FIVE TIPS for applying as a postgrad to Oxford

[@chris-jh4cx]

I am really glad you're doing this especially at a postgrad perspective. There needs to be more of this!

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Thank you very much! All best wishes

[@ritiksinha5651]

These videos are far better than those "How I got into Oxford", but why are they getting most views.? I guess it's the titles and thumbnails. Thanks for uploading

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Thank you

[@jellybelly596]

Hi Matt, I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for such great content on the application experience. I didn't submit my application for the 2021/22 cycle because I was anxious about so many elements of the process. I think the key takeaway I've had from your content is to think critically about my experience and skills and how best to present this in a sea of very deserving candidates. Your videos really helped me shape, think and rethink my application. I unexpectedly received an offer on my first application for the MLF program (2022/23 cycle) and I can say for certain that your content really helped me through it all. Thank you and I hope I can shout you a beer (or whatever beverage you prefer) when I have the privilege of studying there! David

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Fantastic - congratulations David! Thanks for your kind message!

[@AshtonArcher]

Stumbled across this channel by accident. Dr Williams is so engaging! Even though I didn't see this video until today, I did follow what was said - I got my acceptance for my MSc at Oxford last week.

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Congratulations!

[@rileyforan2381]

I really love these videos you are doing, great to see the outreach work Oxford is doing :)

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Thank you so much!

[@NabilaElvanya]

Stumbled upon this video while I'm feeling fatigue about my application preparation. It's 4 days before the deadline and I'm super nervous and overwhelmed that I can't even write anything else in my letter.

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

If you’re still keen to apply, do keep going. It’s often tempting to give up, but you won’t lose anything in applying and could gain a lot. All best.

[@alexabourg]

There are not enough words to explain how valuable all your guidance is, thank you :)))

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Wow, thank you!

[@lebomolete]

Very helpful indeed. I am glad I've listened to your advice right at the beginning of my DPhil application.

[@Beantbeantbeant]

Hey Matt, Just wanted to say a big thank you for these videos and for the information in them. Yesterday I received a conditional offer to study an MPhil in History at Cambridge, and I am awaiting Oxford's MSt decision which will be coming in March!

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Thank you. Congratulations!

[@dusty1512]

You kept your promise, thank you✨

[@ramlysuip6542]

Hii Mathew ... im 3yrs late viewing Yr videos I supposed, It ws very informative & surely useful for me on behalf of my daughter who is doing degree in economics at present, we will do everything on our parts here & hoply you could guide us on your parts at your Oxford uni.. looking fwrd for your respon Sir Matthew.. Tq Sir.

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Hi there, thanks for your comment. If you have specific questions, do please let me know. All best wishes to you and your family.

[@cwilson1300]

Great ideas. It's an open and multi-cultural university now. I did some online courses and really enjoyed it. It's a visionary university.

[@chq2252]

I'm not someone who is looking to do a postgraduate degree (I haven't even applied for undergraduate degrees yet ahha) but this is very helpful to know! It's something good to keep in mind when starting an undergraduate degree, especially if you want to do a postgraduate degree. This definitely sounds a lot more complicated than applying for an undergraduate degree, but that's a given. (Slightly frightening) Nonetheless, it's great insight! Thank you. Also that grand piano in the first location!! It seems like such a cosy place to play in!

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Thanks for your comment. It shouldn't be too frightening! By the time you have got to the end of an undergraduate degree, many of these skills and experiences will be in place if you seek them out.

[@estherbradley3218]

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for this!!!!

[@AhmedThahir2002]

Amazing video with content presented so well. Thanks prof!

[@claireg3748]

so far the best video. really hope that i watched this before applying

[@josequibaoneto4586]

Matthew, thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge regarding applications and admissions perspectives. Personally, your tips were crucial in the application period. Best wishes!

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

That's great to know. Thank you very much! Best wishes to you.

[@SamEllisVideos]

Can't wait to send mine to you guys in 3 years :)

[@magtazeum4071]

I love this channel and Dr. Matthew

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Thank you!

[@rimag7883]

Wow! Soooo informative and spot on advice! Thank you

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you

[@oakdeepvastforest2924]

Thank you so much for making this video!

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

You are so welcome!

[@georgexenophontos2325]

This was so helpful! Could you make another one aimed at non research masters degrees? Thanks!

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Great suggestion! Thank you

[@fodaydavidkamara9142]

The insights you're providing are definitely helpful. Currently planning for life after undergrad, and I have been following your channel since the day I made my first click on one of your video. Appreciate your efforts into these videos 👌.

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Great -- thank you very much! Best of luck in your future plans.

[@neoepicurean3772]

Don't you think that such reliance on references is unfair on students that have had to, or have chosen to, take distance learning courses and not been able to develop such meaningful relationships with academic staff - but still have very strong grades, just not the best references.

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

I think that's a very reasonable point, for sure. It's worth noting that the reason lots of forms of data are taken is precisely so that none have to be determinative of the outcome. So whilst references are important, they are not the only way that you can make a competitive application.

[@JMShelley]

Hi Matt! ☺️ I was wondering, I have a BA in English Lit & Creative Writing (2:1) & an MA in Creative Writing and Teaching from Cardiff University with a Distinction (specialized in questioning pedagogy practice in health-care writing for therapeutic purposes within communities for C-PTSD recovery) and was supervised by some wonderful academics/writers as I worked alongside this/wrote my poetry collection (I examined psychology & fairy tales to explain the unexplainable) which was intrinsically intertwined with my recovery journey. I've been an English Literature & Language tutor for KS3, GCSE, A-Level & University students for 2 years now as part of the National Tutoring Government Program since my MA. Which has been such a joy. But It's my life mission to gain a degree in psychology so that I can explore the cognitive effects of adverse childhood experiences (C-PTSD) and the important marriage of science/humanities for progressive recovery treatment. Helping to rewire maladaptive patternings, rewrite personal narratives safely and break the baton for future generations (as I'm hoping to do with mine. Because I also come from ACE & I would be the first in my family to accomplish this. Generational curse-breaking. Going to university. (Esp Oxford.) I want to pave the way for my sister's. And to help prevent/find treatment or create an organization for recovery treatment for children too who are experiencing ACE or adult survivors of ACE.) So that I can put my findings into practice within community organizations and recovery health care sectors - making a positive innovative difference. As well as help inform my own fictional/academic writing - explaining the unexplainable of complex PTSD.) I'd also like to become a professor later down the line. And I'm currently querying my debut novel which, from some exciting phonecalls, seems like I will achieve an agent soon. All of this combined, I'd really like to make a difference. Oxford, I believe, could help me to achieve this. Do you think it's worth applying/that I'd make a good fit for the experimental psychology or research based course? I'm not sure which is the best direction to take in regards to my mission. And do you have any advice? I'm also looking into scholarships and wondered if Oxford had any that were relevant to my underrepresented background/field of study that I could apply for? Any help or guidance you could give would be gratefully appreciated. I'm looking to apply in the next few years. Thank you! - Jessica

[@charljustinedarapisa6758]

wow so helpful. thank you so much, Dr.

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Glad it was helpful!

[@cronopiooroz6857]

These videos are not only incredibly helpful but also rather inspiring. You are amazing, Matt. Thank you so much. I am an international student planning to apply for a master in Oxford: my profile aligns pretty well with the program's requirements, but I am a little bit lost when it comes to what I should prioritise when choosing my referees. Should I choose an internationally renowed teacher that only taught me one course or should I go for the lesser known teacher who has known me for four years and can talk at lenght about my performance?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Thank you! You will need to submit several references, so a mixture of a well-known professor with one more familiar with you could work to your advantage. Generally, we get more helpful data from professors who know you well and can speak quite specifically to your potential.

[@cwilson1300]

Brilliant scholar.

[@cwilson1300]

Oxford is really moving into the spot light.

[@mnot1132]

Hi, in this you say apply to other unis of similar reputation in a particular field (which I agree with), but you imply that admissions tutors will know your not just applying to Oxford & hence its about furthering yourself academically rather then a CV thing; but how would the admissions tutor know where else you've applied. Im fairly sure they wouldn't know where else you've applied, if they did it would represent some sort of data protection issue. Either way interesting video.

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Oh, things may have changed. But in my day the application form detailed where you are applying. It's a good point about data protection. The essential point still stands, I think, that if the only reason for applying is to attend Oxford, this likely means there is insufficient commitment to the degree and can suggest a weaker application.

[@triciarobins4100]

Thank you for all your insightful and highly practical tips regarding Oxford. A video on applying for a taught Masters degree would be fabulous! Are Oxford positions and scholarships for international students more difficult to obtain for taught vs research Masters?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

I'm afraid I don't know. Please search here for scholarships: www.ox.ac.uk/students/fees-funding/search

[@JonnyInChina]

Hi, in which way should you inform the tutors in the application that you are not just applying for oxford but for other institutions as well?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Sorry, that part of the video is no longer relevant. In the past, unis would see which other unis you were applying to as a postgrad. Now they cannot.

[@JonnyInChina]

@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 ahh thanks very much!!

[@beccahutabarat]

Thank you for sharing

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

My pleasure

[@Vonsen]

Very helpful information! With regards to references, if you are applying for a masters in a field unrelated to your undergraduate degree, is it a problem to have references from people who can't speak to your competence in your intended masters subject? For example, I am planning to apply for taught masters programs in finance and economics at the business school, but my undergraduate degree is in Honours Classics. While I have taken some amount of economics and statistics courses, my mentors who best know my capabilities as a student are in the Classics department. Thanks again for the video!

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

It's a good idea to ask your referees to speak to your likely success in fields other than classics. For example, they will know how good your transferable skills are. So, even if they haven't talked to you in relevant subjects, they will know your academic aptitude.

[@syedbukhari6578]

Can you please make a similar video for non-research master's applications?

[@none2912]

Hi thanks for the great info! I was wondering if the application date has any effect on the status of success or would applying near deadline day have no effect?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Thanks for your comment! No, provided your application comes in before the deadline, it will be considered as seriously as any other. However, college choice can be affected by when your application is received. You can state a preference as to which college you are associated with, and later applications will not likely take a place at their preferred college. Also, if you apply by the March deadline, you will not be considered for scholarships either. So, all things considered it is worth getting your application in early, if you can.

[@hihello-sx1sx]

Hi, thanks so much for this video, really helpful stuff. I have a straightforward question: is it the case that the admissions tutors will be able to see the other courses I’ve applied to when assessing my application? The last part of your third point seems to imply this, but I’ve never heard or read of this being the case throughout my research.

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Actually, I'm not sure if they will anymore. It used to be that you would have to list other places you had applied to, but this may no longer be necessary. At any rate, I think it's a useful discipline to be applying to several universities, because then it forces you to get interested in the subject matter rather than the institutions, and that is ultimately going to be better for you in applying to Oxford. Thanks for your comment!

[@TheAwesomeGingerGuy]

It is now optional, however most postgrad course applications ask this. They're also interested in knowing what other universities they are competing with for postgrads in their fields (assuming people are applying to other postgrad courses in the same field(s).)

[@vineet7679]

As I don’t have enough academic marks. If I apply for Master degree or DPhil, will they review my application? Are there chances of getting admission if you don’t have enough marks as per university requirements?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

You're usually asked to submit a transcript of all marks obtained in your university career. There can, however, be good reasons why your marks are not representative of your true abilities. If, for example, you did not obtain particularly high marks but your tutors felt that you were nonetheless capable of distinction, you should ask them to express as much in their references. You're typically asked for at least three references, and these form an important part of the application process. I hope this helps, Best of luck!

[@vineet7679]

@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 thank you 😊 it will help me a lot. I felt despair when I checked the requirements but now your comment will be a ray of hope for me.

[@KookieMonster]

Hey, I’m 2 years late to the video but I’ve been looking to apply for a Msc + Dphil course after I finished my undergraduate studies and these videos are so helpful and makes me feel better about applying :)) I want to ask is it possible to use my research proposal for my undergraduate dissertation as written samples to showcase my interests and abilities? Many thanks!!

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Hi, thank you! Yes, it is probably fine to use a UG dissertation as a written sample. BUT, please check with an admissions officer for your chosen degree. Requirements vary by degree, and I can't give a blanket statement of approval.

[@zawilwilliam-thephddiaries4966]

Dear Dr. Matthew Williams. I have something in my mind related to references. I will be applying for DPhil this year. If I submit two references from my undergraduate lecturers and one from my master's thesis supervisor would it be okay? Does the status of professors and their affiliation affect students' applications at Oxford?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Those references sounds fine. I don’t believe that the status of the referee is important. What matters most is how accurately they can speak to your academic ability and performance. I guess intuitively it’s best to have someone that is an experienced academic as opposed to a relatively fresh teaching assistant, but nonetheless I’m not aware of rank being of great importance

[@zawilwilliam-thephddiaries4966]

@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 Thank you so much for your extremely helpful response 😊

[@janak6534]

Does the thesis proposal go for Master‘s Applications as well as for DPhil Applications, or only the latter? Great video thanks!

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Thank you! It depends if you're applying for a taught masters or a research masters. Typically an MPhil is a research Masters, whereas an MSt/MSc is more often taught. There should be sufficient details on the website for which ever programme you're applying to, but let me know if not.

[@janak6534]

@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 Thank you for your answer. I want to apply to an MSc. However, maybe there is still value in at least explaining how I would be a valuable contribution to that course in particular?

[@naruharu100]

If you're going for a technical course, is the interview mostly technical based?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

They can be. Interviews for degrees such as engineering will often test your ability to solve technical problems. But, the academics will always help you through the puzzles.

[@naruharu100]

@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 Is there a way to prepare for those?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

@@naruharu100 It is worth checking information on the subject websites. More generally, you can go through academic journal articles and analyse the research question, the theory, the hypotheses, the method, the evidence, and the findings.

[@ahmedahmed-kf2kh]

How can I get into oxford university to study medicine for Egyptian students?? And is there any free schoolarsh ???? Please 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

There are some scholarships, but medicine is a little bit tricky because places are restricted for international students. This is because the medicine degree is subsidised by the British government in order to train doctors for the National Health Service. You can find more details here: www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses-listing/medicine

[@ahmedahmed-kf2kh]

@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 Thank you very much ❤😶

[@kritikasuberi4841]

If there's a word count for the SOP do we have to write within the word count or can we exceed the required word count?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

I believe you need to keep to the word count, but it may vary across departments. So please check with the relevant department you're applying to. Good luck!

[@452sanju]

Hello and thank you so much for the helpful video! I'm an undergraduate student and hope to apply to Oxford for my masters soon. You mentioned that we could reach out to people from the institution for prospective research projects that we could be involved in. How do we find faculty from our disciplines and get in touch with them? Sorry I'm not very knowledgeable about these processes yet, but I'm learning!

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

If you are applying for a taught Masters degree, this is not necessary. Otherwise, you can find the people involved in different disciplines from the relevant websites. For example, for politics, the Department of Politics website has a tab dedicated to academic staff with their research interests and contact details.

[@naruharu100]

Hi! I just came across your channel! I was wondering is it possible to apply to two very different courses?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

You can’t apply to two undergrad courses at the same time. The exception is for postgraduate degrees.

[@naruharu100]

@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 thank you! I forgot to mention that it's for postgraduate! Is it possible to receive multiple scholarships or is it usually just one per person?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

@@naruharu100 Typically it is one scholarship per person. But some colleges have their own scholarships that I believe you can hold alongside university scholarships.

[@aqsakhowaja2719]

Hello sir. Plz let me know can I apply to Oxford for postgraduate after 3 years gap??

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

That should be fine. Please see here: www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate

[@aqsakhowaja2719]

@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 okayy thanks 😊

[@Meelan72]

I’m an international student. I recently got my PhD, but want to obtain another MA related to my field. I’m still in touch with my undergrad and postgraduate professors. Do you have any advice for me? Thanks for your video 🙏🏻

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Cultivating those contacts you have from professors will be key. What programme of study are you interested in applying for?

[@Meelan72]

@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 I have a PhD in contemporary literature, and I'm interested in applying for MSt in History. Thanks!

[@Meelan72]

@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 Yes, they can. I’m currently writing a book with my postgraduate professor; so we meet on a weekly basis. I’m specifically interested in the MSt in Global and Imperial History. I come from one of the largest stateless nations in the Middle East. After the First World War, we were divided among four countries. Our culture, art, and literature became conflated and coalesced with our neighbours. I would like to study the literary production of the Kurds and how the developement of our language was dependent on the freedoms we acquired in each of these countries.

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

@@Meelan72 it sounds like you're in a very strong position to make an application. Let me know if you need any other information or support.

[@Meelan72]

@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 That’s quite encouraging! Thank you so much.

[@isabellagould4900]

Hi thank you for doing this! I was wondering when you mention contacting people at the university you’re applying for about prospective research projects. Is this something you should do for a masters course when it’s predominantly taught?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

No, it’s not necessary to contact prospective advisors for a taught masters. All best, Matt

[@zhanaraabdr]

@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 Thank you Matt for such an insightful video! I was wondering if you would mind sharing your perspective on getting into taught master’s programs, such as MSc Financial Economics?! I have consulted admissions at Saïd and attended virtual open day, but I’d appreciate if you could share more with us :)

[@SpiderDijon2]

I applied to Oxford, and was accepted for Late Antique and Byzantine Studies. I'm watching this and realising I can remember nothing about the process. Admittedly it was some years ago now, but even taking that into account I wouldn't expect my mind to be completely blank - as if I just turned up at St. Cross one day and moved in.

[@adriparnapaul5794]

Do we need to find supervisors even in Masters?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

No, not necessarily. But you can try and contact some if you wish to find out more information. They may not be able to answer, so don't be discouraged if you don't hear back.

[@elizabetholojede4128]

Thank you so much sir. This is beautiful. However, is there a video that explains personal statements for masters students? Also, I was wondering if I can make this big request. Can you help me to review my personal statement sir? Thank you sir.

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

I'm working on a video for graduate statements of purpose. Sorry, I can't help review your's just now.

[@ritiksinha5651]

How politicians use language? An instance would be "Make America great again" which is nice and simple versus "Build back better" (I don't know what does he mean by that).

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Agreed! I perhaps over-analyse politicians' language. Half the time they probably aren't sure what they mean!