think carefully about what you want to include.

Do I need experience of work and travel?

We understand that not everyone has the opportunity to do work experience or to go travelling so these activities are not a requirement for any of our courses. Tutors won't be impressed by your connections, or the stamps in your passport, but they will be impressed by how you've engaged with your subject.

For example, some of our applicants for Medicine may have had work experience placements in prestigious hospitals but not be able to evaluate their time there. If you have no more experience than some simple voluntary work, or even just discussing medical matters with your friends and family, you can still write an effective personal statement by reflecting critically on what you have learned and discussed.

To give another example, for the History of Art course, tutors will not want to hear about all the galleries and exhibitions that you have visited around the world if you cannot discuss the art that you saw. You can come across more effectively in your personal statement by evaluating art you have seen, even if you've only seen it online or in books without ever leaving the school library.

Don't be put off by any friends who you think have more impressive things to say in their personal statements. Remember that tutors do not have a checklist of achievements that they are looking for: they want to see how you have engaged with your subject.

I'm applying to different courses at different universities - how should I write my personal statement?

If you are thinking of applying for completely different courses at different universities (eg Physics and Accounting, or Biology and Music) we'd encourage you to reconsider.

It's important to choose a subject area that you really want to study, and focus on that one area when making your applications. Also, you can only write one personal statement which will be seen by all the universities to which you apply, so it needs to be relevant for all your courses.

If you are thinking of applying for related courses at different universities then we suggest that you avoid using course titles in your personal statement. We recommend that you write about your interest in the general course themes, and how you have engaged with relevant subject areas, so that your personal statement is equally relevant for each of your course choices.

Does my personal statement need to stand out?

Students sometimes feel that they need to say something dramatic to stand out from the crowd and be really memorable in their personal statement but this is not true. Applying to Oxford is not like a talent show where you may only have a few seconds to make an impression.

Tutors consider each application carefully on its individual merits, looking for evidence of your commitment and ability. If you use your personal statement to demonstrate your academic abilities and your engagement with your subject or subjects, then your application will be memorable for all the right reasons.

How many versions should I write?

Ask a teacher to read through what you've written, listen to their feedback and then make any updates that they suggest. You may need two or three tries to get it right and it can take longer than you think, especially with the limited number of characters.

It can be tricky to get in everything you want to mention, but don't spend too much time trying to make your personal statement completely perfect - it's only one of the things that the tutors will consider.

Some dos and don'ts

Do:

Do apply for a course you really want to study.

Do be yourself: tell the truth about your interests.

Do sell yourself: this is not the time for modesty.

Do re-read your personal statement before an interview - the tutors may ask you to talk about things you've mentioned

Do read the UCAS guidance on personal statements.

Don't:

Don't be tempted to make anything up, as you might be asked about it at interview.

Don't copy anyone else's personal statement. UCAS uses plagiarism detection software.

Don't list qualifications like your GCSE grades or anything else that's covered elsewhere on the application.

Don't just list your other achievements: you need to evaluate them.

Don't feel the need to be dramatic in order to be memorable.

Academic reference

A reference from a teacher or someone else who is qualified to comment on your academic ability is an essential part of your UCAS application. Your application will be incomplete without a reference and we will not be able to consider it.

Advice for candidates

The process is different for those applying through a school/college/centre and those applying after they have left school or as an individual.

Read how to get a UCAS undergraduate reference.

The reference must be in English. If your referee is not confident writing in English, they can ask an English-speaking colleague to help them. Alternatively, you can have a certified translation made for them to upload. Please ask them not to submit a reference in any language other than English, and to make sure that they have uploaded a reference in English to UCAS by the 16 October deadline.

Your reference must be from someone who can write about your academic potential; it can't be from a family member.

UCAS's reference guidance

Advice for referees

Read how to write UCAS undergraduate references for information about writing an academic reference for a student's application to Oxford. The format of references has changed this year. It is now split into three separate sections so it is important that all referees are aware of the new guidance.

References can be up to 4,000 characters (including spaces, headings and line breaks) or 47 lines of text, whichever comes first, and comprise of three sections.

It is up to the referee how they divide the word count between these three sections but we would advise leaving plenty of space for Section three which is where you can comment on the individual academic achievements and potential of your Oxford applicants.

UCAS have published sample references which you are likely to find useful.

Section one: this invites referees to enter a general statement about their school, college or centre. We strongly recommend including relevant information about school closures and disruption to whole cohorts on a specifically created webpage on your school website. You can then link to this webpage in Section one of your academic reference to ensure that most of the reference word count can still be dedicated to the academic achievements and potential of your student.

Section two: if applicable, include here any information about individual extenuating circumstances which may have impacted your applicant's education and achievements. Alternatively, if for any reason this is inappropriate, you are welcome to contact the college considering your candidate's application.

Section three: use this to comment on the individual academic achievements and potential of your Oxford applicant and how these relate to the course they are applying for.

If the candidate is currently studying or awaiting results you will be asked to include predicted grades for these qualifications. These should not be included as part of the reference but be included in the Education section of a candidate's UCAS application. Students who are awaiting examination results or are yet to take examinations should enter 'pending' against those qualifications (including resits) when completing the Education section. Those pending qualifications will then be shown in the adviser portal and is where referees should record their predicted grades for these pending examinations. Where applicable, this is an important part of the application, so please do include predicted grades.

It may be helpful first for you to refer to the selection criteria and admission requirements for your candidate's chosen course.

You may like to refer to the additional advice about writing a reference for an Oxford applicant on our Advice for Teachers page.

Education

This is the section of the UCAS form where you list all your qualifications along with the grades you have already achieved and any standardised test scores. Please list everything as the admissions tutors need to see the whole picture of your academic studies so far. It doesn't matter if you have taken a lot of qualifications, a few, or none, we ask you to tell us about them.

You also need to list any educational qualifications you are currently working towards. Students who are awaiting examination results or are yet to take examinations should enter 'pending' against these qualifications (including resits) when completing the Education section. Pending qualifications will then be shown in the adviser portal and is where referees should record their predicted grades for these pending examinations. Where applicable, this is an important part of the application, somake sure your referee is aware of this.

Why do we ask for predicted grades?

Using predicted grades means you can apply to study at Oxford before you have finished school (or equivalent) and you don't have to wait until all your exams are complete and your results are known. These predictions help admissions tutors understand your academic potential and let them know if you are going to meet or exceed the entrance requirements for your chosen course. If you are made an offer of a place, it will be conditional on your achieving the required grades (based on the entrance requirements for your course) in any outstanding exams.

We appreciate that many educational systems around the world do not usually predict a student's grades in this way; however without these predictions from your teacher we are unable to consider your application. There's lots of advice for teachers in the teachers' section of our websiteand from UCAS about writing references and predicting grades.

What if you can't provide predicted grades?

If you have listed any exams or qualifications as not yet taken on your UCAS form, then your teacher must provide predicted grades for them. If you can't get predicted grades, then your only alternative is to wait until you have got the final results for all your exams and qualifications before applying to Oxford. Please remember that you can only apply to Oxford between early September and 16 October (this date is normally 15 October unless the date falls on a weekend).

English language qualifications

If you are not a native English speaker, please also include any English language qualifications that you have taken or are due to take. Our English language requirements page lists which tests we accept and also explains possible exemptions.

How do you declare international qualifications in the UCAS form?

You should self-report all details of your qualifications, standardised test scores, and grades on the UCAS application form under 'Education'. It will need to be clear from your application that you are on track to achieve the admission requirements for your course.

Please visit our international qualifications page for the international qualifications we accept and the level of academic attainment we would require.

For any exams you are yet to take, you will need to ask your referee (normally the teacher supporting your application) to predict your results and submit these as part of your UCAS application. Please refer your referee to our advice on writing references and predicting grades.

You may choose to declare the results of any individual modules or internal exams in the 'Education' section of your UCAS application, but this is not essential. You may instead like to ask your academic referee to mention the results of any internal school exams in the reference, if you feel that these results will help to demonstrate your academic ability and potential.

Please visit the UCAS website for further advice on how to enter your qualifications on the UCAS form.

Note: do not send us transcripts for the qualifications you've already taken; you will only need to produce certificates or transcripts if you are offered a place here.

However, if you are applying for a second undergraduate degree, you will need to send a transcript from your first degree separately, to the college that is considering your application. You do not upload this as part of your UCAS form.

Special circumstances

If you have personal circumstances that you'd like to tell us about please include them in your personal statement, or ask your teacher to include the information in your reference.

If for any reason this is not appropriate, then please wait until you have had confirmation that your application has been received by a college and then contact them directly. This is likely to be around the end of October.

You can contact our Admissions Office for further information and advice if you're not sure what to include. If you are applying for Medicine, please read the Medical School's guidance on submitting information about extenuating circumstances.

Usually special circumstances are something that you as an individual have experienced, something that is unique to you. So we would not, for example, expect you to let us know about your school being closed due to COVID-19. We are extremely aware of the widespread disruption to education during the pandemic and will be asking your academic referee to tell us how this has affected your year group.

Students with disabilities

Please see the tab Declaring your disability and read our Guidance for disabled applicants to find out about the support we offer our students.

Other extenuating circumstances

We are sympathetic to the fact that sometimes candidates under-perform at school or college because of extenuating circumstances. If you feel that your performance has been affected in this way please let us know.

You should let us have this information in your UCAS application as we need to receive this information before admissions decisions have been made.

Information received after admissions decisions have been made will only be considered in exceptional circumstances and if this was not available earlier.Examples would include disruption caused by change of school or system, severe discontinuity of teachers (but not if this was due to nationwide school closures due to COVID-19), bereavement, and debilitating illness.

We take care to treat each application individually and would always take such mitigating circumstances into account, if they are brought to our attention before admissions decisions have been made.

You could include this information in your personal statement or your teacher could mention this in their reference. If for any reason this is not possible, then we would advise you to contact the college you applied to (or are assigned to if making an open application) once you have had confirmation that your application has been received. This is likely to be around the end of October.

Teachers and other academic referees should follow the guidance provided by UCAS in order to explain the impact of COVID-19 on your education.

Whatever your particular circumstances, the earlier we know about your individual requirements, then the sooner we can begin to meet them.

We are committed to making sure that all our students can benefit from the great opportunities at Oxford so please do tell us about any disability, whether seen or unseen, on your UCAS application. This should include any long-term illness, mental health condition, an autism spectrum condition or specific learning difficulty.

Please be assured that admissions decisions are made on academic grounds alone.

By telling us now, you will help us put in place any agreed support early and to make reasonable adjustments to facilitate your access to your course and our University. It will also mean that we can provide appropriate arrangements during the admissions process, so for any test or interview.

While you do not need to include this information at this stage, we strongly recommend you do so in order to give us time to prepare and arrange suitable support.

You'll find the relevant section at the bottom of the Personal Details tab of your UCAS application

Click 'see list' to select the relevant category

Fill in the second box below Category to give details of any facilities or special provisions required.

UCAS also has some good advice about how to tell us about your disability.

See also our further Guidance for disabled applicants. This includes information on contacting our Disability Advisory Service and how to put in place any necessary arrangements for our admissions tests, if this is one of the admission requirements for your chosen course.

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If you want to study at Oxford, you need to apply a year before the start date of your course by completing an online UCAS application form.Applications open in May so you can start work on the form from then. You won't be able to submit your application until early September.

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Oxford Open day presentation on personal statements

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Oxford Open day presentation on personal statements

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Your personal statement is your opportunity to tell us more about yourself and why you are interested in studying your chosen subject. In this article, we offer you some tips and advice on how to start building your personal statement and make the best impression with your application.

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Welcome to Staircase12, an online hub of resources and information for students thinking about applying to top universities. You'll find plenty of ideas here for stretching yourself beyond the school syllabus.

If you want to learn a bit more about why exploring your subject beyond school is important, and see some top tips for going about it, take a look at our Explore Your Subject page.

Reading Bank

You may have been told you need to "read around the subject", but might not be sure where to start (or just think reading is really boring). If that's the case then our Reading Bank is for you. It's full of reviews by Univ students and some tutors too of books that they'd recommend to students considering applying to study their subject at uni.

Explore our book reviews for Humanities, Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences, Medical Sciences and Social Sciences or take a look at the full range of reviews on our Reading Bank.

Here are four of this month's favourites:

Resources Hub

Exploring your subject isn't just about reading. There are resources all over the internet to help you engage with your subject interest and stretch yourself beyond the school syllabus. Check out our Resource Hub of links for ideas of lectures, podcasts, online courses, articles, blogs and much more. Or explore our specific resources for Humanities, Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences, Medical Sciences or Social Sciences.

If you're stuck for where to start, here are some of our favourites from this month (each resource opens in a new window):

Staircase12 Book Box

Univ's Staircase12 Book Box project is designed to improve students' access to physical resources to help them explore their subject interests further. Find out more about it on our Book Box page.

Further Information

Do you have further questions about applying to Oxford or about exploring your subject beyond school? Do you have a suggestion for a resource that it would be useful for us to share on Staircase12? Then please get in touch - E: access@univ.ox.ac.uk.

Students: why not also explore our Courses at Univ pages or meet the tutors on our Academics A-Z pages. You may also want to take a look at Univ's Study Day programme for Year 12 students; yet another way you can explore your subject beyond school.

Teachers: check out the events and resources we have for you here.

Why not follow all of the latest news from Staircase12 on Twitter - or keep up with all things Univ on the College social media channels:

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Staircase12 - University College Oxford (Univ) - Staircase12

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Welcome to Staircase12, an online hub of resources and information for students thinking about applying to top universities....

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The HE+ website brings you exciting supercurricular resources created and written by Cambridge students and academics including challenging activities, engaging videos, reflective questions and much more. Our content is aimed at school-aged students looking to go beyond the school curriculum and discover their passion for a subject today. Welcome to our academic community!

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This website is for students who are taking part in the HE+ project across the UK. Use the subject resources here to discover new interests and develop your academic skills.

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What is Super-Curricular and why is it important?

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What is Super-Curricular and why is it important?

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You can delve deeper into your subject in many ways, such as:

reading books, specialist magazines and journals

visiting museums and galleries

watching films and documentaries

listening to podcasts

attending online seminars and lectures

entering academic competitions

Remember to think about the ideas you are discovering, consider the arguments being made, and form your own thoughts and opinions about them. You might find it useful to discuss what you are learning with a friend, relative or teacher which could be great practice for an academic interview.

Useful resources

Super-curricular suggestions

We have prepared a selection of suggested reading lists and resources which has been gathered from Cambridge departmental and College websites, other universities and various other online sources.
View our super-curricular suggestions
The HE+ website brings you exciting super-curricular resources created and written by Cambridge students and academics, including challenging activities, engaging videos, reflective questions and much more.
Visit the HE+ website

You can find recommended reading lists for each course on departmental websites. Find your course, then navigate to the course website from the menu on the right hand side of the page. Suggested reading can usually be found under information for prospective undergraduates.
Find your course

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Use this tool to find the top universities in the world. You can search by country, subject and/or other factors.

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Compare the world's top universities with the latest edition of the QS World University Rankings ®, and explore leading institutions by region and subject.

Register for free site membership to access direct university comparisons and more

Register today!

University Rankings

Compare the world's top universities with the latest edition of the QS World University Rankings ®, and explore leading institutions by region and subject.

Register for free site membership to access direct university comparisons and more

Register today!

Join us in-person or online to network with master's and MBA admissions representatives.

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QS Universities Rankings - Top Global Universities & Colleges | Top Universities

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Compare the world's top universities with the latest edition of the QS World University Rankings®, and explore leading institutions by region and subject.

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Why study at a Russell Group university?

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Why study at a Russell Group university?

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Founded in 1994, the Russell Group universities tend to be long-established and rank high in university league tables. These universites have a focus on research and often have high entry requirements.

Membership of the Russell Group doesn't change often, though it's possible for unis to join or to leave the group. At the moment, the universities that make up the group are:

Russell Group universities have high entry requirements for most courses. But, the entry requirements will vary depending on the course you're applying to.

For example, if you wish to study psychology at the University of Edinburgh, the standard entry requirements for A-level students is AAA-ABB. However, if you are wanting to study psychology at University College London, you will require an A*AA.

Make sure to check the entry requirements on Whatuni before you apply. This will allow you to plan your A-levels in advance, to ensure that you are taking the subjects necessary for you to be accepted.

Some subjects will require you to have taken particular A-levels. For example, if you wish to study a BSc in biology from the University of York, not only will you need a minimum AAB but this will need to include two science-related subjects.

Do Russell Group universities accept BTECs?

Yes, BTECs are accepted by up to 95 percent of universities and colleges in the UK. Along with A-levels, they are viewed as a valuable qualification. Gaining a Level Three BTEC Extended Diploma is the equivalent to 3 A-levels.

If you are using your BTEC grades, make sure you know the entry requirements for that particular course. Check out the entry requirements for any courses you're interested in through Whatuni's ' Find a Course ' tool. Note that some courses will require a specific grade in a particular subject.

Russell Group universities are awarded two thirds of all UK research grants and contract income. This benefits students undertaking research as part of a final year or postgraduate degree dissertation. However, it's important to note that non-Russell Group universities also offer an equally-high level of research to students.

Due to the scale of research grants Russell Group universities are afforded, this can attract academics at the top of their respective field. Many of these academics do choose, however, to lecture at non-Russell Group universities too.

Russell Group universities also tend to have higher completion rates. In the Complete University Guide's 2021 League Tables, 9 out of the top 10 universities that ranked highest for degree completion were in the Russell Group.

It's important that you take note of the Russell Group university deadlines.

For Oxbridge (Oxford and Cambridge) and most medicine, veterinary and dentistry courses, the application deadline will fall in mid-October. The 2022 deadline is 15th October 2022.

For almost all other courses, the application deadline is 25th January 2023. However, students can still apply after this deadline, up until the beginning of Clearing on 5th July.

Regardless of your deadline, ensure that you have the final copy of your personal statement ready to attach to your application. This is one of the most vital components to your application and it is important that you do your research into what makes a winning personal statement.

If you are applying for an Oxford or Cambridge course, make sure your personal statement is well-written and will stand out. Thousands of students apply to Oxbridge every year, so be sure to convey your story, share your thoughts and opinions critically on the subject you're applying to and display your individuality through your personal statement. Some Oxbridge courses require an interview, where you'll be asked to expand upon what you have mentioned in your personal statement.

Typically most Russell Group universities set higher entry requirements, with these varying between universities.

However in January 2021, the Russell Group chief executive reassured applicants that Russell Group universities will be willing to accept more applications than previous years. He advised that "Russell Group universities will be as fair and flexible as possible to ensure they [applicants] are not disadvantaged in their applications."

When making your final five shortlist of courses to apply for, we suggest stretching your choices. What we mean by this is include one option that you are really interested in but may have a slightly lower chance of getting into, some options that you believe you have a stronger chance of getting into and one safer option. That way, you cover all of your bases.

Yes, Russell Group universities have courses available through Clearing but they will be limited. It is unlikely that a Russell Group university will have any of its popular courses in Clearing, due to how quickly places are filled.

If you're planning on applying to Russell Group universities in Clearing or Adjustment, ensure that you research your choices before you get your teacher assessed grades, so that your results day can be focussed on calling those universities and negotiating your place.

To see if any Russell Group unis have Clearing spaces available, use our handy Clearing search tool.

Being in the Russell Group is an indication that a university is research-heavy and is long-established. Depending on what you choose to study, this research element may be an important factor that matters to you.

There can also be a lot of societal pressure to study at a Russell Group university, whether that be from parents, other family members or how these universities are perceived amongst you and your peers. Given that most universities in the Russell Group have traditionally held a highly-esteemed reputation, it is not hard to see why studying at one of these universities is highly-regarded.

But while Russell Group universities may be known for their high academic standards, they are by no means the only institutions which can offer you an excellent education. Being a part of the Russell Group doesn't give the complete picture of how well your student experience will turn out. What is most important when it comes to choosing a university is that it is a good fit for you. If you are not happy, you are less likely to do well, no matter where you study.

Don't just choose a university because it is a part of the Russell Group. Take a holistic approach, considering all of the factors that are important to you such as location and size. Make sure that you are attending open days, reading student reviews and ordering prospectuses so that you can make the best, most informed decision.
Feeling ready to look for a uni? Take our snazzy university search tool for a spin!

If you're interested in learning more about the Russell Group, we recommend tuning into these student influencers, who are documenting their journey...

Made up of Lydie & Hazal, two Queen Mary, University of London students navigating their way through medicine, the girls share their Med School journey, providing tips, advice and insight for those considering being a med student.

Rosie is a 22 year-old Oxford University student who offers advice on all things from writing a personal statement and tips for setting up your room, to advice on productive study and giving an inside peek into life as an Oxford student.

Making her way through an economics degree at the University of Edinburgh, Nayna has amassed a big following both through her Youtube page. Her vlog-style videos touch on what happens in her day-to-day, the tips she has on working productively and how to take care of that all important wellbeing.

If you're wondering what it's like being a student in London, then King's College London student Mei-Ying is the person to check out. Through her Youtube channel she'll take you through what it's like learning online, how life's been as a student in lockdown and how to be your best student self.

Through her vlogs, University of Exeter graduate Claire shares all of her tips on how she survived life as a student. Now living in London, Claire still regularly gives her thoughts on how to make the most of your time at university.
"I loved my time at Exeter. It was the perfect fit for me - beautiful campus, my course had a wide variety of modules to choose from and when I wanted a break from studying, I could get involved with anything from cheerleading to cocktail-making through societies on campus."Search for courses at Russell Group universities
University Applications 2021: Covid Changes to University Entry

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what is the russell group? which universities are in the russell group? do russell group universities give better job prospects? we answer it all...

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Russell Group universities | Everything you need to know

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What is the Russell Group? Which universities are in the Russell Group? Do Russell Group universities give better job prospects? We answer it all...

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A world-class university

The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 rank the University of Oxford as the best university in the world for an impressive eighth consecutive year.

Oxford was also ranked first in the THE's 2023 subject rankings for clinical and health and the subject rankings for computer science. The University was also ranked in the top 5 in the THE's World University Rankings by subject for social sciences, life sciences, business and economics, arts and humanities, law, and Engineering.

The QS World University Rankings 2024: Top global universities place Oxford in the top 3 universities in the world and second in Europe.

Graduate study at Oxford

There are over 13,000 graduate students at Oxford, forming half of the University's overall student body. Graduate students are key to our academic community, and join our world-leading academics in tackling the most important questions we face today.

Admission to graduate study at Oxford is very competitive. Requirements vary between programmes, but in general our academic departments look for students with the ability, enthusiasm, curiosity and commitment needed to pursue higher-level study here. We welcome applications from students of all ages, nationalities and backgrounds.

We have high expectations of our graduate students, and we aim to provide a supportive and stimulating environment in which you can reach your full potential. This includes cutting-edge research facilities and unrivalled resources across the disciplines, as well as personal and welfare support, academic guidance and a sense of community throughout your time here.

Oxford's graduate students have access to outstanding resources and facilities, including over 100 libraries, cutting-edge experimental labs and world-famous museums and collections. Continue reading this page to find our more.

Research excellence

Oxford is one of the world's top research universities and boasts world-class facilities for study and research. We are famous for our research excellence and innovation, and home to some of the most talented researchers in the world.

The Research Excellent Framework 2021 (REF) show Oxford's submission had the highest volume of "world-leading" (4*) research of any UK institution, submitting over 3,600 researchers (3,405 full time equivalent) into 29 subject areas, over 8,500 research outputs in a range of formats from journal articles to compositions, and 220 case studies about the impact of Oxford research beyond academia. In 2017-18, we received £579.1 million in research funding.

The University is at the forefront of research on topics of national, regional and global significance. Our work is ground-breaking, collaborative and interdisciplinary. We're dedicated to fostering research collaborations across the world with research institutions, research agencies, funding bodies, industrial and commercial partners, sponsors and benefactors.

Life as a graduate researcher

Graduate students are central to the University's research efforts. They join our academic staff in working to answer fundamental questions and tackle some of the major challenges facing the world today. We look for the most promising students to join our outstanding departments and faculties.

As a graduate student at Oxford you'll work alongside your peers and leading experts in your field, who will inspire and support you throughout your time here. You'll have access to world-class facilities and resources in your subject, and you'll be encouraged to get involved in the intellectual life of your department and the wider academic community.

An Oxford research degree is an opportunity to immerse yourself in your chosen area, pursue your own ideas and make a significant and original contribution to knowledge. We provide a supportive environment in which researchers at every stage of their career can flourish. Watch some of our current and former students talk about their research at Oxford, from advanced cooling technologies for jet engines to how blood stem cells are made. You can find out more about our graduate research courses in the Courses section of this website.

World-class facilities

Over the last ten years, the University has invested over £400 million in its science facilities and infrastructure. Here are just some of our newest world-class facilities:

The Beecroft Building is a state-of-the-art laboratory and teaching facility for experimental and theoretical physics, with space for some 200 physicists. The high-specification laboratories are capable of housing extremely environmentally sensitive atomic-level experiments, and are among the very best globally. They can maintain temperature to within a tenth of a degree, and reduce vibration down to the width of a few atoms.

The Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery is a new £115 million interdisciplinary research centre. It is the world's largest health data institute, and houses both the Targeted Discovery Institute (TDI) and the Big Data Institute (BDI). The centre provides space for six hundred scientists across research areas who are working to define disease more accurately, identify targets for new drugs and to help us to understand how disease responds to treatment.

The Earth Sciences Building is equipped with a range of specialised laboratories and houses the largest suite of mass spectrometers of any earth science department in the world. In the metal-free labs trace metals can be analysed without contamination, and the basement labs have been modified to remove any trace of the earth's magnetic field.

Libraries

Oxford is famous for its libraries, and with good reason. The University has incredible collections of books, manuscripts and other materials, many of them housed in beautiful, historic buildings. These resources draw scholars to the University from all over the world.

The Bodleian Libraries

Founded in 1602, the Bodleian is the principal University library, and one of the oldest libraries in Europe. For 400 years, it has received a copy of every item, digital or online, published in the UK.

The Bodleian Libraries is also the largest library system in the UK. It includes the main Bodleian Library and libraries all across Oxford, including major research libraries and faculty, department and institute libraries. Together, the Libraries hold more than 13 million printed items, over 80,000 e-journals, and outstanding special collections including rare books and manuscripts, classical papyri, maps, music, art and printed ephemera.

As a graduate student, you'll be issued with a Bodleian Reader Card (often called a 'Bod card'), which will give you access to the Bodleian Libraries and their world-class resources. To help you get the most from Oxford's libraries, the Bodleian runs workshops to develop your research skills and help you to keep up with emerging research in your area, get access to the scholarly materials you need and manage your research data.

Department and faculty libraries

The Bodleian is networked with around 30 department and faculty libraries. These libraries not only offer large holdings of books and journals, but they're invaluable resource hubs for any student engaged in study or research in a particular subject area.

For example, the Radcliffe Science Library, the University's main science library, holds about 1 million printed items across the scientific disciplines. It hosts training workshops on topics such as working with sensitive research data and open-access scholarship, and runs inductions for graduate students in science subjects. The library also offers 3D printing and scanning services, VR equipment and a 360° camera, with drop-in sessions to let students try out these resources and learn more about using them in research.

College libraries

Oxford's colleges boast impressive libraries. Most colleges have large holdings across the disciplines, and some also offer specialist collections in a particular subject area. You can view just some of these incredible books, manuscripts and other ephemera on Digital Bodleian.

Many college libraries are open 24 hours a day, and offer graduate students access to fantastic resources as well as a quiet, comfortable place to study. You can find out more about each college's library in our colleges A-Z.

Digital resources

Oxford combines a rich heritage with infrastructure and facilities that are adapted to the needs of today's students and scholars.

Across the University, digital technologies are enabling new kinds of research and learning, from computational approaches to drug discovery to exploring the Colosseum in VR. Oxford has been a centre of excellence for computing and engineering for decades, and is at the forefront of research in areas such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

But no matter your subject, we want to enable you to make the most of technology to enhance your study and research. We have one of the largest private networks in the UK, providing high-speed internet and excellent IT facilities and support, with hundreds of computers for use throughout the University. Our virtual learning environments (VLEs) allow students to access course materials and collaborate, and many lectures are captured as audio or video podcasts.

Enhanced research

At Oxford, fantastic research materials are often just a few clicks away. Using SOLO, the University's main search engine for library collections, students can search almost all of the holdings in the Bodleian, as well as departmental, faculty and college libraries across Oxford - that's millions of printed books, e-books, online journals, articles, reports and databases at your fingertips.

Our museums and libraries use new technologies to provide digital access to their collections, including many objects and texts you might not otherwise get to see. Digital Bodleian makes the Bodleian's unique riches freely available to the world. It features over 650,000 digital objects, including images of manuscripts, rare books, maps and ephemera, from medieval Arabic cosmographies to maps of Middle Earth annotated by JRR Tolkien, and from classical papyri to drafts of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. The Ashmolean Museum has also embarked on a major project to digitise its collections, with over 60,000 object records available for you to browse or search.

Oxford's academic community is committed to providing the widest possible access to its world-class research. We have a policy of open access for publications that result from the University's research. All researchers are encouraged to deposit their research publications in the Oxford Research Archive (ORA), the University's digital repository, which holds more than 225,000 works including datasets.

Skills and development

We provide many opportunities for graduate students to gain valuable digital research skills and develop a better understanding of finding and working with data. The Bodleian iSkills programme offers workshops for graduate students in information discovery and scholarly communications, and training in digital research skills are also run by our graduate schools. The Bodleian Data Library can advise you on finding data and statistics and managing your research data. It also manages access to restricted data collections, and helps researchers apply for access to sensitive datasets held offsite.

The University's IT Learning Centre (ITLC) runs many classroom-based IT courses, taught in state-of-the-art learning rooms. Courses cover topics such as programming, digital media and platforms, data analysis, data management, data visualisation and high-performance computing.

All University members also have free access to a vast library of video learning courses on LinkedIn Learning. These courses are taught by industry experts and cover thousands of topics, from Python to project management.

Museums and galleries

As a graduate student, you'll have free access to Oxford's world-famous museums and collections. They offer astonishing resources for study and research.

The Ashmolean Museum

The Ashmolean Museum is the University's museum of art and archaeology, and the oldest public museum in the world. Opened in 1683, it has important and diverse collections from around the globe, ranging from Egyptian mummies and classical sculpture to the Pre-Raphaelites and modern art.

For graduate students working with historical materials, the Ashmolean is a uniquely rich resource. You might be encouraged to explore the Ashmolean's collections, both on display and behind the scenes, and have the chance to work with some of the museum's materials as part of your study or research.

Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum

Situated in the heart of the city, Oxford's Botanic Garden is the oldest in the UK, and one of the oldest scientific gardens in the world. With over 6,000 different types of plant, it is an incredible resource for research and teaching. Current research at the Botanic Garden includes the evolution of parasitism, conservation plant collections from biodiversity hotspots, and carnivorous pitcher plants.

History of Science Museum

The History of Science Museum offers an unrivalled collection of early scientific instruments in the world's oldest surviving purpose-built museum building. The museum houses around 20,000 objects that represent almost all aspects of the history of science from antiquity to the 1990s, including 13th century Islamic astrolabes, Lewis Carroll's photographic equipment and a blackboard preserved from Einstein's second lecture in Oxford in 1931.

Museum of Natural History

A 'cathedral to science', the Oxford Museum of Natural History has been a centre of world-leading research and scientific debate since its opening in 1860. The stunning neo-Gothic building houses over 7 million scientific specimens, 20,000 books and half a million manuscripts, including the fossilised remains of the first dinosaur discovered by scientists and the only surviving soft tissue remains of a dodo. The museum is a major research centre, and its collections are used in research by the Department of Earth Sciences, Department of Zoology and the School of Archaeology.

The Pitt Rivers Museum

The Pitt Rivers is a museum unlike any other. Founded in 1884, the museum houses more than half a million objects from all over the world, arranged not by age or origin but by type - a 'democracy of things'. Here you'll find both great cultural treasures and everyday objects that illustrate the diversity of cultural solutions to the basic problems we face as humans. Graduate students in archaeology and anthropology can borrow from the Balfour Library, one of the UK's leading museum research and teaching libraries for the study of anthropology, archaeology and world music.

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The University of Oxford has an outstanding global reputation for its teaching, research and contributions to society. We combine rich history and tradition with the innovative and forward-thinking approach of a modern university.

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Home to over 25,000 students from more than 140 countries, we offer undergraduate degree courses in the arts and humanities, social sciences, sciences and engineering.

Excellent Teaching

Number 1 in the Complete University Guide 2024

Number 2 in the QS World University Rankings 2024 (the highest ranked UK university)

Top 3 in the Guardian University Guide 2023

World class research

Top 3 for research quality (Complete University Guide 2024)

121 affiliated students of the University have been awarded theNobel Prizesince 1904

A place to call home

3 years Cambridge guarantees almost all students College-owned accommodation for at least three years

Support to help you settle in and more than 700 clubs and societies to get involved with

Great prospects

92% of our students who responded to the Graduate Outcomes Survey were in work or further study within 15 months of graduating

Top 10 Cambridge is one of the top ten universities most often targeted by Britain's leading graduate employers (The Graduate Market in 2022)

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Cambridge is one of the best universities in the world. Home to over 25,000 students from more than 140 countries, we offer undergraduate degree courses in the arts and humanities, social sciences, sciences and engineering.

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Oxford and Cambridge ('Oxbridge') are not only the UK's most famous universities, and two of its highest ranking - they're also different to other institutions in a number of key ways. Read our quick guide to the main factors that make Oxford and Cambridge so distinct.

1. Colleges

The first key 'Oxbridge' element is the college system. Oxford and Cambridge are each made up of colleges - more than 40 at Oxford, more than 30 at Cambridge - and prospective students usually choose a particular college to apply to.

What is an Oxbridge college? It's basically a collection of buildings, often historic and attractive, which form a small self-enclosed community. Within each college complex you'll find student accommodation, common rooms, cafes and bars, library and computer facilities (often open 24/7), and offices for staff members.

Most colleges have between 300 and 500 students at a time, usually at both undergraduate and graduate level, studying a broad range of subjects. Depending on the size, there could be as few as one or as many as ten students studying the same subject in each year group.

Students usually live in college in their first year, and may have the option to do so in later years as well. However, it's also common to spend at least one year 'living out' - renting a property privately with friends.
The benefits?
Colleges provide a ready-made community, making it easier for new students to settle in and meet those studying other subjects. Lots of social events are based in and around college communities - and intercollegiate rivalry plays a big role in Oxbridge sports, especially rowing!

In addition to being a social hub, colleges also provide academic support. Students' primary tutors (academic supervisors) are usually based in the same college, holding tutorials (see below) in their college rooms. More generally as well, colleges provide student support services, covering everything from health to financial assistance.

If this all sounds as though you'll be trapped within the college walls for three years, be assured that lots happens outside the college too!

Most lectures, labs and larger classes are held in the faculty buildings, which is where you'll meet students from other colleges studying the same subject as you. And there are plenty of university-wide clubs and societies, open to students from all colleges.

2. Tutorials/ supervisions

The second element that sets Oxford and Cambridge apart is their focus on teaching in very small groups, and even one-on-one. Usually lasting an hour at a time (though some go on much longer), these small-group teaching sessions are known as tutorials in Oxford and supervisions in Cambridge.
The benefits?
Quite simply, few universities can afford this level of contact time, and the regular individual attention means all students should be fully challenged and supported in their academic development.

As you might expect, this also means a particularly intense workload. Depending on the subject, you can expect to have one or two tutorials each week - each requiring a significant amount of preparation. This means that the workload is generally much heavier than at most universities.

For this reason, it's relatively uncommon to find Oxbridge students with part-time jobs during term-time - there simply isn't enough time. However, terms are also shorter compared to other UK universities. Each academic year is split into three terms, known as Michaelmas, Hilary and Trinity, of about eight or nine weeks each.

This means nice long holidays in between, which many students use to find temporary work, as well as catching up with studies and taking a well-earned break!

3. Traditions

Finally, we come to the famous Oxbridge traditions. While most universities have their own sets of traditions, Oxford and Cambridge nonetheless stand out for having held on to so many historic - and to the outside observer, often rather bizarre - elements.

One of these is the use of Latin at special ceremonies, such as matriculation (when you officially join the university), graduation, and formal dinners.

These occasions are also characterized by another very distinctive element - the wearing of gowns. Once worn pretty much all the time by members of the university, these are now reserved just for special occasions, sometimes accompanied by...

... 'Sub fusc'. Another bit of Latin (meaning dark or dusky color), this refers to a formal dress code used in Oxford, requiring students to wear black trousers or skirt, white shirt, and a white bowtie or black ribbon.

Oxford students dress in sub fusc for exams, when you'll also often see them with a flower pinned to their gowns - a white carnation for the first exam, red for the last, and pink for those in between.

There are lots more Oxbridge traditions - some serious, many silly, and almost all accompanied by special words you won't hear anywhere else!
The benefits?
Well, at times it may be annoying to have to dress in a certain way or be surrounded by people talking strange Oxbridge jargon. But for most students the quirks and traditions of Oxbridge life are all part of the sense of belonging to a community, and the fun of being a student here.
Image credit (street in Oxford): Pete Spiro/Shutterstock.com

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A quick guide to the elements that make Oxford and Cambridge unlike other universities.

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The Russell Group's 24 members are world-class, research-intensive universities. They are unique institutions, each with their own history and ethos, but they share some distinguishing characteristics.

Our universities believe people and ideas are the key to meeting global challenges. Through world-class research and education they are helping to create a dynamic economy, stronger communities and a better future for the UK. They maintain the very best research, an outstanding teaching and learning experience and unrivalled links with local and national business and the public sector.

Russell Group universities have huge social, economic and cultural impacts locally, across the UK and around the globe:

They produce more than two-thirds of the world-leading research produced in UK universities and support more than 260,000 jobs across the country.

They inject nearly £87 billion into the national economy every year.

In 2018-19, 446,450 undergraduates and 155,655 postgraduates were studying at a Russell Group university .

Our members attract students and staff from around the world and work with major multinational businesses and international organisations:

32% of students are of non-UK nationality, attracted to our universities by the quality, relevance and reputation of research.

Russell Group members also have a strong role and influence within their regional and local communities, collaborate with businesses on joint research projects and supply highly-qualified and highly-motivated graduates to the local workforce.

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The University and its Colleges are committed to widening participation to higher education. Hundreds of outreach initiatives and events are run each year both in Cambridge and in schools and colleges across the UK.

Access and Participation Plans

Each year, the University of Cambridge sets out how it intends to attract and support students in applying to and studying at the University of Cambridge. Find out more

Outreach Projects

neaco

The Network for East Anglian Collaborative Outreach (neaco) delivers activities across East Anglia to help students in Years 9-13, with little or no experience of university, to explore the world of higher education. Find out more

(Pre-16 Team Projects)

Insight Discover

Insight Discover is a programme that students follow from Year 7 to Year 8, which aims to develop key academic skills to support them in their academic work. In addition, the programme introduces students to university and the options which are available to them in the future. Find out more

Insight Explore

Insight Explore is an academic programme which aims to develop participants interests and tackle the barriers many students face when applying to university. Find out more

Realise

The Realise project's aim is to encourage more young people in care to consider higher education. We run a large number of events ranging from science days to theatre days to give a taste of life as a student at Cambridge. Find out more

(Post-16 Team Projects)

HE+

HE+ is a collaboration between the University of Cambridge's Admissions Office and Colleges, and state schools/colleges across the UK. The University and schools in 20 regions collaborate to form regional consortia to support highly-able students from under-represented areas and backgrounds, and involves approximately 4,000 students in Year 12 each year. Find out more

Sutton Trust Summer Schools

Sutton Trust Summer Schools are free subject-specific residential courses for Year 12 students studying at state-maintained schools in the UK. The five-day summer schools in July and August allow students to explore their interest in one of 26 subjects and gain an insight into what it is like to live and study as a first-year undergraduate student at Cambridge. Find out more

Apply: Cambridge

Apply: Cambridge is a specialist and free programme designed to support highly able students from underrepresented backgrounds and areas to make successful applications to the University of Cambridge. We work with students every step of the way over a 6-month period, helping them navigate the process and effectively prepare for the Cambridge application. Find out more

STEM SMART

STEM SMART is a free, 17-month programme to support students in raising their attainment at school and develop their confidence to apply to study physical sciences and engineering at top universities. Find out more

Safeguarding

Safeguarding policies and procedures relating to widening participation events and programmes run by the Cambridge Admissions Office. Find out more

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The University and its Colleges are committed to widening participation to higher education. Hundreds of outreach initiatives and events are run each year both in Cambridge and in schools and colleges across the UK.

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Deciding whether or not to go to university is a big decision for everyone, but especially if you don't know people who have been, or if you haven't had a chance to find out what it might be like.

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If you're invited for interview, the College that is interviewing you will arrange for you to take the relevant College admission assessment. They will let you know when and how you should take your assessment.

Some courses involve an admissions assessment that is taken after we shortlist for interview. If you are shortlisted for interview, you will take the relevant assessment. The College that interviews you will let you know when and how you should take your assessment.

Find out if you need to take a College admissions assessment

If your course isn't listed below, check the Admissions Assessments page for information on your course.

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When you apply for some courses at Cambridge, you'll take a test after we shortlist you for interview. Find out if you'll need to take one for your subject.

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Applicants for Music are not required to register for a test. There is no written test for Music.However, if you are shortlisted for interview you will be asked to email a 5-minute continuous video recording of a musical performance on your chosen instrument or voice.

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Fine Art practical | University of Oxford

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Applicants for Fine Art are no longer required to take a practical test.The colleges will advise their shortlisted candidates of the date and time of their interviews. Shortlisted candidates will be

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Practice materials

Taking any type of test or exam can be stressful, but you can help build your confidence by doing some preparation ahead of time. The TSA is not subject-specific, so there is no curriculum to learn. It assesses the generic thinking skills you already have, and practising for the test will help you develop these skills.

Note: Candidates applying for Geography are no longer required to take the TSA but from 2023 will sit the GAT.

Here are our top tips for preparing for the TSA:

1. Watch the videos below to find out more about how to approach the TSA.

2. Review the sample papers for the TSA below. This will help you to feel familiar with the test paper and know what to expect.

3. Sit at least one past paper in test conditions. This is really important as it will help you get used to how much time to allocate to each question.

4. Check the details of the test specification and the marking criteria shown below.

5. Have a look at the TSA preparation videos on the CAAT website, to familiarise yourself with what taking the test will be like.

Don't worry if you find the past or specimen papers very difficult - they're supposed to be! All our tests are designed to stretch you further than you have been stretched before - most candidates will find them really hard.

An introduction to the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA)

In the presentation below we explain why TSA is used by universities for admissions, and provide information about the test and how to prepare for it.

TSA Workshop video

Section 1 specimen and past papers

The first section of the TSA is made up of 50 multiple-choice questions. Below you can find a specimen paper, in addition to past papers going back to 2008. You can also download answer sheets for each paper and a score conversion chart.

Section 2 specimen and past papers

Section 2 of the TSA test is a writing task. You will have 30 minutes to write a single short essay. There will be a choice of four essay questions, on general subjects that do not require any specialised knowledge.

The writing task gives you an opportunity to show that you can communicate effectively in writing, organising your ideas and presenting them clearly and concisely. You should start by planning the essay carefully, deciding what are the main points that you want to make in the limited time available, and how to organise your answer to explain and convey them clearly. You will have plenty of space if you want to use it, but a concise and well-structured answer may be more effective than a longer essay.

It is important that your answer is relevant to the question, and addresses it directly. If the question requires you to make judgements and express your own opinions, try to provide coherent arguments to support your views, and consider the merits of possible counter-arguments. Your essay will be judged by the quality of the writing, and the way you use what you know.

The document below, written by an Oxford tutor, gives several example questions from past papers and discusses ways to approach them.

Below you can find a specimen paper and past papers going back to 2008.

Test question guide and explanation of results
Explanation of results:
Section 1 scores 1 mark per question. Scores are calculated on the TSA scale to one decimal place (running approximately 0-100). The scale is an estimate of the candidate's ability, which makes scoring comparable by factoring in the question and overall test difficulty, using the Rasch statistical technique. Marking of this section is automated.

Section 2 is reviewed by the admissions tutor(s) of the college you apply to.

Further reading

John Butterworth and Geoff Thwaites, Thinking Skills (Cambridge University Press, 2013)

Anne Thomson, Critical Reasoning: A Practical Introduction (Routledge, 2008)

Nigel Warburton, Thinking from A to Z (Routledge, 2000)

Alec Fisher, Critical Thinking: An Introduction (Cambridge University Press, 2011)

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What is the TSA? The Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) is divided into two parts: a 90-minute, multiple-choice Thinking Skills Assessment and a 30-minute writing task. The TSA will be a paper-based

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Test preparation and practice materials
Read the candidate preparation checklist.
Taking any type of test or exam can be stressful, but you can help build your confidence by doing some preparation ahead of time.

You are likely to do better in the real test if you've practised some past papers and got used to the format and timings of the admissions test you have to take. Although the test now takes place online, you will still find it helpful to practise for the test with the past papers and other practice materials on this page.

Our general advice is to follow these steps:

1. Before 29 September (the registration deadline), check that you have received email confirmation of your test registration, together with your test registration ID and log in details (username and password) for the online test platform.

2. Explore the test-specific practice materials for your test available below. As your test will be fully online this year, we recommend typing your practice answers to past papers.

3. Watch the video demonstrating how to use the online test platform and prepare for your test. Download the transcript for preparing for your online Philosophy Test.

4. Once you have watched the videos and explored the practice materials below, we strongly recommend you have a go at your online practice test (click on the button below) which is the 2022 past paper. You might want not to look at this past paper in advance so that you can mimic the experience of taking the online test unseen and as if for real. Having a go at the online practice test will not only allow you to practise answering some past questions and learn the structure of the test. It will also allow you to familiarise yourself with the online test platform and the tools available to support you. These will include accessibility features such as increasing font size, using coloured overlays and high contrast. This will mean that on test day you are able to focus fully on the content of your answers.

5. Please note that you will not be able to access a score or any feedback on your online practice test.

Here are our top tips for preparing for the Philosophy Test:

1. Watch our video with a Philosophy tutor giving insights and tips on preparing for the Philosophy Test. Download the video transcript.

2. Review the sample papers for the Philosophy Test on this page. This will help you to feel familiar with the test paper and know what to expect.

3. Read through our 'Preparation advice' in the section on this page.

4. Sit at least one past paper in test conditions. This is really important as it will help you get used to how much time to allocate to each question.

Don't worry if you find the past or specimen papers very difficult - they're supposed to be! All our tests are designed to stretch you further than you have been stretched before - most candidates will find them really hard.
Practise the online Philosophy Test
Note: during the real test, for security reasons, the test platform will lock if you try and navigate away from it. If this happens accidentally, your test centre administrator will be able to unlock it again.

Past papers

The Philosophy Test is a 60-minute exam designed to test a candidate's philosophical reasoning skills. There is no expectation that you will have undertaken any formal study of philosophy, and it is not a test of philosophical knowledge.

You will normally be asked to undertake a comprehension exercise and write a short essay or answer a structured question. Familiarise yourself with the format of the paper using the following past papers and remember to sit at least one paper in test conditions.

The University does not endorse, or allow use of, its tests that are protected by copyright for commercial use

Preparation advice

The following information, written by an Oxford tutor, outlines the different types of questions you will come across in the test and discusses ways to approach them.

The University does not endorse, or allow use of, its tests that are protected by copyright for commercial use

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What is the Philosophy Test?All candidates applying for Philosophy and Theology are required to sit the Philosophy Test. If you are applying for Philosophy, Psychology and Linguistics (PPL) or

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Test preparation and practice materials
Read the candidate preparation checklist.
Taking any type of test or exam can be stressful, but you can help build your confidence by doing some preparation ahead of time. You may also do better in the real test if you've practised some past papers, and got used to the format and timings of the admissions test you have to take.

The PAT is now a hybrid test, with the questions online and a printed booklet for your answers. However, as the content hasn't changed, you will still find it helpful to practise for the test with the past papers and other practice materials on this page.

Calculators
A digital scientific calculator will be included as part of the online interface for the PAT from October 2023 onwards. Candidates must use this and may not bring their own calculators, of any description, into the exam. You will be able to try out the online digital calculator when practising the online practise test available below.

Our general advice is to follow these steps:

1. Before 29 September (the registration deadline), check that you have received email confirmation of your test registration, together with your test registration ID and log in details (username and password) for the online test platform.

2. Explore the test-specific practice materials for your test available below.

3. Watch the video demonstrating how to use the online test platform and prepare for your test. Download the transcript for preparing for your online PAT.

4. Once you have watched the videos and explored the practice materials below, we strongly recommend you have a go at your online practice test (click on the button below) using the 2022 past paper. You can download and print the sample answer booklet provided or just write your answers on available paper. You might want not to look at this past paper in advance so that you can mimic the experience of taking the online test unseen and as if for real. Having a go at the online practice test will not only allow you to practise answering some past questions and learn the structure of the test. It will also allow you to familiarise yourself with the online test platform and the tools available to support you, including the digital scientific calculator. These will also include accessibility features such as increasing font size, using coloured overlays and high contrast. This will mean that on test day you are able to focus fully on the content of your answers.

5. Please note that you will not be able to access a score or any feedback on your online practice test.

Here are our top tips for preparing specifically for the PAT:

1. Watch the our video with our Physics tutor giving insights and tips on preparing for the PAT. Download the video transcript.

2. Check the syllabus: we strongly recommend that you check the details and ensure that you have covered the relevant material. The syllabus covers A-level Maths and Physics plus knowledge of material covered at GCSE. However we cannot guarantee when the material will be covered in your school by the time of the test date. If this is the case, we recommend talking to your teacher about how best to tackle these subjects before the test. This may require you to do some independent study by reading through your textbook or looking at the online resources provided by your exam board.

3. Watch the PAT webinar on this page, which goes through some of the questions from the 2006 paper.

4. Visit the Department of Physics Youtube channel, and watch their videos about admissions and preparing for the PAT.

5. Get practice doing some problem solving/hard physics questions that are not included in your A-level syllabus. It is advisable to do questions from a range of other sources, not just A-level type questions which can be more structured in nature than the PAT. There are some links below to other websites/material which you might find helpful.

6. Sit at least one past paper in test conditions. This is really important as it will help you get used to how much time to allocate to each question and keep within the two hour limit.

Don't worry if you find the past or specimen papers very difficult - they're supposed to be! All our tests are designed to stretch you further than you have been stretched before - most candidates will find them really hard.
Practise the online PAT PAT answer booklet
Note: during the real test, for security reasons, the test platform will lock if you try and navigate away from it. If this happens accidentally, your test centre administrator will be able to unlock it again.

PAT webinar

Workbook questions

The PAT workbooks contain many questions of varying difficulty and subject matter, and the accompanying solutions manuals outline possible approaches to each question in detail.

Solutions 1 ; Solutions 2

Past or specimen papers

As you may notice when going through past papers, the PAT has undergone various changes in the past few years.

In 2015, multiple-choice questions were removed, and longer 20 mark questions were replaced by shorter 10 mark questions. In 2017, multiple-choice questions were re-introduced and the physics and maths sections were mixed up.

The PAT is now hybrid - with online questions and a paper answer booklet; however, the older papers will still be of use when preparing. Please note that from 2023, only use of the digital scientific calculators provided on the test platform will be permitted. You can explore using this via the online practice PAT.

We do not generally provide solutions to the past papers. When marking the PAT all suitable methods for solving the questions are allowed and we would not want you to feel only one specific way of solving the problem will gain you marks. Solutions to the 2009 paper can be found on the Physics website, together with a set of model solutions.

Blank answer booklet
PAT answer booklet 2022
The University does not endorse, or allow use of, its tests that are protected by copyright for commercial use

PAT Syllabus

Updated 6 June 2018 and still current

Please note that the formulae included in this syllabus do not represent an exhaustive list of formulae which may be used within the test.

Syllabus for the Mathematics content

Elementary mathematics:

Knowledge of elementary mathematics, in particular topics in arithmetic, geometry including coordinate geometry, and probability, will be assumed. Questions may require the manipulation of mathematical expressions in a physical context.

Algebra:

Knowledge of the properties of polynomials, including the solution of quadratics either using a formula or by factorising.

Graph sketching including the use of differentiation to find stationary points.

Transformations of variables.

Solutions to inequalities.

Elementary trigonometry including relationships between sine, cosine and tangent (sum and difference formulae will be stated if required).

Properties of logarithms and exponentials and how to combine logarithms, e.g. log(a) + log(b) = log(ab) .

Knowledge of the formulae for the sum of arithmetic and geometric progressions to n (or infinite) terms.

Use of the binomial expansion for expressions such as (a+bx)n, using only positive integer values of n.

Calculus:

Differentiation and integration of polynomials including fractional and negative powers.

Differentiation to find the slope of a curve, and the location of maxima and minima.

Integration as the reverse of differentiation and as finding the area under a curve.

Simplifying integrals by symmetry arguments including use of the properties of even and odd functions (where an even function has f(x)= f(-x), an odd function has f(-x)= - f(x)).

Syllabus for the Physics content

Mechanics:

Distance, velocity, speed, acceleration, and the relationships between them, eg velocity as the rate of change of distance with time, acceleration as rate of change of velocity with time. Understand the difference between vector quantities (eg velocity) and scalar quantities (eg speed). Knowledge and use of equations such as speed = distance / time, acceleration = change in velocity / time or the SUVAT equations.

Interpretation of graphs, eg force-distance, distance-time, velocity-time graphs and what the gradient of a curve or area underneath a curve represents.

Response of a system to multiple forces; Newton's laws of motion; know the difference between weight (= mg) and mass; vector addition of forces.

Circular motion including equations for centripetal force (F=mω²r or F=mv²/r) and acceleration (a=v²/r or a=ω²r).

The meaning of the terms friction, air resistance and terminal velocity and how they can be calculated.

Levers (including taking moments about a point on an object), pulleys (including calculating the tension in a rope or the overall motion in a system of ropes and pulleys) and other simple machines combining levers, springs and pulleys.

Springs, including knowledge of Hooke's law (Force = - kx) and stored potential energy ( = 1/2 kx² ).

Kinetic energy (= 1/2 mv²) and gravitational potential energy (= mgh in a constant gravitational field) and their inter-conversion; what other forms of energy exist (eg thermal, sound).

Conservation of energy and momentum (=mass x velocity); power ( = energy transfer/time) and work ( = force x distance moved in direction of force).

Waves and optics:

An understanding of the terms longitudinal and transverse waves; and that waves transfer energy without net movement of matter.

Be able to define the amplitude, frequency, period, wavelength and speed of a wave. Knowledge and use of formulae for the wave speed = wavelength x frequency and frequency = 1 / period (with units of hertz, Hz).

Basic properties of the electromagnetic spectrum, eg identify and correctly order parts of the spectrum by wavelength or frequency (radio waves, microwaves, IR, visible light, UV, X rays and gamma rays) and the nature and properties of electromagnetic waves (transverse, travel at the speed of light in a vacuum).

Description of reflection at plane mirrors, where the angle of incidence (the angle between the incident ray and the normal) = angle of reflection (angle between the reflected ray and the normal).

Refraction, including the definition of refractive index (n) as the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to the speed of light in a material and Snell's law n₁sinθ₁=n₂sinθ₂. Elementary properties of prisms and optical fibres including total internal reflection, where total internal reflection occurs at an angle θc when sinθc=n₂/n₁

Qualitative understanding of how interference, diffraction and standing waves can occur.

Electricity and magnetism:

Understanding of the terms current ( = charge / time), voltage (potential difference = energy / charge), charge, resistance ( = voltage / current) and links to energy and power (power = voltage x current, power = energy / time). Knowledge of transformers, including how the number of turns on the primary and secondary coils affect the voltage and current.

Understanding circuit diagrams including batteries, wires, resistors, filament lamps, diodes, capacitors, light dependent resistors and thermistors. Knowledge of current, voltage and resistance rules for series and parallel circuits.

Knowledge of the force between two point charges (Force= kQ₁Q₂/r²(where k is a constant)) and on a point charge in a constant electric field (Force = charge x electric field).

Understanding that current is a flow of electrons; the photoelectric effect, where photoelectrons are emitted if they are given sufficient energy to overcome the work function of the material, and how to find the energy of accelerated electron beams ( energy = charge x potential difference).

Natural world:

Atomic structure; that atoms consist of protons, neutrons and electrons, definition of the atomic number, Bohr model of the atom.

Basic knowledge of bodies in our Solar System, including planets, moons, comets and asteroids. (Name and relative positions of the planets should be known but detailed knowledge of their physical parameters is not required).

Know what is meant by the phrases 'phases of the moon' and 'eclipses' and how the position of the observer on the Earth affects their view of these events.

Knowledge of circular orbits under gravity including orbital speed, radius, period, centripetal acceleration, and gravitational centripetal force. This may include equating the force between two masses due to gravity (F=GM₁M₂/r²) to centripetal force of a smaller body orbiting a larger body (F=mω²r or F=mv²/r) and use of centripetal acceleration (a=v²/r or a=ω²r).

Understanding of the terms satellites; geostationary and polar orbits.

Problem solving:

Problems may be set which require problem solving based on information provided rather than knowledge about a topic.

If there are parts of the syllabus you haven't yet covered in school, we recommend talking to your teacher about how best to tackle these topics before the test date. This may require you to do some independent study by reading through your textbook or looking at the online resources provided by your exam board. You can then test yourself using the further resources outlined on this page and picking relevant questions.

Websites and resources

Visit the Physics website for a list of other helpful resources and websites to help you to prepare for the PAT.

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What is the PAT?If you are applying for one of the following courses you will be required to sit the Physics Admissions Test (PAT) - formerly known as the Physics Aptitude Test - as part of the

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Read the candidate preparation checklist.
Taking any type of test or exam can be stressful, but you can help build your confidence by doing some preparation ahead of time. You are likely to do better in the real test if you've had a chance to practise some sample or past papers, and got used to the format and timings of the admissions test you have to take.

The MLAT now takes place online but as the structure and the content has not changed, you will still find it helpful to practise for the test with the past papers and other practice materials on this page. Please note that for applicants for Modern Greek or Russian only, the MLAT will be a hybrid test. This means that the questions will be online but you will be given a printed answer booklet. After the test is finished, this answer booklet will be scanned and sent to us by your test centre.

Our general advice is to follow these steps:

1. Before 29 September (the registration deadline), check that you have received email confirmation of your test registration, together with your test registration ID and log in details (username and password) for the online test platform.

2. Explore the test-specific practice materials for your test available below. As your test will be fully online this year (unless you are applying for Russian or Modern Greek where the questions will be online but you will be given an answer booklet), we recommend typing your practice answers to past papers.

3. Watch the video demonstrating how to use the online test platform and prepare for your test. Download the transcript for preparing for your online MLAT.

4. Once you have watched any videos and explored the practice materials below, we strongly recommend you have a go at your online practice test (click on the relevant button/s below) which is the 2022 past paper. You might want not to look at this past paper in advance so that you can mimic the experience of taking the online test unseen and as if for real. Having a go at the online practice test will not only allow you to practise answering some past questions and learn the structure of the test. It will also allow you to familiarise yourself with the online test platform and the tools available to support you. These will include accessibility features such as increasing font size, using coloured overlays and high contrast. Where appropriate, you will be given an online virtual keyboard in the relevant language. This will mean that on test day you are able to focus fully on the content of your answers.

5. Please note that you will not be able to access a score or any feedback on your online practice test.

Here are our top tips for preparing for the MLAT:

1. Review the sample papers for the MLAT in this section. This will help you to feel familiar with the test paper and know what to expect.

2. If you are taking the Language Aptitude Test (LAT) or Philosophy Test, read through the advice in the relevant sections on this page on what to expect and how to approach the questions.

3. Sit at least one past paper in test conditions. This is important because it will help you get used to how much time to allocate to each question.

4. If you are taking the Modern Greek or Russian sections of the test, you can download and print the answer booklet below and use this to practise writing your answers.

Don't worry if you find the past papers very difficult - they're supposed to be! All our tests are designed to stretch you further than you have been stretched before - most candidates will find them really hard.

For those applying for Modern Languages and Philosophy, we suggest that you also watch the Philosophy video to prepare for this section of your MLAT test. (To confirm, if you are applying for Modern Languages and Philosophy, you do not need to register separately for the Philosophy test as this will automatically appear as part of your MLAT.) You will find additional resources and preparation materials for your Philosophy test below.

Download the transcript for preparing for your online Philosophy Test.
Practise the online MLAT Czech Practise the online MLAT French Practise the online MLAT German Practise the online MLAT Italian Practise the online MLAT Modern Greek MLAT Modern Greek answer booklet Practise the online MLAT LAT Practise the online MLAT Philosophy Practise the online MLAT Portuguese Practise the online MLAT Russian MLAT Russian answer booklet Practise the online MLAT Spanish
Note: during the real test, for security reasons, the test platform will lock if you try and navigate away from it. If this happens accidentally, your test centre administrator will be able to unlock it again.

Past papers

The Modern Languages Admissions Test is a paper-based test which consists of 10 sections. Which sections you take depends on the course you are applying for. Candidates will need to take a maximum of two sections. You can find out which elements you need to sit using the tables on this page.

There are eight individual sections for each of the following languages: Czech, French, German, Italian, Modern Greek, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. The other two sections are: the Language Aptitude Test (LAT: for those applying for new languages as beginners), and the Philosophy test. The Philosophy section lasts 60 minutes, while each other section is 30 minutes.

Please note that there is no longer a Linguistics test section in the MLAT. Candidates applying for courses including Linguistics should ignore this section of the 2019 and earlier past papers.

Blank answer booklets

The University does not endorse, or allow use of, its tests that are protected by copyright for commercial use

MLAT and LAT solutions

The following are solutions to some recent MLAT papers and some older versions of the Language Aptitude Test, which you can use to mark your own answers, or ask your teacher to refer to them.

The University does not endorse, or allow use of, its tests that are protected by copyright for commercial use

Language Aptitude Test

If you are applying for a new language from scratch, or Russian on its own, you will need to take the Language Aptitude Test (LAT). This section of the MLAT takes 30 minutes and is designed to assess your aptitude for taking up a new language.

The test involves an imaginary language (a new one is invented for the test each year), and invites you to identify and apply the patterns and rules which govern this language.

At the start of the test you may be given some information about the imaginary language, such as the importance of word order. You will be provided with a number of sample sentences written in the language, alongside their translations into English, which illustrate the vocabulary and grammar of this imaginary language. Your task is then to translate a couple of further sentences from the imaginary language into English, and then a couple more sentences from English back into the imaginary language.

After you have completed these tasks with the first set of sentences, you will be asked to do similar tasks with other sets of sentences of increasing complexity (for example, you may need to shift from present to past tense, or establish differences between positive and negative statements).

Tutors will not be expecting a perfect score, but are interested to see how you respond to an unfamiliar set of vocabulary and grammatical rules, whether you can spot patterns, and whether you can apply the rules which you have deduced from the ways the imaginary language seems to work.

Because the imaginary language and its rules differ each year, we recommend that you have a go at one or two of the sample tests available online, simply to practise completing the exercise (understanding the nature of the tasks, getting used to the timing etc.). None of the specific grammatical knowledge you gain from understanding one imaginary language will help you with the next one!

What are we looking for?

We are assessing your attentiveness to the ways languages work: to the ways grammatical concepts shape words; to the different patterns you can discern in a language, even if you are not familiar with it; to the distinction between different parts of speech (nouns or verbs, for example) and how these parts of speech interrelate; and to the features that can identify differences between elements in various sentences. You should pay close attention to variations in spelling, to the functions of each word within a particular sentence, and to the ways each word conveys meaning with its different component parts.

The Philosophy Test

The 60-minute Philosophy Test is designed to test a candidate's philosophical reasoning skills. There is no expectation that you will have undertaken any formal study of philosophy, and it is not a test of philosophical knowledge.

You will normally be asked to undertake a comprehension exercise and write a short essay or answer a structured question. Tutors are looking for the use of precise and careful reasoning to answer the question asked, and particularly answers which anticipate and are able to answer objections to the reasoning given. You should avoid stating an opinion without evidence or argument to support it.

The following information, written by an Oxford tutor, outlines the different types of questions you will come across in the test and discusses ways to approach them.
Answers to past papers:
The University does not endorse, or allow use of, its tests that are protected by copyright for commercial use

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MLAT (Modern Languages Admissions Test) | University of Oxford

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What is the MLAT?If you are applying for one of the following courses you will be required to sit the MLAT as part of the admissions process: European and Middle Eastern LanguagesClassics and Modern

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MAT (Mathematics Admissions Test) | University of Oxford

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What is the MAT?If you are applying for one of the following courses you will be required to sit the MAT: Computer ScienceComputer Science and PhilosophyMathematicsMathematics and Computer

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Test preparation and practice materials
Read the candidate preparation checklist.
Taking any type of test or exam can be stressful, but you can help build your confidence by doing some preparation ahead of time. You are also likely to do better in the real test if you've practised some sample or past papers, and got used to the format and timings of the admissions test you have to take.

The test now takes place online but as the structure and content have not changed you will still find it helpful to practise for the test with the past papers and other practice materials on this page.

Our general advice is to follow these steps:

1. Before 29 September (the registration deadline), check that you have received email confirmation of your test registration, together with your test registration ID and log in details (username and password) for the online test platform.

2. Explore the test-specific practice materials for your test available below. As your test will be fully online this year, we recommend typing your practice answers to past papers.

3. Watch the video demonstrating how to use the online test platform and prepare for your test. Download the transcript for preparing for your online HAT.

4. Once you have watched the videos and explored the practice materials below, we strongly recommend you have a go at your online practice test (click on the button below) which is the 2022 past paper. You might want not to look at this past paper in advance so that you can mimic the experience of taking the online test unseen and as if for real. Having a go at the online practice test will not only allow you to practise answering some past questions and learn the structure of the test. It will also allow you to familiarise yourself with the online test platform and the tools available to support you. These will include accessibility features such as increasing font size, using coloured overlays and high contrast. This will mean that on test day you are able to focus fully on the content of your answers.

5. Please note that you will not be able to access a score or any feedback on your online practice test.

Here are our top tips for preparing for the HAT:

1. Watch our video with a History tutor giving insights and tips on preparing for the HAT. Download the video transcript

2. Watch the HAT workshop video on this page to find out more about how to approach the HAT.

3. Sit at least one past paper in test conditions. This is really important as it will help you get used to timing an answer.

Don't worry if you find the past or specimen papers difficult - they're supposed to be! All our tests are designed to stretch you further than you have been stretched before - most candidates will find them really hard.
Practise the online HAT
Note: during the real test, for security reasons, the test platform will lock if you try and navigate away from it. If this happens accidentally, your test centre administrator will be able to unlock it again.

HAT workshop video

HAT webinar

This video shows first year students discussing Question 3 of the HAT from the 2016 HAT paper with a History tutor. It shows some of the ways to analyse an unfamiliar piece of text. We recommend that you read the question ahead of watching the video (it can be found in the tab below).

Past papers and mark schemes

As you may notice when going through past papers, the HAT has undergone changes in the past few years. The HAT used to consist of several questions, but in 2018 this was replaced by a single question, based on an extract from a primary source, to be answered within one hour. Question 3 from the 2017 and 2016 tests will still be of use when preparing.

The University does not endorse or allow use of its tests that are protected by copyright for commercial use.

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HAT (History Admissions Test) | University of Oxford

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What is the HAT?If you are applying for one of the following courses you will be required to sit the History Admissions Test (HAT) - formerly know as the History Aptitude Test:History, History

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Why do I have to take a test?

Most applicants to Oxford University have outstanding academic credentials. It can therefore be difficult for us to choose between so many well-qualified candidates, especially as applicants come from all over the world and take different qualifications.

Tests give us an extra piece of information for every student who has applied for a given course, wherever they are from. Considered together with the other elements of the application, this helps us to identify the very best candidates. However, there is no specific mark that will guarantee that you will be invited to interview.

The tests vary each year, and your test score will be considered alongside the scores of other students who apply for your course.

Do I have to pay?

The LNAT is administered by an independent company who charge candidates a fee of £75 to take the test in the UK or EU. If you are taking the test in a centre outside the UK or EU there is a fee of £120.

However, we do not wish the cost of sitting the test to be a barrier to doing so. An LNAT bursary scheme is available to candidates struggling to pay for their LNAT test. Test fees will be waived for UK/EU students in receipt of certain state benefits.

You must apply for a bursary before booking the LNAT. It could take at least a week to process a bursary application from the date of receipt so you should allow for this extra time when planning your LNAT booking.

For more information on applying for a bursary please read the detailed information about LNAT bursaries on the LNAT website.

How are the tests designed and reviewed?

The LNAT is not run by Oxford University. The test is used by nine UK universities as part of their admissions process for undergraduate applications to Law.

The content of the LNAT is managed by the members of the LNAT Consortium (made up of six of those universities) and the test itself is administered by Pearson VUE, under contract to LNAT. A statistical report is produced each year for reviewing purposes and made publicly available.

Find out more about the LNAT.

How do I register?

In order to register for the LNAT you must follow these steps:

Step 1: set up an account on the LNAT website.

You can do this from 1 August in the year you intend to apply. There are further instructions on the information you will need to provide and how to do this are on the LNAT website.

Step 2: register with a test centre.

Unlike our other admissions tests, candidates sitting the LNAT normally do so in a registered test centre, rather than in their school or college. There are over 500 LNAT test centres around the world with 150 in the UK.

To find your nearest test centres you can use the LNAT live test centre locator. If you cannot find your country listed in the test centre locator or in the list of test centres scheduled to open soon, please contact the LNAT Administrator.

Step 3: book your test.

In order to meet our deadlines, you should register for the LNAT by 15 September and take the LNAT before 16 October in the year you apply.

You may take the test on any day when there is availability at your chosen test centre between those dates. The earlier you book, the more chance you have of getting an appointment on the day of your choice. You are therefore strongly advised to begin making arrangements as soon as possible.

Step 4: pay for your test.

The LNAT must be paid for online in advance of your test, either via credit or debit card. If you do not have to an acceptable payment card, or live in a country with credit card verification problems you can apply for LNAT vouchers.

Find out more about LNAT bursaries.

Access arrangements

If you are normally entitled to access requirements in your exams (e.g. extended time for dyslexia, arrangements for impaired mobility, hearing or vision) you shouldn't book your test online. Instead, you should follow Step 1 to register, then fill out an Examination Access Requirements form, which you should submit, alongside appropriate documentary evidence, before booking your test.

Please note that while some examination access arrangements, such as extra time, can be verified and accommodated within a few days, others such as booking a reader recorder will take at least three weeks. Please allow for this extra time when planning to take your LNAT.

Once your request has been approved you will be given instructions on booking your test.

Visit the LNAT website for further information.

When do I take the test?

Candidates for the LNAT must take the test before 16 October in the year they apply, but not before the summer holiday of the year in which they apply. Please see below for a summary of the important dates and deadlines:

1 August - 15 September: register and book the LNAT. It is highly recommended to register and book by 15 September in order to secure an LNAT test date before the 16 October deadline. A delay in booking may mean applicants have to travel further to an available LNAT location.

before or on 16 October: take your test. In order for your score to be considered by us, you must sit your test before or on 16 October.

16 October: deadline to submit your UCAS form

On the test day:

It is important that you arrive at the test centre at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start of your test. Please note that on the day of the test, you must take a printout of your confirmation email and a recognised form of photo-identification (such as a passport). If you do not bring ID you will not be allowed to sit the test.

If you don't take the admissions test(s) required for your course, either because you didn't register or didn't attend on the test day, then your application will be significantly affected. Your UCAS form will still be viewed by our admissions tutors.

However, as the admissions test forms an important part of our selection process it will be extremely difficult for your application to be competitive when viewed against other candidates who have fulfilled all the admissions criteria.

It is not possible to re-sit the LNAT once completed. If you were ill on the day of the LNAT please contact the Law faculty ( undergraduate.enquiries@law.ox.ac.uk) and let them know, include your UCAS PID and LNAT registration number. If there was some form of disruption at the test centre you should ask for an incident number on the day of the test and contact the LNAT Consortium as soon as possible afterwards.

Read more information on the complaints procedure.

How do I get my results?

Candidates sitting the LNAT will receive their results in mid-February.

All scores and essay will be made available to the faculty selection committee in time for them to make their shortlisting decisions in November, so candidates do not need to send their results to us separately.

Practice materials

Taking any type of test or exam can be stressful, but you can help build your confidence by doing a bit of preparation ahead of time.

You may also do better in the real test if you've had a chance to practise some sample or past papers, and got used to the format and timings of the admissions test you have to take.

Here are our top tips for preparing for the LNAT:

1. Review the sample papers for the LNAT provided below. This will help you to feel familiar with the test paper and know what to expect. Make sure to have a look at the online simulation too.

2. Sit at least one past paper in test conditions. This is really important as it will help you get used to how much time to allocate to each question.

3. Have a look at the LNAT website, which contains lots of useful information on how to prepare including hints and tips from former candidates and an LNAT preparation guide.

Don't worry if you find the past or specimen papers very difficult - they're supposed to be! All our tests are designed to stretch you further than you have been stretched before - most candidates will find them really hard.

Section A practice papers

The first section of the LNAT is a screen-based multiple-choice test of 42 questions. You may find it useful to familiarise yourself with the format of the test using this online sample test. You may also like to attempt the following practice test papers which can be downloaded as PDFs. Remember you are given 95 minutes to answer all of the questions.

Section B essay questions

In the second section of the LNAT you will be given 40 minutes to write an essay from a list of three proposed subjects. Here are a few sample essay questions for you to think about. Remember that you get 40 minutes to write a maximum of 750 words - ideally about 500-600 words.

How should judges be appointed?

Make the best case you can for public funding of the arts.

Does it matter if some animal and plant species die out?

'It is right that students should contribute to the cost of their degrees.' Do you agree?

What disciplinary sanctions should teachers be allowed to use?

'We must be prepared to sacrifice traditional liberties to defeat terrorism.' Discuss.

Should the law require people to vote in general elections?

Should private cars be rationed? If so, how?

What is 'political correctness' and why does it matter?

Sample answers:

Further resources

You may wish to prepare by simply reading a good quality English-language newspaper. As you read, think about the issues being raised; what assumptions are being made? What information is being relied on to draw which conclusion? How would you frame a counterargument? This will help you to be aware of the world around you.

The LNAT essay topics will not be specifically about current affairs, and you will not be judged by what facts you know. But knowing how the world ticks, in general terms, will help you to write intelligently about a host of different topics.

We have listed some newspapers below worth considering. You can read the online versions (usually freely available, although registration may be required).

If you do read the online versions, remember to read the comment pieces as well as the news. (One question you might ask yourself: What exactly is the difference between news and comment? Is the contrast really apparent in practice?)

As part of your preparation you may also like to look at some materials on critical thinking. Here is a selection. Some of them include exercises that can help you develop your LNAT skills.

Alec Fisher, Critical Thinking: An Introduction (Cambridge University Press, 2001)

Roy van den Brink-Budgen, Critical Thinking for Students (How to Books, 2000)

Nigel Warburton, Thinking From A to Z (Routledge, 2000)

Peter Gardner, New Directions: Reading, Writing, and Critical Thinking (Cambridge University Press, 2006) (mainly for those who have English as a second language)

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What is the LNAT?If you are applying for either Law or Law with Law Studies in Europe, you will be required to sit the LNAT as part of your application.The Law National Admissions Test (LNAT) is a 2-hour 15-minute test divided into two sections.Section A is a computer-based, multiple-choice exam consisting of 42 questions.

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Many of our courses require applicants to take an admissions test. We use these tests to help us choose between all the excellent candidates who apply to study at Oxford. To make your application as competitive as possible it's very important that you register for and take any admissions tests that are required for your course.

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Read the candidate preparation checklist.
Taking any type of test or exam can be stressful, but you can help build your confidence by doing some preparation ahead of time. You are likely to do better in the real test if you've had a chance to practise some sample or past papers and got used to the format and timings of the admissions test you have to take.

The CAT now takes place online but as the structure and the content have not changed, you will still find it helpful to practise for the test with the past papers and other practice materials on this page.

Our general advice is to follow these steps:

1. Before 29 September (the registration deadline), check that you have received email confirmation of your test registration, together with your test registration ID and log in details (username and password) for the online test platform.

2. Explore the test-specific practice materials for your test available below. As your test will be fully online this year, we recommend typing your practice answers to past papers.

3. Watch the video demonstrating how to use the online test platform and prepare for your test.

4. Once you have watched the videos and explored the practice materials below, we strongly recommend you have a go at your online practice test (click on the button below) which is the 2022 past paper. You might want not to look at this past paper in advance so that you can mimic the experience of taking the online test unseen and as if for real. Having a go at the online practice test will not only allow you to practise answering some past questions and learn the structure of the test. It will also allow you to familiarise yourself with the online test platform and the tools available to support you. These will include accessibility features such as increasing font size, using coloured overlays and high contrast. This will mean that on test day you are able to focus fully on the content of your answers.

5. Please note that you will not be able to access a score or any feedback on your online practice test.

Here are our top tips for preparing for the CAT:

1. Watch our CAT Workshop video (if you're applying for Course I) or CLAT Workshop video (if you're applying for Course II).

2. Review the past papers for the CAT. This will help you to feel familiar with the test paper and know what to expect.

3. Sit at least one past paper in test conditions. This is really important as it will help you get used to how much time to allocate to each question.

Don't worry if you find the past or specimen papers very difficult - they're supposed to be! All our tests are designed to stretch you further than you have been stretched before - most candidates will find them really hard.
Practise the online CAT
Note: during the real test, for security reasons, the test platform will lock if you try and navigate away from it. If this happens accidentally, your test centre administrator will be able to unlock it again.

CAT and CLAT Workshop videos

Past papers

Review the sample papers below for the CAT.

The Classics Admissions Test consists of three separate papers:

the Latin Translation Test

the Greek Translation Test

and the Classics Language Aptitude Test (CLAT).

You are given 1 hour for each paper that you answer. Which of the papers you take depends on whether you are apply for Classics I or Classics II. If you are studying Latin or Greek to A-level or equivalent (and are applying for Course I), you must take the paper(s) in the language(s) you are studying. If you are studying neither Latin nor Greek to A-level or equivalent (and are applying for Course II), you must take the third paper, the Classics Language Aptitude Test.

The University does not endorse, or allow use of, its tests that are protected by copyright for commercial uses.

Classics Language Aptitude Test solutions

Below are the answers to the Language Aptitude Test, which you can use to mark your own answers, or ask your teacher to refer to them.

The University does not endorse, or allow use of, its tests that are protected by copyright for commercial use.

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If you are applying for one of the following courses you will be required to sit the CAT: Classics, Classics and English, Classics and Modern Languages and Classics and Asian and Middle Eastern Studies.

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Use this document to plan out how you prepare for taking the UCAT

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Use the question banks to practice the kinds of questions that may appear on your test. Then use the practice test to see how prepared you are.

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Question Banks

Use these five question banks to familiarise yourself with the type of questions you will see in your test. Each subtest bank contains a large number of questions which you may wish to attempt over several practice sessions.

Your progress through the question bank is not retained for future visits. It is therefore advisable to make a note of which questions you have attempted.

These questions are intended to be viewed on desktop rather than mobile devices, so as to accurately reflect the live test experience .

Practice Tests

An essential part of preparation as you near your test date should be using the four official UCAT practice tests under timed conditions. These are available in the standard UCAT and extended UCATSEN timings. We cannot offer practice tests with the timings in the UCATSA, UCATSENSA or UCATSEN50 but there are untimed versions you can utilise.

The practice tests are not set up to save your result or provide a score. The final review screen shows which of your answers are correct / incorrect. From this screen, you can return to each question to see the correct answer and display the answer rationale (by clicking the 'Explain Answer' button). Please note that when you take the live test your correct and incorrect answers will not be reported.

These are intended to be viewed on desktop rather than mobile devices, so as to accurately reflect the live test experience.

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Use these five question banks to familiarise yourself with the type of questions you will see in your test. Each subtest bank contains a large number of questions which you may wish to attempt over several practice sessions. Your progress through the question bank is not retained for future visits.

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Test of Mathematics for University Admissions (TMUA)

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Test of Mathematics for University Admissions (TMUA)

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The TMUA tests your mathematical thinking and reasoning skills.

You need to take the TMUA if you are applying to:

You will take the test 15-17 October 2024. You must take the test in this first sitting.

Test format

The TMUA lasts 2 hours 30 minutes in total. It is divided into two parts.

Part 1: Applications of Mathematical Knowledge

Assesses your ability to apply your knowledge of mathematics in new situations.

20 multiple-choice questions

75 minutes

Part 2: Mathematical Reasoning

Assesses your ability to deal with mathematical reasoning, and simple ideas from elementary logic.

20 multiple-choice questions

75 minutes

You will not be able to use a calculator or dictionary.

There is no pass or fail for TMUA. You should aim to do the best you can.

Your final scores are based on the number of correct answers you give. You do not lose marks for wrong answers, so it's worth attempting all questions.

How to register for the TMUA

You must be registered in advance to sit the TMUA. You take the TMUA at your local Pearson VUE test centre. You can choose from a global network of test centres in more than 5,500 locations in over 180 countries.

Visit the Pearson VUE website, where you will be able to:

create an account

find your nearest test centre

book and pay for the test

We will provide further information about test dates, registration and cancellations in spring 2024.

Access arrangements

If you normally have access arrangements in your public exams, you can apply for the same arrangements. You will need to submit an application and may need to provide supporting evidence in advance. Further information on this process will be available in spring 2024.

TMUA for other universities

TMUA is used by several universities. If you're applying to other universities who require TMUA, you only need to take the test once, but you must take the test in the October sitting.

TMUA Costs

There is an entry fee for the TMUA:

£75 if taken in the UK or Republic of Ireland

£130 if taken anywhere else

You'll need to pay this fee (using a debit/credit card or bursary voucher) when you book your test.

Bursary voucher

UK candidates in financial need can apply for a bursary voucher to book the ESAT free of charge. If you are eligible we will provide you with a unique bursary voucher code which you can enter on the Pearson VUE website when you book your test, which will allow you to book the test without paying.

We will publish more information about the process and the eligibility criteria for the bursary voucher in spring 2024.

How to prepare for the TMUA

The test covers mathematics you will have already learned at school. Revise what you have learned so far and familiarise yourself with the format of the test.

Free practice materials will be available in May 2024 to help you prepare. There will also be information about the test format, specification and other useful support materials.

We don't expect you to get every question right - you can learn more about how your performance fits into the rest of your application on the admissions assessment page.

Test results

You will get your results through the Pearson VUE booking portal, approximately six weeks after you take the test. The results will be automatically shared with us, so you don't need to send them on.

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Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA)

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You need to take the TMUA if you're applying to study Computer Science or Economics at Cambridge. Learn how to register and prepare and when the test is.

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Natural Sciences Admissions Assessment (NSAA)

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Natural Sciences Admissions Assessment (NSAA)

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You need to take the Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) if you are applying for:

Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology

Engineering

Natural Sciences

Veterinary Medicine

You will take the test 15-17 October 2024. You must take the test in this first sitting.

Test format

The ESAT is a computer-based assessment. It is made up of individual multiple-choice assessments lasting 40 minutes each. You will sit these back-to-back on the day of the test.

Mathematics 1 is compulsory for all candidates.

The remaining assessments will depend on the Cambridge course you are applying to. In most cases, you will complete two additional multiple-choice assessments from the following list, making the test 120 minutes in total:

We will confirm which ESAT assessments you need to complete on the relevant 2025 entry course pages when these go live in March 2024.

There is no pass or fail for ESAT. You should aim to do the best you can.

Your final scores are based on the number of correct answers you give. You do not lose marks for wrong answers, so it's worth attempting all questions.

How to register for the ESAT

You must be registered in advance to sit the ESAT. You take the ESAT at your local Pearson VUE test centre. You can choose from a global network of test centres in more than 5,500 locations in over 180 countries.

Visit the Pearson VUE website, where you will be able to:

create an account

find your nearest test centre

book and pay for the test

We will provide further information about test dates, registration and cancellations in spring 2024.

ESAT for other universities

ESAT is used by Cambridge and Imperial College London for courses in engineering and sciences. If you're applying to both universities, you only need to take the ESAT once, but you must take the test in the October sitting

Access arrangements

If you normally have access arrangements in your public exams, you can apply for the same arrangements. You will need to submit an application and may need to provide supporting evidence in advance. Further information on this process will be available in spring 2024.

ESAT Costs

There is an entry fee for the ESAT:

£75 if taken in the UK or Republic of Ireland

£130 if taken anywhere else

You'll need to pay this fee (using a debit/credit card or bursary voucher) when you book your test.

Bursary voucher

UK candidates in financial need can apply for a bursary voucher to book the ESAT free of charge. If you are eligible we will provide you with a unique bursary voucher code which you can enter on the Pearson VUE website when you book your test, which will allow you to book the test without paying.

We will publish more information about the process and the eligibility criteria for the bursary voucher in spring 2024.

How to prepare for the ESAT

To prepare, we recommend that you revise relevant topics and familiarise yourself with the format of the test.

Free practice materials will be available in May 2024 to help you prepare. There will also be information about the test format, specification and other useful support materials.

We don't expect you to get every question right - you can learn more about how your performance fits into the rest of your application on the  admissions assessment page.

Test results

You will get your results through the Pearson VUE booking portal, approximately six weeks after you take the test. The results will be automatically shared with us, so you don't need to send them on.

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Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT)

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You take the ESAT if you're applying for Chemical Engineering, Engineering, Natural Sciences or Veterinary Medicine at Cambridge. Register and prepare for the test.

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The LNAT tests your verbal reasoning skills, your ability to interpret information, and your analytical abilities.

You need to take the LNAT if you are applying for:

You must be registered in advance and the LNAT has earlier registration deadlines and different arrangements than other Cambridge admissions assessments.

You can register for the LNAT from 1 August to 15 September 2023. The test can be taken from 1 September 2023.

For 2024 entry, you need to take the LNAT by 16 October 2023. If you are applying to Hughes Hall, St Edmund's or Wolfson in the March application round, you can take the LNAT up to 1 March 2024.

Information for 2025 entry will be available in March 2024.

How to register for the LNAT

You need to register for the test by 15 September 2023.

For your LNAT results to be sent directly to us, you must indicate that you plan to apply to the University of Cambridge as part of the LNAT registration process.

The assessment can be taken at any LNAT test centre. There are over 500 test centres around the world with 150 in the UK.

You may take the test on any day when there is availability at your chosen test centre, so long as it is before the relevant deadline.

The earlier you book, the more chance you have of securing a sitting on the day of your choice.

We strongly advised to begin making arrangements as soon as possible. A delay in booking may mean you have to travel further to secure a place at an available LNAT location before the deadline.

Find out how to register on the LNAT website.

LNAT Costs

There is an entry fee for the LNAT.

If you are a UK or EU applicant and are concerned about the cost, financial support may be available.

Check the LNAT website for details of costs.

How to prepare for the Law admissions assessment

Familiarise yourself with the test format and follow the guidance on preparation given on the LNAT website.

Find out what the test involves and how to prepare.

We don't expect you to get every question right - you can learn more about how your performance fits into the rest of your application on the admissions assessment page.

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You need to take the LNAT if you're applying to study Law at Cambridge. Learn how to register, how to prepare and when you'll take the test.

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Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT)

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Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT)

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You need to take the Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) if you are applying for:

Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology

Engineering

Natural Sciences

Veterinary Medicine

You will take the test 15-17 October 2024. You must take the test in this first sitting.

Test format

The ESAT is a computer-based assessment. It is made up of individual multiple-choice assessments lasting 40 minutes each. You will sit these back-to-back on the day of the test.

Mathematics 1 is compulsory for all candidates.

The remaining assessments will depend on the Cambridge course you are applying to. In most cases, you will complete two additional multiple-choice assessments from the following list, making the test 120 minutes in total:

We will confirm which ESAT assessments you need to complete on the relevant 2025 entry course pages when these go live in March 2024.

There is no pass or fail for ESAT. You should aim to do the best you can.

Your final scores are based on the number of correct answers you give. You do not lose marks for wrong answers, so it's worth attempting all questions.

How to register for the ESAT

You must be registered in advance to sit the ESAT. You take the ESAT at your local Pearson VUE test centre. You can choose from a global network of test centres in more than 5,500 locations in over 180 countries.

Visit the Pearson VUE website, where you will be able to:

create an account

find your nearest test centre

book and pay for the test

We will provide further information about test dates, registration and cancellations in spring 2024.

ESAT for other universities

ESAT is used by Cambridge and Imperial College London for courses in engineering and sciences. If you're applying to both universities, you only need to take the ESAT once, but you must take the test in the October sitting

Access arrangements

If you normally have access arrangements in your public exams, you can apply for the same arrangements. You will need to submit an application and may need to provide supporting evidence in advance. Further information on this process will be available in spring 2024.

ESAT Costs

There is an entry fee for the ESAT:

£75 if taken in the UK or Republic of Ireland

£130 if taken anywhere else

You'll need to pay this fee (using a debit/credit card or bursary voucher) when you book your test.

Bursary voucher

UK candidates in financial need can apply for a bursary voucher to book the ESAT free of charge. If you are eligible we will provide you with a unique bursary voucher code which you can enter on the Pearson VUE website when you book your test, which will allow you to book the test without paying.

We will publish more information about the process and the eligibility criteria for the bursary voucher in spring 2024.

How to prepare for the ESAT

To prepare, we recommend that you revise relevant topics and familiarise yourself with the format of the test.

Free practice materials will be available in May 2024 to help you prepare. There will also be information about the test format, specification and other useful support materials.

We don't expect you to get every question right - you can learn more about how your performance fits into the rest of your application on the  admissions assessment page.

Test results

You will get your results through the Pearson VUE booking portal, approximately six weeks after you take the test. The results will be automatically shared with us, so you don't need to send them on.

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Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT)

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You take the ESAT if you're applying for Chemical Engineering, Engineering, Natural Sciences or Veterinary Medicine at Cambridge. Register and prepare for the test.

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Which is the best note-taking method for you?

There are hundreds of different ways you can take notes - but not all are created equal.

The most effective note-taking methods will help you not only understand the concepts you're learning better, but help you easily revisit and revise the material easily when exams roll around.

But the best one for you can depend on your subject/topic, learning style, and even how your lecturer teaches.

So, here's an overview of the best note-taking methods for college students, how to apply each, and when you should (or shouldn't) use each one.

1. Note-taking method #1: The Outline method

The Outline Method is one of the most structured note-taking methods, and visually looks very organized.

Add your main points as bullet points, and elaborate on them underneath. For any piece of supporting information, create a nested bullet point below it. Remember to keep your points brief, preferably around one sentence per point.

The finished note should look similar to an outline.

When to use this note-taking method

The outline method is ideal for when you need to jot down information quickly, like during lectures or meetings.

With its clear structure, you can easily see the hierarchy of information, and what ideas correlate to which point.

Pros:

Highlights key points of the topic

Allows you to group related points together

Highly structured and visually organized, making it revision friendly

Cons:

Not great for subjects that require many diagrams, charts, or visuals

The Cornell note-taking method is one of the most popular and renowned note-taking techniques, created by Prof. Walter Pauk of Cornell University in the 1950s. It's designed to make you actively think about your notes as you go along, rather than mindlessly jotting things down.

All notes from the class go into the main note-taking column.

The smaller column on the left side is for comments, questions or hints about the actual notes.

After the lecture, you should take a moment to summarize the main ideas of the page in the section at the bottom which will speed up your reviewing and studying process immensely. The best part is that many people already remember and digest the information while they write a summary like this.

Shown in Goodnotes

When to use this note-taking method
Pros:

Helps you extract the main ideas

Writing the summary gives you a better level of understanding on the topic

Your notes are already logically organized and easy to skim when it comes time to revise

Cornell notes are especially effective for studying, because of how easy it is to revise from afterwards.

Takes a bit more effort when taking notes

Requires some time to set up the page

Cons:

(To help you get you started, try this free Cornell notes template.)

3. Note-taking method #3: The Boxing Method

The Boxing Method is a highly visual note-taking method. It gives you an at-a-glance overview of your topic.

Each section or subtopic of your notes will live in its own labeled box

Shown in Goodnotes

This method was originally coined by a GoodNotes user, ipadstudying. Note-taking apps like GoodNotes are especially helpful for this method, because you can draw boxes and straight lines without the help of a ruler.

When to use this note-taking method

We recommend using this for revision. Each page or set of notes will be for one course or topic. In each of the boxes, summarize the key points from each individual lecture (or subtopic). Label the boxes accordingly.
Pros:

Helpful to create during revision

Gives you a summary of each lecture, chapter, or subtopic at a glance

At the end, you have one summary page of all the key points for that course.

Not a suitable method for lecture or meeting notes, when you have to be able to jot things down quickly

Can be a hassle if you're drawing boxes freehand (as opposed to using a note-taking app)

Cons:

4. Note-taking method #4: The Charting Method

The charting method is a great way to organize different items or concepts that all share several properties.

For example, if you were studying up on chemical elements, each row would be a different element, and columns would list out their properties, such as atomic mass, melting point, color, etc.

Shown in Goodnotes

Here is a summary of this article in a note written with the charting note-taking method:

When to use this note-taking method
Pros:

Great for comparison

Summarize a series of items in a systematic way

Cons:
Not effective for more linear note-taking or notes that follow a story/progression of information

Charts are useful when comparing items across a certain set of characteristics.

5. Note-taking method #5: The Mapping Method

Another visual note-taking style is the Mapping Method.

It allows you to organize your notes by dividing them into branches, enabling you to establish relationships between the topics.

Shown in Goodnotes

Start with writing the main topic at the top of the map. Keep dividing it into subtopics on the left and right as you go down. You can also try a mind map format, where you start in the middle and branch outward.

When to use this note-taking method:

This method is perfect for when individual points require a lot of explanation. It also works for when your notes follow a linear progression or a story.

Easy to create and follow ideas

Easily demonstrate relationships between information

Elaborate on points without cluttering your page

Pros:

You may run out of space on the page if you have many branches of information

Cons:

Goodnotes Tip: If you run out of space while writing in Goodnotes, just switch to a larger paper template, or lasso tool all your writing and shrink it.

‍

6. Note-Taking Method #6: The Zettelkasten Method

Ever wanted to create your own personal wiki?

The Zettelkasten method is designed to help capture and organize knowledge for long-term reference and development. You write one idea or learning onto one card (a "zettel"), and store it in a box (a "kasten"). You create connections between note cards with tags. In this way, you create a growing encyclopedia of knowledge over a certain topic.

These aren't the type of notes for recording lectures or meetings, but works well for accumulating knowledge on specific topics over time.

Drawn in Goodnotes

‍

When to use this note-taking method:
Pros:

Great way to create a homebase for your knowledge

Easy to review, as notes are concise

Cons:
Can take some time to set up if you want to do it digitally

While you wouldn't use the Zettelkasten note-taking method during a biology lecture, you could create a Zettelkasten at the beginning of your degree and continuously add your learnings about biology throughout the four years.

7. Note-taking Method #7: Mind Mapping

A mind map is a visual way to show information and ideas. It starts with a central topic and uses branches and sub-branches to connect related details or ideas.

Mind maps are amazing for synthesizing new ideas. Without a lot of structure, you can let your ideas flow from one to the next, and see where it takes you.

When to use this note-taking method

Mind maps are great to use as a revision method or brainstorming aid. Simply put down everything that comes to mind, and create connections between them.

Break down large ideas into smaller pieces

Create and discover new connections between different ideas

Visually presents ideas and how different elements are related

Cons:
Not the best for recording meetings or lectures in the moment

Pros:

Curious about the app featured in this article?

Take handwritten notes and search them afterwards

Annotate your PDF or PowerPoint lecture slides or articles

Easily organize your notes into notebooks, folders, and keep everything synced across your iPad, Mac, and iPhone

Get Goodnotes for free today, and start taking more effective notes!
Goodnotes is one of the most popular note-taking apps for handwritten notes on the iPad - especially amongst students. With GoodNotes you can:

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The Best Note-Taking Methods for College Students & Serious Note-takers | Goodnotes Blog

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Which is the best note-taking method for you?

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Interested in mind maps?

While traditional note-taking is a simple way to recap what you just learned, mind mapping can revolutionize the way you gather summarize, and explore information.

A mind map is a visual representation of information and ideas, typically organized around a central topic, that uses branches and sub-branches to capture relationships and facilitate brainstorming, planning, and learning.
Here are 4 mind mapping methods (plus examples for each) that you can get started with!
1. Library maps: Visualize information clearly

Library maps are best used for organizing everything you need to know about a topic. Visually, the map will look like a tree. One node in the center will represent the main idea, with supporting ideas that branch out and have their own details attached.

Drawn in Goodnotes

When to use this mind mapping method

You can use library mind maps when:

Gathering and keeping track of information meant for deep dives into particular subjects

Summarizing a lecture or class and using it for review before final exams

You need a visual outline for writing cohesive essays that explore several ideas around a topic

How to create library mind maps

1. Identify your topic, and put this in the center of your page.

2. List major key points or sub-topics around the central node, and connect them.

3. Branch out the supporting ideas from the corresponding key point. Then, connect them with lines to indicate their relationship.

2. Brace maps: Break down big ideas into small parts

Brace mind maps can be a good tool to rely on when you need to get into a topic's specifics. They are visually more simple than other mind maps as they are made of a subject, a curly bracket, and a vertical list of words.

Drawn in Goodnotes

When to use this mind mapping method

A brace mind map can be used for:

Understanding part-to-whole relationships, such as labeling every part of a physical object or showing the ingredients needed for a recipe

Literature, when keeping track of several characters based on relationships, locations, and time periods

Illustrating hierarchy, like organizational charts in companies

How to create brace mind maps

1. List the main idea or topic on the left

2. Draw a curly bracket, then vertically list all the parts or related items to the right of the bracket

3. Keep extending as needed

3. Flow chart maps: Illustrate a process

This type of mind map is best for when you want to visualize a process. There is typically an order in which to read the flow chart, with arrows pointing you to the next step.

Drawn in Goodnotes

When to use this mind mapping method

Flow chart mind maps can be used:

For learning every step in a process (for example, biological processes like photosynthesis or metabolism)

Process optimization: Flow charts are valuable for identifying inefficiencies or redundancies in a workflow or business process. By mapping out each step and evaluating their interconnections, you can identify areas for improvement and implement changes to streamline operations.

Problem-solving: Flow charts are effective tools for analyzing and resolving complex problems. They allow you to visually map out different scenarios, identify potential causes and solutions, and streamline the decision-making process.

How to create flow chart mind maps

Make a flow chart. Start on the left-hand side and list the first step in the process. Add the next step horizontally and to the right of the first step, and connect them. Continue doing this, allowing for off-shoots on certain steps if there are various possible outcomes, or additional details are needed.

4. Idea jamming mind maps: Make connections

Idea jamming (or brainstorming) mind maps are helpful when creativity strikes and the ideas are free-flowing. Common idea jamming maps look like webs of connected information. Unlike the library mind map, there isn't necessarily a central idea or topic in this one.

Drawn in Goodnotes

When to use this mind mapping method

Use idea jamming mind maps to:

Generate ideas for a creative project, such as writing a story, designing a website, or planning an event.

Think of solutions to a problem or challenge, whether it's in personal life or work-related.

How to create idea jamming mind maps

There's no prescribed structure to this mind mapping method. Write each core idea or thought in its own block. Then use arrows and lines to make connections.

Tips for any mind mapping method

Follow these suggestions to improve any type of mind map:

Keep it short: The text for each node on your mind map should be one to five words at most. Phrases that are too long will clutter your mind map and cause confusion with information you don't need.

Draw connections and label them: Keep track of how ideas are related and remember important details.

Use colors: Colors add meaning and context without the need for more text.

Include images: Images increase memory retention; using the right amount helps reinforce the meaning of your mind map.

Re-use and apply: In order to remember what you've learned, re-visit your mind maps and apply them to other settings. Create a quiz or try to answer essay questions by relying on your mind map. Doing so can give you the confidence to apply what you learned in any context.

And if you're thinking of going digital....
Get mind mapping!

We hope you'll get the chance to try one (or all!) of these 4 mind mapping methods.

Get more note-taking tips by subscribing to the GoodNotes newsletter.
Further reading

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Top 4 Mind Mapping Methods for Note-Taking (with Examples) | Goodnotes Blog

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Interested in mind maps? Here are 4 great examples to get started with.

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7 Practical Ways to Apply Active Recall When Studying | Goodnotes Blog

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Active recall — if you’re a student, you’ve probably heard the term floating around.

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Cornell Note Taking - The Best Way To Take Notes Explained | Goodnotes Blog

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Cornell notes are one of the best note-taking methods, and for good reason. Here's why and how you can take Cornell notes.

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How to Get Good Grades: 7 Scientific Study Tips & Techniques | Goodnotes Blog

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Studying is hard. Studying effectively? Even harder.

If you have ever stared at a syllabus or paper not knowing just how to study, you are not alone.

Thankfully, we've gathered up some of the best study tips from top students, including those from Ivy League schools.

Read on as they share their experiences and hacks that have helped them achieve academic success and learn how you can study effectively too!

1. Prone to procrastination? Plan your study hours in advance

Creating a study schedule is crucial to avoiding last-minute cramming sessions that can leave you in a nervous and anxious mess.

To do this, set aside some time everyday to dedicate to studying. You can even try to assign each hour to a specific task. Breaking down big tasks into smaller manageable chunks can help ease your anxiety and prevent procrastination.

"I often felt overwhelmed with the amount of deadlines I had and didn't know how to study or even where to start. It wasn't until I sat down and made a plan that I realized they were actually manageable and all I had to do was follow the plan. I stopped procrastinating and felt a lot more productive after I knew exactly what I had to do."

- Christina Sorochinsky, Physics, Harvard University.
Key takeaways:

Break down your tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks

Schedule them into your planner during your study hours

2. Listen in class to get started on review faster

Go to class. Sometimes it is that simple. Research shows that repetition is the first principle of all learning. This means that by simply showing up, the material that you review later will already be the second time you engage with it. This will help you better understand how to study and digest the information faster.

You already go to class? Sometimes that isn't enough.

"I like to sit in the first three rows of a lecture hall because it makes a big lecture class feel smaller and more engaging. It also encourages me to ask questions and take notes during lectures that save me a ton of studying time later on."

- Celine Yung, Engineering Psychology Major, Tufts University.
Key takeaways:

Go to class in person - lecture recordings are a helpful tool to compliment learning, not replace it.

Engaging with the material multiple times will help you gauge how to study it best

Actively engage in class by sitting close to the front, asking questions and taking notes

3. Spaced out repetition can help prolong your concentration

Studies have shown that taking short breaks (as short as 5 minutes or as long as 60) can help you refresh and re-energize your brain and encourage productivity and focus in the long run.

One technique you can implement is the Pomodoro technique. The Pomodoro technique references a time management method where you do focused work on one task for 25 minutes followed by a 5 minute break. A longer break can take place after about four consecutive intervals. These spaced out short breaks can help keep you fresh and productive, making the most of the time that you do spend studying.

"The Pomodoro technique really taught me how to study productively. I was able to get through longer study sessions than if I were to have not taken any breaks at all."

- Evelyn Howe, Social Studies, Princeton University

Pomodoro timers can be found both on the web and in apps to best suit your needs!
Key takeaways:

Breaks can improve your concentration in the long run

Use the Pomodoro Technique to guide you on how to study productively and prolong your concentration

4. Make use of study groups

Ever stared helplessly at 300 pages worth of content and wondered just how in the world you will get through it? You're not alone. This is where study groups can be crucial to your academic success.

Get people's number on your first day of class and form a study group early on in the semester. You can then divide the work up and assign them to each member.

This will cut down your study time and also reinforce the information you learned when you teach it to the rest of your group. You can also share ideas on how to study the material best.

"I found this especially useful when memorizing course content. Psychology is a very content intensive course with pages and pages of reading. I found that by splitting up the work, the readings did not seem so daunting and it made the studying experience more collaborative and enjoyable. After participating in study groups my second semester, my grades shot up"

- Meagan Chau, Psychology Major, University of British Columbia.
Key takeaways:

Befriend people in your class and form a study group

Divide the work/reading amongst different members of your group

Create a shared study guide

Get together and go over each section, teach each other the content and share ideas on how to study

5. Timelapse yourself working to stop procrastination

Sometimes the problem is not how to study but how to stay concentrated.

Studying can be hard when you've got a million other things that seem to be calling your name. Phones and social media can be especially distracting during times of crisis when suddenly, everything seems to be more entertaining than the paper you have to write.

To help with this, it can be super helpful to find little ways that can help you focus on one task for longer.

"It sounds silly, but I like to prop my phone up and video myself in a time lapse whilst I study. This helps me stay on task because I can't be on my phone at all. It also holds me accountable and I end up with a fun little video, which is cool."

- Lynn Lee, History, Yale University.

The phenomenon Lynn talks about with accountability is actually rooted in research as studying and making decisions in front of a mirror or your reflection will make you more self-aware and better align you with your morals. (You can read more about this here!)

So the next time you find yourself getting distracted, whip out your phone, hit record, and see what happens.
Key takeaways:

Find ways to prevent access to things in your life that distract you

Take a timelapse of yourself studying to stop procrastination

6. Implement active learning techniques: reading is not studying

Are you reading or are you studying? Contrary to popular belief, these are actually two very different things. Instead of just reading the textbook, try to implement more active learning techniques such as summarizing information that you just read in your own words, teaching concepts to others, or creating flashcards.

"One way I like to study effectively is to create outlines for the information that I'm reading because this way, you can better understand how different pieces of information fit together and relate to the overarching theme. This really shortens the memorization process because it helps me gain a deeper understanding of the course material."

- Sophie, Statistics Major, University of Michigan.

"I also found that teaching a friend with a little extra time on their hands was really helpful. Going through a course outline with someone helps me better understand the material myself because I'm forced to explain the information in a clear and concise way. I typically like to do this right before an exam when I'm already familiar with most of the content and it leaves me feeling even more confident."

- Anna, Computer Science, Yale University
Key takeaways:

Implement active learning techniques

Create an outline or a study guide

Teach others

7. Get 8 hours of sleep the night before an exam

Sleep more! I know, I know, you've probably heard this tip over and over. But trust me, it's true, and it works. But if you don't trust me, trust Nicole, she took a class on it.

"Sleep really helps with your memorization, and sleep is when most of your memory forms. On the night before an exam, if I were faced with a choice of studying more or sleeping, I would choose to sleep. I remember I once made the mistake of studying more, but my grades suffered because I could hardly remember anything I had spent all night reading"

- Nicole Lee, Social Studies Major, Harvard University

As students however, procrastination and last minute cramming is pretty inevitable. So if you really can't help it, Nicole also advises to sleep less two nights before the exam and get a proper 8 hours of rest the night before.
Key takeaways:

Try to get as much sleep as possible

It is when memory forms

Try to get your full 8 hours of sleep the night before an exam

8. Use AI to summarize long readings

Ah, AI and all the new possibilities it brings. Chat GPT, write my essay for me, wouldya? While we definitely don't encourage doing that, AI can be really helpful in helping you summarize large chunks of research, record lecture notes and many more cool features that can save you time and make studying that much less painful.

"I like to use AI to summarize my required readings. It saves me a ton of time and I can actually spend more time on my understanding rather than reading through pages and pages of material."

- Jacqueline Lo, Business and Media and cinematic arts Major, University of Southern California.

We know that finding the time to study can be difficult. So the next time you are in a bit of a crunch, AI may just be the way to go.
Key takeaways:

Use AI to summarize readings

AI can shorten the time you spend studying

9. Break it down: visualize to gain deeper understanding

Abstract concepts can be hard to grasp. Rather than spending countless hours reading over an idea again and again wondering just how to study, you can try to visualize it in simpler terms.

An effective way of visualization includes creating a mindmap of all the different topics of your notes. This can help you visualize how all the little points relate and build on each other to arrive at a bigger, more complex topic.

"I like to break complex topics down into smaller digestible graphs where just one thing is going on. This is especially helpful in subjects like economics because complex concepts can be broken down into individual steps. I honestly use this method in all my subjects though, and have been drawing pictures to solve word problems in math since the third grade."

- Ethan Lau, Economics Major, Cornell University.

So the moral of the story? Nothing is too complicated if you break it down into simpler terms.
Key Takeaways:

Break down big topics into smaller pieces

Create images and visualize topics in ways that you understand

10. Carefully craft the lighting, noise levels, seating arrangements, and even color of your study space

Flow state. A state that you want to be in when you are studying. What can get you to this level of unparalleled concentration? A good study environment.

This can look different to everyone. Some like to study in their rooms, others prefer the library. You might prefer to study alone, or in a study group. It doesn't matter what the environment is, it is just important that you find what works best for you. Studies have shown that factors like light, noise, seating and even color have the ability to impact your levels of motivation, engagement and concentration.

"I really like to call my friends late at night when I'm studying because it's comforting knowing that someone else is still awake with me. We typically don't even talk, we kind of just study silently but it still keeps me on track for longer and helps stop me from getting overly anxious."

- Wren Opperman Social Studies, Harvard University.

Many seem to share this experience and many content creators that teach you how to study have gone ahead and created livestream "study with me" study sessions for you to put on and join in at any time of the day.

Whether it be live streams, studying alone or in small groups, a library or a cafe, find out what works and stick with it.
Key Takeaways:

Find a study environment that works best for you

This can look different for everyone!

Live streams can be helpful in keeping you on track ‍

11. Use past exam papers to test your understanding before an exam

So you think you know your stuff. You can truly put it to the test by using past exam papers before, during and after your main study block to track your progress.

"Past exam papers give me a good baseline to find out what I know well and things that I need to focus on before I even start studying. This saves me a lot of time because I can quickly pinpoint the topics that need more of my attention. I also like to drill past papers repeatedly throughout the studying process because I like how quickly I get feedback. I know right away if I did something right or wrong."

- Ric Tse, International Business and Global Management Major, Hong Kong University.

Using past exam papers allows you to get familiar with the types of questions that will pop up on exams and encourage active recall - a study method that requires you to remember something you learned in the past.
Key takeaways:

Take a practice test at the start of your studying process, then again throughout it

Active recall is a good way for gauging how much you know

12. Use digital flashcards for active recall and organization

Another way you can implement active recall to strengthen your understanding is through flashcards.

The process of creating flashcards and reviewing them forces you to engage with the material over and over. It also frames each topic in a test like manner and will help you breeze through each topic without a problem.

The biggest issue with using flashcards? It is incredibly easy to lose them. Luckily, digital flashcards have now been made possible with GoodNotes. This can help ensure that you can use the same flashcards throughout the year and not have to worry about keeping track of a huge deck of cards.
Key takeaways:

Create flashcards as a way to study effectively

Use digital flashcards to help you retain more information with active recall

13. Boost your study performance with physical activity

Go on a walk. Seriously.

Countless studies have shown that physical activity can improve your attention span and critical thinking skills. In fact, it is found to be particularly influential in improving your math and reading skills.

So the next time you are getting frustrated and think you've got to keep drilling problems till the end of time. Take a breath, step away, and go for a short walk because sometimes less is truly more.
Key takeaways:
Taking a short walk and doing some form of exercise can increase your attention span and critical thinking

14. Say hi to your professor every time you enter a lecture

Last but most definitely not least, get to know your professor! Whether that be sitting in the front of a lecture hall, speaking up during seminars or asking to meet with your teachers to go over exams, show your teachers that you care!

"I participated in a lot of competitive sports in high school. I'd probably be gone for weeks at a time because of travel so I found that what helped me was keeping my teachers in the loop, asking them how to study the material best and making sure that they knew I cared. Teachers were then more receptive to giving me extensions, writing my recommendations and giving me guidance when I needed it."

- Audrey King, English Major, Harvard University.

If you think about it, getting to know the person that is giving out the exams and grading your papers really can't hurt. So the next time you're thinking about whether or not to speak up in class. Speak up.
Key takeaways:

Speak up in class

Say hi to your professors

Getting to know the people grading your papers can help you in the long run!

Reach all your academic goals with these tips on how to study

Committed to your journey to better grades? Read about more study techniques here!

Sign up to the GoodNotes newsletter to stay updated on the latest tips & tricks, study inspiration and GoodNotes news

‍

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How to Study like a Harvard Student: 14 Study Tips from Top Students | Goodnotes Blog

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Want to know how to study effectively? Here are some study tips from top university students!

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We tackle complex ideas across a range of subjects and draw on research from Oxford University.

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To help schools and students prepare for applying to university during lockdown, Nelli Univ's Schools Liaison and Access Officer has recorded the talk she'd usually be delivering in schools this time of year. Watch here and don't forget to get in touch, either via email ( access@univ.ox.ac.uk) or on Twitter if you have questions. We'd also love to hear how you've been getting on exploring your subject interests beyond school.

Explore your Subject

To get into a top uni, it's not enough just to do well at school. Universities want students who are passionate about their subject, who think for themselves and who are independent learners. That means that if you're thinking about university, finding out what you're really interested in and developing that interest is a top priority. That's where "super-curricular" activities come in.

What are super-curricular activities?

You've probably heard of "extracurricular activities", and probably do a few of them yourself. The "extra" refers to an activity being outside of your regular curriculum, e.g. doing a sport or enrolling in a first aid course.

Super-curricular activities are those that take the subjects you study further, beyond that which your teacher has taught you or what you've done for homework. You may go into more depth on something you picked up in the classroom or learn about a new topic altogether. You can explore your subject in many ways; for example, by reading, as well as watching videos online, downloading lectures, visiting museums or entering academic competitions.

Why are super-curricular activities important?

To do well at a top university, it is important to have a) enthusiasm and curiosity for your subject and b) the capacity for independent study.
Super-curricular activities can help you:

Choose a subject to study. Doing something like extra reading or entering an essay competition in your subject are good ways for you to check if you have the passion for your subject that you think you do. If you're enjoying exploring the subject, even when your homework is done for the week, it's a positive sign that it's the right subject for you!

Provide evidence on a personal statement. Many universities will also look for you having done super-curricular activities because it can indicate that you have the capacity for self-study and can demonstrate how you respond to new ideas that you come across.

Develop important skills. You can also gain skills from super-curricular activities which can help you do well in future university interviews and admissions tests/assessments. Your ability to think critically, absorb new information, make inferences or consider things from multiple angles, are all things that interviews and admissions tests are geared up to assess. You can use super-curricular exploration to develop these skills in yourself; for example, by pushing yourself to comprehend new information, getting to grips with different concepts, challenging assumptions or uncovering weaknesses in arguments you read/listen to. Asa bonus, these skills will also help you become a successful university student as uni courses often require a lot more self-study than you may have been used to so far.

Some top tips

First things first, exploring your subject is not about filling your head with facts! You will develop important independent study skills more effectively if you are engaging actively with your subject. Here are some top tips for how to explore your subject in ways that help you develop independent study skills (such as how to think critically and flexibly).

Be open minded. Do not be afraid to try out some things that are different to what you're used to. You might discover your next new hobby!

Find connections. Look for links in between different things that you have explored. By doing this you really test how well you've understood the ideas and you could even come up with unique ideas of you own. Making comparisons and contrasts is good ways to do this.

Think actively and ask questions. Don't just accept the arguments that you come across. Try and challenge them, and think of counter examples. Would it be the same in all situations? Is there another way of solving that problem? What do you really think?

Pause and reflect. While reading articles or listening to podcasts, stop to think. What is your opinion? You might find it useful to write a short paragraph to practice articulating your own ideas about a subject

Share and discuss. Always talk about things with people, whether your teacher, parent, or friend. Perhaps you don't understand something you've read or you'd like to debate it further. Conversations such as these provide excellent practice for future interviews.

And remember to follow your interests. Don't do an activity just because you think it looks good. Read books and take part in things that you think are genuinely stimulating. This means that you avoid having to try hard to fake interest. Pursuing super-curricular activities should never become a chore.

Don't forget to explore our Reading Bank and Resource Hub too.

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Explore Your Subject - University College Oxford (Univ)

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Explore your Subject - To get into a top uni, it's not enough just to do well at school. Universities want students who are passionate about their subject