Wadham College
About the college
Wadham was founded by a woman in the 16th century with a mission to create a college of academic excellence close to the heart of Oxford. We have been pushing the boundaries of knowledge and inquiry ever since.
As one of the bigger colleges of the University, we offer one of the largest selections of courses. We welcome academic excellence, diversity and independence, being known for our inclusive and welcoming culture.
Our students thrive on being taught by internationally renowned tutors and enjoy access to academic skills support, purpose-built study spaces and a library that is open 24/7. Wadham students can also benefit from a professional and dedicated welfare team and disability support.
We support our students to fulfil their interests and potential, encouraging applications to a range of grants and scholarships which cover:
- books
- language learning
- travel
- course-related expenses
- as well as offering generous financial hardship support.
Students can enjoy college accommodation throughout their studies, set within breath-taking gardens and outdoor spaces. This includes our recently completed Dorothy Wadham building for second years in the vibrant Cowley Road area of East Oxford. The gardens are also the location for our famous music festival, Wadstock, outdoor drama performances and the occasional tutorial.
Wadham’s notable alumni span centuries as well as disciplines. From founders of the Royal Society to Nobel prize winners and Oscar nominated actors, Wadhamites can be identified as influential figures in the medical, finance, tech., legal, arts sectors, and beyond.
Read more on the college website.
Wadham is...
'…the home of great debate, encouraging freedom of thought and expression.'
Rowan
'…being known for our work hard, play harder spirit!'
Karishma
'…always having someone to support you.'
Georgia
'…fantastic accommodation, particularly in second year - modern, well-equipped kitchens, ensuite bathrooms and comfy bedrooms.'
Tom
…the most gorgeous library where you can curl up on a beanbag with a view of the gardens.
Linette
College facilities
Visit our College Facilities Table to compare facilities across different colleges.
College accommodation
Accommodation | College availability |
| All first years on site | Yes |
| Usually offered for all years | Yes |
| Usually offered for three years | Not applicable |
| Usually offered for first year and one other year | Not applicable |
| Some vacation storage for international students | Yes |
Catering
Catering type | College availability |
| Dining hall | Yes |
| Bar | Yes |
| Café | Yes |
Facilities
Facility type | College availability |
| Gym on site | Yes |
| Boathouse | Yes |
| Library open 24/7 | Yes |
| Computer rooms/stations | Yes |
| Wi-Fi throughout college | Yes |
| Music room | Yes |
| Theatre/performance space | Yes |
| Chapel | Yes |
| Multi-faith prayer room | No |
Clubs and societies
Club / society | College availability |
| Music society | Yes |
| Orchestra(s) | No |
| Choir(s) | Yes |
| Dramatic society | Yes |
| College student magazine/paper | No |
| Some subject societies | Yes |
| Other societies | Yes |
Courses Available
- Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
- Biochemistry (Molecular and Cellular)
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Classical Archaeology and Ancient History
- Classics
- Classics and Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
- Classics and English
- Classics and Modern Languages
- Economics and Management
- Engineering Science
- English Language and Literature
- English and Modern Languages
- European and Middle Eastern Languages
- Foundation Year (Chemistry, Engineering and Materials Science)
- Foundation Year (Humanities)
- Foundation Year (Law)
- Foundation Year (PPE)
- History
- History (Ancient and Modern)
- History and Economics
- History and English
- History and Modern Languages
- History and Politics
- History of Art
- Human Sciences
- Law (Jurisprudence)
- Law with Law Studies in Europe
- Mathematics
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Mathematics and Philosophy
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Medicine
- Modern Languages
- Modern Languages and Linguistics
- Philosophy and Modern Languages
- Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)
- Physics
- Psychology (Experimental)
Link areas
In order to ensure that all areas of the UK are fully supported by the University of Oxford, our colleges are working together to establish Oxford for UK, a series of regional outreach programmes offering tailored and local support to students of mixed ages, their parents and teachers.
Getting in touch with the college linked to your region has no influence on your chances of being accepted to this or any other particular college. You are also very welcome to get in touch with any other college for advice about applying or studying here.
Wadham College is part of Oxford for East England.
Link Local Authorities
Bedfordshire
Cambridgeshire
Central Bedfordshire
Luton
Havering
Islington
Newham
Redbridge
Tower Hamlets
Contact
Access and Outreach at Wadham
Access and Outreach Officer: Dr Hugh Munro
access@wadham.ox.ac.uk
Admissions 
: +44 (0) 1865 277545 admissions@wadham.ox.ac.uk
www.wadham.ox.ac.uk
Postal address:
Wadham College
Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PN
Location
Located in the city centre, Wadham has large, quiet grounds, with some of the most beautiful gardens and buildings in Oxford.
The Bodleian Library is just across the road and the Science Area is only a few minutes’ walk away.
UCAS campus code: Y
Oxford OX1 3PN
+44 (0) 1865 277900 www.wadham.ox.ac.ukFounded
1610
Student numbers
Undergraduates: 471
Graduates: 204
Admissions contacts
+44 (0) 1865 277545 admissions@wadham.ox.ac.uk
Admissions Officer: Dr Alison Meakes
Access and outreach: +44 (0) 1865 287311 access@wadham.ox.ac.uk
Access Officer: Dr Hugh Munro
Academic staff
Visit the college website for the full list
Our 2023 undergraduate open days will be held on 28 and 29 June and 15 September.
Register to find out more about our upcoming open days.