How to Apply
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Admissions at Oxford is based solely upon academic merit, and we welcome applications from engaged, curious and driven students from all backgrounds. The application process varies slightly by subject, but it is standardised across the university. The university publish clear and comprehensive advice for applicants which we have signposted below.
Brasenose admits up to 111 undergraduates every year. Our applicants come from every kind of school, from across the UK and around the world. We fully realise that there will be wide differences of educational background among those seeking admission, and every effort is made by the tutors in selecting their undergraduates to recognize potential as well as present achievement.
1. Register for the admissions test (if applicable for your subject). Full details here: Oxford Admissions Tests
2. Prepare your application on UCAS. This must include your achieved grades, predicted grades, a personal statement and your referee’s statement. Missing elements may lead to an automatic rejection. Full details here: UCAS application
When you apply through UCAS, you can choose whether to apply for a particular college or make an open application (meaning that you will be randomly allocated to an admitting college). Colleges are unable to see whether a candidate has chosen to apply, or whether they have been randomly assigned to them. Indicating a college preference will not affect your likelihood of being offered a place. There is a possibility of being reallocated if you apply for a specific college. This is to ensure that the most competitive applications received invitations to interview and offers, regardless of college choice.
3. Submit your application via UCAS by the deadline. Late applications are not normally considered.
4. Submit your written work in early November (if applicable for your subject). Full details here: Written Work
5. Be available for the interview period for your subject and regularly check your email. Not everyone will be offered an interview, and many people are rejected before this stage. You may only get a few days warning if you are called for interview. All interviews will be online. Full details here: Interviews
The purpose of the interview is to supplement the information provided by your UCAS form, any written work and test results, and to help with the difficult task of choosing between excellent candidates. In interviews, the tutors are looking for passion and enthusiasm, signs of intellectual commitment, receptivity to new ideas, and the capacity to assess and develop arguments. We try to keep the interviews as relaxed and informal as possible.
Read about the undergraduate courses we offer.
For candidates with a disability or chronic condition, please let us know if you need any support or adjustments during the application process so that these can be accommodated. Mentioning your disability will not affect your application; decisions are based on your academic potential. Please see full details here
Prospective students who have a disability or chronic condition that requires specialist support are encouraged to contact the Senior Tutor or Admissions Officer, who can advise on access to college facilities, accommodation, and other provision. We would be more than happy to arrange a call or a visit to discuss how we can support you in advance of your application.
Please email admissions@bnc.ox.ac.uk to get in touch.
There are a growing number of students at Brasenose and Oxford more widely who are, or have been, supported by social care services. We are committed to ensuring that care experienced applicants and undergraduates are fully supported to help them enjoy their university experience and thrive on course.
When we say care experienced, we mean those who have spent any amount of time in the care of the local authority care, such as through foster care, children’s homes, or a supervision order, or who have spent time in kinship care. Please see full details here
Care experienced applicants that select Brasenose as their preference, or are allocated to us, are encouraged to contact us to discuss any particular needs or ask questions. We are always happy to hear from care experienced applicants and have worked with individuals and their supporters, including a range of virtual schools, at the different stages of the application process.
With a number of care leavers currently already studying at Brasenose College, we have experience of assisting our students to navigate fees and funding issues. The University prioritises care leavers for a Crankstart Scholarship. Please see full details here.
Brasenose supports care progression in many other ways, including:
- Accommodation for all years of study, including the vacations if this is needed.
- Advice and support from the College’s Care Progression Lead.
- We can usually offer guidance from a current student on course from a care experienced background.
- Support from the College welfare team, including a Welfare Officer, who can respond to your individual needs.
- Access to counselling provision from our on-site counsellor and via the University Counselling Service.
- Access to further financial support as appropriate.
In addition to this, the wider University also supports care experienced students in a number of ways.
The College’s Care Progression Leads are the Senior Tutor, Freyja Madsen, and the Head of Access and Retention, Dr Joe Organ. Please get in touch or ask a teacher or social worker to contact outreach@bnc.ox.ac.uk if you would like to discuss things further.
