Oxford BA vs Oxford MPhil + DPhil: which is more prestigious/makes you a true Oxonian?
If someone already has an undergrad degree from HYPW and is considering going to Oxford afterward, which path carries more prestige and aura within the Oxford community and alumni network? What about to the general public?
- Doing an Oxford BA (a second BA/senior status BA)
- Doing an Oxford MPhil + DPhil
Academically the DPhil is obviously the higher degree. But I have heard people say that the Oxford BA is the traditional core degree and that BA holders who later convert it to MA (Oxon) are considered the “true Oxford men.”
Related to that, I’ve heard there is a perception that people who only went to Oxbridge for postgraduate study are not really considered part of the Oxbridge alumni network or culture in the same way as undergraduate alumni.
Is there any truth to this? Or does doing an MPhil + DPhil integrate you just as much into the Oxford alumni network?
Would be interested to hear people’s perspectives. Thanks!
As a "fake" MPhil Oggsford man, BA is what makes you a true Oxon. You are reminded time and time again - be it colleges available to you, societies, graduation robes, interactions within college circles etc.
The endless prestige tiering never ends, outsiders are also super surprised that the college you go to matters immensely, and some are seen as "fake" Oxon (anything that gained college status after the 18th century, so half of them).
Honestly for an outsider all of this looks insanely dumb, but this is what you get when you let an island people inbreed for a thousand years. Still grateful to have that name on my CV and for the experience.
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I am happy with my experience after Oxford and the recognition & network I got out of the degree. I have no issue connecting with undergraduates as well, while there has been some soft "gatekeeping" it has had no tangible impact on my career and social life. What I describe above was way more present while studying in Oxford itself.
I would say everyone would consider me an Oxford alumnus also given the program I attended is widely respected & recognised as a top tier one globally and more competitive than most undergraduate degrees. I understand the irony of what I am about to say, but it wouldn't be the same if I did the MBA for example.
Although I count Oxford as one of my alma mater, I have way, way deeper ties and more gratitude towards my undergrad institution given the length of time I spent there and the opportunities it unlocked for me (including going to Oxford afterwards) at 0 cost (am from continental Europe in a country where university is free more or less). Oxford to me was a finishing school that enabled me to transition to London high-finance and has provided an amazing international network at a very steep tuition, so it felt way more transactional.
Funnily enough, I think by and large people assume Oxford is my alma mater as it is an "upgrade" vs my undergrad, including in my home country, although I don't feel that way at all.
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Oxford BA.
Crazy how you haven't been banned yet btw
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How would you evaluate the DPhil?
Oxford BA makes you a real Oxford man. A lot of the masters programs are just money making schemes. They take almost anyone who is rich enough.
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How would you evaluate the DPhil?
Bump
Oxbridge undergrad is waay more impressive than a Masters/Dphil. Providing you can afford it or get the tuition fee addressed with either a scholarship, bursary or debt, anyone can do a post-grad there. That isn't the same for undergrad, even if the admissions policies have been very questionable post-COVID. MBAs also aren't really a thing in Europe like they are the US, and mostly just money-making schemes.
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