Oriental Studies | Balliol College

Student Profile: Paul

I chose Balliol for five reasons: First, I wanted to be a part of its centuries-old legacy. Secondly, I was inspired by the stress on Balliol’s tradition of accepting students regardless of background. Thirdly, coming from a German-Korean family, I appreciated the sensible cosmopolitanism. Fourthly, I wanted to be close to the Oriental Institute and the Examination Schools. Last, but not least, I thought that it would be good to join the college the Boden Chair in Sanskrit is attached to.

Since I have started my studies, these points have proved to be real advantages and I have discovered even more pleasant peculiarities of Oriental Studies at Balliol. For instance, I love attending the weekly Sanskrit Lunch in Hall or using the facilities of the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies just across the street. Most important for me, however, is the sense of companionship at Balliol, be it in rowing, singing, at the JCR pantry or studying in the library.

Number of places at Balliol

Subject information

See the Oriental Institute website and the course page on the undergraduate admissions website.

Course requirements

Please see the entrance requirements pages on the undergraduate admissions website.

College requirements

None specific to Balliol.

Admissions/Selection criteria

For information on how applicants are assessed, see the selection criteria pages on the Oriental Institute website.

Oriental Studies at Balliol

Balliol has only a few students reading Oriental Studies, and suits those who prefer reading the subject within a community that offers them access to others reading a wide range of different subjects in the arts and sciences.

Tutors

Balliol has no resident undergraduate Tutor in Oriental Studies, and the Personal Tutor for students reading the subject is Dr Douglas Dupree. The Boden Chair in Sanskrit has been attached to the College since 1880. The College is privileged also to have attached to it in recent years the Numata Chair in Buddhist Studies.