Human Sciences

The Human Sciences course studies humankind as biological and social animals. Equal weight is given to these two aspects of the course. In the first year, the major topics covered are the Biology of organisms including humans; Genetics & evolution; Society, culture & the environment; Sociology & demography; and Quantitative methods for the human sciences.

In the second year of the course, students study five compulsory topics: Behaviour & its evolution, animal & human; Human genetics & evolution; Human ecology; Demography & population; and either Anthropological analysis & interpretation, or Sociological theory. In the third year, students choose two out of ten optional papers according to their interests; in addition, every student is expected to write a 10,000-word essay on a Human Sciences topic of their choice.

We typically admit two or three students each year to read Human Sciences at Magdalen.

The range of subjects taught in Human Sciences is such that it cannot be treated like other subjects, in which one or a few tutors would usually cover most of the work. However, Magdalen has two tutors who share overall responsibility for Human Sciences and teach a significant proportion of the course: Bruce Winney, a geneticist, and Clare Harris, an anthropologist. Over the course of your degree, however, most of your tutorials will not be given by Magdalen tutors; this is the same for Human Sciences students at all other colleges. As a subject, Human Sciences is fortunate to have very effective central coordination at the Pauling Centre based at 58 Banbury Road. Further details about the degree course and its organization can be found on the web at www.ihs.ox.ac.uk.

We have no special preference for A2 subjects. We have had successful candidates obtaining first-class degrees in Human Sciences coming up with Science and with Arts backgrounds. Mathematics (especially with an element of statistics) is helpful, although the advantage of the tutorial system is that we can make up for any weaknesses you think you have. If you have any doubts as to the suitability of your combination of A2 subjects, please write to us. Our standard conditional offer is AAA at A2 (or equivalent).

Candidates are not required to submit any written work as part of their application. You may, if you wish, submit a statement of around 100 words about why you would like to study Human Sciences, which should be sent directly to the Institute of Human Sciences by 10th November.

Occasionally candidates apply for deferred entry, and we consider such candidates on their merits. We will need to be convinced that clear and useful plans for the year have been made. We would, however, encourage potential applicants in this category to consider applying post-A-level, as we are then able to make a firm decision on admission at the time of interview. If you would like to discuss the relevance or timing of your gap year plans, please contact the Admissions Secretary.

There are University and College Open Days every year when we will be happy to answer your questions in person.

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