Frequently asked questions 

Yes.  There is a University requirement that students live within 25 miles of the city centre for the first six terms.  The programme is full time and taught during the first year.  New students need time with their supervisors and must follow mandatory courses.  After six terms, you may discuss residency conditions with your supervisor. 

The deadline is in January of each year for entry in the autumn.  Full details are given on the website.  Entries after the deadline will not be accepted. Please access the application form via the following link:
https://app.applyyourself.com/?id=ox-sbs
 
Applications are now open for the 2011/12  programme.

A valid GMAT/GRE score is mandatory for all applicants, irrespective of academic background.  The result must be valid on the application deadline date.  GMAT/GRE results are valid for five years from the date of the test.

Two pieces of written work are required: an example of sole authored work e.g. from a dissertation and an outline research proposal with a working title.  The working title may be changed later, if you are admitted, and your work focus changes.  The work and proposal should be a maximum of 2,000 words (in English).  You are also required to submit a Personal Statement maximum 1,000 word (English).

The written work is requested in order to evaluate the standard of your writing.  You should pick a topic which is related to your chosen area of study.

You should use the proposal to outline your proposed research topic and a discussion of your proposed approach.  You should identify your intended sources and include a preliminary timetable.  You should describe your motivation for selecting this topic and state why, in your opinion, the proposed work would make a significant, and original, contribution to the field.   You should consider originality, substance and feasibility while preparing the proposal.

If your first language is not English*, you must supply suitable evidence that you have reached the relevant level before submitting your application.

TOEFL iBT - 109
Minimum required on each component: Listening - 21, Reading - 22, Writing - 21, Speaking - 23

TOEFL paper based - 630

IELTS - 7.5
Minimum required on each component: 7.0

Waivers:  The requirement to provide proof of proficiency may be waived, at the discretion of the School, in the following circumstances:  An applicant has studied full time at degree level for a minimum of 9 months at a recognised institution where the medium of instruction is English.

If you wish to apply for a waiver to the English language requirement, you must:

Upload a letter into the TOEFL/IELTS section of the application form stating that you would like to request a waiver of the English Language Test requirement for one of the following reasons:

(a) You have completed a degree in a majority English speaking country.*

As evidence we will review the transcripts you submit with your application.

(b) You have completed a degree at a recognised institution where the medium of instruction was English. 

As evidence we will require either that the transcripts you submit with your application state that the sole language of instruction was English
or
an official letter from your university stating that the medium of instruction throughout your course was English.  This letter must be also be uploaded to the TOEFL/IELTS section of the on-line form.

*List of majority English speaking countries as defined by the UKBA

Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Belize, Guyana

Exchange programmes/ distance learning/ on-line courses can not be considered for the waiver.

The institution code for ordering your official TOEFL score sheet from ETS is 0807.  There is no department code, this can be left blank.
If you choose to take the IELTS you need to sit the Academic test.  If you sit the TOEFL it must be the general test.

TOEFL and IELTS scores will not be valid if they are more than two years old on the application deadline for the stage in which you are applying.

Please note that we reserve the right to request a test of English to be taken at any time.

No.  You must take the tests in advance of the deadline and submit your results with your online application.  If not, your application will be deemed incomplete and your application will not be forwarded to the Admissions Committee.

You should consult the full faculty listing on the website and identify one or two whose research interests match your proposed area of research.  You may contact them direct via email.  If you have not been in touch with any possible supervisors, you may still apply for the programme. 

You will be given the opportunity to attend skills training sessions, as well as training geared to your particular research requirements.  The training schedule is agreed after consultation with your supervisor.  Please see the Professional Development section on the website for more details.

There are two levels of fees: one for UK/EU students and another for overseas students.   Full details are given on the website.  If, after consulting the website, you are in any doubt about your qualification for EU level fees, please contact the Admissions Office.