ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

This course is not suitable for non-EU students who do not already live in the UK before the course begins. For information, refer to www.ukvisas.gov.uk.

As this is a postgraduate course, you are normally expected to have a first degree, although in exceptional cases candidates may be admitted on the basis of relevant experience. In addition, all candidates will be expected to have a sound background knowledge of archaeology.

English language ability
A high standard of English, both written and spoken, is required for participation on this course. Students whose first language is not English should be aware that proof of their English language ability is required and must consist of one of the Higher Level English Language qualifications, as follows:

• IELTS: 7.5 overall score; minimum 7.0 per component
(www.britcoun.org)

• TOEFL: 630 overal score; minimum test of written English score of 5.0.
(www.toefl.org - the TOEFL code for the University of Oxford is 0490)

• TOEFL (Computer-based): 267 overall score; minimum essay writing score of 5.0.

• TOEFL (Internet based): 109 overall score.

• Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): Overall score B.

How to Apply

Application Form and supporting materials

The University requires online applications. Paper applications are only acceptable in exceptional cases where it is not possible for you to apply online.

Application Form and Supporting Materials

The application form is obtained by going to the Application and Admissions procedure section of the online prospectus, at the Graduate Admissions Office. For a full explanation of application methods, see www.admin.ox.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply/forms.

Paper applications
If it is not possible for you to apply online, a paper application form can be requested from the Graduate Admissions Office. Please email the Graduate Admissions Office at: graduate.admissions@admin.ox.ac.uk or contact:

The Graduate Admissions Office
University Offices
Wellington Square
Oxford OX1 9FB Tel: (01865 270059 / 60 / 80)

Please note that in order to submit a paper application you must be able to pay the application fee by credit or debit card using our online store. If this is not possible, you may pay by cheque or bankers draft drawn on a UK bank account.

Completing your application
You will need to submit :

• Three references.
Note: If you anticipate having difficulty providing 3 referees who have an informed view of your academic ability and suitability for this Programme of Study, please contact the Award Programme Administrator for advice.
• Transcripts of previous higher education results.
Note: If it would be difficult for you to obtain transcripts of previous higher education qualifications because of the length of time since you studied or because you have substantial experience but not a degree, please contact the Award Programme Administrator before you submit your application. The transcript requirement can be waived in certain circumstances.
• Current CV/résumé.
• One piece of written work of approximately 2,000 words.
• A statement (see application form) of your reasons for applying to the course. This should include what you feel the course would offer you, and what you feel you could bring to the course.
• English proficiency score (if applicable).

Please note that supporting materials cannot be returned.

Application Deadline
For your application to be considered, your completed application form and supporting materials must reach the Graduate Admissions Office by 30 June 2012.

Application fee
Whether you choose to apply online or by post, there is an application fee of £50. The fee is non-refundable and is payable whether your application is ultimately successful or not. Your application cannot be processed unless payment in full is received with your application. The following payment methods are accepted:

Online applications only:
• Credit card – VISA/MasterCard only.

Paper applications only:
• Sterling cheque – drawn on a UK bank and made payable to ‘University of Oxford’
• Sterling banker’s draft made payable to ‘University of Oxford’.
• Sterling International Money Order made payable to ‘University of Oxford’.

If you have any questions about the progress of your application, please contact the OUDCE Award Programme Administrator (tel: 01865 270369 / 280154; ppaward@conted.ox.ac.uk) or the Graduate Admissions Office (tel: 01865 270059 / 60 / 80; email: graduate.admissions@admin.ox.ac.uk

Fees and Additional Expenses
The fee for the course is £1,975 (EU students), £6,600 (non-EU students). A deposit of £200 is required on acceptance of a place on the course and the remaining sum is payable in instalments. Any additional expenditure will be towards books and study materials purchased at students’ discretion.

Residency category
The level of tuition fees you pay (home-EU or non-EU) depends on your residential category.

If you are a non-European national with indefinite leave to remain in the UK, you may qualify for the home student fee, so long as you (or your spouse or parent) have been resident in the UK for the last three years for purposes other than full-time education.

Please note that UK/EU citizenship is not sufficient to be granted Home status, without also fulfilling the residence requirement. Students who have not been resident in the UK/EU for the last three years may be liable for the non-EU student fee. For a detailed classification of home-EU/non-EU status, please contact the OUDCE Registry on 01865 280355 if you have any queries.

Finance
Grants and Interest-Free Loans
Information on funds for archaeology can be found in the British Archaeological Yearbook (Council for British Archaeology) and at the Council for British Archaeology web site.

It is also recommended that you consult the major published guides to grants and charities. Three particularly useful ones that most libraries hold are:

1. Educational Grants Directory
2. A Guide to the Major Trusts
3. A Guide to Grants for Individuals in Need.

If the institutions are listed by the subject area, look under a broad range of areas ie. history, humanities etc. not just archaeology. If the institutions are listed regionally, look at the trusts and charities in the region of your early upbringing. There are many local charities and trusts that give financial aid to students who were born or educated within a certain region.

It is worth not restricting your application only to those who specify support for archaeological projects. Past students have been successful obtaining grants from local charities which have a very general interest in supporting educational and vocational courses, rather than simply just archaeological. The other point to bear in mind is that although many of the grants and trusts give fairly small amounts (anything from £100 to £500), you can apply to several, and end up with a sizeable amount of money.

You may also wish to check the Internet for further details about funding and scholarships – for example Prospects has a useful website.

For detailed information on funding for home and international students, please refer to: www.conted.ox.ac.uk/studentsupport/currentstudents/financial.php or contact the OUDCE Registry on 01865 280355