Tutorials

Oxford offers you a unique learning experience through the tutorial system, in which you are responsible for planning your own time to ensure the necessary work gets done. You will meet at least once a week with your college tutor, either on a one-to-one basis or with one or two other students, to discuss an essay or solutions to set problems you will have researched in advance of the session. The purpose of the tutorial is to review your answers and theories and to raise any new points that result from the discussion.

Developing Skills

The tutorial system’s success relies on the active exchange of ideas between you, your tutor and other students present. You do not need to be an experienced debater to do well in tutorials but you must be prepared to give and defend your own opinions, whilst conceding to others and accepting constructive criticism and advice.

Through this method of teaching you will develop your ability to think independently, which will not only benefit you academically but will provide you with one of the many ‘transferable skills’ employers find attractive when recruiting Oxford graduates.

Outside of College

From time to time, your tutor may have to arrange for you to have tutorials in another college if he or she does not cover your specialism. This can also be beneficial to your learning as it exposes you to different

points of view and different ways of conducting a tutorial. Equally important are the University-run lectures and practical classes in central faculties; your tutor will advise you on ones which would be useful or essential for your course.