Degree subject reading refers to extended reading of university 1st, 2nd year textbook or journals within the student’s applying subject. University does not officially request degree subject readings as part of an entry requirement. But the university publishes subject specific recommended readings lists for prospective applicants and does take this degree subject readings into admissions consideration. For this reason, degree subject readings is a university application area prepared by all competitive applicants.
*Journals applicable to sciences
Oxford University
suggested readings
list for prospective applicants
Following the Oxbridge tutorial system, the student reads the book chapter/journal article set for the week and writes an essay on a title/topic set by the mentor. Given the difficulty level of the readings, it takes time to read a page in comparison to prior readings and to look up any unfamiliar concepts. As a result, degree subject readings is a class with a low number of hours but a broad and vast amount of readings.
Identify the student’s particular topics of interests within the subject for the mentor list suitable options amongst which the student can pick one
Read a chapter or half a chapter and write a short essay on the key concept from the reading
Discuss on the chapter in Oxbridge tutorial style that challenges the student to explain and back up his/her opinions and with reference to the essay write up
Formulate a line or short paragraph on the topic of interest with reference to the reading that will be used in the personal statement
Below are some of the suggested readings for different courses by Oxford and Cambridge universities.