FAQ

 

Students on Faculty Steps

What are the supporting materials required?

Do I need to submit a CV or résumé?

Can I submit a piece/pieces of written work which are longer than the stated 2,000/4,000 words?

What scores do I need in the English Language tests? Will my application be considered incomplete without them? Do you run English Language courses?

What scores do you require in GREs and GMATs?

Do you require transcripts?

What if I haven't finished my degree yet?

How many references are needed? Can I submit character references instead of academic references?

What grade point average (GPA) score do I need to be considered?

Can I register as a DPhil candidate straight from my BA?

I'm applying for the MSt and intending to do a DPhil – do I need to submit a research proposal with my MSt application?

Can you advise me on my choice of college?

Do I need to personally contact potential supervisors prior to application?
 

Whatare the supporting materials required?

  • 3 academic references
  • Relevant transcripts
  • Either two pieces of work of 2,000 words apiece, or a single piece of 4,000 words 
  • Research Proposal (For DPhil applicants)  or Statement of Purpose (for MSt applicants)

Do I need to submit a CV or résumé?    

For these courses, the application form will include questions that collect information that would usually be included in a CV/résumé. You will not be asked to upload a separate document. This should be primarily focussed on academic achievement; you may also list work experience and extracurricular interests as in a regular curriculum vitae.

Can I submit a piece/pieces of written work which are longer than the stated 2,000/4,000 words?

No.  You should cut your written work down as far as possible to the required length.  You can submit a sample of a longer piece of work if you wish and indicate that the whole essay is not included due to the word length restriction.

What scores do I need in English Language tests? Will my application be considered incomplete without them? Do you run English Language courses?

See the application guide for results required. We will not consider applications incomplete if they are without language test scores – these can be forwarded on to us when they reach you. The English Faculty does not run English Language courses. The Department of Continuing Education, however, does so.

What scores do you require in GREs and GMATs?

These tests are not required and there is no need to have your scores sent to us.

Do you require transcripts?

A transcript is a detailed record of higher education including programmes of study taken and standards achieved. Please submit all higher education transcripts.

What if I haven't finished my degree yet?

Completion of a previous degree (often to a specified standard) is a common condition of acceptance. Your educational institution should be able to provide an interim transcript.

How many references are needed? Can I submit character references instead of academic references?

You are asked to provide three academic references. Personal references are never acceptable.

What grade point average (GPA) score do I need to be considered?

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum overall GPA we seek is 3.75 with at least 3.85 in the Major.

Can I register as a DPhil candidate straight from my BA?

No. Candidates with a BA need to complete a Master's degree before they can be considered for entry to the DPhil programme. All successful candidates are initially admitted as a PRS (Probationer Research Student). They then have to transfer to DPhil status through an assessment of their work, usually at the end of the second term of the first year.

I'm applying for the MSt and intending to do a DPhil – do I need to submit a research proposal with my MSt application?

A research proposal is not necessary. However, a statement of your intended research interests in your personal statement is very useful.

Can you advise me on my choice of college?

The English Faculty cannot advise applicants on their choice of college. All teaching is organised by the Faculty so it does not make any difference academically. Candidates must take into account their own priorities and preferences in terms of location, ethos, facilities, accommodation etc; and whether they would prefer a mixed or graduate-only college. It is not essential to be in the same college as your supervisor, although you may wish to choose a college with fellows with similar research interests to you. A list of faculty members with their research interests and college membership is available on the English Faculty people pages. Visit the University website for information on colleges.

Do I need to personally contact potential supervisors prior to application?

No, this is not necessary. However, if you feel that your proposed subject area is somewhat obscure, it may be worth looking up faculty members' research and teaching interests to check that a suitable supervisor is available. The Director of Graduate Studies or the Graduate Studies Officer can provide advice on these points.