St Catherine's College

Catz offers a wide range of subjects with a roughly even split between science and arts. 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.

St Catherine's College: A Tour (descriptive PDF transcript)

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).

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.

Meals are provided in the dining hall on a pay-as-you-eat basis.

Further information on accommodation at St Catherine's College is available on the college website.

Library and IT services

Catz has one of the largest college libraries, comprising 60,000 volumes and easy access to electronic library resources. The Social Science Library, Bodleian Law Library and English Faculty Library are also located next to the college site.

There are well-equipped computer rooms, network connections in all student rooms and Wi-Fi access throughout the college.

Sport, music and college facilities

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

Catz is situated close to the city centre, the Science Area, and many University faculties. 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.

Facilities for students with disabilities

Catz has excellent access and facilities for students with disabilities. There is easy wheelchair access to virtually all areas, including graduate accommodation, the dining hall, MCR and Ainsworth Graduate Centre.

Please contact the college about any accessibility requirements.

MCR

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.