The University of Oxford and its colleges seek to admit students of high academic ability and potential. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background.

Decisions on admission are based solely on the individual academic merits of each candidate and the application of selection criteria appropriate to the programme of study.

Admissions procedures will be kept under review to ensure compliance with this policy.

The Equality and Diversity Unit works with central University bodies, academic divisions and departments to ensure that the University’s pursuit of excellence goes hand in hand with freedom from discrimination and equality of opportunity.

The Unit is responsible for the main objectives of the equality schemes for race, disability and gender. It works to promote all strands of equality, including sexual orientation, religion, belief and age.

The Unit provides practical support and advice to, and about, disabled students and staff. It runs the harassment advisers’ network and a childcare service for staff and students. It also monitors recruitment and promotes awareness of equality and diversity throughout the collegiate University, helping people to understand legislation, their duty to promote equality and the benefits of a diverse, inclusive academic community to research, teaching and outreach.