College Shield

Age

Magdalene considers applications from candidates of all ages, provided they meet the appropriate academic requirements for entry. The College has welcomed a range of younger applicants as well as mature applicants in recent years.

Younger Applicants

The primary assessment of all applicants is based upon academic ability. The College is aware that there can be particular difficulties associated with accommodating younger applicants within the University and Collegiate environment and has implemented specific guidelines for supporting younger students. Within this context, particular consideration is given to the maturity of younger candidates during the admissions process. In exceptional circumstances a deferred entry offer may be made if it is thought that potentially strong applicants would benefit from a gap year prior to the commencement of their course.

Mature Applicants

Although there are Colleges specifically designed to cater for the needs of mature applicants, i.e. those who would be over the age of 21 at the point of entry, the College recognises that certain mature applicants may wish to be considered for a place at Magdalene with its constituency of predominantly 18-21 year olds.

Prospective mature applicants, who have been out of formal education for some time, are recommended to undertake a course before applying to the College. This might comprise one or two A-levels in relevant subjects, an Access course, or an Open University course. Recent academic successes carry more weight than a record (whether strong or weak) from many years ago.

We recognise that many mature applicants will have a different academic profile from those candidates applying directly from school. The majority of eligible applicants are interviewed but you may wish to contact us in advance to discuss a possible application. Written work where mentioned on the specific subject information sheets, will also be required from mature students. Full details are given elsewhere.

There is no quota on places for mature applicants, though there are typically around 6 mature students at any time (ca. 1-2% of the total undergraduate population). Mature candidates must apply by the normal application deadline of the year preceding the one in which the course is to commence. They are considered in equal competition with other applicants and have the same success rate in admissions as other candidates. Offers to mature students are tailor-made to their circumstances.