Courses considered by Merton
The University of Oxford offers a huge number of graduate courses (called programmes of study in its admissions literature). Merton does not offer admission in all of these, preferring to focus on subjects in which its Fellows work. This common ground between graduates and Fellows enhances the academic support which the College can offer and makes for a more cohesive intellectual community.
If you are considering an application to Merton, check first that the College offers your course.
How to Apply
Applicants must first have been accepted by a Department or Faculty of the University of Oxford before Merton or any other college can consider them. No separate college application is required; on the university application form, applicants should indicate either one preferred college or that they have no college preference (in which case, a college will be assigned via the University’s Graduate Admissions and Funding Office).
Details of the University admission process can be found on the University website and in the University Graduate Studies Prospectus
On average, graduate applications are not received by the first choice college until approximately 8 weeks after the application deadline date. It may take up to another 4-6 weeks before a college decision is made.
Applications received at Merton are assessed by Fellows in the relevant subject on the basis of academic merit and agreed with the Tutor for Graduates. Full details of the selection criteria for Merton College can be downloaded.
Unsuccessful applications are returned to the Department and Faculty so that they can be considered by another college. Merton College does not write to unsuccessful candidates, who should instead contact their Department/Faculty for updates on the progress of their application.
All candidates with an offer from the University are guaranteed a place at an Oxford college, but this procedure can take some time.
Fees
Fees are payable both to the College and to the University.
College fees for 2011-12
- MBA £3,150
- Other graduates £2,036
Please note: the College does not charge reduced fees for University employees.
University fees may be found on the University website.
All queries about fee status should be addressed to the Fees Clerk in the Bursary.
Accommodation charge for 2011-12
Graduate accommodation, single annual charge of £4,659
Flats and houses, from £680 per month
Meal charges 2011-12
Breakfast £1.64
Lunch £2.97
Dinner £3.70
See also University advice on living expenses.
Graduate Scholarships
Merton has a higher than average number of scholarships available to enable students to study at Oxford. When scholarships are available, details will be posted under the Vacancies section of this website.
The University has launched a new web tool: a search engine designed to assist graduates looking for funding sources.
Four Joint Scholarships with the University’s Clarendon Fund Scholarships
Offered - Annually
Eligibility – Overseas applicants
Value – Maintenance award of £13,590 (2011-12) from the College
Duration - For the period Clarendon Fund pays fees
Application – Via University application form by January
Six Joint Scholarships linked with Research Council UK (RCUK) Awards
Offered - annually
Eligibility - Home/EU and, where applicable, overseas applicants (Research applicants only)
Value – University and College fees plus maintenance award of c. £13,590
Duration – up to four years
Application – Via University application form by January
The Barnett Bequest for any Law course which the College normally considers
Offered - annually
Eligibility – UK applicants
Value – £10,000
Duration – one year
Application – via University application form on which Merton must be the college of choice and which must be submitted to the university by the March deadline. Eligible candidates will be identified to the college by the department and the College will make its decision in late May based on the University application form.
The Barton Scholarship for the BCL
Offered - annually
Eligibility – UK applicants
Value – £5,000
Duration – one year
Application – via University application form on which Merton must be the college of choice and which must be submitted to the university by the March deadline. Eligible candidates will be identified to the college by the department and the College will make its decision in late May based on the University application form.
The Merton Lawyers’ BCL Scholarship jointly with the Law Faculty
Offered - annually
Eligibility – Home/EU/Overseas applicants
Value – £5,000 from Merton College and £5,000 from the Law Faculty
Duration – one year
Application – via University application form on which Merton must be the college of choice and which must be submitted to the university by the March deadline. Eligible candidates will be identified to the college by the department and the College will make its decision in late May based on the University application form.
John Roberts Scholarship
Offered – Will not be offered again until 2012 for 2013 entry
Eligibility - Home/EU students studying History
Value - University and College fees plus maintenance award of c. £11,000
Duration - up to four years
Application - via University application form which must be submitted to the university by the January deadline. Eligible candidates will be identified to the college by the department and the College will make its decision based on the University application form.
Jackson Scholarship
Offered – Will not be offered again until 2014 for 2015 entry
Eligibility - Home applicants studying Biochemistry/Chemistry/Physics /Zoology
Value - University and College fees plus maintenance award of c. £13,590
Duration - up to four years
Application - via University application form which must be submitted to the university by the January deadline. Eligible candidates will be identified to the college by the department and the College will make its decision based on the University application form.
Buckee Scholarship in conjunction with funding from the Department of Physics
Offered - in 2011 for 2012 entry
Eligibility – Home/EU/Overseas applicants for Physics
Value - University and College fees plus maintenance award of c. £15,000 per annum
Duration - up to four years
Application - via University application form which must be submitted to the university by the January deadline. Eligible candidates will be identified to the college by the department and the College will make its decision based on the University application form.
Four Prize Scholarships
Offered - annually
Eligibility - Current graduate students at Merton
Value - £500
Duration - one year
Application - to the Tutorial Office by Friday of first week of Michaelmas Term.
Further information on Prize Scholarships.
You can find more information about graduate funding at Oxford on the University website.
Choral Scholarships
The College offers 18 Choral Scholarships that are open to graduates as well as undergraduates.
Peter Phillips, founder and director of the Tallis Scholars, has been appointed Director of Music, and Benjamin Nicholas, of Dean Close School, Cheltenham and Tewkesbury Abbey, works with him as Assistant Director.
A Choral Scholarship at Merton offers talented young male and female singers a unique musical and intellectual experience. Choral Scholars will receive an annual bursary of £350. The College will also fund fortnightly singing lessons and offer free meals after choral services.
Further information about Choral Scholarships is available on the University website and the Chapel and Choir section of this website.
How do I apply?
Graduates may apply for a Choral Scholarship once they have received the formal offer of a place at Merton. Auditions will normally take place at the beginning of each Michaelmas Term. For further details, please contact the Chaplain, Dr Simon Jones.
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