Oxford, UK
Name: University of Oxford, Mansfield College
Location: Oxford, England
University size: 23,000 (Mansfield: 300)
University founded: c. 1096 (Mansfield: 1886)
Terms available: Academic year, only
Dates: early October to mid-June
Start and end dates noted are tentative and subject to change.
Academic strengths/Preferred majors: English, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Theology
As with all Holy Cross study abroad programs, admission to Oxford-Mansfield College is a two-step process. HC students first apply to the Office of Study Abroad for approval to apply to Oxford. The minimum requirement for this first step is a cumulative GPA of 3.7 and a minimum 3.75 in your major(s) at the time of your application.
All students who meet the minimum GPA requirements and wish to engage with the tutorial system at Oxford are encouraged to apply for approval, but it should be noted that admission to Oxford is highly competitive, and other factors beyond the GPA minimums at the time of the HC Study Abroad application are taken into consideration. Applicants are expected to achieve a 3.7 overall in their third semester (sophomore fall) as well. Grades below a 3.7 (e.g., "B+" or "B") in the third semester may have a negative impact on your candidacy. Note: the decision rendered by the HC Office of Study Abroad on whether or not to permit a student to apply to Oxford is final.
After approved by HC Study Abroad, students take the second step: applying directly to Mansfield College through its student portal, carefully following each admissions protocol. Please note that international students may need to provide Oxford with evidence of their proficiency in studying and writing English. Information about Oxford's requirements for English-language proficiency can be found here: https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/international-students/english-language-requirements
Because of the highly competitive nature of admission to Oxford, students should arrange to meet with Assistant Director Sue McCrory (contact info below) to discuss an alternative, non-Oxford study abroad programs in the event that the student is denied approval to apply to Oxford, or is denied actual admission to Oxford.
University website: https://www.mansfield.ox.ac.uk/
Study Abroad website: https://www.mansfield.ox.ac.uk/visiting-student-programme
Student life/campus activities: https://www.mansfield.ox.ac.uk/student-life-vsp
Calendar: https://www.ox.ac.uk/about/facts-and-figures/dates-of-term?wssl=1
ALL Holy Cross students MUST abide by Oxford's published exam schedule. NO EXCEPTIONS, NO REQUESTS for EARLIER EXAMS.
Admissions overview: https://www.mansfield.ox.ac.uk/study-here/visiting-student-programme/how-to-apply/
For a comprehensive guide to Mansfield College, go to the HC Office of Study Abroad's Oxford COMPASS
Visa fees: Approx. $1000 (the actual number will depend on current exchange rates)
Housing deposit: Refundable 300 GBP (approximately US $400)
Course Registration info: Three primary tutorials and three secondary tutorials are a full course load for the academic year (one each per term).
Catalog*: https://www.mansfield.ox.ac.uk/subjects-vsp
Courses previously taken by Holy Cross students: https://sa.holycross.edu On left-side menu, under "Academic Resources," click "Courses Taken Abroad for Holy Cross Credit"
This list provides examples of the tutorials taken by past HC students enrolled at Mansfield College. It does not reflect the tutorials that you will design in conjunction with Mansfield administrators for your own course of study at Oxford.
Grade equivalency sheet: Available on the Holy Cross Registrar’s website: http://www.holycross.edu/support-and-resources/office-registrar/study-abroad-equivalencies
*Note: In the UK, classes are called “modules” and majors are called “courses.”
A note on academics at Oxford: At Oxford, the essential instrument of teaching is the tutorial system rather than lectures, classroom discussions, or seminars. The tutorial requires a great deal of self-motivation on the part of the student as well as considerable independent organization and research skills. At the tutorial, the student submits a prepared paper on a topic agreed upon with the tutor; the student's paper, attendant readings, and research are the basis of a further discussion of the area under study. Students also regularly attend University lectures and have access to lectures found in the Lecture Lists. Certain classes and seminars may also be available by special permission and arrangement.
All information listed above is subject to change.
For more information, contact:
Sue McCrory, Assistant Director
Email: smccrory@holycross.edu
Phone: 508-793-2755
Office: Smith 217
