The diploma combines the highest standards of academic rigour with a practical approach to resilient and strategic leadership.
Central to the design of the Oxford Executive Diplomas is the dual focus on the academic theory (and ‘thinking’) behind current organisational and global challenges, and the practical approaches (‘doing’) through which to successfully navigate them.
Led by Professor Sue Dopson, the Oxford Executive Diploma in Organisational Leadership offers a unique focus on the twin topics of leadership and the organisational landscape over four core modules.
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Potential changes to this programme
There may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary to make changes to the provision of the programme, either before or after registration. The safety of students, staff and visitors is paramount and major changes to delivery or services may have to be made in circumstances of a pandemic, epidemic or local health emergency. In addition, in certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to programme requirements for international study.
Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your diploma. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include illness, sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.
Oxford is a world-leading centre of learning, teaching and research and the oldest university in the English-speaking world.
History
Oxford is a unique and historic institution. As the oldest university in the English-speaking world, it can lay claim to nine centuries of continuous existence. Here’s a timeline of key dates:
Evidence of teaching
There is no clear date of foundation but teaching existed at Oxford in some form in 1096.
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
A Paris ban
Oxford developed rapidly from 1167, when Henry II banned English students from attending the University of Paris following a quarrel with Thomas Becket.
(Image: Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury stained glass window in the Chapter House at Westminster Abbey. Credit: Shutterstock.)
A notable visitor
In 1188, the historian Gerald of Wales gave a public reading to the assembled Oxford dons (university lecturers, especially at Oxford or Cambridge). As a royal clerk to the king and two archbishops, Gerald of Wales travelled widely and wrote extensively.
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
First overseas student
In around 1190 the arrival of Emo of Friesland, the first known overseas student, set in motion the University’s tradition of developing international scholarly links.
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
The title of Chancellor
By 1201 the University was headed by a ‘magister scholarum (head of an ecclesiastical school) Oxonie’, on whom the title of Chancellor was later conferred in 1214, and in 1231 the Masters were recognised as a universitas or corporation.
(Image: The current Chancellor, Lord Patten of Barnes.)
First colleges
During the 13th century, rioting between town and gown (townspeople and students) hastened the establishment of primitive halls of residence.
These were succeeded by the first of Oxford’s colleges, which began as endowed houses or medieval halls of residence, under the supervision of a Master.
Established between 1249 and 1264, University, Balliol and Merton Colleges are the oldest.
(Image: Merton College and chapel, from the first quadrangle, 1775-1827. Credit: Oxford University Images / Oxfordshire History Centre)
Tributes from kings
Less than a century later, Oxford had achieved eminence above every other seat of learning, and won the praises of popes, kings and sages by virtue of its antiquity, curriculum, doctrine and privileges. In 1355, Edward III paid tribute to the University for its invaluable contribution to learning. He also commented on the services rendered to the state by distinguished Oxford graduates.
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
Religious and political controversy
John Locke (1632-1704) by Thomas Gibson. Image: Oxford University Images / Bodleian Library
Early on, Oxford became a centre for lively controversy with scholars involved in religious and political disputes.
John Wyclif, a 14th-century Master of Balliol, campaigned for a Bible in English, against the wishes of the papacy.
In the 16th century, Henry VIII forced the University to accept his divorce from Catherine of Aragon, and the Anglican churchmen Cranmer, Latimer and Ridley were later tried for heresy and burnt at the stake in the city.
The University was Royalist during the Civil War and Charles I held a counter-Parliament in the University’s Convocation House.
In the late 17th century, the Oxford philosopher John Locke, suspected of treason, was forced to flee the country.
Scientific discovery and religious revival
Edmond Halley, astronomer (1656-1742), by Thomas Murray. OUImages / Bodleian Library
The 18th century became an era of scientific discovery and religious revival.
Edmond Halley, Professor of Geometry, predicted the return of the comet that bears his name.
John and Charles Wesley’s prayer meetings laid the foundations for the Methodist Society.
From 1833 onwards, the Oxford Movement sought to revitalise the Catholic aspects of the Anglican Church. One of its leaders, John Henry Newman, became a Roman Catholic in 1845 and was later made a Cardinal. In 2019 he was canonised as a saint.
(Image: Close-up of Cardinal Newman bust from Trinity College Garden Quad, Oxford University. Credit: Shutterstock.)
A famous debate
In 1860 the new University Museum was the scene of a famous debate between Thomas Huxley, champion of evolution, and Bishop Wilberforce.
Women become members
From 1878 academic halls were established for women, who were admitted as full members of the University from 1920. By 1986, all of Oxford’s male colleges had changed their statutes to admit women and, since 2008, all colleges have admitted men and women.
(Image: The first women to be awarded degrees at Oxford University. Credit: Lady Margaret Hall.)
Major research capabilities
During the 20th and early 21st centuries, Oxford established major new research capacities in the natural and applied sciences, including medicine. In so doing, it has enhanced and strengthened its traditional role as an international focus for learning and a forum for intellectual debate.
A life-saving vaccine
Oxford University has been at the centre of the COVID-19 response from the very onset of the crisis, remaining at the forefront of global efforts to combat the disease and to mitigate its many effects, such as developing a vaccine and identifying treatments. By early 2022, more than 2.6 billion doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine had been supplied to over 180 countries, with approximately two-thirds going to low and middle-income countries. The vaccine is estimated to have helped prevent 50 million COVID-19 cases, five million hospitalisations, and saved more than one million lives. (Image: Seven of the Oxford academics recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for their work on stopping the pandemic. Credit: John Cairns.)
Divisions and Departments
There are four academic divisions within Oxford University. All have a full-time divisional head and an elected divisional board. Also listed are the Department for Continuing Education, and the University’s Gardens, Libraries and Museums.
Oxford was ranked first in the world in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings for 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 – a record nine consecutive years.
There are more than 26,000 students at Oxford, including 12,470 undergraduates and 13,920 postgraduates.
Entry to undergraduate courses at Oxford continues to be very competitive: there are usually only around 3,300 places, and over 23,000 people applied to start in 2023.
The majority of Oxford’s UK undergraduates come from state schools. Over 67% of UK students admitted in 2023 were from the state sector.
450 postgraduate courses received applications for year of entry 2022/23 (including part-time variants).
For 2022/23 entry, over 37,500 applications were received for some 6,056 postgraduate places.
International students make up 46% of our total student body – around 12,075 students. Students come to Oxford from more than 160 countries and territories (as of 1 December 2022)
According to the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, which assesses the quality of research in UK Higher Education Institutions, Oxford’s submission had the highest volume of world-leading research¹.
The University of Oxford contributes around £15.7 billion to the UK economy, and supports more than 28,000 full time jobs (2018/19). Find out more here.
(¹Largest volume of world-leading research is calculated from the sum of (overall %4* x submitted FTE) across all submissions.)
Governance
Oxford’s distinctive governance structure stems from its long history.
Congregation is the sovereign body of the University and acts as its ‘parliament’. It has just over 5,000 members, including academic staff; heads and other members of governing bodies of colleges; and senior research, computing, library and administrative staff. Congregation has responsibility for:
Approving changes to the University’s statutes and regulations;
Considering major policy issues submitted by Council or members of Congregation;
Electing members to Council and other University bodies, and approving the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor.
Council is the University’s principal executive and policy-making body. It has 26 members, including four from outside the University. It is responsible for the academic policy and strategic direction of the University, for its administration, and for the management of its finances and property. It has five major committees: Education Committee, General Purposes Committee, Personnel Committee, Planning and Resource Allocation Committee, and Research Committee.
Colleges
The 39 colleges, though independent and self-governing, form a core element of the University, to which they are related in a federal system. Each college is granted a charter approved by the Privy Council, under which it is governed by a Head of House and a Governing Body comprising of a number of Fellows, most of whom also hold University posts. There are also four Permanent Private Halls, which were founded by different Christian denominations, and still retain their religious character today. The Conference of Colleges represents the common concerns of the colleges on Council, its committees, and the four Divisional Boards, and acts as a body for intercollegiate discussion and decision-making.
Divisions and departments
The University’s academic departments, faculties and research centres are grouped into four divisions: Humanities; Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences; Medical Sciences; and Social Sciences. Day-to-day decision-making in matters such as finance and planning is devolved to the divisions. The Department for Continuing Education is the responsibility of a separate board.
The Chancellor, who is usually an eminent public figure elected for life, serves as the titular head of the University, presiding over all major ceremonies.
There are six Pro-Vice-Chancellors who have specific portfolios in Development and External Affairs; Education; Innovation; People & Digital; Planning and Resources; and Research. There are also up to ten Pro-Vice-Chancellors without portfolio, who undertake a range of duties on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, including presiding at degree ceremonies and chairing electoral boards.
Information on and links to the main bodies involved in the University’s governance, its legislation, its elections, and on the team supporting the governance structures.
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Course fees
The course fees paid by matriculated students* are for the provision of tuition, supervision, academic services and facilities by the University (including your department or faculty) and the colleges, but do not include residential or other living costs.
Up to and including the academic year 2018/19, separate figures have been published on the university website for university fees and for college fees: the total payable is the sum of these two figures. From the academic year 2019/20, course fees for matriculated students are published as a single figure. This change is intended to ensure that the total level of fees payable is in all cases completely clear. Home undergraduate and PGCE students can access a tuition fee loan from the UK government to cover their course fee in full.
The course fees you pay include your fees for both University and college services and are divided between the University (including your department or faculty) and your college on a formula basis. More details are available from the Student Fees Team on request. *For an explanation of the term ‘matriculated students’, see our Matriculation page.
Home students
I feel very fortunate that I have faced no financial difficulties whatsoever at Oxford. This is entirely due to the extremely generous bursary support, which means I can focus on my studies (and hobbies) without financial anxiety. Chris If you are a Home student undertaking your first undergraduate degree, current university policy is to charge fees at the level of the cap set by the government.
The cap is currently set at £9,250 in 2024/25, and this page will be updated once the government has confirmed course fee information for full-time Home undergraduates starting courses in 2025. For details of annual increases, please see our guidance on likely increases to fees and charges.
Home students can access a tuition fee loan from the UK government for the full amount of your course fee and do not need to pay any fees upfront.
If you wish to pay your own course fees upfront rather than accessing a loan, further information on the arrangements for this can be found in our Payments and Refunds and Fee Liability pages.
Previous study
If you are a Home student who has already completed a previous undergraduate programme of study you will be classed as an Equivalent or Lower Qualification (ELQ) student. Your course fee for 2025 will be the same as the standard Home course fee rate, and you will not be eligible for any financial support from Oxford or the UK government. If you did not complete your course, you might not receive funding for the full length of your studies at Oxford.
Information for applicants from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
On 11 May 2021 the UK Council for International Student Affairs published new regulations and guidance to be used in assessing the fee status of students commencing courses in August 2021 and later. We will be using this guidance to carry out fee status assessments for students commencing courses in 2025/26, including students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland.
If you are an EU national and do not live in the UK then you are likely to be charged Overseas fees. Students with settled and pre-settled status in the UK and some other categories of students who work in the UK can qualify for Home fee status as long as they meet the residence criteria.
Overseas students
If you are not classified as a ‘Home’ student you will be classed as an ‘Overseas’ student and you should be aware that you will not be eligible for a tuition fee loan from the UK government. If you are an Overseas student, you will be charged a significantly higher level of course fee, which will vary according to your programme of study (see the courses listing for full details).
Fee status
Annual course fees payable by student for 2025/26
Overseas
Between £35,260 and £59,260*
* Clinical medicine fees will be significantly higher for Overseas students, please visit the dedicated Fees and Funding section within the Medicine course page for full details.
Additional information for medical students
If you are a Home student on the six-year medicine course, you will have different course fee arrangements in years five and six. Course fees for UK students in these years of study will be covered by the NHS. Course fee support arrangements for ROI students in years five and six are not yet known. Visit the Funding for UK Medical Students page for more information. Medical students with Overseas fee status should note that the course fees for the clinical years of their course will be considerably higher.
How do I determine my fee status?
Your fee status is based upon where you usually live, your nationality, and in certain cases, the level of any previous study. Please visit our fee status page for more information.
Students with a full year abroad as a compulsory part of their degree
Home students will be required to pay a year abroad course fee of 15% of the full course fee that applies in that year. Overseas students will be charged a reduced rate of course fee for their year abroad. Visit the Year Abroad Fees page for further information on fee rates.
The following scholarships are managed by the University’s Student Fees and Funding team. This list is provided to give an idea of the centrally-managed funds that are available to graduate students starting a degree in the 2025-26 academic year.
You may not be eligible for all of the listed scholarships and some may not yet be confirmed; please open the drop-down for each scholarship for further details. This is not an exhaustive list of all available scholarships and additional funding opportunities may be available across the University (for example through colleges, departments and divisions).
The University of Oxford sets up very few partnerships at an institutional level. The agreements the University does sign are usually designed to achieve a specific outcome and follow many years of collaboration at an academic-to-academic level. If you are interested in establishing a subject-specific partnership, please reach out to the relevant department directly. A list of our departments can be found here.
Visiting students/researchers
Undergraduates who would like to complete a study abroad period at Oxford can apply to come as a Visiting Student. Please see the undergraduate admissions website for more details. Graduate students can apply for Recognised Student status, which is given to graduate research students who are registered with another university and have been admitted to undertake research for a minimum of one and maximum of three terms. Please see the graduate admissions website for more information. The University welcomes applications from academics who are employed at a university overseas for visits of between one month and one year. If you would like to visit Oxford for less than a month, you also have the option of visiting Oxford’s libraries and attending research seminars as an independent researcher. Please see here for more information.
Scholarships available for international students
Please see the Fees & Funding webpages for detailed information on scholarships available for both undergraduate and postgraduate study.
Setting up a student recruitment partnership with Oxford
We do not work with student recruitment agencies. All prospective students should apply to the University of Oxford in the same way, which is detailed on our Admissions webpages.
Undertaking a non-academic internship at Oxford
There is no central internship scheme for international students. If you are interested in undertaking an internship at Oxford, please contact the department you wish to host you directly.
Support for international staff
Support for staff is provided by your department and a range of central services. The Oxford University Welcome Service for international staff members and their families offers information and support to people who have moved to Oxford from abroad.
Contact us
If your question has not been addressed above, please contact international.engagement@admin.ox.ac.uk. Please be aware that we cannot provide guidance on applying to study at Oxford.
Study in the UK: Top Universities, Programs, and Scholarships
The United Kingdom is a world-renowned destination for higher education, offering a diverse selection of prestigious universities, affordable options, and a wide array of programs. Here’s a guide to some of the key aspects to consider when planning to study in the UK.
1. Top UK Universities
The UK is home to many highly ranked universities known for their academic excellence and research facilities:
Oxford University (Oxford, UK): One of the oldest and most prestigious universities globally, renowned for its rigorous programs.
University of Sheffield (UK): Known for its research and innovation, Sheffield offers a broad spectrum of disciplines.
Swansea University (UK): Located in Wales, Swansea offers a variety of courses and a beautiful coastal setting.
Sheffield Hallam University (UK): With strong industry connections, Sheffield Hallam is a popular choice for practical and applied programs.
Heriot-Watt University (Scotland): Recognized for engineering, business, and science, Heriot-Watt has campuses around the world.
University of Glasgow (Scotland): A leading research university with a global reputation, especially in the arts, sciences, and medicine.
Loughborough University (UK): Known for its excellent sports facilities and engineering programs.
Nottingham Trent University (UK): Known for its creative arts, Nottingham Trent provides industry-relevant courses.
University of Liverpool John Moores (UK): Offers a wide range of programs and strong research opportunities.
For those interested in studying in London, consider renowned institutions such as University College London (UCL) and London School of Economics (LSE), as well as universities across the Greater London area, which offer diverse programs in nearly every field.
2. Popular Programs
The UK offers a variety of degree programs across disciplines:
Masters in Management (UK): UK universities provide management degrees, including MBA and MSc in Management, which are recognized globally.
LLM in the UK: Ideal for those pursuing a career in law, with universities offering specializations like international and corporate law.
Physiotherapy Masters in the UK: Programs such as MSc in Physiotherapy are offered in leading institutions, providing a path to careers in healthcare.
PhD Programs: Research-oriented students can explore a PhD in various fields, with excellent resources and guidance.
MBA Programs: Some of the best MBA programs can be found at institutions like Oxford University and University of Manchester, with options tailored for both recent graduates and professionals.
3. Scholarships and Financial Aid
The UK offers numerous scholarships for international students, including options specifically for Indian students:
UK Scholarships for Indian Students: Various UK universities provide scholarships to assist with tuition fees and living costs.
British Scholarships: The UK government and other organizations offer scholarships such as the Chevening Scholarship and Commonwealth Scholarships.
United Kingdom Scholarships: Some scholarships are specific to certain regions, universities, or programs, supporting students with exceptional academic achievements.
4. Affordable Education Options
For students seeking affordable education, here are some options:
Cheapest Universities in the UK: Many universities offer competitive tuition rates, including University of the Highlands and Islands and University of Cumbria.
Cost of MBA Programs in the UK: While MBA programs are generally an investment, several universities offer reasonably priced MBAs with flexible formats.
5. Student Visas and Requirements
To study in the UK, international students typically need a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa. Visa requirements include proof of acceptance from a recognized university, financial resources, and English language proficiency.
6. Living and Studying in the UK
Studying in the UK offers students an opportunity to live in vibrant cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh, or in quieter university towns. Most universities provide accommodation options and student support services to help international students adjust to life in the UK.
7. Top Subjects and Specializations
Whether pursuing MS degrees in sciences, LLM in law, or MA in the arts, UK universities cater to diverse academic interests, with programs designed to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
8. Healthcare and MBBS
For those interested in healthcare, the MBBS program in the UK is well-regarded, though the cost can be significant. The UK’s universities offer state-of-the-art facilities and strong clinical training.