Undergraduate studies
Our undergraduates have one thing in common: none of them have come directly from school. Their life experiences, the courses they study and the countries they come from differ significantly, making Harris Manchester one of Oxford’s most distinctive environments.
Supporting mature students
We believe strongly in lifelong learning and the benefits it brings to wider society, and we’re proud of our mission to support mature students in fulfilling their potential at one of the world’s best universities. But there’s a lot more that makes Harris Manchester the natural choice for mature students studying for an Oxford degree...
Why Harris Manchester?
In the words of our Principal, “our students bring maturity, varied life experiences, clarity of motivation and a deeper appreciation of the transformative possibilities of an excellent education.” At Harris Manchester those qualities are complemented by inspirational tutors, many of whom – in a reflection of our own diverse student body – themselves came to academia after careers in other sectors.
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 among the most international. Whatever the reason, we’re proud of the close relationships – many of them spanning generations and nations – that underpin the College’s strong sense of community.
Harris Manchester College is set in a quiet but central Oxford location within walking distance of most of the City’s major landmarks, including the Sheldonian Theatre, the Radcliffe Camera, the Ashmolean Museum and the green spaces of the University Parks. Most of the University's faculties, departments and libraries are also a short walk away.
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 undergraduate 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 worship, public lectures and events.
All undergraduate college accommodation is on the main site. Although many of our rooms are in historical buildings, they are modern and comfortable and most feature en-suite bathrooms.
Key information
