Oxford & Cambridge
The University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge are two of the most prestigious universities in the world. Both Oxford and Cambridge are a federation of individual colleges, each with its own faculty, administrators, grounds, residence halls and traditions. Students apply directly to a college, rather than to the universities. The hallmark of Oxbridge academics is the tutorial (Oxford) / supervision (Cambridge) system. The tutorial/supervision is typically a one-hour meeting between one or two students and the tutor/supervisor. Typically tutorials/supervisions meet once a week or every other week, and center on an essay on a topic previously assigned. The tutor/supervisor will lead a discussion about the essay topic in an effort to provide new insights. At the end of the session, you will be assigned a new topic and may be offered recommended reading. Tutorials/Supervisions are individually arranged, taking into account the subject to be studied and the tutor's area of expertise. This system is ideal for hard-working, independent students who are passionate about academics. Each university also organizes weekly lectures on various academic subjects, and all students at the University, are welcome to attend and they are often recommended by Tutors as good supplements to tutorials/supervisions and research. At Oxbridge you'll be expected to do much more work on your own and think more independently than at Wellesley. These universities are about depth and should not be used as a way of fulfilling general requirements, therefore students are expected to take courses in the subject area of their major.
At a Glance
Location: Oxford or Cambridge, England
Program Type: Direct Enroll. More information on the approved colleges at the University of Oxford and Cambridge is available on our England program page here and at the links below.
Terms: Full year or Spring semester, depending on college
Language of Instruction: English
Pre-Requisites: Minimum 3.5 GPA, most colleges require a 3.7 minimum GPA.
Full Load:
Cambridge - 4 papers over 2 terms, 2 tutorials per term
Oxford- Full year= 6 tutorials over 3 terms, 2 tutorials per term
Spring semester= 4 tutorials over 2 terms, 2 tutorials per term
Housing Options: University accomodations
On-Campus Meetings: There will be an initial information session on Wednesday, September 25 at 1pm in the Clapp Library Lecture Room and several drop in advising sessions during Wellesley's International Opportunities Week (October 28-November 1), specifics will be posted on our calendar.
Application Process: ALL students applying to Oxbridge must meet at least once with Mireille McLaughlin in the OIS before November 1. Wellesley's Oxbridge Cover Sheet, college specific applications and supporting documents must be submitted during an appointment with Mireille the week of December 2.
