St Catherine's College
St Catherine's College (or 'Catz') has one of the largest graduate intakes of the colleges admitting both undergraduates and graduates. Its friendly community enjoys open, green spaces and the college offers a broad range of courses.
The grounds of St Catherine's College. Credit: Oxford University Images
About the college
Catz offers a wide range of subjects with a roughly even split between sciences and arts. Since its foundation, Catz has sought to integrate graduates closely into the academic and social life of the college. It is proud of its place at the forefront of innovation, research and contemporary culture, and counts ten Nobel Prize winners amongst its current and former members. Its modern architecture and restful, open spaces give the college a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
Applications in areas related to the interests of the fellows of the college are especially encouraged.
Key facts
| Students (total*) in 2025-26 | Full-time places in 2027-28 | Part-time places in 2027-28 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taught graduates | 215 | c. 138 | c. 16 |
| Research graduates | 230 | c. 52 | c. 4 |
| Undergraduates | 510 | N/A | N/A |
*Total across all year groups (see source data)
1962
College tour
St Catherine's College: A Tour
A descriptive PDF transcript of the video 'St Catherine's College: A Tour'.
Facilities
Catz has one of the largest college libraries, comprising 65,000 volumes and easy access to electronic library resources. The Social Science Library and Bodleian Law Library are also located next to the college site.
There are network connections in all student rooms and Wi-Fi access throughout the college.
Sport, music, art and drama enjoy a high profile in the college; on-site there are:
- squash courts
- gymnasium
- punt house
- music house for practice and performances
- theatres for both indoor and outdoor productions
A key role within the theatrical life of the College is the Cameron Mackintosh Visiting Professor of Contemporary Theatre. The post is a professorship attached to St Catherine’s College, with a new chair appointed each year. The professor holds an annual lecture and offers workshops for students to engage with throughout the year. The Professor for the 2023-24 academic year was world-renowned director Gregory Doran, who was recently Artistic Director at the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Catz has excellent access and facilities for disabled students. There is easy wheelchair access to virtually all areas, including graduate accommodation, the dining hall, Middle Common Room (MCR) and Ainsworth Graduate Centre.
Please contact the Disability Coordinator in the Academic Office about any accessibility requirements.
Within the Middle Common Room (MCR; see below), the Welfare Reps and a network of trained Peer Supporters, whose names are advertised on the MCR website as well as on notice boards in most staircases, are available for private conversations with students. Students can also talk privately with their College Advisor, the Tutor for Graduates, or the Deans. In addition, students are encouraged to approach the Junior Deans, or if that feels inappropriate, one of the other members of the Panel of Advisors or the College Counsellor. The Advisors may be approached directly at any time and their contact numbers are available in the Lodge. The College Counsellor is available in college on an appointment basis and can be contacted by email. Students may wish to use any or all of these groups to discuss their concerns, alongside welfare provided by the University.
The focus of graduate life in the college is the Middle Common Room (MCR) on the top floor of the Ainsworth Graduate Centre. With over 400 members of many different nationalities, it is one of the liveliest and most stimulating in Oxford.
The Ainsworth Graduate Centre, completed in 2020, provides a hub for our graduate community. It is a multi-functional building housing the MCR, seminar rooms and versatile spaces for study and events.
The MCR Committee organises a varied academic, social and sporting programme. Once a week a special graduate dinner is served in Hall and there are regular graduate seminars. The annual Graduates’ Dinner normally takes place in May. Graduates are also members of the Junior Common Room and have access to all its facilities.
Accommodation and meals
There are a number of single study bedrooms for graduate students. Several single rooms with en-suite facilities are on the main college site, next door to the Ainsworth Graduate Centre. These rooms are grouped on staircases in the traditional Oxford manner, each floor having its own mini-kitchen. A further number of single rooms, arranged in clusters of three to six rooms with shared bathroom and cooking facilities, are located nearby in St Catherine’s House (on Bath Street, a 15-minute walk from the main college site). St Catherine’s House also offers a recently refurbished common room for all residents to enjoy.
The letting period is a minimum of 38 weeks. Priority is given to those coming to the college from the greatest distance and likely to experience difficulties in the local accommodation market.
Further information on accommodation at St Catherine's College is available on the college website.
Meals are provided in the dining hall on a pay-as-you-eat basis at very reasonable prices.
Courses
For entry in 2027-28
This college accepts graduate students for the following courses:
- MPhil + DPhil in Economics (full time)
- MSc in Advanced Computer Science (full time)
- MSc in African Studies (full time)
- DPhil in Ancient History (full time and part time)
- MPhil in Ancient History (full time)
- MSt in Ancient History (full time)
- MSt in Ancient Philosophy (full time)
- DPhil in Anthropology (full time and part time)
- MSc in Applied Cancer Science (full time)
- MSc in Applied Digital Health (full time)
- MSc in Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition (full time)
- DPhil in Archaeological Science (full time)
- MSc in Archaeological Science (full time)
- MSc in Archaeology (full time)
- DPhil in Archaeology (Oxford Lifelong Learning) (part time)
- DPhil in Archaeology (School of Archaeology) (full time)
- DPhil in Architectural History (part time)
- DPhil in Area Studies (Africa) (full time)
- DPhil in Area Studies (China) (full time)
- DPhil in Area Studies (Japan) (full time)
- DPhil in Area Studies (Latin America) (full time)
- DPhil in Area Studies (Middle East) (full time)
- DPhil in Area Studies (Russia and East Europe) (full time)
- DPhil in Area Studies (South Asia) (full time)
- DPhil in Astrophysics (full time)
- DPhil in Atmospheric, Oceanic and Planetary Physics (full time)
- DPhil in Atomic and Laser Physics (full time)
- Autonomous Intelligent Machines and Systems (EPSRC CDT) (full time)
- MSc in Autonomous Robotics (full time)
- Bachelor of Civil Law (full time)
- DPhil in Biochemistry (full time)
- MSc by Research in Biochemistry (full time)
- MSc in Biodiversity, Conservation and Nature Recovery (full time)
- DPhil in Biology (full time)
- MSc by Research in Biology (full time)
- DPhil in Biomedical Sciences (NIH OxCam) (full time)
- BPhil in Philosophy (full time)
- DPhil in Cancer Science (Clinician) (full time)
- DPhil in Cancer Science (Intercalation) (full time)
- Cancer Science CDT (Biological background) (full time)
- Cancer Science CDT (Maths/Physics background) (full time)
- MPhil in Celtic Studies (full time)
- MSt in Celtic Studies (full time)
- Chemical Synthesis for a Healthy Planet (EPSRC CDT) (full time)
- DPhil in Chemistry (full time)
- MSc by Research in Chemistry (full time)
- DPhil in Classical Archaeology (full time)
- MPhil in Classical Archaeology (full time)
- MSt in Classical Archaeology (full time)
- DPhil in Classical Languages and Literature (full time and part time)
- MSc in Clinical and Therapeutic Neuroscience (full time)
- MSc in Clinical Embryology (full time)
- DPhil in Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Statistics (full time)
- DPhil in Clinical Medicine (full time and part time)
- DPhil in Clinical Neurosciences (full time and part time)
- MSc by Research in Clinical Neurosciences (full time and part time)
- DPhil in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (part time)
- MPhil in Comparative Social Policy (full time)
- MSc in Comparative Social Policy (full time)
- DPhil in Computer Science (full time)
- DPhil in Condensed Matter Physics (full time)
- MSc in Contemporary Chinese Studies (full time)
- MSt in Creative Writing (part time)
- DPhil in Criminology (full time and part time)
- MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice (full time and part time)
- MPhil in Development Studies (full time)
- MSc in Digital Scholarship (full time)
- Doctor of Medicine (DM) (variable intensity)
- DPhil in Earth Sciences (full time)
- MSc by Research in Earth Sciences (full time)
- DPhil in Economic and Social History (full time and part time)
- MPhil in Economic and Social History (full time)
- MSc in Economic and Social History (full time)
- DPhil in Economics (full time and part time)
- MPhil in Economics (full time)
- MSc in Economics for Development (full time)
- DPhil in Education (full time and part time)
- MSc in Education (Child Development and Education)
- MSc in Education (Comparative and International Education) (full time)
- MSc in Energy Systems (full time and part time)
- Engineering Biology (EPSRC and BBSRC CDT) (full time)
- DPhil in Engineering Science (full time and part time)
- MSc by Research in Engineering Science (full time)
- DPhil in English (full time and part time)
- MSt in English (650-1550) (full time)
- MSt in English (1550-1700) (full time)
- MSt in English (1700-1830) (full time)
- MSt in English (1830-1914) (full time)
- MSt in English (1900-present) (full time)
- MSt in English and American Studies (full time)
- DPhil in English Local History (part time)
- MPhil in English Studies (Medieval Period) (full time)
- MSc in Environmental Change and Policy (full time)
- DPhil in Evidence-Based Health Care (part time)
- MSc in Evidence-Based Health Care (part time)
- MSc in Evidence-Based Health Care (Medical Statistics) (part time)
- MSc in Evidence-Based Social Intervention and Policy Evaluation (full time)
- MPhil in Evidence-Based Social Intervention and Policy Evaluation (full time)
- Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) (part time)
- MSc in Experimental and Translational Therapeutics (part time)
- DPhil in Experimental Psychology (full time and part time)
- MSc by Research in Experimental Psychology (full time and part time)
- MSt in Film Aesthetics (full time)
- DPhil in Finance (full time)
- MSc in Financial Economics (full time)
- DPhil in Fine Art (Contemporary Art History and Theory) (full time and part time)
- DPhil in Fine Art (Practice-led) (full time and part time)
- Fusion Power (EPSRC CDT) (full time)
- MSc in Genomic Medicine (full time)
- DPhil in Genomic Medicine and Statistics (full time)
- DPhil in Geography and the Environment (full time and part time)
- MSt in Global and Imperial History (full time)
- MSc in Global Governance and Diplomacy (full time)
- MSc in Global Healthcare Leadership (part time)
- MSc in Global Health Science and Epidemiology (full time)
- MPhil in Greek and/or Latin Languages and Literature (full time)
- MSt in Greek and/or Latin Languages and Literature (full time)
- Healthcare Data Science (EPSRC CDT) (full time)
- MSc in Health Service Improvement and Evaluation (full time)
- MSt in Historical Studies (part time)
- DPhil in History (full time and part time)
- MPhil in History (British and European History 1700-1850) (full time)
- MSt in History (British and European History 1700-1850) (full time and part time)
- MPhil in History (Early Modern History 1500-1700) (full time)
- MSt in History (Early Modern History 1500-1700) (full time and part time)
- MPhil in History (Intellectual History) (full time)
- MSt in History (Intellectual History) (full time and part time)
- MPhil in History (Medieval History) (full time)
- MSt in History (Medieval History) (full time and part time)
- MPhil in History (Modern British History 1850-present) (full time)
- MSt in History (Modern British History 1850-present) (full time and part time)
- MPhil in History (Modern European History 1850-present) (full time)
- MSt in History (Modern European History 1850-Present) (full time and part time)
- MPhil in History (US History) (full time)
- MSt in History (US History) (full time and part time)
- MPhil in History (Women's, Gender and Queer History) (full time)
- MSt in History (Women's, Gender and Queer History) (full time and part time)
- DPhil in History of Art (full time and part time)
- MSt in History of Art and Visual Culture (full time)
- MSt in History of Design (part time)
- MPhil in History of Science, Medicine and Technology (full time)
- MSc in History of Science, Medicine and Technology (full time)
- DPhil in Information, Communication and the Social Sciences (full time)
- Inorganic Materials for Advanced Manufacturing (EPSRC CDT) (full time)
- MSc in Integrated Immunology (full time and part time)
- MSc in Intellectual Property (part time)
- Intelligent Earth (UKRI CDT in AI for the Environment) (full time)
- DPhil in Interdisciplinary Life and Environmental Science (full time)
- DPhil in International Development (full time and part time)
- MSc in International Health and Tropical Medicine (full time)
- DPhil in International Relations (full time and part time)
- MPhil in International Relations (full time)
- MPhil in Islamic Art and Architecture (full time)
- MSt in Islamic Art and Architecture (full time)
- MSc in Japanese Studies (full time)
- MPhil in Japanese Studies (full time)
- MSt in Jewish Studies (full time)
- MPhil in Jewish Studies (full time)
- MPhil in Late Antique and Byzantine Studies (full time)
- MSt in Late Antique and Byzantine Studies (full time)
- MPhil in Latin American Studies (full time)
- MSc in Latin American Studies (full time)
- DPhil in Law (full time and part time)
- MPhil in Law (full time)
- MSc in Law and Finance (full time)
- MPhil in Linguistics, Philology and Phonetics (full time)
- DPhil in Linguistics, Philology and Phonetics (full time and part time)
- MSt in Linguistics, Philology and Phonetics (Advanced Study) (full time)
- MSt in Linguistics, Philology and Phonetics (Research Preparation) (full time)
- DPhil in Literature and Arts (part time)
- MSt in Literature and Arts (part time)
- Magister Juris (full time)
- DPhil in Management (full time)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) (full time)
- Master of Fine Art (MFA) (full time)
- Master of Public Policy (MPP) (full time)
- DPhil in Materials (full time)
- MSc by Research in Materials (full time)
- Materials 4.0 (EPSRC CDT) (full time)
- MSc in Mathematical and Computational Finance (full time)
- MSc in Mathematical and Theoretical Physics (full time)
- MSc in Mathematical Modelling and Scientific Computing (full time)
- MSc in Mathematical Sciences (full time)
- DPhil in Mathematics (full time)
- MSc by Research in Mathematics (full time)
- MSc in Mathematics and Foundations of Computer Science (full time)
- MPhil in Medical Anthropology (full time)
- MSc in Medical Anthropology (full time)
- DPhil in Medical Sciences (full time and part time)
- DPhil in Medieval and Modern Languages (full time and part time)
- MSt in Medieval Studies (full time)
- DPhil in Migration Studies (full time and part time)
- MSc in Migration Studies (full time)
- MSc in Modelling for Global Health (full time)
- MPhil in Modern Chinese Studies (full time)
- MPhil in Modern Languages (full time)
- MSt in Modern Languages (full time)
- MSc in Modern Middle Eastern Studies (full time)
- MSc in Modern South Asian Studies (full time)
- DPhil in Molecular and Cellular Medicine (full time and part time)
- MSc by Research in Molecular and Cellular Medicine (full time and part time)
- DPhil in Molecular Cell Biology in Health and Disease (full time)
- DPhil in Musculoskeletal Sciences (full time and part time)
- MSc by Research in Musculoskeletal Sciences (full time and part time)
- MSt in Music (Composition) (full time)
- MPhil in Music (Composition) (full time)
- DPhil in Music (Composition) (full time and part time)
- MSt in Music (Musicology) (full time)
- MPhil in Music (Musicology) (full time)
- DPhil in Music (Musicology) (full time and part time)
- MSt in Music (Performance) (full time)
- MPhil in Music (Performance) (full time)
- MSc in Nanotechnology for Medicine and Health Care (part time)
- MSc in Nature, Society and Environmental Governance (full time)
- MSc in Neuroscience (full time)
- DPhil in Neuroscience (1+3) (full time)
- DPhil in Oncology (full time)
- MSc by Research in Oncology (full time)
- Oxford 1+1 MBA Programme (full time)
- DPhil in Paediatrics (full time)
- MSc by Research in Paediatrics (full time)
- DPhil in Particle Physics (full time)
- MSc by Research in Pharmacology (full time)
- DPhil in Pharmacology (full time)
- DPhil in Philosophy (full time)
- MSt in Philosophy of Physics (full time)
- MSc by Research in Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics (full time)
- DPhil in Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics (full time)
- DPhil in Politics (full time and part time)
- MPhil in Politics (Comparative Government) (full time)
- MPhil in Politics (European Politics and Society) (full time)
- MPhil in Politics (Political Theory) (full time)
- DPhil in Population Health (full time and part time)
- MSt in Practical Ethics (part time)
- DPhil in Primary Health Care (full time)
- DPhil in Psychiatry (full time and part time)
- MSc by Research in Psychiatry (full time and part time)
- DPhil in Public Policy (full time and part time)
- Quantum Informatics (EPSRC CDT) (full time)
- MSc in Quantum Technologies (full time)
- MSc in Refugee and Forced Migration Studies (full time)
- MSc in Reproductive Genetics (full time)
- Robotics and Artificial Intelligence for Net Zero (EPSRC CDT) (full time)
- MSc in Russian and East European Studies (full time)
- MPhil in Russian and East European Studies (full time)
- MPhil in Slavonic Studies (full time)
- MSt in Slavonic Studies (full time)
- MPhil in Social Anthropology (full time)
- MSc in Social Anthropology (full time)
- DPhil in Social Data Science (full time and part time)
- MSc in Social Data Science (full time)
- DPhil in Social Intervention and Policy Evaluation (full time and part time)
- DPhil in Social Policy (full time and part time)
- MSc in Social Science of the Internet (full time and part time)
- MPhil in Socio-Legal Research (full time)
- DPhil in Socio-Legal Studies (full time)
- MSc in Sociology (full time and part time)
- DPhil in Sociology (full time and part time)
- MPhil in Sociology and Demography (full time)
- MSc in Software and Systems Security (part time)
- MSc in Software Engineering (part time)
- MSc in Statistical Science (full time)
- PGDip in Statistical Science (full time)
- DPhil in Statistics (full time)
- MSc by Research in Statistics (full time)
- Statistics and Machine Learning (EPSRC CDT) (full time)
- Superconductivity: Enabling Transformative Technologies (EPSRC CDT) (full time)
- MSc in Surgical Science and Practice (part time)
- DPhil in Surgical Sciences (full time)
- MSc by Research in Surgical Sciences (full time)
- MSc in Sustainability, Enterprise and the Environment (full time)
- DPhil in Sustainable Urban Development (part time)
- MSc in Sustainable Urban Development (part time)
- MSc in Theoretical and Computational Chemistry (full time)
- DPhil in Theoretical Physics (full time)
- DPhil in Translational Health Sciences (full time)
- MSc in Translational Health Sciences (full time)
- MPhil in Visual, Material and Museum Anthropology (full time)
- MSc in Visual, Material and Museum Anthropology (full time)
- MSc in Water Science, Policy and Management (full time)
- MSt in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (full time)
- DPhil in Women's and Reproductive Health (full time and part time)
- MSc by Research in Women's and Reproductive Health (full time)
- MSt in World Literatures in English (full time)
- MSt in Yiddish Studies (full time)
Location
Catz is situated close to the city centre, the Science Area, and many University faculties and Libraries. This is a college at the heart of the University but surrounded by meadows, parks and water - a truly superb location with a distinctly rural feel.
Contact details
For application process enquiries, please refer to our frequently asked questions.
