Study at the University of Oxford
Student life at Oxford
Experience world-class learning, vibrant community, and a city full of opportunity.
Studying at Oxford is about more than lectures and research - it’s about joining a global academic community that inspires curiosity, collaboration, and excellence. Whether you’re pursuing a master’s or a DPhil, studying on campus or as part of an online programme with residential weeks in Oxford, you’ll experience the energy, historic traditions, and modern innovations that make this the leading University in the world.
Life at Oxford gives you the resources and opportunities to grow academically, professionally, and personally. This page will guide you through what it’s like to be part of Oxford, explore the city, engage with student communities, and benefit from what the Nuffield Department of Women’s and Reproductive Health has to offer.
Academic Excellence and Global Reputation
Oxford is consistently recognised as one of the best universities in the world, combining centuries of tradition with cutting-edge innovation. For nine consecutive years, the Times Higher Education World University Rankings have named Oxford the number one university globally, while the QS rankings consistently place us in the world’s top three.
Across fields ranging from health and life sciences to the arts, social sciences, engineering and computer science, Oxford remains a leader in teaching, research and impact.
Graduate students are central to this academic community. With more than 13,000 postgraduate students you’ll be part of a diverse group tackling the most important questions of our time.
Whether you’re studying on campus or joining an online programme with residential weeks in Oxford, you’ll experience the intellectual energy, curiosity and ambition that makes Oxford unique.
A World of Research and Resources
Oxford is one of the most research-intensive universities in the world, home to state-of-the-art facilities and some of the brightest minds.
Graduate researchers work alongside leading academics on projects of national and global significance, contributing to knowledge while developing their own expertise. The scale of research here is vast - from pioneering data science, to experimental physics, to groundbreaking discoveries in the humanities and social sciences.
To support this, Oxford offers unrivalled access to resources. Students benefit from over 100 libraries, world-famous collections, cutting-edge laboratories and an extraordinary digital infrastructure. Whether you’re working with manuscripts in the Bodleian, datasets in the Bodleian Data Library, or virtual reconstructions of ancient sites, you’ll find the tools to explore your subject in depth and push your research further.
Colleges and Community
A distinctive part of Oxford life is the collegiate system. Every graduate student belongs to both a department or faculty and to one of Oxford’s 43 colleges or halls. Your college provides a welcoming academic and social community, alongside access to facilities such as libraries, dining halls, sports opportunities and events.
Many graduate students quickly find that their college becomes a second home, offering friendships, intellectual debate and support beyond their course. Colleges also provide welfare support, accommodation options, and lively Graduate Common Rooms (MCRs or GCRs), which host events and represent student voices.
Even for students on online or hybrid courses, the college system ensures you feel part of Oxford’s traditions and networks, with opportunities to connect during residential weeks or visits to the city.
Life in Oxford: City and Culture
Studying here means immersing yourself in one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the world. Oxford combines its famous “dreaming spires” with the buzz of a modern, cosmopolitan city. Home to around 40,000 students from across the globe, it offers a safe, welcoming environment with green spaces, riverside walks, and easy access to London and the wider UK.
The city is alive with culture, offering world-class museums, theatres, galleries, music venues and festivals. From classical concerts at the Sheldonian Theatre to contemporary art at Modern Art Oxford, from rowing on the Isis to exploring the Botanic Garden, there is always something to discover.
Add in a vibrant food scene, bustling markets and centuries-old pubs, and you’ll find Oxford has a unique atmosphere that balances academic focus with rich cultural experiences.
Beyond Study: Sport, Societies and Support
Life at Oxford extends far beyond the library or laboratory. Students can join over 400 societies, covering every interest imaginable - music, drama, politics, volunteering, cultural groups and much more.
The Oxford Union debating society attracts world-renowned speakers each term, while student-run newspapers, radio and theatre provide countless opportunities to get involved creatively.
For sport, the University boasts Olympic-standard facilities, over 80 clubs and more than 200 college teams, whether you want to compete at the highest level or simply stay active. Oxford is also deeply committed to student welfare.
From college advisers and peer supporters to the University Counselling Service and Disability Advisory Service, help is always available. Students with families can access childcare services and accommodation support, while international students benefit from tailored advice to settle into life in the UK.
Wherever your journey begins, Oxford provides the resources, community and opportunities to thrive - academically, professionally and personally.
The Nuffield Department of Women’s and Reproductive Health
As a student on one of our programmes, you’ll also become part of the Nuffield Department of Women’s and Reproductive Health - one of the most dynamic departments of its kind in the world.
Our vision is simple but ambitious: to help build a future where every person has access to high-quality, evidence-based women’s and reproductive healthcare, wherever they are.
The department is home to approximately 30 research groups, led by world-renowned scientists and clinicians who are advancing knowledge and practice across the field. With strong international collaborations, students benefit from global perspectives and networks that extend well beyond Oxford.
We pride ourselves on being a friendly and supportive community. Regular seminars bring together internal and external specialists, and students are encouraged to present their own work. Social events and networking opportunities are a core part of department life, helping you to connect with peers and leading experts in a more informal setting.
We are also committed to sharing our work beyond the academic sphere. The department is active on social media, amplifying our research and vision to global audiences. Our MSc students even run a TikTok channel, offering authentic “day in the life” insights into studying here and showing what it really means to be part of the Oxford experience.
our masters courses
MSc in Clinical Embryology
An intensive one-year residential course at the University of Oxford combines theory and practical training in IVF and embryology.
The course is designed for graduates in biological sciences, medicine, or veterinary medicine who aspire to careers in reproductive medicine, IVF laboratories, or academic research. You will gain cutting-edge knowledge in reproductive biology, laboratory techniques, and clinical embryology practices, delivered by internationally recognised experts in the field.
MSc in Global Women's Health
Our first online postgraduate course is an innovative two‑year part-time programme combining the flexibility of online learning with two one-week residentials at the University of Oxford, offering students a unique opportunity to connect in person with peers and leading academics.
Designed for those passionate about improving women’s health worldwide, the course equips you with the knowledge, skills, and global perspective needed to tackle pressing health challenges facing women across diverse settings.
MSc in Reproductive Genetics
Developed in response to increasing demand, the MSc in Reproductive Genetics is a cutting‑edge one‑year programme at the forefront of genetics and reproductive science.
This course provides an in‑depth understanding of the genetic basis of reproduction and its clinical applications, preparing graduates for careers in reproductive medicine, genetic counselling, and academic research.