Entry Requirements and Selection Criteria

What tutors are looking for

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 more

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.

Asian and Middle Eastern 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

Personal Statement:

Intellectual curiosity
Conceptual clarity
Flexibility – the capacity to engage with alternative perspectives and/or new information
Accuracy and attention to detail
Critical engagement
Capacity for hard work
Enthusiasm for their chosen subject

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.

Biochemistry

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:

your Interest in/enthusiasm for biochemistry;
your ability to describe/discuss a topic of mutual interest;
your ability to describe/analyse, and extrapolate from, novel information;
your reasoning and problem solving ability.

Biology

A-levels: A*AA (with the A* in a science or Maths)

Personal Statement:

Show your passion for the subject – don’t just tell us you like biology, show us evidence. Have you read any books, watched any documentaries, gone on any walks or trips, or done any volunteering? Explain what about biology you are interested in and anything that inspires you.
Be honest – you might be asked about your statement in an interview, so make sure you can talk about anything you write! Don’t, for example, say you’ve read a book when you haven’t.

Biomedical Sciences

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:

Motivation and capacity for sustained and intense work.
A strong track record of academic achievement, and particular ability and potential in science and/or mathematics. An excellent record at GCSE (or equivalent).
Evidence that the academic terms of a conditional offer are likely to be met.
Intellectual curiosity and enthusiasm and readiness to cope with the academic demands of the course.
Reasoning and problem solving ability: use of a logical and critical approach, and strong powers of analysis.
Communication: Good command of the English language. Ability to express ideas clearly and effectively. Ability to listen.
Ability to generate own ideas and proposals. Originality and creativity of thought, lateral thinking and hypothesis-generation.
A demonstrable commitment to the study of biomedical sciences and/or neuroscience at university.

Chemistry

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
- Reasoning ability; aptitude for analysing and solving problems using logical and critical approaches
- Mathematical ability
- Capacity to absorb new ideas and to apply familiar ideas to unfamiliar situations
- Spirit of enquiry: desire to understand the reasons for observations; enthusiasm and curiosity in science
- An understanding of the chemical concepts covered in courses taken so far
Interest in Chemistry
- Including an appreciation of some aspects of it outside the confines of the A level syllabus (or equivalent)
Motivation and perseverance
- An enthusiasm for chemistry and the motivation to pursue an academically demanding four-year course
Independent working and communication
- Ability to work independently; willingness and ability to express ideas clearly and effectively orally, in writing and numerically; ability to listen

Classical Archaeology and Ancient History

A-levels: AAA

Personal Statement: See website.

Classics

A-levels: AAA

Personal Statement: See website.

Classics and English

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:

Attention to the literary aspects of chosen texts
Sensitivity to the creative use of language
Evidence of careful and critical reading
An analytical approach
Coherence and structure of argument and articulacy of expression
Precision in the handling of concepts and in the evidence presented to support points
Relevance to the question
Independence of thought

Classics and Modern Languages

A-levels: AAA

Personal Statement:

Classics Component: See website.

Modern Languages Component:

Motivation and commitment along with capacity for sustained study of language and literature.
Communication: willingness and ability to express ideas clearly and effectively both in writing and orally; ability to listen and to give considered responses.
Proven competence in the language(s) as established by school work written in the language(s), by the language test and (in some cases) by oral competence at interview. In the case of beginners, clear evidence of aptitude and potential for language study.
While there is no requirement that candidates will have read any literature in the language(s), successful candidates will demonstrate an aptitude and commitment to the study of literature by evidence of their readiness to discuss their reading in English or in the relevant language(s) or by their response to a reading-passage at interview. Assessors will look for evidence of intellectual curiosity and critical engagement.

Written Work:

Classics Written Work:

Modern Languages Written Work:

Relevance to the question or topic;
Coherence of argument;
Clear and logical structure;
Precision and clarity of writing;
In the case of written work in the language(s), ability to use correctly a range of grammatical structures and vocabulary;
In the case of written work in English, a good command of the English language.

Classics and Asian and Middle Eastern Studies

A-levels: AAA

Personal Statement:

Classics Component: See website.

Asian and Middle Eastern Languages Component:

Intellectual curiosity
Conceptual clarity
Flexibility – the capacity to engage with alternative perspectives and/or new information
Accuracy and attention to detail
Critical engagement
Capacity for hard work
Enthusiasm for their chosen subject

Written Work:

Classics Written Work:

Asian and Middle eastern Studies Written Work:

Two pieces, written in English.

Computer Science

A-levels: A*AA including Maths, with the A* in Maths, Further Maths or Computer Science.

Personal Statement:

a capacity to absorb and use new ideas,
the ability to think and work independently, and
perseverance and enthusiasm

Computer Science and Philosophy

A-levels: A*AA including Maths, with the A* in Maths, Further Maths or Computer Science.

Personal Statement:

a capacity to absorb and use new ideas,
the ability to think and work independently, and
perseverance and enthusiasm

Earth Sciences

A-levels: A*AA/AAAA

Personal Statement:

Reasoning ability; aptitude for analysing and solving problems using logical and critical approaches
Mathematical ability and potential
Independence and creativity of thought, lateral thinking and hypothesis generation
Capacity to absorb and use new ideas; ability to apply familiar ideas to unfamiliar situations
Spirit of enquiry: keenness to understand the reasons for observations; depth; tendency to look for meaning; enthusiasm and curiosity in science
Observation: accurate, critical, quantitative
Appreciation of the field-based, laboratory and theoretical nature of the Earth Sciences

Engineering Science

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.

English Language and Literature

A-levels: AAA

Written Work:

Attention to the literary aspects of chosen texts
Sensitivity to the creative use of language
Evidence of careful and critical reading
An analytical approach
Coherence and structure of argument and articulacy of expression
Precision in the handling of concepts and in the evidence presented to support points
Relevance to the question
Independence of thought

English and Modern Languages

A-levels: AAA

Personal Statement:

Modern Languages Component:

Motivation and commitment along with capacity for sustained study of language and literature.
Communication: willingness and ability to express ideas clearly and effectively both in writing and orally; ability to listen and to give considered responses.
Proven competence in the language(s) as established by school work written in the language(s), by the language test and (in some cases) by oral competence at interview. In the case of beginners, clear evidence of aptitude and potential for language study.
While there is no requirement that candidates will have read any literature in the language(s), successful candidates will demonstrate an aptitude and commitment to the study of literature by evidence of their readiness to discuss their reading in English or in the relevant language(s) or by their response to a reading-passage at interview. Assessors will look for evidence of intellectual curiosity and critical engagement.

Written Work:

English Written Work:

Attention to the literary aspects of chosen texts
Sensitivity to the creative use of language
Evidence of careful and critical reading
An analytical approach
Coherence and structure of argument and articulacy of expression
Precision in the handling of concepts and in the evidence presented to support points
Relevance to the question
Independence of thought

Modern languages Written Work:

Relevance to the question or topic;
Coherence of argument;
Clear and logical structure;
Precision and clarity of writing;
In the case of written work in the language(s), ability to use correctly a range of grammatical structures and vocabulary;
In the case of written work in English, a good command of the English language.

English and Middle Eastern Languages

A-levels: AAA

Personal Statement:

Middle Eastern Languages Component:

Intellectual curiosity
Conceptual clarity
Flexibility – the capacity to engage with alternative perspectives and/or new information
Accuracy and attention to detail
Critical engagement
Capacity for hard work
Enthusiasm for their chosen subject

Written Work:

English Written Work:

Attention to the literary aspects of chosen texts
Sensitivity to the creative use of language
Evidence of careful and critical reading
An analytical approach
Coherence and structure of argument and articulacy of expression
Precision in the handling of concepts and in the evidence presented to support points
Relevance to the question
Independence of thought

Middle Eastern Languages Written Work:

Two pieces, written in English.

Fine Art

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.

Geography

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.

History

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.

Intellectual curiosity
Conceptual clarity
Flexibility – the capacity to engage with alternative perspectives and/or new information
Accuracy and attention to detail
Critical engagement
Capacity for hard work
Enthusiasm for History
Evidence of historical imagination and understanding, in particular, the ability to speculate and compare, alongside the possession of appropriate historical knowledge and the capacity to deploy it.

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.

History (Ancient and Modern)

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.

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.

Intellectual curiosity
Conceptual clarity
Flexibility – the capacity to engage with alternative perspectives and/or new information
Accuracy and attention to detail
Critical engagement
Capacity for hard work
Enthusiasm for History
Evidence of historical imagination and understanding, in particular, the ability to speculate and compare, alongside the possession of appropriate historical knowledge and the capacity to deploy it.

Written Work:

History and Economics

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.

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.

Intellectual curiosity
Conceptual clarity
Flexibility – the capacity to engage with alternative perspectives and/or new information
Accuracy and attention to detail
Critical engagement
Capacity for hard work
Enthusiasm for History
Evidence of historical imagination and understanding, in particular, the ability to speculate and compare, alongside the possession of appropriate historical knowledge and the capacity to deploy it.

Written Work:

History and Modern Languages

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.

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.

Intellectual curiosity
Conceptual clarity
Flexibility – the capacity to engage with alternative perspectives and/or new information
Accuracy and attention to detail
Critical engagement
Capacity for hard work
Enthusiasm for History
Evidence of historical imagination and understanding, in particular, the ability to speculate and compare, alongside the possession of appropriate historical knowledge and the capacity to deploy it.

Modern Languages Component:

Motivation and commitment along with capacity for sustained study of language and literature.
Communication: willingness and ability to express ideas clearly and effectively both in writing and orally; ability to listen and to give considered responses.
Proven competence in the language(s) as established by school work written in the language(s), by the language test and (in some cases) by oral competence at interview. In the case of beginners, clear evidence of aptitude and potential for language study.
While there is no requirement that candidates will have read any literature in the language(s), successful candidates will demonstrate an aptitude and commitment to the study of literature by evidence of their readiness to discuss their reading in English or in the relevant language(s) or by their response to a reading-passage at interview. Assessors will look for evidence of intellectual curiosity and critical engagement.

Written Work:

History Written Work:

Modern Languages Written Work:

Relevance to the question or topic;
Coherence of argument;
Clear and logical structure;
Precision and clarity of writing;
In the case of written work in the language(s), ability to use correctly a range of grammatical structures and vocabulary;
In the case of written work in English, a good command of the English language.

History and Politics

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.

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.

Intellectual curiosity
Conceptual clarity
Flexibility – the capacity to engage with alternative perspectives and/or new information
Accuracy and attention to detail
Critical engagement
Capacity for hard work
Enthusiasm for History
Evidence of historical imagination and understanding, in particular, the ability to speculate and compare, alongside the possession of appropriate historical knowledge and the capacity to deploy it.

Written Work:

Law (Jurisprudence)

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.

Materials Science

A-levels: A*AA

Personal Statement:

1) Academic Ability

Sufficient background knowledge and understanding of Maths, Physics and Chemistry to be able to understand first year lectures in Materials (assuming progress continues at the same rate after the admissions exercise). The level of knowledge required is similar to typical UK GCE A-level syllabuses in these subjects.
Sufficient academic ability and independence of thought to grasp the concepts encountered in the Materials Science course and to apply scientific knowledge to unfamiliar problems at a level where marks of at least 2(i) standard in Materials Science examinations are a reasonable expectation.
A higher minimum level of academic ability is required for those who have not studied Chemistry to A-level or equivalent (see educational achievement for our normal minimum level).
A higher minimum level of ability may be required for those whose performance at interview and/or in the Physics Aptitude Test (PAT) is inconsistent with their predicted school exam grades.
An ability to understand and appreciate the interdisciplinary nature and applied scientific approach inherent in Materials Science.

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

Ability to work independently; willingness and ability to express ideas clearly and effectively orally, in writing, and numerically; ability to absorb information given orally and information provided in writing.

Mathematics

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.

Mathematics and Computer Science

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.

Mathematics and Philosophy

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.

Mathematics and Statistics

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.

Medicine

A-levels: A*AA (excluding Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and General Studies)

Personal Statement:

Personal Characteristics: Suitability for Medicine

Empathy: ability and willingness to imagine the feelings of others and understand the reasons for the views of others
Motivation: a reasonably well-informed and strong desire to practise medicine
Communication: ability to make knowledge and ideas clear using language appropriate to the audience
Honesty and integrity
Ethical awareness
Ability to work with others
Capacity for sustained and intense work
Alignment of individual values and behaviours with the values of the NHS Constitution.

Academic Potential

Problem-solving: critical thinking, analytical approach
Intellectual curiosity: keenness to understand the reason for observations; depth; tendency to look for meaning; enthusiasm and curiosity in science
Communication skills: willingness and ability to express clearly and effectively; ability to listen; compatibility with tutorial format

Medicine (Graduate Entry)

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

Empathy: ability and willingness to imagine the feelings of others and understand the reasons for the views of others
Motivation: a reasonably well-informed and strong desire to practise medicine
Communication: ability to make knowledge and ideas clear using language appropriate to the audience
Honesty and integrity
Ethical awareness
Ability to work with others
Capacity for sustained and intense work
Alignment of individual values and behaviours with the values of the NHS Constitution.

Academic Potential

Problem-solving: critical thinking, analytical approach
Intellectual curiosity: keenness to understand the reason for observations; depth; tendency to look for meaning; enthusiasm and curiosity in science
Communication skills: willingness and ability to express clearly and effectively; ability to listen; compatibility with tutorial format

Modern Languages

A-levels: AAA

Personal Statement:

Motivation and commitment along with capacity for sustained study of language and literature.
Communication: willingness and ability to express ideas clearly and effectively both in writing and orally; ability to listen and to give considered responses.
Proven competence in the language(s) as established by school work written in the language(s), by the language test and (in some cases) by oral competence at interview. In the case of beginners, clear evidence of aptitude and potential for language study.
While there is no requirement that candidates will have read any literature in the language(s), successful candidates will demonstrate an aptitude and commitment to the study of literature by evidence of their readiness to discuss their reading in English or in the relevant language(s) or by their response to a reading-passage at interview. Assessors will look for evidence of intellectual curiosity and critical engagement.

Written Work:

Relevance to the question or topic;
Coherence of argument;
Clear and logical structure;
Precision and clarity of writing;
In the case of written work in the language(s), ability to use correctly a range of grammatical structures and vocabulary;
In the case of written work in English, a good command of the English language.

Modern Languages and Linguistics

A-levels: AAA

Personal Statement:

Motivation and commitment along with capacity for sustained study of language and literature.
Communication: willingness and ability to express ideas clearly and effectively both in writing and orally; ability to listen and to give considered responses.
Proven competence in the language(s) as established by school work written in the language(s), by the language test and (in some cases) by oral competence at interview. In the case of beginners, clear evidence of aptitude and potential for language study.
While there is no requirement that candidates will have read any literature in the language(s), successful candidates will demonstrate an aptitude and commitment to the study of literature by evidence of their readiness to discuss their reading in English or in the relevant language(s) or by their response to a reading-passage at interview. Assessors will look for evidence of intellectual curiosity and critical engagement.

Written Work:

Relevance to the question or topic;
Coherence of argument;
Clear and logical structure;
Precision and clarity of writing;
In the case of written work in the language(s), ability to use correctly a range of grammatical structures and vocabulary;
In the case of written work in English, a good command of the English language.

Music

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:

Two pieces of teacher-marked written work, The emphasis is on quality of thought, not on quantity, so each of the two essays should be around 1500 words. It is fine to submit an excerpt from a longer piece such as an EP essay. It is perfectly acceptable to send one Music essay and one from another subject if you choose to.
One or two examples of teacher-marked harmony and counterpoint (e.g. Baroque chorale, 16th century counterpoint, 2-part invention, string quartet, Romantic songs, jazz realisation). We understand that not all candidates will have the opportunity to study this formally in school or college. We ask simply that you try and attempt an example. You may ask your school or instrumental teacher to help you find one, or use the one provided, with accompanying guidance, here: Faculty of Music – Chorale harmonisation instructions.
One or two short examples of original composition, which should be in some form of notated score. This is not compulsory.

See admissions page for more details.

Philosophy and Modern Languages

A-levels: AAA

Personal Statement:

Modern Languages Component:

Motivation and commitment along with capacity for sustained study of language and literature.
Communication: willingness and ability to express ideas clearly and effectively both in writing and orally; ability to listen and to give considered responses.
Proven competence in the language(s) as established by school work written in the language(s), by the language test and (in some cases) by oral competence at interview. In the case of beginners, clear evidence of aptitude and potential for language study.
While there is no requirement that candidates will have read any literature in the language(s), successful candidates will demonstrate an aptitude and commitment to the study of literature by evidence of their readiness to discuss their reading in English or in the relevant language(s) or by their response to a reading-passage at interview. Assessors will look for evidence of intellectual curiosity and critical engagement.

Written Work:

Modern Languages Written Work:

Relevance to the question or topic;
Coherence of argument;
Clear and logical structure;
Precision and clarity of writing;
In the case of written work in the language(s), ability to use correctly a range of grammatical structures and vocabulary;
In the case of written work in English, a good command of the English language.

Philosophy, Politics and Economics

A-levels: AAA

Personal Statement:

Application and interest: capacity for sustained study, motivation and interest, an independent and reflective approach to learning;
Reasoning ability: ability to analyse and solve problems using logical and critical approaches, ability to assess relevance, capacity to construct and critically assess arguments, flexibility and willingness to consider alternative views;
Communication: willingness and ability to express ideas clearly and effectively on paper and orally; ability to listen; ability to give considered responses.

Physics

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.

Psychology (Experimental)

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.

Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics

A-levels: A*AA

Personal Statement:

St Anne’s champions OxFarmToFork sustainable food initiative

Two St Anne’s students, Jakob Lomar and Ayesha Chakravarti, win in the 10th Annual National Oxford Uehiro Prize in Practical Ethics

St Anne’s champions OxFarmToFork sustainable food initiative

Two St Anne’s students, Jakob Lomar and Ayesha Chakravarti, win in the 10th Annual National Oxford Uehiro Prize in Practical Ethics

What tutors are looking for

Entry Requirements and Selection Criteria

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.

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