Admissions
Undergraduate FAQs
FREQUENTLY ANSWERED QUESTIONS ON HOW TO APPLY FOR UNDERGRADUATE COURSES IN MUSIC
Q1 Where can I get a prospectus?
A1 The University prospectus, which is revised every year, can be found on-line at: www.admissions.ox.ac.uk You can ask for one to be posted to you by sending an e-mail to: undergraduate.admissions@ox.ac.uk A electronic copy of the Music Faculty prospectus can be obtained by sending an e-mail to: academic.admin@music.ox.ac.uk.
Q2 I’m a UK citizen and want to study Music at Oxford, but I don’t have A2 Music. I do have ABRSM Grade 8 Theory. Can I still apply?
A2 Although ABRSM Grade 8 Theory is helpful in providing useful theoretical background to the course, it is not a substitute for A2 Music at Grade A.
Q3 I’m doing A2 Music Technology, but not A2 Music. Is this acceptable as an alternative?
A3 No. Although Music Technology teaches many skills which are useful in an Oxford degree course, it is not at present a substitute for a Grade A pass at A2 level.
Q4 Does it matter what other A2 subjects I am doing, besides Music?
A4 The Faculty of Music has no preferences regarding choice of A2 subjects, other than Music, but no offer will be based on General Studies or Critical Thinking qualifications. See the University’s policy on post-16 qualifications
Q5 Must I have taken AS Music to apply to Oxford?
A5 No, although you must be doing (or have already taken) Music at A2 level or the equivalent (e.g. International Baccalaureate)
Q6 Must I have A* grades at GCSE to be considered for Oxford?
A6 Grades at GCSE are seen as an indication of likely potential at A2 level, but a certain number or proportion of A*s are not required.
Q7 I am a UK citizen, but instead of A2s I am doing the International Baccalaureate. What is the minimum points level I need in order to apply?
A7 You will need to have a total of at least 38 points (including core points), with 6s and 7s, preferably in six different subjects. Music should be at Higher Level.
Q8 How can I find out what are the educational requirements for EU and overseas students?
A8 See the University's International Qualifications list.
Q9 Is it true that you have to be at ABRSM Grade 8 standard as an instrumentalist or a singer to be considered for Music at Oxford?
A9 No. Solo performance is an optional subject, both at Honour Moderations (first- year exams) and at Finals. For application to Oxford, keyboard skills at ABRSM Grade 5 standard are desirable. Many fine performers do study at Oxford and are able to incorporate performance as a significant element of their course.
Q10 To what extent can I offer performance as part of my degree?
A10 Solo performance is a particularly popular option at Oxford. Students give fully professional diploma-standard recitals in the famous eighteenth-century Holywell Music Room (Europe’s first purpose-built concert hall) as part of their final examinations. The majority of first-year students offer performance as an option in Moderations (first year examinations). There are other Finals options besides Solo Performance which involve elements of performance and performance studies, such as Choral Performance and conducting. It is therefore possible for performance to form a major part of an Oxford degree; it is equally possible to take Moderations and Finals without performing at all!
Q11 Who are the instrumental and vocal teachers on the Faculty staff?
A11 Students are free to choose their own teacher and tutors are always happy to offer guidance. There are no instrumental teachers employed directly by the Faculty, however, the Faculty does keep a list of recommended teachers.
Q12 What are Instrumental Awards? When do I apply for one?
A12 Many colleges offer scholarships to students who excel in performance. Students audition for these after entry to Oxford.See the section on Instrumental Scholarships.
Q13 Do you have to be studying Music to receive a Choral or Organ Award?
A13 No. Applications for Choral and Organ awards are welcomed from applicants reading all subjects, although there may be restrictions placed by individual colleges on selected subjects. The Faculty of Music runs an annual Open Day for those interested in applying.
Q14 What scholarships are available at the Faculty of Music?
A14 The Faculty administers several funds to assist students. The sums awarded are limited, and applications are restricted to current undergraduate and postgraduate students. They are not intended to be used to assist with fees or subsistence.
Q15 I cannot come to the Faculty Open Day. Is it possible to visit at any other time?
A15 While the Faculty Open Day offers a unique opportunity to meet with tutors at all the colleges admitting students to read Music, much informationcan also be obtained online. The University also offers the Admissions i service, available to visitors to the City.
Q16 Do you run Summer Schools?
A16 The Faculty of Music participates in the University’s UNIQ Summer School, which offers an academic programme in Music to sixth-formers each July. Visit the UNIQ website.
Q17 I find the college system confusing. Can you explain what this means for a music student?
A17 The collegiate system can seem baffling to prospective students, but it is one of Oxford’s great strengths. The colleges are more than halls of residence: they are communities of academics, graduate students and undergraduates who interact with one another across subject areas to create the exciting environment which young musicians find so stimulating. It is important to realise, however, that each college is not a sealed unit. An undergraduate is part of a close-knit tutor group under the academic supervision and pastoral care of a college Tutor, and has the opportunity to participate in the musical life (instrumental and choral) of their college; at the same time our students are part of the University-wide musical community centred on the Faculty of Music.
Q18 Will my choice of college affect my chances of gaining a place?
A18 No. Although initial application is made to a college, the Admissions process is centrally organised by the Faculty in order to identify the very best applicants. Tutors consider candidates as a group and exchange detailed information to ensure that the most able candidates are selected, regardless of the initial college preference. It is quite common for an applicant to be made an offer by a college which was not their first choice.
Q19 How is the teaching divided between the Faculty and the colleges?
A19 Teaching is delivered through Faculty lecture courses, when students from all colleges meet for lectures, and seminars. This is supported by small-group tutorials in colleges when individual feedback and discussion of weekly assignments provide the stimulus for sustained academic development.
Q20 Is there such a thing as a ‘typical’ Oxford music student?
A20 Not at all. Oxford admits between 60 and 65 undergraduates each year to read music. Students come from all sorts of backgrounds and from various countries, and are admitted entirely on merit.
Q21 When I apply, what written work do I need to submit?
A21 Please send in TWO COPIES of the following, each copy should have a cover sheet and should be stapled together.
Two pieces of teacher-marked written work, at least one of which should normally be on music. The emphasis in on quality of thought, not on quantity: c. 1500 words per essay is entirely sufficient;
and some examples of teacher-marked harmony and counterpoint (e.g. Baroque chorale, 16th century counterpoint, 2-part invention, string quartet, Romantic songs); and/or some examples of original composition, which should be in some form of notated score.
Written work should be sent to the Tutor for Admissions at the college considering your application.