How to apply for graduate study

Understand how graduate admissions work and how to select Hertford.

How graduate applications work

Applying to Oxford as a graduate student involves both your chosen course and a college. This page explains how the process works and how Hertford considers applications.

1. Apply to your course
   Submit your application through the University of Oxford’s graduate admissions system.
2. Choose a college (optional)
   You can indicate a preference for Hertford College or make an open application.
3. Departmental assessment
   Your application is first assessed by your academic department or faculty.
4. College consideration
   After academic shortlisting, applications are shared with colleges. Hertford will then consider you for membership.

Initial applications for graduate courses are handled by the appropriate University department. Once your application has been accepted by a department, finding a college is usually relatively straightforward. However, there may be fewer college places available later in the application cycle.

If you select Hertford as your preferred college:
We will consider your application after it has been assessed by your department.

If you make an open application:
You may still be allocated to Hertford as part of the University’s college allocation process.

Courses and subjects

Hertford accepts students for all full-time research courses offered at Oxford, as well as a wide range of taught and part-time research courses across the humanities, sciences and social sciences. For a full list of available courses, see the University’s graduate admissions pages.

CHECKLIST

• Apply to your course by the relevant deadline
• Check whether your course has an earlier funding deadline
• Research external funding options if needed
• Ensure all required documents are submitted on time

Questions? Email graduate.admissions@hertford.ox.ac.uk