Worcester is a place you can make your own, whether you’re a prospective applicant with big ideas or an Old Member with fond memories. It’s a place of beauty and inspiration that supports researchers and offers an incomparable venue for your next event.

Worcester College was established in 1714, but on the site of a much older educational community founded by Benedictine monks in the 13th century. We were once on the fringes of Oxford, but now we’re right at the beating heart of this university city.

To apply, you’ll make an application to the University of Oxford via UCAS and choose Worcester (Campus Code: Z) when selecting your college preference. Don’t forget that Oxford has an earlier deadline than most universities.

Come to visit our wonderful grounds, discover seven centuries of history and experience Worcester College for yourself. Since summer 2023, we have been piloting a self-guided tour and free public admission to our gardens and grounds.

We hope you’ll join our international community of graduate students based here at Worcester. If you’re thinking of applying to study with us, you’ll need to first check whether we offer the course you’re interested in. Then you can apply directly to the relevant faculty or department of the University of Oxford.

The foundation of Worcester College Thanks to a benefaction of £10,000 from a Worcestershire baronet, Sir Thomas Cookes, the Hall was re-founded in 1714 as Worcester College. Building began in 1720 but, because of a lack of funds, proceeded in fits and starts.

Welcome to Worcester, a forward-looking college where everyone should feel welcomed, valued and respected.

Our residential programmes offer academic enrichment through innovative and exciting seminars and lectures in an Oxford college setting, complemented by a wide range of cultural and social activities. All Oxford Certificate Programmes are taught by Oxford and Cambridge tutors.

Living in College means you’ll have easy access to our on-site gym, sports field, and tennis courts, as well as our beautiful gardens and lake. And with the city centre on your doorstep, you’ll be spoilt for choice with Oxford’s museums, theatres, cinemas, cafés, pubs, bars, and clubs.

English at Worcester is an equally intensive and extensive education, from the beginnings of literature in Old English to the global English writing of the present day; from line-by-line reading and interpretation of a sonnet, to a seminar debate on the nature of literature and of experience.