Oxford, England

Location and Facilities: 

Oxford University
Mansfield College
Mansfield Road
Oxford
OX1 3TF, UK

Mansfield College, chartered in 1886, is one of 40 or so colleges which together constitute Oxford University, founded in the twelfth century.  Oxford, located in the center of England, is 80 miles northwest of London.  Holy Cross students enroll as Associate Students at Mansfield College, and play a full part in the academic and social life of the institution.

Academic Program: 

At Oxford, the essential instrument of teaching is the tutorial system rather than lectures, classroom discussions, or seminars. The tutorial requires a great deal of self motivation on the part of the student as well as considerable independent organization and basic research skills. At the tutorial, the student reads a prepared paper on a topic assigned by the tutor; the student's paper, attendant readings, and research are the basis of a further discussion of the area under study. Students also attend University lectures at the recommendation of the tutor and have, as well, access to lectures found in the Lecture Lists. Certain classes and seminars may also be available by special permission and arrangement. Visiting students are eligible to participate in the many extracurricular and athletic programs offered by the University.

Important regarding application requirements:

As with all Holy Cross Study Abroad programs, admission to Oxford (Mansfield College or St Edmund Hall) is a two-step process.  Students first apply to Holy Cross Study Abroad for permission to apply to Oxford. The minimum requirements for step one (applying to Holy Cross for permission to apply to Oxford) are, at the time of your application, a cumulative GPA of 3.7 overall and a minimum 3.7 in your major(s).  All students who wish to study abroad at Oxford and who meet these minimum requirements are encouraged to apply, but it should be noted that admission to Oxford is highly competitive.  Other factors beyond the GPA minumums at the time of application are, however, taken into consideration.  Applicants are expected to achieve a 3.7 overall in their third semester as well.  Additionally, grades below a 3.7 ("B+" or "B" for example) in the third semester may have a negative impact on your application for permission to apply to Oxford.  Students whose third-semester performance at Holy Cross takes them out of the running for Oxford will be given the opportunity to apply to their second choice.  The decision of the Office of Study Abroad on whether to permit a student to apply to Oxford or not is final.

 Course Load: 

Each term a student will normally take one primary tutorial (eight meetings) and one secondary tutorial (four meetings). The three primary tutorials and three secondary tutorials equal a full load at Holy Cross.
 
Courses taken at Mansfield College for Holy Cross credit (PDF)

Current Course Catalog
Subject Choices for Visiting Students

Independent Cultural Immersion Project (ICIP): 

Successful completion of the ICIP, in addition to the required course load, is necessary.

Living Arrangements: 

Accommodations are provided by the College. Some students live in the Ablethorpe Building, about ten minutes' walk from College; others live in houses shared with Mansfield undergraduates and other Visiting students in the city of Oxford within reasonable reach of the center of the University.  Each student has his/her own study/bedroom; other facilities (kitchen, etc.) are shared with five to six fellow students. Meals are not provided in individual houses, but as members of Mansfield College, students can purchase breakfast, lunch and dinner in Hall (Monday-Saturday).  Only dinner is served on Sunday.

Arrival Dates:

Mansfield College recommends that you let the College know when you plan to arrive so that your accommodation will be ready.  We suggest that you plan to reach Oxford and take up residence in early October, giving yourself enough 'settling-in' time before the Welcome & Orientation.

Blogs:

Elizabeth Masi '13 Blog
Sheila Coursey '13 Blog

 

Study Abroad Contact Person:
Professor Brittain Smith - Director
Email:  bsmith@holycross.edu
Phone:  508-793-3057
Office:  Smith 219