Both Oxford and Cambridge adopt the traditional lecture-based approach to teaching core subject materials, typically 6-12 hours of lectures a week throughout the 8-week term. However, depending on the nature of the subject, there are various other forms of learning including practicals, research project, field trips and small-group teaching.
Learning for art subjects is based heavily on individual reading outside lecture times, whereas for sciences, engineering and medicine subjects, there are supervised "practicals" a few times a week outside lecture times. Third- and fourth-year students in many science subjects are engaged in research projects that runs throughout the academic year, ending with submission of a dissertation report based on their research results.
Small-group teaching at Oxford is called "the tutorial system”, where students work one-on-one or in small groups with a tutor to discuss and analyse course material. The same system is called “supervision” in Cambridge. Tutors and supervisors tend to be lecturers, research fellows or postgraduate students in the same subject field. Tutorials and supervisions are not formally assessed and they form core of the teaching and learning experience at Oxbridge, providing students with the opportunity to engage in deep, individualised learning and to receive personalised feedback and support from academics.
All degrees are awarded by the universities and not by the affiliated Colleges, and it is possible for students to request for academic support from not just fellows within their Colleges but also from members of their academic faculties.
For more expert advice, please contact us at info@oxbridgegateway.com to get in touch with an Oxbridge-graduated consultant.
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