Psychology Philosophy and Linguistics

Programmes in Psychology, Philosophy, and Linguistics at the University of Oxford offer students a unique and deeply interdisciplinary educational experience that explores the nature of the mind, language, and human behavior. This comprehensive course is designed to examine fundamental questions about how we think, communicate, and understand ourselves and the world around us. The programme combines rigorous academic training with the opportunity to engage in original research, preparing students for diverse career paths or further academic study.

Students beginning their studies will immerse themselves in the core principles of psychology, gaining insights into behavioral science, cognitive processes, and mental health. The philosophy component encourages critical thinking about metaphysics, ethics, epistemology, and the history of ideas, fostering analytical skills and philosophical reasoning. Meanwhile, linguistics provides a scientific understanding of language structure, acquisition, and use, emphasizing the importance of communication in human societies.

Throughout the course, students will benefit from the university’s world-class faculty, cutting-edge research facilities, and a collaborative learning environment. They will be encouraged to develop their own research projects, participate in seminars, and engage with interdisciplinary debates that reflect the interconnected nature of these fields. The programme emphasizes the development of transferable skills, including data analysis, logical reasoning, and effective communication.

The interdisciplinary nature of the programme allows students to see the connections between mind, language, and society, encouraging innovative approaches to longstanding questions and contemporary issues. The rigorous academic curriculum is complemented by extracurricular activities, lectures, and workshops, providing a well-rounded educational experience. Graduates of the programme are well-equipped to pursue careers in academia, clinical psychology, cognitive science, linguistics research, policy development, education, or other fields that require deep understanding of human behavior and communication. With a strong foundation in critical thinking, empirical methods, and ethical considerations, students leave Oxford ready to contribute meaningfully to their chosen professions or further research.

• Terms 1 and 2: About six lectures and two–three tutorials
• Terms 3–9: About six lectures, one–two tutorials and one practical class. You may also do independent research by carrying out your own research project, library dissertation or thesis

The content and format of this course may change in some circumstances. 

• Attestat o Srednam Obrazovanii (Certificate of Secondary Education) would not be sufficient for candidates to make a competitive application. If your qualification is listed as being insufficient to make a competitive application to Oxford, then you will need to undertake further study if you wish to apply.You could take British A-levels (the British Council may know where you can take A-levels in your country), the International Baccalaureate (IB), or any other qualifications listed as acceptable on this page. The first year of a bachelor's degree from another university could also be an acceptable alternative.
• IELTS: overall score of 7.0 (with at least 7.0 in each of the four components)
• TOEFL (paper-based): overall score of 600 with a Test of Written English score of 5.5
• TOEFL (internet-based): overall score of 110 with component scores of at least: Listening 22, Reading 24, Speaking 25, and Writing 24.
• Cambridge English: Advanced, also known as the Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): grade A if taken before January 2015, or a score of at least 185.
• Cambridge English: Proficiency, also known as the Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): grade B if taken before January 2015, or a score of at least 185.
• English Language GCSE, or O-level: grade B (for IGCSE, please see below)
• International Baccalaureate Standard Level (SL): score of 5 in English (as Language A or B)
• European Baccalaureate: score of 70% in English.

For Psychology, it is highly recommended for candidates to have studied one or more science subjects (which can include Psychology) or Mathematics to A-level, Advanced Higher, Higher Level in the IB or any other equivalent. For Linguistics, it is helpful for candidates to have studied English Language, Mathematics, a science or any other language. We expect you to have taken and passed any practical component in your chosen science subjects.

All candidates must also take the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) as part of their application, and Linguistics candidates will also need to take the Linguistics paper from the Modern Languages Admissions Test (MLAT).

Hill Foundation Scholarship

Russian nationals wishing to study for a second undergraduate degree. 

Palgrave Brown Scholarship

Students must be ordinarily resident in and/or educated in the following countries:

Albania; Armenia; Azerbaijan; Belarus; Bosnia and Herzegovina; Bulgaria; Croatia; Czech Republic; Estonia; Georgia; Hungary; Kazakhstan; Kyrgyz Rep.; Latvia; Lithuania; Macedonia;  Moldova; Montenegro; Poland; Romania; Russia; Serbia; Slovakia; Slovenia; Tajikistan; Turkmenistan; Ukraine; Uzbekistan. 

The Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) undergraduate degree at the University of Oxford is a highly interdisciplinary program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the interconnected spheres of philosophical inquiry, political theory, and economic analysis. The curriculum aims to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a broad perspective on key issues that shape societies and global systems. Students engage with foundational texts and contemporary debates in each of these fields, often through a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars, and independent study. The program offers a flexible structure, allowing students to specialize or maintain a broad approach across the three disciplines. Coursework includes essays, presentations, and examinations, fostering a wide range of skills applicable in various careers, including public policy, academia, journalism, international relations, and business. The Faculty of Philosophy, the Department of Politics and International Relations, and the Economics Department collaborate closely to deliver the program, ensuring high standards of academic excellence. The university's extensive library resources, access to expert faculty members, and a vibrant academic community enrich the learning experience. The program also emphasizes the development of original thought, ethical reasoning, and understanding the underlying assumptions behind policies and philosophical positions. Students benefit from Oxford's tradition of tutorial-based teaching, which provides personalized academic guidance. Graduates of the PPE program are well-equipped for postgraduate study or diverse professional paths, thanks to their rigorous training in analysis, argumentation, and synthesis. This interdisciplinary degree is particularly suitable for individuals interested in understanding complex societal issues from multiple perspectives and seeking to influence policy or academic discourse in the future.