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