University of Oxford

Mansfield College

Prospective Students

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Mathematics

Mathematics

Course Tutors

Dyson, Janet -Tutorial Fellow in Mathematics
Goldrei, Derek -Supernumerary Fellow in Mathematics
Marchini, Jonathan -Senior Research Fellow in Statistical Genomics

Student Profile: Mathematics

Read what one of our students, McPherson, Robert (2nd year Mathematics), says about life at Mansfield.

The College admits about six mathematicians per year. Although most of our successful candidates have A grades in both Mathematics and Further Mathematics A-levels by the time they arrive in Oxford, some have a single A-level in Mathematics or other qualifications such as Scottish Highers, Irish Leaving Certificate or the International Baccalaureate. Such candidates are very much encouraged to apply. They have to work hard to catch up, but a number have gone on to get First Class Honours in Finals. If you can work independently you will find this a great advantage at university and particularly those not doing Mathematics as a double subject at A-level should try to do some reading on their own.

We accept candidates from a wide variety of educational backgrounds and always make allowance, in the admissions process, for the amount of help candidates have received with their preparation. We are looking for candidates with academic potential and motivation, who have the necessary perseverance and are able to think for themselves.

There are three tutors in Mathematics: Janet Dyson, with interests chiefly in analysis and differential equations, Derek Goldrei whose interests are mainly in mathematical logic and algebra, and Jonathan Marchini who specialises in statistics. Mansfield is situated within a few minutes walk of both the Mathematical Institute and the Radcliffe Science Library.

All applicants sit a test. The form of the test may vary from year to year but for some specimen tests with sample solutions and a past test see:

http://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/prospective-students/undergraduate/specimen-tests

Candidates generally have one interview at Mansfield, though occasionally there is a second interview. Candidates will also have an interview at another college. The majority of the interview will be spent talking about mathematics and you will be asked to work through two or three problems on a white board. We expect to have to give some help with these and we want to see how quick you are to take a hint, how well you understand the material you have learnt at school or college, and whether you can think for yourself and absorb and use new ideas. We are looking for potential rather than a large mass of accumulated knowledge.

Those wishing to read Maths and Philosophy will also have an interview in Philosophy and those wishing to read Maths and Statistics will also have an interview in Statistics.