Studying at the OII
Should I apply for the part-time or full-time programme?
The part-time and full-time versions of a degree have the same entry requirements, coursework, and expectations for students. The main difference is in timing. Part-time students generally take half the courses of full-time students in any given year and have double the amount of time to complete the programme.
Students pursuing full-time study should treat it as they would a full-time job, planning to spend at least forty hours each week on study. Additional employment—particularly for those on MSc courses—is discouraged. Within these limits, some of the OII’s existing students have been employed on a short-term basis as Research Assistants on grant-funded projects, but only with the agreement of their supervisors, the Course Convenor and the Director of Graduate Studies. For full information on employment whilst on course, please see the University’s Paid work guidelines.
Part-time students should expect to spend the time equivalent of half a full-time job on their studies. This includes spending at least one day per week in Oxford during term time. Part-time students are otherwise not subject to any limits and the part-time programmes are expressly designed to allow completion of the degree alongside employment, caring, or other external responsibilities.
Please note that only students registered on a full-time course are eligible for visa sponsorship. Therefore, students without the right to remain in the UK will not be able to take the course on a part-time basis at present.
Do you offer any intensive, online or distance-learning courses?
We do not normally offer any of our MSc or DPhil programmes in an intensive, online, or distance-learning modality. Although we do make use of virtual learning environments and various other online components of study, both full and part-time students are required to attend in person during term time due to the collaborative and multi-disciplinary nature of our programmes, and the principles that underpin Oxford education as a collegiate university. We strongly believe that the face-to-face element of the programme is vital in providing a multi-disciplinary peer network for students to engage in ideas, discussion and debate.
We do, however, offer this programme on a part-time basis. The part-time MSc is substantively identical to the full-time degree, but distributes the workload over two years for those who must fit study around work, family, or other outside commitments.
What fees do I have to pay?
Course fees cover your teaching, and other academic services and facilities provided to support your studies. They do not cover your accommodation or other living costs. You may have seen separate figures in the past for tuition fees and college fees. We have now combined these into a single figure.
See the University’s guidance on fee status and fee liability for information on Home/Republic of Ireland, Islands and Overseas student classification. As well as covering University and College fees, students will also have to support their maintenance costs. As Oxford is a relatively expensive place to live, it is recommended that students consult the University’s guidance on living costs when planning their budget, to cover accommodation, meals and other living expenses.
Where can I find out about scholarships?
Please see the University’s Fees and Funding website for details of all scholarships for which you may be eligible.
I’m an international student
The University of Oxford has a long tradition of welcoming international students, who currently constitute around 64% of all graduate students. We recommend that you visit the University’s International Student advice web pages, which provide information and guidance to support international students. EU students may also wish to consult the University’s page on the implications of the EU referendum.
What provisions are there for students with disabilities?
The University of Oxford is committed to providing equality of opportunity and improving access for all people with disabilities who work and study at the University. The University Disability Office has information about the support offered to help those with a disability maintain their track record of academic success as they pursue their studies. The ground floor of the OII is wheelchair-accessible, providing access to the library, seminar room, student common room and an accessible toilet. The OII supports the University’s Common Framework for Supporting Disabled Students. Chrissy Bunyan is the OII’s disability lead, who is available to discuss any related issues and to assist with connecting students with appropriate support.
What facilities does the OII offer its students?
Our MSc students are provided with working space in the department. We are equipped with advanced video conferencing facilities and high-speed network access. Our library specialises in the social sciences, technology and computing, and our students also have access to the Bodleian Library, the University’s main research library. Students are encouraged to engage fully in the intellectual life of the department, e.g., through participation in workshops, departmental seminars, and research projects.