We invite applications for our Scholars Programme from highly motivated students who would particularly enjoy an academic challenge in the fields of Philosophy, Religious Studies or Theology.

The Scholars Programme is a joint initiative between St. Clare's and Blackfriars Hall, a Permanent Private Hall of Oxford University governed by the English Dominican Friars.

All Scholars enrolled as Visiting Students of Blackfriars Hall and the University of Oxford

• The Scholars Programme of study allows students to earn15 to18 units of transferable academic credit. Twelve hours of one-to-one tutorial teaching at Blackfriars Hall in one course in the fields of Theology, Philosophy or Religion Studies or combination of one of the latter and Classics, Literature or History (six units of credit)
• Three St. Clare's Liberal Arts courses (each equivalent to three units)
• plus the option of the St. Clare's Seminar Series (three units)

Other benefits of the Scholars Programme

• Scholars are encouraged to make full use of all relevant Oxford University libraries and lectures and seminars open to visiting students;
• Access to all University of Oxford libraries, electronic databases, computing services and computer services shop;

At Blackfriars Hall

• Scholars are encouraged to attend at least one lecture course in Blackfriars Studium, with option of attending others;
• Scholars may attend language courses in Latin, Greek or Hebrew when appropriate courses are available;
• Membership of the JCR (Junior Common Room) at Blackfriars Hall; access to social life and student activities / clubs on same basis as other undergraduates at Blackfriars Hall;
• Invitations to formal meals to which undergraduate students at Blackfriars are invited
• Scholars receive a Blackfriars email account and a quota on Blackfriars server

Application procedures

In addition to the completed application pack for Liberal Arts Programme entry, Scholars Programme applicants must provide the following:

1. Evidence of an A-/A grade average (3.6 GPA in the case of US undergraduates)
2. A brief essay (max 6 pages) profiling the candidate's general academic interests, personality and reasons for applying
3. An academic reference endorsing suitability for the Scholarship Programme
4. Submission of an assessed essay or research paper from home university
5. a recent photograph

Deadlines

For spring 2012: Applications must be received by 14 November 2011
For autumn 2012: Applications must be received by 28 May 2012