St Anne’s is the home of choice for the brightest and most ambitious students, including those from underrepresented groups.
St Anne’s is one of Oxford’s largest colleges, with over 800 students. Our Fellows’ world leading research ranges across the arts, humanities, social sciences, mathematics, and physical, life and medical sciences.
Our diverse, inclusive community extends around the globe through our alumnae, who build on their experiences here to change the world for the better.
Situated within 5 acres of tranquil leafy grounds, St Anne’s enjoys a unique atmosphere in which to hold any conference, dinner or special event.
Bright Matter is open to women, trans and non-binary students in Year 11 and 12 with an interest in studying STEM subjects at university. It is run jointly by St Anne’s, Mansfield, Magdalen, St Catherine’s, St Hilda’s, Christ Church, Oriel, Wadham and Worcester Colleges.
This programme aims to support students in developing their interest in STEM subjects at university, introducing them to STEM at Oxford and its application process, and to build a network of peers with whom to connect. We aim to boost confidence, provide a sense of belonging and opportunities to engage with current students, academics and staff at Oxford.
Bright Matter consists of a launch workshop covering ‘Applying to Oxford’, held in January . The launch session will be followed by individual sessions on each STEM subject offered at the University of Oxford. Sessions will be led by a college tutor or faculty member and will cover subject insights, an introduction to the subject at undergraduate level, a short academic taster session, and Q&A with current students.
Later in the year each College will host their own visit day for selected students, giving students the opportunity to visit the University of Oxford, and find out more about the University’s teaching style.
Each online session will run 16:30-17:30, on the following dates:
Applying to Oxford/Launch: Thursday, January 7, 2027Biochemistry: Tuesday, January 12, 2027Biology: Wednesday, January 13, 2027Biomedical Sciences: Thursday, January 14, 2027Chemistry: Tuesday, January 19, 2027Computer Science: Monday, January 25, 2027Earth Sciences: Thursday, January 21, 2027Engineering: Tuesday, January 26, 2027Human Sciences: Wednesday, January 27, 2027Materials Science: Thursday, January 28, 2027Mathematics: Tuesday, February 2, 2027Medicine: Wednesday, February 3, 2027Physics: Thursday, February 4, 2027Psychology: Tuesday, February 9, 2027Philosophy of Science: Monday, February 8, 2027Competitive Applications: Thursday, February 11, 2027
The first part of this programme is non-selective, and open to all Women, Trans, and Non-Binary students in Years 11 and 12.
Please use our sign up form here: Bright Matter 2026-27 – Fill in form
Students who wish to attend one of the taster days will be invited to do so following their attendance at one or more of the online sessions, and will be contacted by one of the colleges directly.
Felt this series connected them with their peers in STEM.
Felt more reassured that they would fit in with their student cohort.
Felt more confident about applying to University after this series.