We invite applications for our Scholars Programme from highly motivated and intelligent students who would enjoy and benefit from the challenging method of learning offered by the Oxford tutorial system. The Scholars Programme is a joint initiative between St Clare’s and Blackfriars’ Hall, a private permanent Hall of Oxford University governed by the English Dominican Friars.
The Scholars Programme of study allows a student to earn 15 to 18 units of credits by taking:
- A tutorial course at Blackfriars Hall: students may select one tutorial course (six units of credit) or two tutorial courses (each equivalent to 3 units of credit)*
- Three St. Clare’s Liberal Arts seminar courses (each equivalent to three units of credit)
- plus the option of the St. Clare's Seminar Series (three units of credit)
*Further information
- Scholars are entitled to twelve tutorials in either the Michaelmas Term (October to December) or the Hilary Term (January to March). You may choose one tutorial course (six units of credit) or two tutorial courses (consisting of six tutorial meetings for each tutorial course; each tutorial course equivalent to three units of credit).
- Tutorial courses are available in the following disciplines: Theology, Philosophy English Literature, Classics, Church History or British History
- In addition, you may choose to study one of the following languages, if it is offered during the term and at the level you require:
Latin, New Testament Greek or Biblical Hebrew
Other benefits of the Scholars Programme
- All Scholars acquire Oxford University ‘visiting student’ status.
- Access to all University of Oxford libraries, electronic databases, lectures and seminars open to visiting students, computing services (including an Oxford University email account) and computer services shop
- At least one lecture course at Blackfriars Studium
- Membership of the Junior Common room at Blackfriars,
- invitations to Blackfriars’ social events, formal meals, etc., open to all undergraduates at Blackfriars Hall
Application procedures
In addition to the completed application pack for Liberal Arts Programme entry, Scholars Programme applicants must provide the following:
- Evidence of an A-/A grade average (3.8 GPA in the case of US undergraduates);
- A brief (about 500 words) personal statement profiling candidate’s personal and academic interests and explaining why you wish to apply to study at Blackfriars;
- An academic reference endorsing suitability for the Scholars Programme;
- Submission of an assessed essay or research paper from home university (maximum 5000 words)
- Two passport photos (not an electronic scan)