Tutorial system

Although the pattern of study naturally differs from subject to subject, the foundation of Oxford teaching is the tutorial system. Tutorials are given to pupils individually, in pairs, or in small groups. Tutorials normally last approximately one hour. The tutor sets an essay topic or problems to solve, and suggests books to read and lectures to attend. There is also practical work in the laboratories for scientists, while in most arts subjects there are regular College classes and seminars. At Brasenose, the majority of tutorials are with fellows or else with College lecturers, many of whom are fellows of other colleges.

Tutorials demand hard work from both pupil and tutor, but they provide opportunities for undergraduates to follow their own interests and develop their own ideas in a way impossible in a system based largely on classes and lectures. At the end of each term, undergraduates discuss their term's work with their tutors, and, once a year, with the Principal, Senior Tutor and the subject tutors. At the beginning of every term, there are College examinations to monitor progress. On the results of these and of the University examinations, scholarships, exhibitions and College prizes are awarded. There are also prizes for essays on topics set annually. Grants to support well thought out plans for travel overseas are available.