Your A-level choices are crucial for most subjects at Oxford and Cambridge. CHECK THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS as early as possible.

https://www.ox.ac.uk/

https://www.cam.ac.uk/

Consider an EPQ alongside your studies, this develops many of the skills with Oxford and Cambridge are looking for alongside developing your subject knowledge outside of the A level specification. Many Oxford and Cambridge courses like applicants to have an EPQ.

If you are not yet sure about what you want to study, traditional 'facilitating subjects' like Mathematics, Sciences, History, or English Literature are good choices. Ensure your choices align with your desired course requirements. For example, aspiring medics should take Chemistry and Biology, while Engineering applicants should focus on Maths and Physics.

UCAS provide a useful pre-application guide - https://www.ucas.com/connect/blogs/oxbridge-application-tips

• https://www.gmc-uk.org/education/standards-guidance-and-curricula/guidance/student-professionalism-and-ftp/achieving-good-medical-practice

• https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-nhs-constitution-for-england/the-nhs-constitution-for-england

• https://www.england.nhs.uk/6cs/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2015/03/introducing-the-6cs.pdf

• https://www.gmc-uk.org/professional-standards/the-professional-standards/good-medical-practice

  
  

You need to read around the profession and keep up with the latest developments. Read and watch the news - follow any cases which have themes of medicine, ethics, patients, illnesses / diseases / vaccinations / treatments. Be prepared to give both the facts and your own opinions about the cases:

• Some suggested read are available here - https://www.themedicportal.com/blog/books-to-read-before-your-med-school-interview/

• https://www.bmj.com/

• https://www.theguardian.com/society/health

• https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health

• https://www.england.nhs.uk/news/

It is also a good idea to read some published, peer reviewed, articles in areas that you are interested in:

• https://www.jstor.org/

• https://scholar.google.com/

• You can also search any online university library and select the 'open access' option to find papers available to you.

You can also demonstrate deeper subject engagement through MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses), many of these provide a certificate at the end of a course and will also signpost further study. There are thousands available so it's worth exploring. Some are short (an hour) and some are designed to last weeks. Have a look at

• https://www.mooc.org/

• https://www.coursera.org/courses?query=mooc

• https://www.mooc-list.com/tags/medicine

Some universities provide an advised reading list:

• chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.sgul.ac.uk/study/widening-participation/documents/medicine-reading-list.pdf

• https://www.medsci.ox.ac.uk/study/medicine/pre-clinical/applying/reading

• chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.bsms.ac.uk/_pdf/about/reading-list-2023.pdf

• https://kmms.ac.uk/kmms-pre-arrival-reading-list-2/

• https://www.lucy.cam.ac.uk/blog/books-medical-students-must-read

A company who offer a conference to support you:

Medic Mentor - https://medicmentor.org/

Another long term opportunity:

https://www.nhsconfed.org/

STEP into OxMed Introduction to Medicine Series (KS3-5) 

A series of recorded online talks run by medical students, doctors and scientists. Covering life as a doctor, patient experiences, medical specialties and more.  

• why you want to study medicine;

• how you developed / what you learnt from your work experience;

• super-curricular work.

Some further useful resources:

• https://www.medsci.ox.ac.uk/study/medicine/pre-clinical/applying/anatomy-of-ps

• https://medify.co/admissions-guide/personal-statement-examples-medicine

• https://www.theukcatpeople.co.uk/application-guide/medicine/successful-medicine-personal-statement-examples?srsltid=AfmBOorzxjlMLta3L6ZYnz6wyVYfrcepGtff-m3pnBB9s6XQEHlxO2nc

  
  

Example personal statements: 

https://www.blackstonetutors.com/personal-statement/5-great-personal-statement-examples-that-will-inspire-you/

https://universitycompare.com/personal-statement-examples/medicine

https://www.themedicportal.com/application-guide/personal-statement/medicine-personal-statement-examples/

https://medify.co/admissions-guide/personal-statement-examples-medicine

Online learning platforms offer free courses (MOOCs) giving insights into different aspects of dentistry.

https://www.mooc-list.com/tags/dentistry

Read news or dental journals about developments in dentistry or the NHS. See if you can talk to dental professionals – not just dentists – about their experiences.

Some suggested reading is available here - https://www.theukcatpeople.co.uk/post/best-books-for-dentistry-application-uk?srsltid=AfmBOortvVq4-z-BqvkQecfS9UrEtjdgvdNyVrOF9noseu8t77gq-Si6

Certain websites are essential, and you need to keep up to date with them:

• https://www.bda.org/news-and-opinion/news/?contentTypes=newsPage

• https://www.gdc-uk.org/news-blogs

• https://www.cqc.org.uk/about-us/fundamental-standards

And current affairs linked to health and dentistry:

• https://www.theguardian.com/society/health

• https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health

• https://www.england.nhs.uk/news/

• https://cgdent.uk/

Talk about what you’ve learned in your application or interview, and how it’s influenced or motivated you.

It is also a good idea to read some published, peer reviewed, articles in areas that you are interested in:

• https://www.jstor.org/

• https://scholar.google.co.uk/

You can also search any online university library and select the 'open access' option to find papers available to you.

A company who offer a conference to support you:

Dental Mentor – Making a Difference - https://dental-mentor.org/

Another long term opportunity:

https://www.nhsconfed.org/

Oxford - https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/applying-to-oxford/guide/interviews

Cambridge - https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/apply/after/cambridge-interviews

Preparing

• Know your taught subject content. You need to revise all content from your A levels prior to the interview as they are interested in how you can make links. (Do not worry about content that you have not been taught yet, this does not disadvantage you.)

• Practice discussing your subject beyond the curriculum, you will be asked about things / texts / content that you have never seen before. Be ready to think aloud and tackle unfamiliar problems. Apply knowledge that you already have to new stimuli / problems.

• Revise your personal statement and re-read any other work you have sent to the university. You will be asked questions based on your personal statement: academic areas / topics that you have said you are interested in / texts you say you have engaged with.

• Join debate clubs or academic societies to develop your analytical thinking and communication skills.

The Interview

• Questions will start simply to warm you up / settle you.

• They will then go deeper, interviewers are not testing what you have prepared, they are testing spontaneous thought.

• You also need to show that you:

  • take on approaches;

  • take on feedback;

  • take a different perspective;

  • have passion for / interest in the subject;

  • understand the world through your subject lens.

• You don't have to ask questions at the end, whether you do or not will not make a difference.

• Some subject specific possibilities:

  • Biochem - why are you interested? Then problems to solve

  • Sciences - problems to solve

  • History - extract / source / topic (from PS)

Mock interviews from Cambridge to watch

English - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZoJ9QIlcKo

Biology - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGiTyIpUXew

Oxford Interview Preparation support

The University has a clear guide on the process of applying, alongside steps for making sure applications are competitive, on its central admissions hub.  

Individual Colleges also often run their own interview workshops. These will be advertised here, so it is worth checking between June and November each year. 

Grading

At both universities, interviews are graded. The Cambridge grading system is:

10 - exceptional

9 - very strong

8 - strong

7 - good

6 - satisfactory

5 - not satisfactory

1-4 - unsatisfactory

Typical offers are made between 6.5 and 8. Candidates rarely achieve 9/10.

Oxford University

Interviews 

The University has a clear guide on the process of applying, alongside steps for making sure applications are competitive, on its central admissions hub.  

Individual Colleges also often run their own interview workshops. These will be advertised here, so it is worth checking between June and November each year. 

Physics Mock Interview Pack for Teachers 

The Physics department has created its own preparation guide for interviews. 

• https://www.theguardian.com/law

• https://theconversation.com/uk

• https://www.allaboutlaw.co.uk/

• https://thestudentlawyer.com/

• https://www.supremecourt.uk/

Another useful piece of advice is to read about areas of law that you are interested in. For example:

• https://assets-learning.parliament.uk/uploads/2019/12/How-it-Works-booklet.pdf

• https://ukhumanrightsblog.com/

• https://charonqc.wordpress.com/

Law Schools value oracy skills, get involved in presenting / debating / mooting / mock trials:

• https://debatemate.org/

• https://www.lse.ac.uk/law/mooting/mooting

• https://www.youngcitizens.org/programmes/mock-trials/

• https://www.lawcareers.net/Explore/Features/08042025-Mooting-opportunities-for-students-202526

Some engagement with podcasts would be useful as well. The University of Leicester recommends:

• The Law Show – which introduces many issues you will learn about on your degree - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006tgy1

• Moral Maze - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qk11

• It’s The Law - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p03m0bgv

• A Law Unto Themselves - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/b04cgjb5

• You and the Law - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p03ghkz3

• Political Thinking - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p04z203l

• Thinking Allowed – this covers many topics so pick what interests you - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qy05/episodes/player

• Better Human - A human rights podcast with Adam Wagner (available from iTunes)

• The Law In Action - Radio 4 podcast series (available from BBC Sounds)

• Law Pod UK - Practising barristers cover developments across civil and public law in the UK including medical law, climate change, and issues with AI.

• Nothing But The Truth - this podcast will tell you all you want to know, with honest insights into life at the Bar.

• Combatting Terrorists’ Online Activities – In this episode the focus is research into counterterrorism, including terrorists’ use of the internet, particularly cyberterrorism and online propaganda and radicalisation.

• How Do We Prove Human Rights Violations - In this episode of Exploring Global Problems, the focus is child poverty, environmental human rights, and how social media evidence can be used for accountability for mass human rights violations.

Some useful youtube links:

• Justice: What’s the Right thing to Do? Lectures about the morality of murder from Harvard University

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBdfcR-8hEY

• We need to talk about an injustice by Bryan Stevenson, grandson of Rosa Parkes or the “Just Mercy” book and film based on his work https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2tOp7OxyQ8

• Toby Eccles: Invest in social change | TED Talk - https://www.ted.com/talks/toby_eccles_invest_in_social_change

Some useful reading:

• ATH Smith, Glanville Williams: Learning the Law (17th edition, Sweet and Maxwell 2020)

• I Moore, C Newberry-Jones, The Successful Law Student (2nd Edition, Oxford 2022)

• A Bradney, F. Cownie, J. Masson, A. Neal and D. Newell, How to Study Law (8th edition, Sweet and Maxwell 2021)

• A Lester, Five Ideas to Fight For (Oneworld Publications, 2016)

• T Bingham, The Rule of Law (Penguin, 2011)

• The Secret Barrister, Stories of the Law and How It’s Broken (Picador, 2019)

• G Robertson, Crimes Against Humanity: The Struggle For Global Justice (Penguin, 2024)

• Letters to a Law Student (Nicholas McBride, 2017)
  Covering information that prospective law students need to know before starting their studies, providing a useful guide to those considering a law degree and helping you prepare for your first year of study.

• The Secret Barrister (The Secret Barrister, 2018)
  A book about a junior barrister specialising in criminal law, which aims to provide an accessible explanation of our criminal justice system and how it works for future solicitors and barristers.

• What about Law? Studying Law at University (Catherine Barnard, 2011)
  A short, accessible 'taster' of law as an academic subject, designed to help you decide whether law is the right choice for you at university.

If you hope to be a barrister, these resources are useful:

• https://www.barcouncil.org.uk/resource/starting-at-the-bar-your-essential-guide.html

• https://pupillageandhowtogetit.com/

Useful Blogs:

https://davidallengreen.com/

You can also complete MOOCs (Massive Online Open Courses), mostly free of charge, and many issue a certificate for completition: https://www.mooc-list.com/categories/law

• Contact local law firms asking whether you would be able to shadow them.

• Contact professionals asking whether you can have a conversation about their work. Make a LinkedIn account, connect with people to gain an insight. Not everyone will reply but you never know. Join societies for aspiring lawyers.

• There is also open access to courtrooms where you can sit and watch from the gallery (https://magistrates.judiciary.uk/inside-our-courts/visiting-a-court/)

• Finding a court / case near you can be done online to enable you to plan your visit - https://www.find-court-tribunal.service.gov.uk/courts/warwick-combined-court

• Contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau for volunteer opportunities.

There are virtual / online law work experience opportunities, many of which are free. Have a look at:

https://www.theforage.com/simulations?careers=law

Many law firms offer their own virtual work experience, so research areas of law that you are interested in. here are some examples:

• https://kennedyslaw.com/en/careers-at-kennedys/early-careers/virtual-work-experience/

• https://www.brownejacobson.com/careers/future-lawyers/virtual-work-experience

• https://www.pinsentmasons.com/careers/early-talent/england/virtual-work-experience#1

• https://www.twobirds.com/en/careers/united-kingdom/early-careers/virtual-experience-programme

• https://www.slaughterandmay.com/careers/early-careers/work-experience-opportunities/

• https://www.whitecase.com/careers/locations/uk/early-careers/our-offer/virtual-learning-programme

• https://jobs.cliffordchance.com/gvi-global

Consider an EPQ alongside your studies which will enable you to develop these skills and expand your subject knowledge outside of subject specifications.

How you develop your knowledge will be subject specific. Here are some potential sources of further reading which previous applicants have signposted in their applications:

https://isaacphysics.org/

https://myheplus.com/

https://oxplore.org/

https://nrich.maths.org/

https://www.futurelearn.com/sign-in

https://www.jstor.org/

https://www.bmj.com/

https://www.ted.com/

https://scholar.google.com/

Journals / books / magazines

Lectures - https://www.gresham.ac.uk/whats-on?see-all

You can also demonstrate deeper subject engagement through MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses), many of these provide a certificate at the end of a course and will also signpost further study. There are thousands available so it's worth exploring. Some are short (an hour) and some are designed to last weeks. Have a look at https://www.mooc-list.com/

https://www.mooc.org/

https://www.coursera.org/courses?query=mooc

Academic competitions are another great way to show your subject passion and to stretch yourself. Your subject teachers are likely to know about opportunities. Some are listed here:

https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/applying-to-oxford/teachers/academic-competitions-schools-and-colleges

https://www.mindsunderground.com/oxbridge-competitions/overview.

Further examples are UKMT Maths Challenge or Chemistry Olympiad.

Admission Tutors are interested in your thoughts, not your skills (these are too vague). You need to show that you can read as this is a critical component of education at Oxford or Cambridge. You need to be able to (and enjoy) read / digest lots of complex information. Pay careful attentions to accuracy in literacy. Be genuine, sincere, passionate. Write in first person in your own voice. Try to grab the reader with the start. DO NOT write about the same thing in more than one box.

You can also include relevant experiences / leadership / hobbies / work, but these should only be around 1/4 of your personal statement. The super-curricular should be 3/4.

Section 1 - The super-curricular element is the MOST important. You need to reflect on what you have done and state what you learnt from reading / watching not just write a list of things that you have done. Show the breadth of your reading and make links between elements of your learning: maybe watching a video lead you to something else ... maybe something in your course lead you to ... (I read x which made me think ... this challenged y... Link different things together rather than chunking into a list. Show some depth to your thinking (depth over breadth).

Section 2 - You might include: a crafted narrative around your A level choices linking them to your aspirations / EPQ / Projects / a piece of work which inspired you and lead you to something else. Try to show that you have taken academic initiative and found out about new ideas / entered competitions / visited significant places.

• How did it change your view / ideas?

• What did you learn?

• Do you agree / disagree?

Both universities have pages to support you:

https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/apply/how/ucas-personal-statement

https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/applying-to-oxford/guide/ucas-application

Your personal statement may be used as a starter for discussion in your interview. Be familiar with it.

• long term placement (one hour a week in a care home or with disabled adults);

• short term placements at a hospital or GP surgery;

  • https://www.geh.nhs.uk/about-us/people-and-workforce/work-experience-george-eliot-hospital

  • https://www.uhcw.nhs.uk/where-careers-grow/work-experience/

• online courses / work experience:

  • https://www.springpod.com/virtual-work-experience

  • https://doctorslive.co.uk/traumalive/

  • https://bsmsoutreach.thinkific.com/courses/VWE#:~:text=This%20course%20provides%20a%20%27virtual%27%20work%20experience%20for,of%20the%20challenges%20and%20wider%20issues%20doctors%20face.

  • https://hiow350careers.nhs.uk/virtual-work-experience/

  • https://www.springpod.com/virtual-work-experience/hospital-virtual-work-experience-with-staffordshire-and-stoke-on-trent-ics/WEXP-00039

Try using this concept to help reflect on work experience: https://productive.fish/blog/gibbs-reflective-cycle/

There is an opportunity to get involved in health research through Cochrane Crowd making a real difference to access to health research for all. Sign up here - https://crowd.cochrane.org/

Another long term opportunity:

https://www.nhsconfed.org/

MMI = Multiple Mini Interviews

• Around 6-8 stations each testing a different element of your profile:

  • general interview questions,

  • role-plays,

  • ethics questions,

  • calculation stations,

  • motivation for medicine.

• Each station is timed, usually up to 10 minutes;

• May have preparatory material provided in advance;

• Interviewers generally can’t show much emotion on their faces or give as many non-verbal cues.

Panel Interviews

• Normally last between 15-40 minutes;

• at least two interviewers (could be from university, nurse, Dr, current student etc) who will be scoring you independently;

• question focused rather than task-based;

• may ask you to elaborate and develop your answers;

• longer than MMIs though may be broken into sections;

• may have preparatory material provided in advance.

General Tips

• Re-read your personal statement;

• Make notes about what you have read / know / the profession / ethics;

• Research the medical school who are interviewing you - look at what they are looking for. Some have student person specifications. Be familiar with how they teach and the structure of the course;

• Express your ideas clearly and coherently. Be prepared to elaborate.

• Explain your thought process out loud with reasoning.

• State what you’ve learnt from an experience rather than just listing work experience, volunteering.

• Keep up to date with medicine in the media, i.e., the news or any recent political changes.

• Don’t over-rehearse or memorise answers word-for-word.

• Link to ethics pillars and NHS values but don’t just list them without reasoning.

• Communicate as clearly as possible even in role-plays or fake scenarios.

• Dress smartly but still comfortably.

5 Top Tips

1. Be mindful of who’s interviewing you – for example, if it’s a nurse don’t discredit nursing as a profession.

2. Balance Confidence with humility – be reflective while maintaining confidence.

3. Read the room – pick up on non-verbal cues and body language.

4. Body language matters – don’t fiddle with your clothes, jewellery etc. Try and act as confidently as possible.

5. Authentic enthusiasm – give genuine reasoning and don’t try to memorise scripts for questions.

Resources

There are lots of websites / books (some in the sixth form library) with questions and role plays for you to practise. Here are some that are available online:

• https://www.theukcatpeople.co.uk/application-guide/interview/280-medical-school-practice-interview-questions?srsltid=AfmBOorx49-xmIwnSPqdAEEh8CtjwyEOnIur6TnI08tiajPejFolUseL

• https://www.theukcatpeople.co.uk/post/mmi-roleplay-stations-questions-medicine-interview-questions

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cI6J7v6nTmE&list=PLyKimHgVa5zw16moNTch3hQU8zR2fw96Q

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VnxdASUpos&list=PLlpY9nokMkHSjH7iT6Ut6hLOq_bX9o9xz

Uni specific med interview tips: https://www.themedicportal.com/application-guide/medical-school-interview/school-by-school-interview-tips/keele-medicine-interview/

A website which enables you to film yourself answering questions and engage with peer feedback - https://app.interviews.ninja/

Full UCAT practice exams: https://www.ucat.ac.uk/prepare/practice-tests/

There is lots of information on the website. The main tip is to practise, practise, practise - the more you complete questions, the more familiar you will become with the structures. There are lots of questions online, some apps which you can buy, and books in the sixth form library.

A particularly popular resource (fee payable) is https://medify.co/ucat

Many universities rank candidates by UCAT score, it is critical that you give yourself sufficient time to prepare.

There are lots of sample papers on the website and available from various other sources. You need to practise to familiarise yourself with the format of the test. Make sure you leave yourself adequate time to prepare.

Full UCAT practice exams: https://www.ucat.ac.uk/prepare/practice-tests/

There is lots of information on the website. The main tip is to practise, practise, practise - the more you complete questions, the more familiar you will become with the structures. There are lots of questions online, some apps which you can buy, and books in the sixth form library.

A particularly popular resource (fee payable) is https://medify.co/ucat

Many universities rank candidates by UCAT score, it is critical that you give yourself sufficient time to prepare.

• not all colleges offer all courses - you need to check;

• location;

• modern or traditional buildings;

• atmosphere;

• accommodation types;

• cohort size (Cambridge colleges take between 100 and 200);

• the size of your subject;

• facilities;

• what the college says about themselves;

• whether they have experts in your subject;

• financial support (varies between colleges though all entitled to Oxford and Cambridge bursary).

If you genuinely do not mind, then you can make an open application.

College choice does not impact your chances - there is a reallocation system if you are a good candidate but your college is full. (At Oxford in 2024, 27.7% of candidates were given offers at a different college from that they applied to).

YOU NEED TO CHECK early in Year 12 in case your choices close a preferred university.

UCAS provide a useful pre-application guide: https://www.ucas.com/explore/subjects/dentistry

Include your wider reading and research in your personal statement and what you have learnt, make links between different elements, do not just list everything you have read and done. Include details of your work experience and what you have learnt.

Dentistry Examples

• https://medify.co/admissions-guide/personal-statement-examples-dentistry

• https://6med.co.uk/personal-statement/guides/examples/kcl-saif/

• https://www.themedicportal.com/application-guide/dentistry/dentistry-personal-statement/

MMI = Multiple Mini Interviews

• Around 6-8 stations each testing a different element of your profile:

  • general interview questions,

  • role-plays,

  • ethics questions,

  • calculation stations,

  • motivation for medicine.

• Each station is timed, usually up to 10 minutes;

• May have preparatory material provided in advance;

• Interviewers generally can’t show much emotion on their faces or give as many non-verbal cues.

Panel Interviews

• Normally last between 15-40 minutes;

• at least two interviewers (could be from university, nurse, Dr, current student etc) who will be scoring you independently;

• question focused rather than task-based;

• may ask you to elaborate and develop your answers;

• longer than MMIs though may be broken into sections;

• may have preparatory material provided in advance.

General Tips:

• Express your ideas clearly and coherently

• Explain your thought process out loud with reasoning

• Always state what you’ve learnt from an experience rather than just listing work experience, volunteering, etc

• Keep up to date with medicine in the media, i.e., the news or any recent political changes

• Don’t over-rehearse or memorise answers word-for-word

• Link to ethics pillars and NHS values but don’t just list them without reasoning

• Communicate as clearly as possible even in role-plays or fake scenarios

• Dress smart but still comfortably

5 Top Tips

1. Be mindful of who’s interviewing you – for example, if it’s a nurse don’t discredit nursing as a profession.

2. Balance Confidence with humility – be reflective while maintaining confidence.

3. Read the room – pick up on non-verbal cues and body language.

4. Body language matters – don’t fiddle with your clothes, jewellery, etc, and try and act as confidently as possible.

5. Authentic enthusiasm – give genuine reasoning and don’t try to memorise scripts for questions.

There are lots of websites / books (some in the sixth form library) with practise questions and role plays for you to practise.

There are lots of online sources of information, including:

• https://www.themedicportal.com/application-guide/dentistry/dentistry-interviews/

• Dentistry panel interviews: https://www.themedicportal.com/application-guide/dentistry/dentistry-interviews/dentistry-panel-interviews/

• Dentistry MMI with questions: https://www.themedicportal.com/application-guide/dentistry/dentistry-interviews/dentistry-mmis/

• Take part in virtual dentistry programmes such as those offered by Observe GP or Dental Mentor

• Volunteer in a care setting, food bank, pharmacy or charity shop — any role involving responsibility and communication

• Attend dental school open days and speak to students or tutors

There are some online work experience options:

• https://www.springpod.com/virtual-work-experience/dentistry-work-experience-with-mydentist/WEXP-00408

• https://dental-mentor.org/university-hospitals-birmingham-trust-virtual-work-experience/

• https://www.mydentist.co.uk/careers/about-mydentist/dental-work-experience-at-mydentist

• Discover Dentistry | Clinical Dentistry | The University of Sheffield

Here is a summary of university expectations with regards to work experience:

https://bluepeanut.com/medical-school-blog/uk-dental-school-work-experience-requirements-a-guide-for-future-dentists#:~:text=While%20some%20universities%20require%20hands-on%20dental%20placements%2C%20others,work%20experience%20requirements%20for%20each%20UK%20dental%20school.

Another long term opportunity:

https://www.nhsconfed.org/

Consider an EPQ alongside your studies, this develops many of the skills you need to apply and enables you to show your passion for the subject.

UCAS have a useful pre-application guide - https://www.ucas.com/explore/subjects/law

The Guardian also has a useful guide: https://www.theguardian.com/law/series/student-guide

• Why have you chosen law over a different profession?

• Show that you understand what a career in law is really like.

• Show that you have a high level of commitment and resilience to see it through.

Include your wider reading and research in your personal statement:

• what you have learnt;

• make links between different elements;

• do not just list everything you have read and done, reflect on what you have learnt / how you have developed your thinking;

• include details of your work experience and what you have learnt.

• Avoid being overly reliant on AI – universities have software to check whether AI has been used to draft applications.

• Don't write what you think they want to hear, personal statements are personal to the individual. Each person's reason for wanting to apply to study law will be different.

• Avoid cliches such as "the TV show Suits inspired me to want to study law".

• Don't mention 'To Kill a Mockingbird' – a surprisingly large number of students reference this book in their application.

• Do your research – law is such a varied topic, look online (complete virtual work experience) to see if a particular type of law appeals to you.

• Try and get some experience shadowing a lawyer, reach out to chambers and companies. Contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau for volunteer opportunities.

• Be passionate and highlight relevant experiences. These don't even need to be work experiences, the law touches people's lives every day.

• Think about how other skills you have may translate to law. For example, do you play chess (strategy)? Do you play a team sport (communication)?

Some other useful resources:

• https://www.ucas.com/applying/applying-university/personal-statement-guides/personal-statement-advice-law

• https://www.law.ac.uk/resources/blog/personal-statements/

• https://oxbridgeapplications.com/resource/law-example-personal-statement/

Some include reading some pre-released material before being asked about it. Ensure that you are familiar with reading legal material.

Some other useful advice is here:

https://www.allaboutlaw.co.uk/stage/university-interviews/preparing-for-a-law-university-interview

https://www.allaboutlaw.co.uk/stage/university-interviews

Consider an EPQ alongside your studies, this develops many of the skills you need to apply and enables you to show your passion for the subject, and to research an area of dentistry in depth.

You can check specific universities on their websites or here https://www.themedicportal.com/dentistry-entry-requirements/

• https://www.in2medschool.com/ is a mentoring scheme that you can take part in throughout Year 12. You are matched with a current medical student and have the opportunity to access further events and materials.

• https://pathwaysprogrammes.suttontrust.com/career-pathways/medicine?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22448929663&gbraid=0AAAAApnz-Uu7S_srloPDgjyt66h0FalZS&gclid=Cj0KCQjwss3DBhC3ARIsALdgYxOuzN5rPjZz1jXYJx73LQEuV0ISqvsWP9cVZA16VuC4eDGbKhIpjgcaAqEvEALw_wcB is a two year programme offering a broad range of support including in person events.

• https://www.hee.nhs.uk/our-work/work-experience-pre-employment-activity/access-medicine-professions

  Medical Schools Council offers summer schools to Year 11 and 12 pupils

• https://medicmentor.org/ is another mentoring scheme offering a range of support

Some universities run widening participation events which help to prepare you for medical school if you are from a disadvantaged background / minority group:

• Brighton and Sussex -https://www.bsms.ac.uk/about/info-for-schools-teachers-parents/widening-participation-to-medicine.aspx

• Birmingham - https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/apply/pathways-to-birmingham/routes-to-the-professions

• Hull York - https://www.hyms.ac.uk/medicine/entry-requirements/contextual-admissions-and-widening-participation

• Keele - https://www.keele.ac.uk/study/informationforschoolsandcolleges/wideningaccess/

• Manchester - https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/widening-participation/

• Leicester - https://le.ac.uk/courses/medicine-mbchb/2025

• Plymouth - https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/outreach/medicine-dentistry-biomedical-healthcare/peninsula-pathways-for-secondary-school-students

There are lots of other opportunities, many are included here - chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.rsm.ac.uk/media/5478484/access-schemes-across-the-uk-student-booklet.pdf

https://www.medschools.ac.uk/for-students/further-support-with-your-application/msc-summer-schools/

Students from backgrounds where there is little tradition of entry to Higher Education might like to think about applying for the Sutton Trust Summer Schools: https://pathwaysprogrammes.suttontrust.com/career-pathways/law

or CUSU Shadowing Scheme - https://www.cambridgesu.co.uk/access/shadowing/

Some further schemes:

• https://www.socialmobility.org.uk/student

• https://www.barcouncil.org.uk/becoming-a-barrister/i-am-a-school-or-college-student/bar-placement-scheme.html

https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/increasing-access

https://oxfordsummercourses.com/

https://www.cambridgesu.co.uk/access/shadowing/

Consider an EPQ alongside your studies, this develops many of the skills you need to apply and enables you to show your passion for the subject.

The UCAS page is a useful starting point:

https://www.ucas.com/explore/subjects/veterinary-science#getting-in-entry-requirements

Some universities have specific requirements:

https://www.vetschoolscouncil.ac.uk/applications/

Know about animal welfare, read and consider https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/what-are-the-five-freedoms-of-animal-welfare/

Read the code of professional conduct - https://www.rcvs.org.uk/setting-standards/advice-and-guidance/code-of-professional-conduct-for-veterinary-surgeons/

Some further ideas:

• Some suggested reading here - https://medium.com/@alessandrodidiano/5-must-read-books-for-aspiring-veterinarians-1-bonus-pick-bbdeeb25cd5e

• British Veterinary Ethnicity and Diversity Society (BVEDS): https://bveds.com/

• British Veterinary Association (BVA) - Applying to study veterinary medicine guide: https://www.ed.ac.uk/vet/studying/undergraduate/outreach-and-schools-liaison/ teacheradvice

• My Vet Future (secondary pupils): https://www.vetrecordjobs.com/myvetfuture/ vetfuture-secondary-school/

• Sharing experiences of life at vet school: https://www.vetrecordjobs.com/ myvetfuture/article/sharing-experiences-life-at-vet-school-may-yean/?fbclid=IwAR1O 2QMe7Xsdzh59SpoRVRqFTQmPb1cFu-tORcJWTc8-t81CZ7c0bfyO4t8

• AVS Getting into vet school guide: https://www.avsukireland.co.uk/getting-into-vetschool

• Animal Aspirations: https://www.animalaspirations.com/

• Vets in Diversity Podcast: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/ show/5PJXgyA158BxX9Rh1KEvXG?si=34190fb4b8174b6c Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vets-in-diversity-podcast/ id1606209157

• Vet Team in a Box | HE Unboxed | Loughborough University (lboro.ac.uk): www.liverpool.ac.uk/veterinary-science/engage-with-us/vet-team-in-a-box

In addition, complete the available MOOC (Massive Online Open Courses) as universities really value these, and applications are so competitive:

• University of Nottingham - https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/vet/events/2021/free-mooc-foundations-of-science-for-undergraduate-degrees.aspx

• University of Edinburgh - https://vet.ed.ac.uk/education/moocs-overview

• Various providers - https://www.coursera.org/courses?query=veterinary&page=1&utm_medium=sem&utm_source=gg&utm_campaign=b2c_emea_x_multi_ftcof_career-academy_cx_dr_bau_gg_pmax_gc_gb_en_m_hyb_25-04_x&campaignid=22490486852&adgroupid=&device=c&keyword=&matchtype=&network=x&devicemodel=&creativeid=&assetgroupid=6571531540&targetid=&extensionid=&placement=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22483915359&gbraid=0AAAAADdKX6YMqGWQ_yeBFs0BsN0uakmG5&gclid=Cj0KCQjwss3DBhC3ARIsALdgYxMc92RfxLyD4z5sBPuoDwBqnr5SPUI48SwNGd4u28HZPEYJ2l90MFsaAtm8EALw_wcB

• https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/vet-school-application-support

Possible sources of Work Experience Opportunities:

Local Veterinary Practices and Clinics

Local veterinary practices and clinics are an excellent starting point for work experience, as they often offer opportunities for observation, hands-on experience, and mentorship. Reach out to small practices near you, including general, small animal, and mixed practices, to gain a diverse range of experiences.

Supporting Animal Welfare at Shelters and Rescue Centres

Volunteering at animal shelters and rescue centres is another valuable opportunity for aspiring veterinarians. These placements expose you to various animal species, welfare issues, and the important role of veterinarians in the community. Contact local shelters and rescue centres to enquire about volunteering or work experience opportunities.

Exploring the World of Wildlife Medicine

Wildlife rehabilitation centres provide an opportunity to experience the unique challenges and rewards of wildlife medicine. These placements often involve working with injured or orphaned wildlife, providing exposure to various species and their specific medical needs. Reach out to local wildlife rehabilitation centres to explore potential work experience placements.

Large Animal and Farm Veterinary Medicine

Working with large animals, such as horses, cattle, or sheep, can provide a different perspective on the veterinary profession. Farm work experience placements offer a chance to observe and assist with the unique healthcare needs of large animals, as well as learn about preventative care and herd management. To find farm work experience opportunities, contact local farms, equine clinics, and large animal veterinary practices to discuss potential placements.

Abbatoir Veterinary Work Experience

Organising veterinary work experience at an abattoir provides a unique and valuable insight into a less common, yet important, aspect of the veterinary profession. Abattoirs, or slaughterhouses, play a significant role in ensuring animal welfare and food safety standards. To arrange work experience at an abattoir, you should start by researching local facilities and contacting them to express your interest in a placement. Be prepared to explain your motivation for pursuing this experience and how it will contribute to your overall understanding of veterinary medicine. 

Keep in mind that the environment at an abattoir can be challenging and emotionally demanding, so it is important to approach this opportunity with maturity and an open mind. Gaining experience in an abattoir can help you develop a comprehensive understanding of the veterinary field and enhance your application for veterinary school.

Vet Work Experience at a Zoo

Organising work experience at a zoo offers a fantastic opportunity to learn about exotic animals and their care while also demonstrating your passion for wildlife and conservation. To arrange a placement at a zoo, begin by researching zoos in your area or those you're willing to travel to. 

https://twycrosszoo.org/help/general-faqs/can-i-do-my-work-experience-at-twycross-zoo/

Online Veterinary Work Experience

Virtual placements offer the opportunity to learn about different aspects of the profession through online resources, case studies, and webinars. These experiences can complement your in-person placements and help you gain a broader understanding of the veterinary field. Some resources:

• https://www.springpod.com/virtual-work-experience/veterinary-with-vets-for-pets/WEXP-0025

• https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/vet-school-application-support

• https://vet.ed.ac.uk/education/moocs-overview

• https://investin.org/products/young-vet-summer-experience-live-online?srsltid=AfmBOopIlbPInZ8q1MXHxP5Qtwb6DuuBAjWlEDgEfMdm2qUogqCMBA7A

• Motivation: show what has motivated you to follow this career path. Be specific, and make it current or recent. What aspects are of special interest to you? Where do you hope the degree will lead? Reflect on what it is that’s driving you now, not something out-of-date.

• Experience: provide some detailed evidence that shows you’re realistic and informed about the challenges you will face. Describe some of your experiences and observations, both of veterinary practice and from your wider animal experience. Get the balance right. They want you to show the breadth of your experience, but they want depth as well. Try to write briefly but reflectively about some of the highlights and what you learned from them. Also, try to include something that demonstrates your understanding of why interpersonal skills are crucial.

• Academic interests and wider reading: give them a glimpse of your current academic and scientific interests, whether it’s from your studies, a project or issues you’ve come across in journals, books, blogs, events you’ve attended, and so on. If Cambridge is amongst your choices, it’s especially important to demonstrate your intellectual curiosity and your passion for science.

• Extra-curricular activities: demonstrate your resilience, initiative, self-motivation, compassion, or other relevant transferable skills. This could be through the contribution you have made to school, college, or community activities, volunteering, your part-time work, or any wider interests, personal achievements, or responsibilities. Again, be specific!

https://www.ucas.com/applying/applying-to-university/personal-statement-guides/personal-statement-advice-veterinary-medicine

MMI = Multiple Mini Interviews

• Around 6-8 stations each testing a different element of your profile:

  • general interview questions,

  • communication skills (it's as much about the owners as the animals - can you convince an owner to follow a specific treatment pathway? Can you explain a medical condition to an owner?),

  • problem-solving abilities,

  • role-plays,

  • practical tasks,

  • ethics questions,

  • calculation stations,

  • motivation for veterinary medicine.

• Each station is timed, usually up to 10 minutes;

• May have preparatory material provided in advance;

• Interviewers generally can’t show much emotion on their faces or give as many non-verbal cues.

Panel Interviews

• Normally last between 15-40 minutes;

• at least two interviewers (could be from university, nurse, Dr, current student etc) who will be scoring you independently;

• question focused rather than task-based;

• may ask you to elaborate and develop your answers;

• longer than MMIs though may be broken into sections;

• may have preparatory material provided in advance.

General Tips

• Re-read your personal statement;

• Make notes about what you have read / know / the profession / ethics. Read the 5 freedoms framework for animal welfare and use it to assess welfare and recommend improvements;

• Research the veterinary school who are interviewing you - look at what they are looking for. Be familiar with how they teach and the structure of the course;

• Express your ideas clearly and coherently. Be prepared to elaborate.

• Explain your thought process out loud with reasoning.

• State what you’ve learnt from an experience rather than just listing work experience, volunteering.

• Keep up to date with veterinary medicine in the media, i.e., the news or any recent political changes.

• Don’t over-rehearse or memorise answers word-for-word.

• Link to ethics: 5 freedoms framework but don’t just list them without reasoning.

• Communicate as clearly as possible even in role-plays or fake scenarios.

• Dress smartly but still comfortably.

5 Top Tips

1. Be mindful of who’s interviewing you – for example, if it’s a nurse don’t discredit nursing as a profession.

2. Balance Confidence with humility – be reflective while maintaining confidence.

3. Read the room – pick up on non-verbal cues and body language.

4. Body language matters – don’t fiddle with your clothes, jewellery etc. Try and act as confidently as possible.

5. Authentic enthusiasm – give genuine reasoning and don’t try to memorise scripts for questions. Interviews vary annually.

Some possibilities:

• you are shown a picture of an animal and asked to talk about your knowledge and explain your reasoning;

• they are mainly looking for how you talk about animal welfare and your critical thinking/ applying knowledge from A level.

  
  

• https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/events/medicine-and-veterinary-medicine-student-mentorship-scheme

• https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/outreach/

• https://www.surrey.ac.uk/schools-colleges/sixth-form-colleges/residential-summer-schools

• 
  

A general guide is available here - https://www.vetrecordjobs.com/myvetfuture/article/overview-of-widening-participation-at-uk-veterinary-schools/

https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree/medicine

https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/dental-team

What does a career in law look like?

There are many careers you can pursue in law, each being completely different. The kind of activities you enjoy and the skills you have will influence which route is the most attractive for you. The main career types are listed below:

Barrister

These are the kinds of lawyers you see on TV arguing in court wearing wigs.

• barristers are self-employed and choose their own work.

• they often belong to a Chambers where they pay rent and get referred for work.

• can involve a lot of travelling across the country and irregular working patterns.

• involves lots of advocacy, public speaking and drafting court documents.

• https://www.barcouncil.org.uk/becoming-a-barrister.html

Solicitor

These lawyers do more of the behind-the-scenes work, they prepare a case and then instruct a barrister to present it in court.

• solicitors can work for a private practice law practice (a business of lawyers) or in-house at other companies (e.g. for Google or the BBC).

• solicitors aren't usually self-employed.

• apprenticeships are available to qualify as a solicitor

• https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/career-advice/becoming-a-solicitor/

Chartered Legal Executive

 Performs essentially the same function as a solicitor.

• you don't need a degree to qualify through this route, you just need to pass the CILEx exams

• SQE Preparation Courses for Chartered Legal Executives | by QLTS School

Stages to becoming a lawyer

• General information - https://www.lunariapartners.com/post/routes-to-qualification-in-the-uk 

• https://www.legalcheek.com/paths-to-becoming-a-lawyer/sixth-form-college-students/

1. To become either a solicitor or barrister, the first step is to complete a bachelor's degree in law. There is also the option to enrol in any degree and then complete the Graduate Diploma in Law which essentially converts any degree to a law degree course which takes 1-year full time study.

2. Following this you need to complete either the bar course (for barristers) or the Solicitors Qualifying Exams / Legal Practice Course (solicitors).

3. The final stage is to obtain pupillage (barristers) or training contract (solicitors). ). If you successfully obtain a training contract with a firm, they will usually fund the costs of the SQE / LPC. There are also a number of schemes / grants available for aspiring barristers.

Overall, the whole process takes around 7 years though there are plenty of other career routes available for law graduates including:

• Legal Technologist

• Legal Tech Sales

• Legal Recruiter

• Paralegal

• Clerkship

• Academia

https://www.vetrecordjobs.com/myvetfuture/articles/

Higher grades at GCSE can help to make your application more competitive, and successful applicants typically have a high proportion of 7,8 and 9 grades. However, we do look at GCSE grades in context.

If you feel that you did less well in your GCSEs than you might otherwise have done because of extenuating circumstances, you may still be able to make a competitive application. Examples would include disruption caused by change of school or system, severe discontinuity of teachers, bereavement, and debilitating illness. https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses/admission-requirements/uk-qualifications

Cambridge - There are no GCSE (or equivalent) requirements for entry to Cambridge. Our minimum offers are based on A levels and other Level 3 qualifications.

We will look at your GCSE results as an indicator of your academic performance. But this will be within the context of the performance of the school/college where you achieved your GCSEs. https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/apply/before/accepted-qualifications

When you’re choosing a medical school, it’s important to find out their GCSE requirements so you can check that you meet the criteria. Before making any decisions with your application, make sure you check the university websites for specific details of their entry requirements. 

General Information:

• English Language - most state 6+ (a small minority will accept 4/5)

• Maths - most state 6+ (a small minority will accept 4/5)

• Science - this varies, those who state a grade state 6+ or some 7+.

• at least grade 5 in English and Mathematics (some will accept a 4, some require 7+);

• some require 6 or more GCSEs at grade 6+;

• some ask for specific grades in science.

Full requirements can be seen here:

chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.dentalschoolscouncil.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/DSC-Entry-Requirements-entry-2025.pdf

The top universities have additional requirements, up to grade 7+ at GCSE. Some universities score GCSE grades as part of their shortlisting process.

More information here - https://www.oxfordscholastica.com/blog/law-articles/which-gcses-do-you-need-to-become-a-lawyer/

Most require 5 grade 7 or above GCSEs, some state subjects including English Language, Mathematics, and Science.

Rank Tables

https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/league-tables/rankings/law

https://www.theguardian.com/education/ng-interactive/2024/sep/07/best-uk-universities-for-law-league-table

For example, Liverpool requires 3 weeks work experience, 1 week has to be clinical i.e. in a practice  and 1 week has to be non-clinical e.g. lambing, milking or volunteering for the RSPCA. The clinical work experience is probably the toughest to find as a lot of veterinary practices won't take pre-university students so Liverpool also allow that one week to be filled by completing the virtual work experience MOOC.

Useful information about routes is available here - chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.bva.co.uk/media/4491/applying-to-study-veterinary-medicine.pdf

Rankings of universities are available on the these links:

https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/league-tables/rankings/veterinary-medicine

https://www.theguardian.com/education/ng-interactive/2023/sep/09/best-uk-universities-for-veterinary-science-league-table

https://www.theguardian.com/education/ng-interactive/2023/sep/09/best-uk-universities-for-dentistry-league-table

Some useful resources to compare medical schools:

• https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/league-tables/rankings/medicine

• https://www.theguardian.com/education/ng-interactive/2024/sep/07/best-uk-universities-for-medicine-league-table

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.

https://www.topuniversities.com/student-info/choosing-university/oxford-or-cambridge

Any work that you submit should be marked by your teacher, it should also be about topics which you would be able to talk confidently about (including the context) at interview, consider submitting recent work.

Some colleges run preparatory webinars for specific admissions tests

You can find out more about work / admissions tests on the links below:

Cambridge - https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/apply/how/admission-tests

Oxford - https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/applying-to-oxford/guide/admissions-tests

Additional Information for Oxford Admissions Tests

Admissions Tests 

N.B. Check the University Admissions Tests site regularly for up-to-date information about which tests are running each year. Many Colleges also run their own online admissions test webinars each year. These will be advertised here, so it is worth checking between June and October each year. 

General Information 

For general information on the Oxford Admissions tests, including which subjects require applicants to sit a test, please see here. Please Note: If you the follow the links on this page, you can find test preparation and practice materials for individual tests. 

Physics Admissions Test (PAT) 

The Physics Department runs its own ‘Preparing for the PAT’ online course. For more details, look here.  

MAT (Mathematics Admissions Test) 

The Maths Institute has lots of bespoke practice materials, including revision flashcards, on its website. It also runs an MAT livestream from June to October each year – see here for more information . 

MEI also run a free series of Study Days for Y12 students preparing for the MAT, TMUA and other problem-solving mathematics examinations – see here. 

National Admissions Test for Law (LNAT) 

The LNAT official website has a preparation guide for students. The website also has a section on ‘Hints and Tips’ for taking the exam. 

University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) 

The UCAT official website has a preparation guide for students. It also has a range of resources for Teachers related to the test, including a series of presentations and PowerPoints for use with students. 

Online work experience is available and would be useful to demonstrate your commitment and interest:

Clinical Psychology | Virtual Work Experience — Journey To Healthcare

Psychology Unveiled: Fields and History - Virtual Work Experience | Springpod

Our universities share the ambition to change the world for the better. Anchored in their communities, Russell Group universities are global institutions with a vital role to play in cities and towns in every corner of the UK. Partnership is at the heart of our universities’ ethos. Working with schools, colleges, local authorities, the NHS, businesses and charities, our universities use their scale, research excellence and global links to provide solutions for real problems facing families, businesses and public services.

From achieving net zero, to reducing social inequalities and addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and from harnessing the power of AI safely to improving the NHS and finding new cures and treatments; Russell Group universities are working to deliver wide-ranging social, economic, cultural, health and environmental impacts.

Russell Group universities often have specific entry requirements and require higher grades.

Super-Curricular Opportunities

Languages: Digital Resources (Y12 & 13) 

Online versions of the talks normally given at the Modern Languages Open Day  

• Further maths, computer science, computer studies, ICT, economics, electronics, engineering, statistics, business studies or sciences (particularly physics)

• Experience that would look good on your application:

  • Work experience or shadowing within a computing-related company

  • Volunteering to help people with computer skills or lessons

  • Involvement in related clubs, competitions or challenges

  • Knowledge of programming languages, making your own website or creating a small game

  • Finding out more about topics of interest through books, IT magazines online, videos like Computerphile YouTube series, or podcasts

  • STEM summer schools, if eligible, such as UNIQ or Sutton Trust

• Also see - https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/subject-guide/information-technology-and-systems

• https://www.ucas.com/explore/subjects/computer-science

• 
  

  Super-Curricular

• Discover Computer Science Programme (Y11) 

  Discover Computer Science is a sustained engagement programme for Black and Mixed-Black women led by Oxford’s Computer Science Department and Christ Church. It consists of four online sessions, with an in-person graduation day in Oxford. 

  The online sessions will offer students in-depth investigations of topic areas outside of the school curriculum, combining theory with interactive exploration. We aim to help students explore the world of Computer Science and hope to inspire them to continue their engagement with the subject. 

  The final day of the programme will be an in-person graduation day held in Oxford. The participants will be invited to bring a parent/carer to accompany them on the day. Sessions designed to support students in their progression to university – for example, in supporting A-Level choice – will also form part of the programme alongside the academic elements. There will also be a careers panel talk with Computer Science alumnae during the programme and a chance to meet current students.  

• 
  

  
  

• Good grades in maths at GCSE (or equivalent)

• If you’re doing a combined degree, an A Level or equivalent in the additional subject

• Work experience in any field of business. Or, volunteering with a social enterprise or any role involving teamwork

• An online course or MOOC to stretch your skills and understanding of business

• Expand your knowledge by reading books, relevant business magazines or journals online, and checking the websites of professional bodies

• Attend summer schools, if eligible, such as the Sutton Trust or UNIQ

• A subject / career based EPQ.

• https://www.ucas.com/explore/subjects/business-and-management-studies

Essay Competitions - https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/applying-to-oxford/teachers/academic-competitions-schools-and-colleges

Oxford University Digital Resource Hub - https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/increasing-access/ug-digital-resources

Staircase 12 (University College Oxford) Resources Hub - https://www.univ.ox.ac.uk/applying-to-univ/staircase12/

Trinity College Library Quad -  https://www.trinity.ox.ac.uk/library-quad#/

STEM 

Oxford Online Maths Club - https://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/outreach/oxford-online-maths-club

EMPower Oxford (Y10 & 11) - https://www.physics.ox.ac.uk/engage/schools/secondary-schools/projects-and-mentoring/empower-oxford

EMPower Oxford.  

COMPOS: Comprehensive Oxford Mathematics and Physics Online School (Y10-13) - https://compos.web.ox.ac.uk/

Oxford Sparks (KS3-5) - https://www.oxfordsparks.ox.ac.uk/

Oxford Material Sciences Virtual Outreach Videos (KS3-5) 

Online resources about Materials Science, the department, and what it's like to study at Oxford.  

Chemistry Faculty: Online Resources (KS3-5) 

Super-curricula resources for those interested in Chemistry.  

Chiral Chemistry Online Workshop (KS5) 

   https://www.chem.ox.ac.uk/chemistry-in-schools#tab-4663476

Physics: Online Taster Mornings & Masterclasses (Y12) 

https://www.physics.ox.ac.uk/engage/schools/secondary-schools/masterclasses-and-taster-mornings

https://www.physics.ox.ac.uk/engage/schools/secondary-schools/masterclasses-and-taster-mornings

Futurum Science Careers (KS3-5) 

A free online resource and magazine aimed at introducing teenagers to science careers  

Oxford Mathematics Public Lectures and Events (KS3-5) 

A large repository of recorded lectures aimed at a popular audience.  

Oxford Mathematics Alphabet (KS3-5) 

Members of the Oxford Mathematical Institute writing about engaging mathematical ideas and the latest research.  

Museum of Natural History Online Learning Resources (KS4 & 5) 

Learning resources produced by the Museum of Natural History Online.  

Humanities 

Ashmolean Museum Learning Resources (KS3-5) 

Teachers' notes and activities, zoomable images and short films linked to curriculum themes and focussed around the Ashmolean’s collections.  

History Faculty ‘Historia Lectures’ (Y12 & 13) - https://www.history.ox.ac.uk/historia-lectures

History Faculty Online History Skills Workshops (Y12 & 13) 

-    https://www.history.ox.ac.uk/online-history-skills-workshops

Bodleian Libraries Digital Resources (KS3-5) 

Digital learning resources to use in the Bodleian’s exhibitions and in the classroom.  

Art History Videos (KS3-5) 

Over 50 free films to support the teaching of Art History.  

English Faculty Online Resources Pack (Y12 & 13) https://www.english.ox.ac.uk/teachers-conference-resources

Classics Faculty Online Resources Pack (KS3-5) 

A series of online resources for students designed to allow them to explore their own interests in classis. 

Online versions of the talks normally given at the Modern Languages Open Day  

Philosophy: Special Lecture Series (KS3-5) 

The Faculty of Philosophy's special lecture series are for all audiences and take place throughout the academic year. Recordings of past lectures are all accessible here. 

Theology Faculty Online Resources (KS3-5) 

Faculty and external digital resources for those interested in studying theology at Oxford  

Social Sciences 

Law Faculty information Videos (Y12 & 13) 

Information videos about studying Law at Oxford.  

Archaeology Podcasts & Lecture Recordings (KS3-5) 

Podcasts and recorded lectures featuring members of the School of Archaeology at Oxford.  

Geography Resources for further reading (KS3-5) 

Suggestions for super-curricula reading for those interested in Geography.