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If you’re thinking about applying for UNIQ, my one piece of advice would be to just do it! Be confident in your ability and take a chance. It’s so worth it! Welcome Elle, Law
i, I’m Elle! I’m from East London, and I’ve just Aside from just being fun, UNIQ Although I was nervous about started a graduate Law degree at Oxford, really helped me when UCAS getting in, I wasn’t intimidated and Hhaving finished my undergraduate Law application season came around. that felt amazing. Mostly, though, degree here. I also attended UNIQ way back in the Like I said, my UNIQ application doing UNIQ convinced me that law summer of 2012, and Oxford has had a soft spot in provided a really good starting and Oxford were for me, and my heart ever since… point for my UCAS one, and I’d having that confidence is so heard from ambassadors and valuable. I applied to UNIQ during my first year at sixth-form tutors at Oxford about what sort of because I wanted to be sure that a law degree was As you might be able to tell, I loved things my personal statement for me. Since I was about 13, I’d had the idea in my law so much that I decided to do should contain and so I was able to head but as UCAS rolled around I suddenly realised another year! This year is just a get on with it pretty easily. that I didn’t really know much about what studying little more advanced than the law might involve. UNIQ itself is a really great thing to undergraduate degree and I’ve had be able to put in your statement – it total choice over what I’m studying. The perk of a free experience at an amazing shows a real commitment to your When I finish I’m hoping to go university was just a bonus! UNIQ asks you to academic interests and to on to become a barrister. Which, complete an application and tell them why you want university study. Interviews can also coincidentally, is what I thought I to be on the programmes; I thought that even if I was be a nerve-wracking process, but might do at the age of 13 too! unsuccessful I’d have the start of a proper UCAS having been to Oxford before and personal statement. So, there were lots of reasons Elle, UNIQ Student 2012 spoken to real life tutors I knew why I thought UNIQ might be a good idea and, nearly and Oxford Graduate writing in that it was something I could do. 5 years later, I can still tell you that it wasn’t just a 2016 good idea, but one of my best! When I finished UNIQ, I honestly thought it was one of the best times of my life. I’d had so many fantastic lectures and met some amazing friends. One of my closest friends at Oxford was someone I met on UNIQ. 04 www.uniq.ox.ac.uk 05
You are exposed to academics, new learning styles and like-minded students, which is everything you want when trying to push yourself INTELLECTUALLY What is UNIQ? Lily, English UNIQ is a range of free access programmes run by the University of Oxford for students in their first year of further education at a UK state school or college. An application to us could see you selected to take part in UNIQ Summer, UNIQ Spring or UNIQ Digital.
NIQ began in 2010 with the aim of raising the aspirations of students Ustudying at UK state schools and colleges regarding their higher education choices. Now UNIQ, through its range of summer schools, residential conference and digital learning platform, helps over 1,900 students each year to make informed decisions about higher education and Our Aims competitive applications to Oxford. Since 2010, thousands of students have taken part We believe that each UNIQ in our programmes with the majority of those participant is an exceptional young going on to make successful applications to person with the potential to make Oxford or other leading universities. All of our an excellent application to a top programmes are completely free for students. university. We aim... • To provide information, support and advice to enable young people UNIQ Summer UNIQ Spring UNIQ Digital to make informed decisions about higher education. Where? Oxford Oxford Home • To increase applications to the University of Oxford from students When? * July-August April March-October from disadvantaged socio- economic backgrounds and areas How long? Throughout 1 week 3 days with a low rate of participation in higher education. For more Places 875 100 1,000 information about the University’s OFFA (Office for Fair Access) * Dates and places are subject to variation year on year. targets visit www.offa.org.uk. Check course information and dates before you apply. 06 www.uniq.ox.ac.uk 07
Before attending UNIQ I was uncertain about applying. however, after experiencing life at Oxford for a week, I’m much more confident it is where I would love to go. UNIQ Summer Hywel, Politics, philosophy and economics Academic Programme Admissions Advice The summer schools are UNIQ’s flagship programme. Students UNIQ Summer lets you follow a full We understand that aiming high and programme of academic sessions, applying to top universities like come to Oxford for a week and including lectures and labs, Oxford can seem a little daunting. stay in a college, attending an throughout the week. You will be Throughout your time with us academic programme during the taught by Oxford academics and get ambassadors and staff will be day and social activities in the to use departmental facilities – just around to give guidance and answer like a real undergraduate! any questions you might have. There evenings. will also be a range of dedicated In addition to lectures you might be sessions throughout the week asked to prepare some independent providing information on all aspects work for the end of the week where of the application process. ou will get first-hand experience you will go through the topic in of life at university, meet like- detail, either individually with a tutor Yminded people and gain a deeper or in a small group. understanding of a subject that interests Available Courses you. The UNIQ team are always on hand The academic programmes on UNIQ We run summer courses in over 30 for help and advice, and you will receive Summer are demanding but they subjects, so there’s plenty to choose 24/7 support throughout the week with are also fun and you’ll get to look at from and almost certainly something live-in staff at your college. your favourite subject in new and to suit your interests. engaging ways. Your UNIQ summer course will give you an insight into what studying at The programme is completely degree level, and at Oxford, is really free and even your travel to like. and from the summer school is covered. Have a look at page 12 for more information about courses. 08 www.uniq.ox.ac.uk 09
I HAD AN AMAZING TIME AT UNIQ SPRING. I CAME AWAY FEELING A LOT MORE CONFIDENT ABOUT APPLYING AND EVEN MORE EXCITED TO GET THERE ONE DAY - I DIDN'T KNOW THAT WAS POSSIBLE. UNIQ Spring Eleanor, HUMANITIES
UNIQ Spring is a 3-day residential During your stay you will event held in the Easter holidays. receive academic support from current students and staff which will continue online after you leave. articipants come to stay in Oxford, attending a programme of academic P and university admissions sessions followed by social activities in the evenings. Students get to experience life at the University of Oxford, comprehensive admissions advice and a taste of the degree programmes offered here that are related to their interests.
Academic Programme
You’ll attend academic sessions based on an area of your choice and get to experience a range of different subjects within that discipline. There are so many different degree programmes on offer at undergraduate level, some of them you may never even have heard of before, so UNIQ Spring is a great opportunity to try something new. You’ll have the opportunity to see different colleges and parts of the University as well Admissions Support as explore the city.
UNIQ Spring offers participants a full day of intensive lectures and workshops with Oxford University admissions staff and student ambassadors who’ve been through the process themselves. We cover personal statements, admissions tests, written work and interviews. As well as participating in structured sessions you’ll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions and discuss things throughout the day. 10 www.uniq.ox.ac.uk 11
after hearing from current students and staff at the university through the videos and chatting to other users, I realised the people were very real. coupled with the useful advice i found the idea of applying much more achievable. UNIQ Digital HALIMA, ENGLISH UNIQ Digital is an online learning platform which runs from March to October offering courses and content about studying at the University of Oxford.
articipants will get to explore courses available at the University, develop Pessential critical thinking skills and grow in confidence as they prepare for the university admissions process.
All successful UNIQ Spring and Summer participants will have access to the UNIQ Digital platform, as well as a large additional number of eligible students who apply but can’t be offered a place on a residential programme.
All content is developed exclusively for UNIQ Digital. You’ll get to engage with video content featuring real undergraduates Modules are released weekly and are discussing a wide variety of Oxford-related made up of different media and topics, lectures from University academics, interactive tasks like quizzes, UNIQ Digital provides students with an and talks on essential information such as discussions, projects and Q&A honest and accurate representation of student finance and interview preparation. sessions. All tasks have reasonable deadlines to ensure that you are able the University. You will get real advice and guidance from real people by Starting with the City and university life, to participate at a pace that is communicating directly with current you’ll progress through a series of modules comfortable for you. Oxford students and staff. split into three distinct stages. The final stage of the course involves an exploration Each task completed comes with Just like our other programmes, it’s all of the admissions process at Oxford, meaningful marking and personal completely free! including how to construct a personal feedback. statement that works, admissions test preparation and guidance on interviews. You’ll learn important skills on UNIQ Digital including critical thinking. 12 www.uniq.ox.ac.uk 13
I LEARNT ABOUT THE COURSES I WAS INTERESTED IN AND ABOUT COURSES I HADN'T HEARD OF, WHICH HAS MADE ME MORE AWARE OF THE DIFFERENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO ME WHEN APPLYING TO UNIVERSITY. Our Courses Niloufar, politics, philosophy and economics On this page you'll learn more about the different kinds of course on offer and how to decide which one will suit you. Learning out and about in Oxford Because the University of Oxford buildings and facilities are spread all around the city you’ll get to see a lot just by going from session to session. At university most of your learning will happen outside of a Course Choice Which course will suit me? lecture theatre and so many UNIQ Summer courses include trips both in and around Oxford. In the city centre there are lots of different libraries UNIQ courses cover a wide range of If you aren’t sure what to apply for a good starting point is to think about and museums, and a diverse botanic garden. Some of the trips are a bit subjects and are an excellent what interests you and what you enjoy. further afield, and in the past students have been taken to places opportunity to deepen your including the woods, local hospitals, a quarry, a car factory and even a knowledge and understanding I'm interested in... synchrotron. about a subject you love, or try something completely new! Languages & literature Classics Beginners' Languages UNIQ Summer Alongside more well-known It’s important to carefully consider UNIQ Spring Theology Academic sessions are a core part of courses like Law, Maths or English UNIQ Spring gives you the chance to your interests and skills, and to Linguistics UNIQ gives you the chance to learn research which courses would best our summer schools. Students explore an academic area for a day, explore one subject in depth for the about things you might not giving you a broader understanding suit you before making a university necessarily have considered or Oncology week and get to know what it’s like of the options available to you at application. When you apply for Medical research even heard of before. Subjects like Biomedical Sciences to study at undergraduate level. degree level and the way in which UNIQ you’ll tell us about the specific Human Sciences, Egyptology and course, or courses, you’d like to do Experimental Psychology Alongside experiencing university- ideas are approached by different style teaching you may also get to Earth Sciences are a few examples subjects. as well as a general subject area of the courses we’ve offered in the you’re interested in. exercise your independent study History History of Art skills and produce an essay or past, opening up a wider world of On your application you’ll choose a Classical Archaeology project to discuss with a tutor at the academic interests to students. You subject strand* which will include end of the week in a tutorial. get the benefit of trying a subject sessions delivered by academics on out for a week to find out if it’s Code breaking Computer Science a range of related topics in that area. something you’d like to pursue. Subject strands are generally grouped along the lines of the major Maths and science Materials Science academic disciplines at Oxford, for Earth Sciences Biochemistry example: physical and life sciences, Maths and Statistics social sciences, humanities and languages.
Current affairs Geography *Courses & subject strands offered on History: Race and Protest UNIQ can vary each year. Check the website for further details. 14 www.uniq.ox.ac.uk 15
YourOn this page you can find out what stayingtime in Oxford will be like outside of study time.in Oxford If you are invited to come to Oxford Exploring the city Site Managers and A UNIQ residential will not for our UNIQ Spring or Summer only develop your academic Whilst you are here you might Ambassadors programmes you’ll get to experience skills but your social skills and explore the Bodleian libraries (the Site managers are responsible for first-hand what life as an independence too. second largest library in the UK with looking after everyone in college. They undergraduate here is like and over 12 million items), go punting on organise activities like tours or spend time with current students. the River Cherwell or explore one of information sessions and make sure Oxford’s many museums. The everyone knows what they’re doing! If University’s colleges can be found all you’re feeling worried, homesick or just over the city centre and, as well as have a question your site manager will getting to know your own UNIQ be there to help. All Site Managers are college, you’ll also get to visit other fully first aid and safeguarding trained. colleges too. Ambassadors are students studying a But life doesn’t stop at the similar course to the one you’ve University’s doors! Oxford is a chosen and will be with you in all your fascinating, vibrant city with plenty to academic sessions. They make sure discover. There are loads of shops, you get to where you need to go and cafés, parks, historical sites and are there to look out for you all day. much more to see, so even in your They’re great people to chat to and can free time you’ll never be short of answer all your questions about things to do. If you aren’t sure a Oxford, life at university and applying. member of the UNIQ team will be Our ambassadors will work with you happy to help! throughout the week and give you an honest, candid view of what it is like to Accommodation live and study in Oxford. At the University of Oxford all undergraduates are members of a college where they sleep, eat, study and have fun. Colleges provide Social Activities students with pastoral and academic An exciting part of university life is the support and are a home away from number of new things you can try and home during their degree. Each the people that you meet. In the UNIQ student is allocated to a evenings there will be a full University of Oxford college so you programme of social activities where can experience life in one for you’ll get to meet people from different yourself. UNIQ courses and college groups. Each evening you’re with us there will be You’ll have your own private study something different to do. Activities bedroom and eat most of your meals we’ve run in the past include sports in in the college with other UNIQ the park, a scavenger hunt, a quiz, students. UNIQ staff will be on duty ghost trails, mini-lectures and comedy 24 hours a day to make sure you are shows. safe and comfortable. 16 www.uniq.ox.ac.uk 17
The student ambassadors and site managers could not have been friendlier; every single one of them cared about every single one of us, and made every effort to make sure that we were happy - their insight and advice in terms of life at Oxford was invaluable. ELLA, FRENCH
FAQsGot a question? See answers to our frequently asked questions below.
I live close enough to It is so competitive, should I I have a medical/ commute, do I have to bother applying? accessibility/disability stay in Oxford? If you meet our eligibility criteria, requirement, should I still and any additional criteria for the Yes! Staying away from home is a apply? courses to which you’re applying, big part of the university We are committed to ensuring that we think yes! In addition to the experience – it gives you the the best applicants to our summer schools we have an extra opportunity to immerse yourself residential courses are able to residential programme in the in your study and develop new attend irrespective of medical, Easter holidays and lots of places friendships with people from all accessibility or disability up for grabs on UNIQ Digital – kinds of different backgrounds. requirements. UNIQ makes every there have never been more ways Because we think it’s so effort to make reasonable to get involved and access support. important, the residential element adjustments and we routinely If we aren’t able to offer you a place of these programmes is work with students who have on UNIQ you can let us know in compulsory. specific needs. All participants are your application whether you encouraged to fully disclose any would like to be invited to other requirements so that we are able opportunities that might be to do everything we can to make relevant to you across the sure you have the best possible University of Oxford – there’s time in Oxford. nothing to lose! I have school work to do If selected for UNIQ Spring or I’m going on holiday half during the holidays. Will I Summer we will cover the cost way through the course – of your travel to and from be able to complete it on can I just come for the start Oxford. UNIQ? and leave early? If you have a project that is due You must be available for the entire during or directly after UNIQ we duration of the UNIQ course you suggest that you make every effort wish to attend. This applies to both to complete it before you arrive in the Spring and Summer Oxford. UNIQ Spring and Summer programmes. In the case of courses are very busy and you won’t have which run more than one week on very much time to do extra work. the summer schools you will be automatically allocated. If unable to attend this week you can request to Please contact be prioritised for a reserve place on [email protected] the other week. Similarly, you will if you have further questions need to complete each module on or concerns. UNIQ Digital on time in order to progress through the course. 18 www.uniq.ox.ac.uk 19
I learnt about the different courses I was interested in and about courses I hadn’t heard of, which has made me more aware of the different options available to me when applying TO UNIVERSITY How to apply Shakera, Mathematics For a detailed list of dates and to start your application, please visit www.uniq.ox.ac.uk.
You will need to provide: • At least six GCSEs (or equivalent) with a preference for A*/A grades
• At least 3 A level (or equivalent) courses which you are currently studying
• Written evidence of your academic interests and motivation to participate December January March April July/August October in UNIQ • Teacher referee contact details (your teacher will only be contacted if you are successful in receiving a place on UNIQ Spring and Summer only)
Applications Applications Decisions UNIQ Spring UNIQ Summer UNIQ Digital open online close released. support ends UNIQ Digital Things to consider before applying: starts Eligibility Course Requirements • You must be studying at a UK state Applications for places are school or college. highly competitive and some courses may require you to • Only students in their first year of have a particular number of Further Education can apply. GCSE A* grades, or be studying particular subjects at • You must be available for the A level, to be considered. You duration of the courses to which can find out more about you are applying. Please check individual course the website carefully for dates. requirements at • Online applications must be www.uniq.ox.ac.uk submitted by the given deadline. We are unable to consider late Course Choice applications for any reason. In most cases, you can apply for a choice of up to three courses in order of your preference. However, for certain courses (e.g. Medicine) Eligibility requirements are subject to change. Please check the website or you will not be able to select contact us for more information. any other course preferences. 20 www.uniq.ox.ac.uk 21
the opportunity is there - you just need to apply. you'll learn that there's no hidden formula for oxford, you just need to demonstrate your ability for your subject. UNIQ People harry, law with french law Since 2010 UNIQ has brought together thousands of participants, most of whom have gone on to apply and gain a place at Oxford or another top university.
Josh, UNIQ Biology Biology at Balliol e asked UNIQ alumni who The tutorials are such a fantastic What was the best thing about Studying: are now studying at way to extend my ideas. I still use going on UNIQ? College Is Oxford what you expected? WOxford to share some the essay researching and writing 'I think the best thing about going personal reflections on their time at techniques I learnt at UNIQ and on UNIQ was the general 'Oxford is nothing like what I the summer school and what they have found them so helpful. The experience of spending a week in expected before UNIQ, but in the are doing now: experience of the tutorial on the Oxford and making loads of like- best way possible. Hardly any of the summer school also really helped Sarah, UNIQ Spanish minded new friends. For me, it stereotypes are really true and the prepare me for the type of work at people aren't the way the media can Studying: English and French made me really want to come to Oxford.’ Oxford because I thought it seemed make them out to be – I’ve made a at Magdalen College lot of friends from all sorts of What advice would you give to like a truly amazing environment to When did you first develop an backgrounds different to my own. someone thinking of applying live and learn in. UNIQ also helped interest in the course you are Oxford is not a stuffy museum piece for UNIQ? hugely in deciding what subject I currently studying at Oxford? wanted to study, even though it but a vibrant place to live and study.' ‘It will be such an incredible 'Towards the end of Year 12 I wasn't the one I studied on UNIQ.' What would you say to someone adventure and you’ll find yourself started to realise how well my who was thinking about applying learning more than you ever What kind of opportunities did subjects linked and researched to UNIQ? thought you could.’ applying to UNIQ open up to you? different courses. I really appreciate Catherine, UNIQ Linguistics How did you find the transition 'Just do it would be my best advice! I Alex, UNIQ Physics ‘UNIQ opened up many the variety my course offers - I can from sixth form to university? applied because I saw a flyer in my opportunities and I think it helped in Studying: Spanish and go from a discussion on the history Studying: Engineering at St Sixth Form social centre, not even making my application to Oxford Linguistics at Exeter College 'Although the transition was quite of English, to a class on Old English Edmund Hall thinking about going to Oxford, and I successful. The advice given on When did you first become challenging, UNIQ meant that by the poetry to a discussion on French What is it like being an haven’t looked back since. Everyone personal statements, interviews and interested in the course that you time I arrived in Oxford, I had already literature.' undergraduate at Oxford? at UNIQ is really friendly and the admissions test was invaluable. It are currently studying? been to some lectures and a tutorial, How are you finding your first Whilst the workload can be heavy at which definitely calmed my nerves.' week is so inspiring.' was really cool that I made friends 'I always enjoyed languages but year and the transition from times, once you learn how to who I've met again since coming to don't think I fully considered What kind of opportunities do you What was the best thing about sixth form/college - did any manage it (which pretty much Oxford.' studying them at university until I think UNIQ opened up to you? going on UNIQ? aspect of UNIQ help you prepare everyone does!) you can have so actually attended UNIQ. It was 'I honestly would not be where I am 'Definitely the people! A lot of the for this? much fun. Whether it's music, whilst on that course that I realised without UNIQ. I probably wouldn't time at school you aren't exposed to ‘It’s really amazing - I can’t believe drama, or just about anything you just how much you can go on to do be doing the course that I am, and I many people with similar ambitions how much of the first year has gone can think of that floats your boat, with a languages degree.' definitely wouldn't be an Oxford to yourself, but at UNIQ you are already! It’s so intense and so much you'll be able to get involved University student.' thrown together with loads of them.' is happening, but I really love it! either in college or uni societies.' 22 www.uniq.ox.ac.uk 23 Other Opportunities
The University runs a number of outreach activities and supports the initiatives of partner organisations.
Location: IntoUniversity Centres Location: Oxfordshire, Location: Oxford Home of Big Questions across the UK Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes, Open to: Schools and families Swindon, West Berkshire Open to: Primary and secondary Oxford for Oxford is a new school pupils and young people Open to: Year 12 and 13 initiative operating in partnership up to Year 13. The Pathways to Law programme with key state schools in the Location: Online Location: UK Location: UK IntoUniversity provide local gives support and encouragement Oxford city area. The project works Open to: Up to Year 13 Open to: Year 12 Open to: Years 11-13 learning centres where young to academically able students from to support pupil attainment and people are inspired to achieve non-privileged backgrounds who promote connections between Could we live without laws? Is time These conferences are designed to Target Oxbridge is a free and attain either a university place are interested in law, providing teachers, students, families and travel possible? Is war ever a good provide up-to-date information on programme that aims to help or another chosen aspiration. access to both top-tier universities the University. thing? the application and admissions There are two main elements to and the legal profession. Each black students and students of Find out more: procedures at both Oxford and mixed race with black heritage the IntoUniversity programme: year we take on a new cohort Oxplore is a free online space to [email protected] Cambridge as well as offering an increase their chances of getting academic support and mentoring, of 35 Year 12 students from our allow you to answer these and insight into student life. The into the Universities of Oxford or which takes place for individual local area and we support them many more big questions. We’re conferences cover courses available Cambridge (known collectively as students within the centre, and through their A Levels. Pathways working with top thinkers from at the universities, the application Oxbridge). The various strands FOCUS in which a whole class to Law delivers a full and varied Oxford University and beyond process and interviews, student life, of the programme focus on can participate. programme which includes a to help you to consider these student finance and careers. intellectual, cultural and social range of sessions over the two important issues. Whatever your Find out more: Admissions tutors, academic staff development irrespective of years on a diverse range of topics, subject interests, Oxplore has lots www.intouniversity.org and current undergraduates from personal or economic barriers. including choosing and applying of fantastic content that will really both universities are also on hand Since launching in 2012, Target to a university, CV and interview get you thinking - good practice if to answer students' questions. Oxbridge has helped 30 students techniques, subject-specific you are considering applying to a to secure Oxbridge offers. revision sessions and workshops great university like Oxford in the Find out more: Every school in the country is on different areas of the law. future. You’ll be able to share your www.studentconferences.org.uk Find out more: linked with an Oxford college thoughts, and we’d love you to ask www.targetoxbridge.co.uk Find out more: specific to your Local Authority us your big questions too! www.law.ox.ac.uk/admissions/ region. pathways-law Find out more: To find out more visit the Oxford www.oxplore.org website: www.ox.ac.uk