Why is it so popular?
Why do so many people choose Oxford Brookes? The word ‘Oxford’ certainly counts in its favour, but that’s not the whole story. The university has consistently ranked highly in UK student satisfaction surveys for many years, partly because its campus culture is very student-centred. It isn’t one of those massive universities where students can easily get lost; instead, it offers small seminars, plenty of opportunities to interact with lecturers, easy access to academic support, and a vibrant student society scene. Coupled with the fact that the cost of living in Oxford is lower than in London, whilst still offering access to Oxford’s academic atmosphere and city life, it offers excellent value for money – which is why it has consistently remained so popular.
Campus Location and Transport
The main campus in Headington is approximately 1.5 miles from Oxford city centre, about a 10-minute bus ride away. There are plenty of shops and cafés in the surrounding area, and it’s quite convenient to get around by bike. Oxford railway station is nearby, with journeys to London’s Marylebone taking around an hour, and there are free shuttle buses between the three campuses, making it fairly convenient to travel between them.
Library Resources and Holdings
The John Henry Brooks Library is the main study venue for students, with over 2,000 study spaces and 24-hour access.
The physical collection exceeds 500,000 volumes, and the university has also subscribed to a considerable number of electronic journals and specialist databases. The collection includes some rather unique items, such as historical materials on cooking and archives relating to the automotive industry; students in relevant disciplines can make use of these primary sources when writing their dissertations.
International Student Support Services
In terms of support for international students, the university has made detailed arrangements, ranging from airport pick-ups and orientation week to guidance on visa renewals. The Academic English Centre offers free writing clinics and speaking workshops, and international student advisers are available by appointment to discuss issues such as cross-cultural adaptation and mental health. This helps ensure that new arrivals do not feel too overwhelmed. However, to be honest, there is a marked difference between Brooks’ resources and those of neighbouring Oxford University; the depth and breadth of the library’s collection, as well as the calibre of academic activities, are not in the same league. It is best to be aware of this before making your choice.
Oxford Brookes University degree programmes are well-recognised internationally; the university ranks highly amongst modern UK universities in the QS rankings, and its graduate employment rate stands at approximately 87 per cent. The university’s accounting programme has a partnership with ACCA, and the degree is highly regarded by the Big Four and multinational corporations, which provides a definite advantage when seeking employment.
