As with all Holy Cross Study Abroad programs, admission to Oxford-Oriel College is a two-step process. Students first apply to Holy Cross 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 3.7 in your major(s) at the time of your application. The second step is to apply directly to Oriel, carefully following each of their admissions protocols.

For a comprehensive guide to this program, go to the HC Office of Study Abroad's Oxford COMPASS
All students who meet the minimum GPA requirements and wish to study abroad at Oxford are encouraged to apply, but it should be noted that admission to Oxford is highly competitive. Other factors beyond the GPA minimums at the time of the application are taken into consideration. For example, applicants are expected to achieve a 3.7 overall in their third semester (sophomore fall) as well. Additionally, grades below a 3.7 (e.g., "B+" or "B") in the third semester may have a negative impact on your application to Oxford. Students whose third-semester performance at Holy Cross takes them out of the running for Oxford will be given the opportunity to apply to their second choice program. The decision of the HC Office of Study Abroad on whether to permit a student to apply to Oxford, or not, is final. 
Name: University of Oxford, Oriel College
Location: Oxford, England
University size: 23,000 (Oriel: 600)
University founded: c. 1096 (Oriel: 1326)
 
Terms available: Academic year, only
Dates: early October to mid-June. 
Start and end dates noted are tentative and subject to change.
Program cap: 10 students/yr (across all four Oxford colleges). 
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 alternative, non-Oxford study abroad programs in the event that the student is denied admission. 
Academic strengths: Interdisciplinary Studies (e.g., Classics & Asian/Middle East Studies; Comp-Sci & Philosophy; History & Economics)
  
University website: https://www.oriel.ox.ac.uk/
Visiting Student Website:  https://www.oriel.ox.ac.uk/study-with-us/undergraduates/visiting-students-programme/
Living at Oriel/Student Activities: https://www.oriel.ox.ac.uk/life-at-oriel/living-at-oriel/
Calendar: https://www.ox.ac.uk/about/facts-and-figures/dates-of-term?wssl=1 
Admissions Overview: https://www.oriel.ox.ac.uk/study-with-us/undergraduates/applying-to-oriel/
  
Visa fees: Approx. $1000 (the actual number will depend on current exchange rates)
Housing: Accommodations for Oriel are in the college (on-campus)

Course Registration info: Your term will normally be structured around taking a major course, which usually requires 8 tutorials per term (one per week) and a minor course will usually involve 4 tutorials per term (one on alternative weeks). Therefore an average 8-week term for a Visiting Student will involve a total of 12 one-hour tutorials. 
ICIP required: No
Catalog of Subjects:  https://www.oriel.ox.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/
Courses previously taken by Holy Cross students: https://sa.holycross.edu
***This is a new program for 2024-2025 so there have been no prior courses taken at Oriel College
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