How to apply for Engineering Science at Oxford
Applying to Oxford
So you've had a look around and like what you see:
What are your next steps?
How to Apply - Official Guide
How to Prepare - Official Guide
1. Check our entry requirements
Firstly, how are your predicted grades?
The MEng course has specific entry requirements, so you’ll need to make sure that you meet them before going any further. Given certain mitigating circumstances, we sometimes make changes to our standard offer; you'll need to make those clear in your application.
2. Choose your college
Now for the fun part! Students at Oxford all belong to one of our colleges, which is where you’ll sleep, study and socialise. There are 27 colleges which accept Engineering Science students.
Each college is different and only you will know which one is right for you, so read through the list of colleges, and decide which one suits you. Open Days are also a really good opportunity to visit your top 3 or so colleges and see the facilities and ambience for yourself. You’ll submit your application directly to your college of choice. If you just can’t decide (or just don't have a preference), then don’t worry – submitting an ‘open application’ will get you a college assigned at random.
3. Apply through UCAS
Log in, write your application, and get it submitted before the deadline!
Take some time over your personal statement - it's your chance to tell us why you want to study engineering and what it is that interests you about it.
4. Take the Physics Aptitude Test
If you meet our requirements and you’re inspired by the thought of studying in Oxford, then your next step is the Physics Aptitude Test (PAT). We ask all our candidates to complete this, and it gives us more of an idea of where your skills lie in maths and physics – both essential for this course. The test normally takes place at your school or college, and lasts for 2 hours.
A series of short Youtube videos by Jesus College and Engineering Science undergraduate Angharad, gives you guidance on how to tackle the PAT and provides a run-down of the skills and knowledge you'll need (see resources below).
5. Attend an interview
We shortlist candidates based on their applications. If you get shortlisted, then we’ll invite you to an interview. It’s a chance for us to get to know you personally, find out a bit more about why you want to study engineering – and for you to ask us your questions, too!
Admissions interviews are usually held early in December.
Top tips from our tutors!
6. The offer
This is it! Following a successful interview, you’ll be offered a conditional place, which depends on your final exam results, or an unconditional place (if you've already met our academic requirements). At that point, all you need to do is get on with your revision, and make sure you do the best you can in your exams. Good luck!
Confused?
We've answered some of the Common Questions that we get asked a lot.
Other options
Industrial sponsorship
While industrial sponsorship can be valuable, it is not required for this course. If it is something that you are interested in pursuing, talk to your school’s careers advisor.
If your sponsoring company wants you to spend a year with them before you attend university, you’ll need to declare this at your interview, so that you don't receive a place that could otherwise have gone to another candidate.
If you are thinking of taking a year out between school and university, you might be interested in the Year In Industry scheme.
Deferred Entry
We welcome Deferred Entry applications (that is, applying for the following year’s intake), as long as you’ll be spending the intervening year on a structured activity – preferably something engineering-focussed.
(Please note: Hertford College does not offer deferred places)