Brasenose College

Brasenose's graduates study for a wide range of higher degrees across all of the University's academic divisions and collectively form a diverse and international group. The graduate community is highly cosmopolitan with up to 50 nationalities represented at any one time. The intellectual and social contribution that graduates make to Brasenose's community is highly valued.

The Tutor for Graduates, Professor Eamonn Gaffney, has oversight of the academic progress and welfare of students. He is supported by the Senior Tutor, Dr Simon Smith, and Graduate Administrator, Dr Bronwen Tomkinson. Each graduate is also allocated a College Advisor, who is usually a fellow of the college working in a related academic field.

A wide variety of activities are arranged for graduates by the college, including special dinners, guest speakers, and regular presentations of research by fellows and students, and a lively graduate common room (the Hulme Common Room or 'HCR') is available. 

Accommodation and meals

Accommodation is allocated to first-year graduate students in the order that applicants complete their college conditions form. For other years, accommodation is allocated via a ballot conducted by the graduate HCR. There is limited accommodation available, especially for couples.

The accommodation available comprises a number of bed-sitting rooms with two shared showers and a well-equipped kitchen shared between five people, as well as single rooms with en-suite bathrooms and shared kitchens.

Meals are available at the college for all students during full term (three terms of eight weeks per year) and are also often available out of term. There are formal dinners with table service three nights per week during full term, and informal self-service meals available at other times, including breakfast during the week and brunch at weekends. 

Library and IT services

Brasenose has two excellent libraries with 24/7 access: the Greenland Library - made up of the Del Favero Reading Room, the Smith Reading Room, and the Hulme Library - and the Stallybrass Memorial Library. There are also several "stack" areas where antiquarian books and less frequently used items are kept; these books are all available upon request.

The Del Favero Reading Room is a light and airy space overlooking Radcliffe Square divided into sixteen study bays with power connections for students' laptops and WiFi availability. It is linked to the ground floor Smith Reading Room by a spiral staircase. The Hulme Library comprises the modern history, politics and geography collections and the Stallybrass Memorial Library is a specialised law library.

Each library has computers with internet access and colour printing, scanning and photocopying facilities. There are also computers in the HCR and dedicated college computing rooms in Staircase XV and Frewin Hall, both with colour printing facilities.

There is wireless internet access in all public areas of the college and network connections are available in all study bedrooms.

Sport, music and college facilities

Brasenose has its own sports ground near the college with soccer, rugby and cricket pitches - including a cricket pavilion - and a well-equipped boathouse on the river.

The college has a healthy sporting tradition. On the more recreational side of sport, the Junior Common Room (JCR) rents out four punts in the summer and a croquet set for use in the New Quad.

Brasenose has a Director of College Music who organises a weekly concert series each term and is also in charge of the college's friendly chapel choir, which is open to all. Practice rooms are available, and small grants for music-related purchases such as scores and coaching are always considered.

Termly 'Platnaeur' Concerts are given by professional musicians and there is a summer student-organised Arts Festival featuring music, art and drama.

Facilities for students with disabilities

Brasenose welcomes applications from graduate students with special access or learning needs. Facilities available include specially adapted rooms in the graduate buildings. Please contact the college about any accessibility requirements. 

Special needs are co-ordinated between the Oxford colleges by the University's Disability Advisory Service, which can also advise on the range of facilities available across the University. 

Common Room

The Hulme Common Room (HCR) is run by an elected committee of graduate students. 

Throughout the year, the HCR Committee organises a wide-ranging social, sporting, and cultural programme. Highlights include:

• "Blurbs", a joint venture with the Senior Common Room featuring academic presentations followed by dinner
• yoga/pilates and kickboxing classes
• wine tastings
• exchange dinners with other colleges
• trips to the ballet, orchestras and cinema
• a variety of cultural excursions.

The HCR has kitchen facilities and is regularly stocked with hot chocolate, coffee, tea and toast. It also offers a TV and subscriptions to major UK newspapers as well as several international publications and magazines.