Mathematics, Mathematics and Statistics, Mathematics and Philosophy
- Chris Prior, MA PhD Camb, MA DPhil Oxf, Fellow and Tutor in Mathematics
- Bernd Kirchheim, Dr rer nat CSc Prague, MA Oxf, Shaw Foundation Fellow, Professor of Mathematics and Tutor in Mathematics
- Anil Gomes, MA DPhil Oxf, Fellow and Tutor in Philosophy
- Matthias Winkel, MSc Manc, Dipl.-Math. Muenster, PhD Paris, College Lecturer in Statistics and Mathematics
The Courses
The Mathematics courses offer a wide-ranging choice of subjects, taught to a high level and designed to capture the imagination and interest of all those who study at Oxford. Students can select from either a three or four-year degree in Mathematics or either of the joint degrees with Statistics or Philosophy. Changing between courses is possible, and decisions between the two straight Mathematics degrees may be left to the third year. Since syllabuses change, the University's web site (www.maths.ox.ac.uk) should be consulted for up-to-date information on the precise material studied.
While central university lectures provide the initial introduction to all course material, responsibility for students' academic development lies with colleges. At Trinity we try to make this as personal as possible, responding directly to individuals' preferences and needs. A typical week's work might include attendance at 8-10 lectures, several hours of private study and two college tutorials for which problems would be set, marked and discussed. Trinity's senior academic Fellows teach core topics and many of the optional papers internally, and this regular tutorial contact over a sustained period is highly beneficial to academic progress. Much of our teaching is carried out in the traditional Oxford manner, in paired tutorials, and occasionally we use small classes. Tutors make a wide selection of teaching aids available to students, including course notes, specimen examination questions, problem sheets and model solutions, which together give a full and systematic coverage of each topic. Since Oxford has no system of continuous assessment and mathematics degrees are based almost exclusively on formal university examinations sat at the end of each year, we also use a system of regular internal college examinations (called "collections") to monitor progress and provide practice in examination technique.
Self-motivation and independent thought are encouraged but tutors are always ready to provide help at any time, whether or not pre-arranged. We aim to develop individuals' strengths, help them overcome difficulties, and instil the logical and concise thinking that is the hallmark of good mathematicians. There is no room for complacency but our excellent examination results and the ease with which our students are stepping into responsible careers suggest we are succeeding in all respects.
Application and Interview
Preferred A-level subjects for Mathematics: Mathematics and (if possible) Further Mathematics, plus at least one other academic subject. Physics can be an advantage but is not essential.
As of entry in 2012, Mathematics (and Joint Schools with Mathematics) will ask for A*s in Maths and Further Maths (if taken), in addition to one other A at A Level.
Candidates for Mathematics subjects sit a written test in their schools, colleges or at an approved test centre. The test normally consists of five questions, which call upon core knowledge that is common to all syllabuses in A-level mathematics. The first question is multiple-choice with several parts. No calculators or formulae booklets are allowed. Sample papers and full details are available on the Mathematical Institute's web site (www.maths.ox.ac.uk/prospective-students/undergraduate/specimen-tests/). Occasionally schools study material in a different order and one question may be unfamiliar; but at Oxford we recognise this and the written test is only one of many factors that are taken into account when decisions are made.
Candidates who are shortlisted for interview at Trinity will be asked to come to Oxford in December, where they will stay for two or three days and have separate interviews with each of the College's Mathematics tutors. (Interview by Skype may be arranged for candidates from outside the EU.) Tutors try to create a tutorial setting at interview by working through problems with pen and paper, just as with students who are already here. As a candidate, you can lead by choosing topics, but tutors may then steer the discussion into new areas to see how you respond to ideas that you may not have thought about before. Candidates for Mathematics and Philosophy will also have an interview with the tutor in Philosophy.
All those invited to Oxford will have at least one further interview at another college, chosen for them by the central admissions computer, and possibly at other colleges as well, so it is important to be prepared to stay in Oxford for several days. All the Mathematics tutors aim to ensure that, if you are good enough, you will be offered a place at Oxford, whether at your college of first preference or at another college.
Websites
Further information can also be found on the following websites: