PPE @ Oxford

Today’s short talk

1. What is PPE

2. Why come to Oxford

3. How to apply to Oxford

4. Questions and Answers

PPE – the course First year:

Set courses in Politics, Philosophy and Economics

Second and Third years:

Normally two of the three branchesChoose 8 ‘papers’ from more than 70 coursesYou may choose to submit a thesis instead of an exam paper

Course choices (see www.ppe.ox.ac.uk)Philosophy

Economics

Politics

Why come to Oxford?

1. Tutorial teaching

2. World class expertise

3. Intellectual development

4. Foundation for the future

Tutorial teaching

Discussions with a tutor with two or three students

Write 12 - 16 essays per term

Receive feedback

Experiment with and discuss new ideas

Intellectual development

Organise your time

Prepare for tutorials

Think critically

Present your argument

Think under pressure

Application process

1. Come to see Oxford and choose any college

2. Register to take test

3. Read widely and critically

What do students need?

Useful A levels (although not mandatory): Maths and History

Predicted A A A at A2

Good GSCE results (for your school)

Good pass on the Thinking Skills Assessment

Application process

• Reallocation

• Interview 3 x no. of places

• Redistribution (about 10%) for another interview

• Offer known by January (TSA results out on 14th Jan)

How to register for the TSA

Go to:

www.tsaoxford.org.uk

You need to ensure two things:

1. Test centre registration (can take place now)

2. Student registration (via test centre from 1st Sept)

Thinking Skills Assessment

A centre (probably the school) must register the student for the TSA test BEFORE 14 OCTOBER

Multiple choice about problems Short essay

The TSA tests for critical thinking, problem solving and concise essay writing.

Try the TSA test

Download a specimen paper

Do the test in the time permitted

Do it again!

Don’t forget to practice the essay too: see if you can condense your argument to two sides.

Preparing for interviews

Read a book and discuss it with an adult (not your parents).

1.Try a book that you have both read.

2.Try to explain a book that they haven’t read.

Good Luck!Next Test date:

9.30am Wednesday 7th November 2012

Do ask questions