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.
If and when a conditional or unconditional offer is made to you, the offer letter you will receive will draw your attention to the provision of the College Contract.
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 2012-13
- MBA £3,150
- EMBA £1,575
- Other graduates £2,532
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 2012-13
Graduate accommodation, single annual charge of £4,851
Flats and houses, from £708 per month
Meal charges 2012-13
Breakfast £1.72
Lunch £3.11
Dinner £3.87
See also University advice on living expenses.
Graduate Scholarships for 2013 entry
Merton already has a higher than average number of scholarships available to enable graduate students to study at Oxford and increasing the funds available is a priority for the College. Our scholarships are generally made in partnership with the University and no college-specific application is required.
A different schedule of scholarships will be offered for 2014 entry.
The University has launched a new web tool: a search engine designed to assist graduates looking for funding sources.
Three Merton College scholarships in partnership with the Clarendon Fund
Offered – annually, one each for the Humanities, Social Sciences and MPLS Divisions
Eligibility – Home/EU/Overseas applicants for subjects Merton considers
Value - University and College fees plus maintenance award of c. £13,590
Duration – up to four years
Application – Via University application form by January
One Ripplewood award in partnership with the Clarendon Fund
Offered – periodically. Only one scholar is in residence at any one time.
Eligibility – Japanese nationals for subjects Merton considers
Value - University and College fees plus maintenance award of c. £13,590
Duration – up to four years
Application – Via University application form by January
One Greendale scholarship in partnership with the Clarendon Fund
Offered – periodically. Only one scholar is in residence at any one time.
Eligibility – applicants from sub-Saharan Africa for subjects Merton considers
Value - University and College fees plus maintenance award of c. £13,590
Duration – up to four years
Application – Via University application form by January
Seven Joint Scholarships linked with Research Council UK (RCUK) Awards
Offered – annually
Eligibility - Home/EU and, where applicable, overseas applicants (Research applicants only)
2013 subjects – Mathematics/Statistics; Modern Languages; Oriental Studies; Philosophy; English; Economics/Area Studies; Medical Sciences Division
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 – £5,000
Duration – one year
Application – via University application form 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 – British
Value – £5,000
Duration – one year
Application – via University application form 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.
Two Merton BCL Scholarships
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 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.
Four Prize Scholarships
Offered - annually
Eligibility - Current graduate students at Merton
Value - £500
Duration - one year
Application - to the Academic 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.
The Choral Scholars read a wide range of subjects, and the commitment at Merton is such that they have sufficient time for their academic study and other University and College activities. The Choral Scholars sing at three evening services a week during term, as well as other occasional services. The choir undertakes tours and recordings on a regular basis. The scholarship is worth over £800, consisting of an annual bursary of £350, singing lessons (with Giles Underwood or Carys Lane), and masterclasses with visiting teachers. All members of the choir receive free Formal Hall 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 take place throughout the year. For further details, please contact the Organist and Director of Music, Benjamin Nicholas.
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