Oxford Brookes University

University rankings

Oxford Brookes University rose six positions to 45th in the Complete University Guide rankings 2023. The university also climbed two places in The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022.

The university ranks among the world's best universities in 16 subject areas, in the 2022 QS World University Rankings by Subject. Hospitality and Leisure Management is one of the best courses and is ranked at number 18 in the world and third in the UK. Business and Management, and Architecture and the Built Environment programmes also feature again in the global top 100.

The Oxford Brookes Global MBA programme is now rated as 15th in the world in the 2022 QS Online MBA Rankings, and 4th in the UK.

The quality of the academic teaching at Oxford Brookes is outstanding. A total of 11 faculty members have been awarded National Teaching Fellows, the most prestigious award in UK higher education teaching.

Students are taught by faculty members who are experts in their field and who are constantly undertaking new and important research in these areas. 94 per cent of the research at Brookes is internationally recognised (Research Excellence Framework 2014). Students can exchange ideas with teachers who work collaboratively to push their subject area forward. Students at the university benefit from new ideas being exchanged and developed between their own teachers and departments across the world. Oxford Brookes is well known for its international and global focus.

Oxford Brookes is mainly based across three campuses.

Headington Campus

With three sites, the Headington Campus is the largest of the three campuses. It is home to the John Henry Brookes building, a centre for all student needs including advice and support. The library is open 24 hours a day during term time, with spaces for group or silent study. There is a community exhibition space, a shop and a range of catering facilities, as well as the medical centre. It is also home to the Oxford Brookes University Nursery, for use by students and staff. One of the state-of-the-art Brookes Sports facilities is also based here, including a gym, climbing wall, turf pitch, squash, badminton, volleyball and basketball courts and indoor rowing facilities.

Harcourt Hill Campus

The Harcourt Hill Campus has excellent academic facilities, as well as its own library, computer rooms, Brookes Union cafe and bar and the Chapel. It is also home to Brookes Sports Botley, another state-of-the-art sports facility, including a gym, pool, 3G and grass pitches, fitness studio, squash courts and golf course, steam room and sauna.

Wheatley Campus

Home to the School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics, Wheatley has a range of high-quality academic facilities for specialist subjects. It is also home to playing fields, its own library, computer rooms and a Brookes Union shop.

Accommodation

University accommodation is a great place to meet new people and settle into university life. Full-time first-year international students, starting in September, are guaranteed a place in university accommodation if they would like it and are able to meet the application deadlines. There are a range of halls in and around the three campuses, with on-site support at all of them. All halls are on a BROOKESbus route and students living in halls can purchase a discounted bus pass entitling them to free travel on these services.

Every course has its own entry requirements, and applicants should look at the recommendations offered by each faculty and course. There are some overall entry requirements for applicants:

Undergraduate

Students will normally need to have A-levels, the International Baccalaureate, a recognised foundation programme or equivalent qualifications from their own country. Students who do not meet these qualifications can undertake one of the foundation courses offered by the university, before proceeding to an undergraduate course.

Postgraduate

Students will normally need an honour's degree, a postgraduate diploma or an equivalent qualification from their own country. Students have the option of enrolling for a pre-master's course, that will prepare them for meeting the requirements for postgraduate study. Completing and passing a pre-master's course, with the requisite marks, provides a guaranteed pathway to a master's course.

English Language Requirements

Applicants who do not have English as a first language will need to demonstrate English language aptitude. These vary according to course, but most undergraduate courses will require an IELTS score of 6.0, with 6.0 in reading and writing and 5.5 in listening and speaking. For postgraduate courses, applicants need a score of 6.0 – 7.0, with 6.0 in reading and writing and 5.5 in listening and speaking. Alternative qualifications to the IELTS are also accepted.

Oxford Brookes University's pre-sessional English course can help meet the language requirements for all their undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Entry levels are from IELTS 4.5 overall with 4.0 in all skills.

There are a range of student support services available at Oxford Brookes. There is a dedicated team whose job it is to ensure students feel safe and supported across all three sites.

Academic Support

International students are assigned a dedicated member of teaching staff for help and guidance through the academic process. There is additional English development and study skills support available alongside the degree programme for all international students, so they can make the most of their academic experience at university. In addition, there are extra online resources and workshops to help give students the academic support they need.

Personal Support

The International Student Advice Team can help with a range of issues, from visa status to personal finance and more. They also run social events to help international students connect with each other and the wider university community, as well helping them to explore Oxford and other parts of the UK.

Counselling

There is a dedicated counselling service for any issues that might arise, and they can provide resources, group workshops and talks as well as one-to-one sessions.

Global Buddies

This scheme partners international students with a current UK student to help international students settle in.

Student Safety

Living in university accommodation can also make students feel safer. Each hall of residence has an on-site residence manager and supervisors who can help throughout the day and night.

There is also a security team who operate across the university, with both an urgent and non-urgent number for student enquiries 24 hours a day.

Oxford Brookes has an excellent reputation for graduate outcomes, with over 95 per cent of Oxford Brookes students in employment or further study within six months of graduating (HESA 2018).

The Careers Service supports students throughout their time at Oxford Brookes. The University places great importance on industry experience, with many courses including practical elements which help prepare students for their chosen careers. The University has links with industries offering students work placements in companies, banks, hospitals, charities and other organisations. The Careers Service can also help guide students with advice, online resources and help with CVs.

There is also a mentoring scheme, which helps to build longer term links between individual students and professionals in their chosen fields. Alongside practical support and advice on how to develop their career, some students will also gain work experience opportunities, networking opportunities and invaluable insider knowledge of their chosen industry.