Graduate biomedical symposium at Holywell Manor, 2015 (photo: Natasha Ng)

Applying to Balliol

How to apply

Application must be made to the University (and not directly to Balliol). You will find all the information you need on the University Graduate Admissions website, including an online Application Guide.

Applicants may nominate a first-choice college on the University application form. Applicants who wish to come to Balliol should, of course, put Balliol first. Detailed information about graduate courses at Oxford will be found in the University Graduate Studies Prospectus, which all applicants should consult. To find out for which courses of study Balliol accepts applicants, see the Balliol page on the University Graduate Admissions website.

Most Balliol graduates read for degrees which are awarded on the basis of a thesis: the MLitt, the DPhil, and, in some cases, the MSc. Others work for degrees (the MSt, MPhil, the BPhil, and, in some cases, the MSc) which involve a taught course of study and a set examination. In many subjects candidates for these degrees are also required to submit a short thesis. In addition, Balliol regularly admits a number of graduates in Law to read for the BCL, a degree which is awarded on the basis of examination. In order to qualify for most of these degrees, a graduate must spend at least three, and for research degrees at least six, terms in residence in Oxford.

What happens next

Admission to Oxford to read for any higher degree or diploma requires acceptance first by the appropriate faculty or department, and then by a college; and the two decisions are independent of each other.

When we receive your dossier it is considered by the College tutors whose academic interests are closest to your own. They will make a recommendation to the Tutor for Graduate Admissions, who makes a final decision in the light of the overall competition for graduate places and balance among subjects. For further information please see the criteria against which the College considers graduate applications.

You will hear from us directly, normally by email, if we are able to offer you a place. Our offer letter will explain what you need to do in order to confirm your place and you will also be told whether or not we can offer you a room in College. The dossiers of unsuccessful applicants are passed on to the University for consideration by other colleges.