Walter Ladwig

D.Phil: International Relations

'I was initially attracted to Merton by the range and scope of scholarships the college offers for Graduates. As an America's Scholar, Merton made it possible for me to earn my D.Phil from Oxford.

'Merton combines the ancient history and tradition many overseas students look for at Oxford with an active and diverse graduate community. Many of the graduate-only colleges at Oxford are relatively new institutions, while ancient colleges don't necessary put as much attention into graduates as they do undergraduates. At Merton you get both tradition and a keen interest in graduate studies on the part of the College.'

Eleanor Thompson

DPhil: History

'Postgraduate research in the humanities can be quite isolating at times which is why I love being part of a college community. Since Merton offers a minimum of two years' accommodation within five minutes of the main college site, graduates regularly meet in college as part of a thriving Middle Common Room.

'The MCR also enjoys strong links with the Senior Common Room, with graduates being periodically invited to dine at High Table and to share their research with the fellows at regular, informal academic forums. College further supports its graduates through subsidised catering, research expenses and the like. College has made a vast contribution to my experience of postgraduate life.'

Gregory Lim

DPhil: Cardiovascular Medicine

'Merton has an excellent academic reputation and has consistently come top of the Norrington Table in recent years. It is also known to provide its graduate students with excellent accommodation and facilities. The MCR is large for a mixed undergraduate / graduate college and is friendly, social, and active.

'Merton MCR has a termcard packed with a variety of events, which makes it easy and fun to get to know fellow graduates. There is a lot of accommodation available and it is reasonably priced and centrally located. An increasing emphasis is also being placed upon integrating more with both the JCR and the SCR, the latter being well achieved at academic discussion groups and by giving graduate students dining rights at High Table.'

[Back to Top]
Back to: Graduate Admissions