Postgraduate studies
Our postgraduate students, who comprise roughly half our total student body, form a central part of our community. And as Oxford’s only college dedicated to mature students at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, as well as its smallest, you’ll find a unique environment with a particular openness to interdisciplinary perspectives.
Why Harris Manchester?
In the words of our Principal, “Students will find we have an extraordinary body of Fellows and tutors here, with a wide range of interdisciplinary research interests.” We offer both taught and research courses but only accept applications for subjects in which we have college-affiliated academics, ensuring we provide you the highest level of academic support.
People say we’re one of Oxford’s friendliest colleges. That could be a natural consequence of being the University’s smallest college, an environment where undergraduates, postgraduates, staff and Fellows form a single community; it could be a result of being the University’s most age-diverse college, with students ranging from 21 to 74 years of age; or perhaps it’s because we’re one of the most international. Whatever the reason, we’re proud of the close relationships – many of them spanning generations and nations – that develop here and the strong sense of community.
Our spaces are as unique as our students. From the northern stone that much of the college is built in, reflecting our origins in Warrington and Manchester, to a quintessential Oxford dining hall, our facilities form a key part of the postgraduate experience. The Tate Library is one of the University’s most distinctive and best-loved libraries, and our arts-and-crafts Chapel, with its William Morris and Edward Burne-Jones designed windows, is a unique space for public lectures and events.
Key information
Graduate admissions and teaching are looked after by Faculties and Departments but, as a postgraduate student, you will also have a college attachment. So choosing a college is worth a bit of thought – and to make sure that we can support your work while you're here, we only accept postgraduates for subjects in which we have academics affiliated to the college.
Our Admissions Officer is always happy to discuss applications and admissions procedures with prospective postgraduate students. Our Tutor for Graduates, Professor Robert Klassen, is also pleased to discuss academic questions relating to admissions.
