All candidates must follow the application procedure as shown in how to apply. The information below gives specific details for students applying for this course.
Written work
Theology candidates are required to submit two pieces of written work, by 11 November 2013, which have been marked in the normal process of school or college work. In place of one essay, you may send an examination or test answer to an unseen question, which has been supervised and marked by your school or college. All written work must be in English.
Please send work in Religious Studies if you are studying this subject to A-level (or equivalent). If you cannot submit samples of work in Religious Studies, please submit work in a related area. If you do not have such written work available, please contact the Tutor for Admissions at your first choice or allocated college, and they will suggest essay topics or alternative work.
Please ensure that work
is not overly long but conforms as far as possible to the published guidelines on the
submission of written work, as tutors want to evaluate the succinctness and pertinence of your work. If you
have any questions, please contact your first choice or allocated college,
or email the undergraduate admissions coordinator,
andrew.teal@pmb.ox.ac.uk.
Written test
You do not need to take a written test when you apply for this course.
What are tutors looking for?
Tutors are primarily interested in your previous academic achievements as demonstrated, for example, by your GCSE results or other examination results (where these are more appropriate to your situation), and in the quality of your submitted written work, but may also take the other information on your UCAS application into account (such as your personal statement and references). Personal statements should focus on your academic reasons for wishing to pursue the course applied for, and references should comment primarily on your academic performance.
During the interview, tutors will be looking for your ability to think clearly, form sound arguments and to listen and respond to counterarguments; your openness to learning; evidence of your enthusiasm and motivation for the course, and your oral communication skills.
Selection criteria
Candidates may wish to refer to the selection criteria for Theology.
