Each course you can apply to has different qualities that its tutors are looking for in its applicants – some of these qualities will be tested at various stages in the application process, such as admissions tests and interviews. Perhaps the best way to demonstrate your suitability for the course in in your personal statement, where you can demonstrate exactly how you meet each of these "selection criteria", and emphasise your passion for your subject and learning about it in more depth.
For each course offered at St Anne's, below we have compiled the entry requirements and selection criteria according to each course's website, so you can find out what they are looking for from you, and how to structure your personal statement around these. Some subjects also require the submission of written work or a portfolio, so where possible we have found their recommendations for these submissions. For some subjects, we have been unable to find official guidance on their selection criteria, but have tried to provide as much useful information about the rest of the entry requirements as possible.
Entry criteria here (correct as of September 2023 – these may now have changed) have been given in terms of A-level grades, but by using the links on our Courses page, you can find the entry requirements for equivalent qualifications.
Learn moreAll entry requirements are correct as of September 2023, and may since have changed so please see specific course pages (which can be accessed via our Courses page) for up to date information, guidance, entry requirements and selection criteria.
A-levels: AAA
Personal Statement:
Written Work:
Two pieces, written in English.
The particular topic of your essay and the A-level (or equivalent) subject from which it is drawn are not important; it is intended to show how you construct an argument and express your ideas in English.
If you do not have any recent marked work written in English (for example, because of the combination of subjects you are currently studying), you may submit a separate piece of work, such as an essay in English on one of the topics you have been studying for your A-level (or equivalent).
It may be helpful to seek guidance from your teachers in devising a suitable title. In such circumstances, it would not normally be expected for this piece to have been marked, as it will not have been done in the normal course of your studies.
All entry requirements are correct as of September 2023, and may since have changed so please see specific course pages (which can be accessed via our Courses page) for up to date information, guidance, entry requirements and selection criteria.
A-levels: A*AA, including chemistry and another science or maths, and with the A* in maths, physics, chemistry, or biology (or a very closely related subject).
Personal Statement: evidence of interest in and academic potential for Biochemistry.
Interviews assess:
All entry requirements are correct as of September 2023, and may since have changed so please see specific course pages (which can be accessed via our Courses page) for up to date information, guidance, entry requirements and selection criteria.
A-levels: A*AA (with the A* in a science or Maths)
Personal Statement:
All entry requirements are correct as of September 2023, and may since have changed so please see specific course pages (which can be accessed via our Courses page) for up to date information, guidance, entry requirements and selection criteria.
A-levels: A*AA in three A-levels, including two from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics.
Admissions Test (BMAT): A competitive overall BMAT score and ranking.
Personal Statement:
All entry requirements are correct as of September 2023, and may since have changed so please see specific course pages (which can be accessed via our Courses page) for up to date information, guidance, entry requirements and selection criteria.
A-levels: A*A*A. Both A* should be in science subjects and/or Maths. If a practical component forms part of any of your science A-levels, we expect you to pass it.
Personal Statement:
Academic ability
Interest in Chemistry
Motivation and perseverance
Independent working and communication
All entry requirements are correct as of September 2023, and may since have changed so please see specific course pages (which can be accessed via our Courses page) for up to date information, guidance, entry requirements and selection criteria.
A-levels: AAA
Personal Statement:
Classics Component: See website.
Written Work:
Classics Written Work:
A very different standard of content and presentation should be expected from a piece of highly prepared course work than from a piece written for homework with a short dead-line, or written under exam conditions. Taking these differences into account, assessors will be looking for signs of good basic knowledge, powers of analysis, powers of expression, ability to construct a coherent train of thought, and to shape an argument. The quality of English expression and of presentation may also be part of the assessment, according to the circumstances under which the work was done.
English Written Work:
All entry requirements are correct as of September 2023, and may since have changed so please see specific course pages (which can be accessed via our Courses page) for up to date information, guidance, entry requirements and selection criteria.
A-levels: AAA
Personal Statement:
Classics Component: See website.
Modern Languages Component:
Written Work:
Classics Written Work:
A very different standard of content and presentation should be expected from a piece of highly prepared course work than from a piece written for homework with a short dead-line, or written under exam conditions. Taking these differences into account, assessors will be looking for signs of good basic knowledge, powers of analysis, powers of expression, ability to construct a coherent train of thought, and to shape an argument. The quality of English expression and of presentation may also be part of the assessment, according to the circumstances under which the work was done.
Modern Languages Written Work:
All entry requirements are correct as of September 2023, and may since have changed so please see specific course pages (which can be accessed via our Courses page) for up to date information, guidance, entry requirements and selection criteria.
A-levels: AAA
Personal Statement:
Classics Component: See website.
Asian and Middle Eastern Languages Component:
Written Work:
Classics Written Work:
A very different standard of content and presentation should be expected from a piece of highly prepared course work than from a piece written for homework with a short dead-line, or written under exam conditions. Taking these differences into account, assessors will be looking for signs of good basic knowledge, powers of analysis, powers of expression, ability to construct a coherent train of thought, and to shape an argument. The quality of English expression and of presentation may also be part of the assessment, according to the circumstances under which the work was done.
Asian and Middle eastern Studies Written Work:
Two pieces, written in English.
The particular topic of your essay and the A-level (or equivalent) subject from which it is drawn are not important; it is intended to show how you construct an argument and express your ideas in English.
If you do not have any recent marked work written in English (for example, because of the combination of subjects you are currently studying), you may submit a separate piece of work, such as an essay in English on one of the topics you have been studying for your A-level (or equivalent).
It may be helpful to seek guidance from your teachers in devising a suitable title. In such circumstances, it would not normally be expected for this piece to have been marked, as it will not have been done in the normal course of your studies.
All entry requirements are correct as of September 2023, and may since have changed so please see specific course pages (which can be accessed via our Courses page) for up to date information, guidance, entry requirements and selection criteria.
A-levels: A*AA including Maths, with the A* in Maths, Further Maths or Computer Science.
Personal Statement:
All entry requirements are correct as of September 2023, and may since have changed so please see specific course pages (which can be accessed via our Courses page) for up to date information, guidance, entry requirements and selection criteria.
A-levels: A*AA including Maths, with the A* in Maths, Further Maths or Computer Science.
Personal Statement:
All entry requirements are correct as of September 2023, and may since have changed so please see specific course pages (which can be accessed via our Courses page) for up to date information, guidance, entry requirements and selection criteria.
A-levels: A*AA/AAAA
Personal Statement:
All entry requirements are correct as of September 2023, and may since have changed so please see specific course pages (which can be accessed via our Courses page) for up to date information, guidance, entry requirements and selection criteria.
A-levels: A*A*A (with the A*s in Maths, Further Maths or Physics)
Personal Statement:
You could tell us about a hobby that shows off your love of engineering – maybe you’ve built a robot or taught yourself how to program. Make sure you mention what it is that you enjoy about it, and what engineering principles you’ve learned. Perhaps you’ve managed to find some work experience in an engineering-related field, or you’ve attended one of the Headstart courses taking place around the country – or even in Oxford. Of course, this isn’t possible for everyone, but if it applies to you, tell us! Think about the personal and engineering lessons you took away with you.
All entry requirements are correct as of September 2023, and may since have changed so please see specific course pages (which can be accessed via our Courses page) for up to date information, guidance, entry requirements and selection criteria.
A-levels: AAA
Written Work:
All entry requirements are correct as of September 2023, and may since have changed so please see specific course pages (which can be accessed via our Courses page) for up to date information, guidance, entry requirements and selection criteria.
A-levels: AAA
Personal Statement:
Modern Languages Component:
Written Work:
English Written Work:
Modern languages Written Work:
All entry requirements are correct as of September 2023, and may since have changed so please see specific course pages (which can be accessed via our Courses page) for up to date information, guidance, entry requirements and selection criteria.
A-levels: AAA
Personal Statement:
Middle Eastern Languages Component:
Written Work:
English Written Work:
Middle Eastern Languages Written Work:
Two pieces, written in English.
The particular topic of your essay and the A-level (or equivalent) subject from which it is drawn are not important; it is intended to show how you construct an argument and express your ideas in English.
If you do not have any recent marked work written in English (for example, because of the combination of subjects you are currently studying), you may submit a separate piece of work, such as an essay in English on one of the topics you have been studying for your A-level (or equivalent).
It may be helpful to seek guidance from your teachers in devising a suitable title. In such circumstances, it would not normally be expected for this piece to have been marked, as it will not have been done in the normal course of your studies.
All entry requirements are correct as of September 2023, and may since have changed so please see specific course pages (which can be accessed via our Courses page) for up to date information, guidance, entry requirements and selection criteria.
A-levels: AAA
Portfolio Submission:
During the process of reviewing portfolios, tutors look for work that goes beyond the mere fulfilment of school curricula. We search for highly motivated activity, over and above any project-based work, and for a breadth of engagement, a sense of purpose and strength of opinion in the way the portfolio is edited. It is important for us is to be able to discover a sense of the temperament underlying the work, and to sense the deeper interests that inform the portfolio. We are not interested in finding a particular formula or a specific style, but in signs of energy, ambition, critical reflection and creativity.
All entry requirements are correct as of September 2023, and may since have changed so please see specific course pages (which can be accessed via our Courses page) for up to date information, guidance, entry requirements and selection criteria.
A-levels: A*AA
Personal Statement:
We are looking for your potential for independent thinking, ability to follow an argument and problem-solving skills. Applicants will need to display evidence of a strong academic record and an ability to deploy their knowledge in ways that show initiative. Interviews are not a test of knowledge but give candidates the opportunity to respond in a thoughtful way to unpredictable questions and ideas.
All entry requirements are correct as of September 2023, and may since have changed so please see specific course pages (which can be accessed via our Courses page) for up to date information, guidance, entry requirements and selection criteria.
A-levels: AAA
Personal Statement:
It is your chance to introduce yourself as an historian and to tell tutors why you want to study the subject at university.
You should show your commitment to the subject by explaining your current academic interests, which are likely to extend beyond your compulsory schoolwork. It is helpful to write as precisely as possible. Applicants commonly write about specific books that they have read, experiences or talks that have influenced them, or museums or historical sites that they have explored. If you are applying for a Joint Schools degree, you should show why you are interested in studying these two subjects together.
Above all, instead of merely writing about what you have done, we want to know what you think about your academic activities and to see how they have shaped your understanding of the subject.
Written Work:
The essay should be a maximum of 2000 words and must be accompanied by a signed certificate (confirmed by the school or college) stating the circumstances under which the work was written. Please do not send source-based work.
Note that in selecting work for submission you should choose a piece which has enthused you and on which you are willing to talk. Do not worry if you have changed your mind on the topic since writing it. Tutors are impressed by candidates who remain intellectually engaged with their work.
All entry requirements are correct as of September 2023, and may since have changed so please see specific course pages (which can be accessed via our Courses page) for up to date information, guidance, entry requirements and selection criteria.
A-levels: AAA
Personal Statement:
It is your chance to introduce yourself as an historian and to tell tutors why you want to study the subject at university.
You should show your commitment to the subject by explaining your current academic interests, which are likely to extend beyond your compulsory schoolwork. It is helpful to write as precisely as possible. Applicants commonly write about specific books that they have read, experiences or talks that have influenced them, or museums or historical sites that they have explored. If you are applying for a Joint Schools degree, you should show why you are interested in studying these two subjects together.
Above all, instead of merely writing about what you have done, we want to know what you think about your academic activities and to see how they have shaped your understanding of the subject.
Written Work:
The essay should be a maximum of 2000 words and must be accompanied by a signed certificate (confirmed by the school or college) stating the circumstances under which the work was written. Please do not send source-based work.
Note that in selecting work for submission you should choose a piece which has enthused you and on which you are willing to talk. Do not worry if you have changed your mind on the topic since writing it. Tutors are impressed by candidates who remain intellectually engaged with their work.
All entry requirements are correct as of September 2023, and may since have changed so please see specific course pages (which can be accessed via our Courses page) for up to date information, guidance, entry requirements and selection criteria.
A-levels: AAA
Personal Statement:
It is your chance to introduce yourself as an historian and to tell tutors why you want to study the subject at university.
You should show your commitment to the subject by explaining your current academic interests, which are likely to extend beyond your compulsory schoolwork. It is helpful to write as precisely as possible. Applicants commonly write about specific books that they have read, experiences or talks that have influenced them, or museums or historical sites that they have explored. If you are applying for a Joint Schools degree, you should show why you are interested in studying these two subjects together.
Above all, instead of merely writing about what you have done, we want to know what you think about your academic activities and to see how they have shaped your understanding of the subject.
Written Work:
The essay should be a maximum of 2000 words and must be accompanied by a signed certificate (confirmed by the school or college) stating the circumstances under which the work was written. Please do not send source-based work.
Note that in selecting work for submission you should choose a piece which has enthused you and on which you are willing to talk. Do not worry if you have changed your mind on the topic since writing it. Tutors are impressed by candidates who remain intellectually engaged with their work.
All entry requirements are correct as of September 2023, and may since have changed so please see specific course pages (which can be accessed via our Courses page) for up to date information, guidance, entry requirements and selection criteria.
A-levels: AAA
Personal Statement:
History Component:
It is your chance to introduce yourself as an historian and to tell tutors why you want to study the subject at university.
You should show your commitment to the subject by explaining your current academic interests, which are likely to extend beyond your compulsory schoolwork. It is helpful to write as precisely as possible. Applicants commonly write about specific books that they have read, experiences or talks that have influenced them, or museums or historical sites that they have explored. If you are applying for a Joint Schools degree, you should show why you are interested in studying these two subjects together.
Above all, instead of merely writing about what you have done, we want to know what you think about your academic activities and to see how they have shaped your understanding of the subject.
Modern Languages Component:
Written Work:
History Written Work:
The essay should be a maximum of 2000 words and must be accompanied by a signed certificate (confirmed by the school or college) stating the circumstances under which the work was written. Please do not send source-based work.
Note that in selecting work for submission you should choose a piece which has enthused you and on which you are willing to talk. Do not worry if you have changed your mind on the topic since writing it. Tutors are impressed by candidates who remain intellectually engaged with their work.
Modern Languages Written Work:
All entry requirements are correct as of September 2023, and may since have changed so please see specific course pages (which can be accessed via our Courses page) for up to date information, guidance, entry requirements and selection criteria.
A-levels: AAA
Personal Statement:
It is your chance to introduce yourself as an historian and to tell tutors why you want to study the subject at university.
You should show your commitment to the subject by explaining your current academic interests, which are likely to extend beyond your compulsory schoolwork. It is helpful to write as precisely as possible. Applicants commonly write about specific books that they have read, experiences or talks that have influenced them, or museums or historical sites that they have explored. If you are applying for a Joint Schools degree, you should show why you are interested in studying these two subjects together.
Above all, instead of merely writing about what you have done, we want to know what you think about your academic activities and to see how they have shaped your understanding of the subject.
Written Work:
The essay should be a maximum of 2000 words and must be accompanied by a signed certificate (confirmed by the school or college) stating the circumstances under which the work was written. Please do not send source-based work.
Note that in selecting work for submission you should choose a piece which has enthused you and on which you are willing to talk. Do not worry if you have changed your mind on the topic since writing it. Tutors are impressed by candidates who remain intellectually engaged with their work.
All entry requirements are correct as of September 2023, and may since have changed so please see specific course pages (which can be accessed via our Courses page) for up to date information, guidance, entry requirements and selection criteria.
A-levels: AAA
Successful applicants for admission to our undergraduate law programmes possess the following qualities, and the admissions process as a whole is designed to identify which applicants possess them in the greatest measure:
Application: motivation and capacity for sustained and intense work;
Reasoning ability: ability to analyse and solve problems using logical and critical approaches, ability to draw fine distinctions, ability to separate the relevant from the irrelevant, capacity for accurate and critical observation, capacity for sustained and cogent argument, creativity and flexibility of thought and lateral thinking;
Communication: willingness and ability to express ideas clearly and effectively; ability to listen; ability to give considered responses.
All entry requirements are correct as of September 2023, and may since have changed so please see specific course pages (which can be accessed via our Courses page) for up to date information, guidance, entry requirements and selection criteria.
A-levels: A*AA
Personal Statement:
1) Academic Ability
2) Interest in Materials Science and the relevant parts of Physics, Chemistry and Maths, including an appreciation of some aspects of Materials Science outside the confines of the A-level science syllabuses (or equivalent).
3) Motivation and perseverance
4) Independent working and communication
All entry requirements are correct as of September 2023, and may since have changed so please see specific course pages (which can be accessed via our Courses page) for up to date information, guidance, entry requirements and selection criteria.
A-levels: A*A*A with the A*s in Maths and Further Maths if taken
Personal Statement:
A. a capacity to absorb and use new ideas,
B. the ability to think and work independently, and
C. perseverance and enthusiasm.
All entry requirements are correct as of September 2023, and may since have changed so please see specific course pages (which can be accessed via our Courses page) for up to date information, guidance, entry requirements and selection criteria.
A-levels:A*AA (with A*A in Maths and Further Maths (FM) or A* in Maths if FM is not taken)
Personal Statement:
A. a capacity to absorb and use new ideas,
B. the ability to think and work independently, and
C. perseverance and enthusiasm.
All entry requirements are correct as of September 2023, and may since have changed so please see specific course pages (which can be accessed via our Courses page) for up to date information, guidance, entry requirements and selection criteria.
A-levels: A*A*A with the A*s in Maths and Further Maths if taken
Personal Statement:
A. a capacity to absorb and use new ideas,
B. the ability to think and work independently, and
C. perseverance and enthusiasm.
All entry requirements are correct as of September 2023, and may since have changed so please see specific course pages (which can be accessed via our Courses page) for up to date information, guidance, entry requirements and selection criteria.
A-levels: A*A*A with the A*s in Maths and Further Maths if taken
Personal Statement:
A. a capacity to absorb and use new ideas,
B. the ability to think and work independently, and
C. perseverance and enthusiasm.
All entry requirements are correct as of September 2023, and may since have changed so please see specific course pages (which can be accessed via our Courses page) for up to date information, guidance, entry requirements and selection criteria.
A-levels: A*AA (excluding Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and General Studies)
Personal Statement:
Personal Characteristics: Suitability for Medicine
Academic Potential
All entry requirements are correct as of September 2023, and may since have changed so please see specific course pages (which can be accessed via our Courses page) for up to date information, guidance, entry requirements and selection criteria.
A-levels:
In addition to your degree, you must also have passes at A-level of at least AAB with an A or A* in Chemistry (if A-levels taken within last 5 years). One of these must be chemistry (unless you have a chemistry degree).
Applicants must also have one from Biology, Physics or Mathematics at A-level. Applicants with a degree in a subject other than bioscience must have a qualification in biology at GCSE or equivalent level.
Visit the Medical Sciences Division website for more information.
Personal Statement:
Personal Characteristics: Suitability for Medicine
Academic Potential
All entry requirements are correct as of September 2023, and may since have changed so please see specific course pages (which can be accessed via our Courses page) for up to date information, guidance, entry requirements and selection criteria.
A-levels: AAA
Personal Statement:
Written Work:
All entry requirements are correct as of September 2023, and may since have changed so please see specific course pages (which can be accessed via our Courses page) for up to date information, guidance, entry requirements and selection criteria.
A-levels: AAA
Personal Statement:
Written Work:
All entry requirements are correct as of September 2023, and may since have changed so please see specific course pages (which can be accessed via our Courses page) for up to date information, guidance, entry requirements and selection criteria.
A-levels: AAA
Personal Statement:
Tutors will be looking for potential to engage with the course, an ability to think critically about music, and a keen interest in learning more about this subject.
Written Work/Performance:
As part of your application, you will need to submit some written work and a recording of you performing. This will not be considered as part of shortlisting. Please submit:
See admissions page for more details.
All entry requirements are correct as of September 2023, and may since have changed so please see specific course pages (which can be accessed via our Courses page) for up to date information, guidance, entry requirements and selection criteria.
A-levels: AAA
Personal Statement:
Modern Languages Component:
Written Work:
Modern Languages Written Work:
All entry requirements are correct as of September 2023, and may since have changed so please see specific course pages (which can be accessed via our Courses page) for up to date information, guidance, entry requirements and selection criteria.
A-levels: AAA
Personal Statement:
All entry requirements are correct as of September 2023, and may since have changed so please see specific course pages (which can be accessed via our Courses page) for up to date information, guidance, entry requirements and selection criteria.
A-levels: A*AA to include Mathematics and Physics. The A* must be in Mathematics, Physics or Further Mathematics.
Personal Statement:
Tutors are looking for enthusiastic and highly-motivated students with the ability to apply basic principles to unfamiliar situations.
The language of physics is mathematics and formulating physical theories requires new mathematical structures. Therefore, the tutors are also looking for a good level of mathematical competence and the ability to formulate a problem in mathematical terms and then extract the physical consequences from the solution.
All entry requirements are correct as of September 2023, and may since have changed so please see specific course pages (which can be accessed via our Courses page) for up to date information, guidance, entry requirements and selection criteria.
A-levels: A*AA
Personal Statement:
In addition to looking for a very good track record of academic achievement, tutors are keen to see whether you can evaluate evidence, are able to consider issues from different perspectives, have a capacity for logical and creative thinking, appreciate the importance of empirical evidence in supporting arguments, and can cope with the demands of the course.
All entry requirements are correct as of September 2023, and may since have changed so please see specific course pages (which can be accessed via our Courses page) for up to date information, guidance, entry requirements and selection criteria.
A-levels: A*AA
Personal Statement:
In addition to looking for a very good track record of academic achievement, tutors are keen to see whether you can evaluate evidence, are able to consider issues from different perspectives, have a capacity for logical and creative thinking, appreciate the importance of empirical evidence in supporting arguments, and can cope with the demands of the course.