Oxford's MFoCS

[Feanor]

Has anyone else received an offer for the MSc in Mathematics and Foundations of Computer Science from Oxford? Any news regarding colleges or scholarships?

[Batman_007]

I have applied for DPil in Mathematics but no offer yet; Submitted App early january. When did you apply and if you got interviewed?

[Feanor]

I submitted my application in October 10 and had a Skype interview in January 7 with two faculty members. The offer letter mentioned I should get a college offer within a few weeks.

[Batman_007]

Thank you for the reply. How was the interview? Was it technical, like they asked questions from mathematics? OR a  casual chit chat interview?.

[Feanor]

They asked some of the expected questions ("Why Oxford?", "What do you intend to do should you come here?", "Are you familiar with the course structure and specifics?") and a few technical and semi-technical questions, but all very simple. Since I manifested an interest in Category Theory, they asked me to define "category" and asked questions such as "why is Category Theory important for Algebraic Topology?" and "In which situation have you most used CT/ What kind of experience have you had with categories?". I used that one as an excuse to talk about my latest project and I guess that was the part they most enjoyed. Since the project was about profinite groups, they asked me to define "profinite group", but that's how far as it went in terms of technicality. 

 

It was quite informal and lasted for about half an hour. The interviewers also asked a few questions on background and experiences (for example, about my exchange period in the U.K as an undergrad) and asked me about my last-semester grades. In the end, they allowed me to ask questions as well and I asked a semi-technical question regarding one of their papers, which they seemed to like.

 

It was way simpler/friendlier than I had antecipated, don't panic in case you get invited, but do your best to prepare for it (become an expert on Oxford, your application materials, the interviewers, the department, your past projects, etc). By the way, I don't think you'd be able to prepare for the technical questions upfront, so just trust your background and you should be fine (they mostly ask for definitions, but I've heard of people being asked for very simple theorem statements or outlines of proofs).

[Batman_007]

God bless you man. You couldn't have responded any better: Really appreciate the comprehensive response. It will definitely help me to prepare better now. All the best for your scholarship and other offers.

[Feanor]

Thank you, and you're welcome! Good luck with your application, hope to see you in Oxford (should I accept their offer)   .

[Kleene]

God bless you man. You couldn't have responded any better: Really appreciate the comprehensive response. It will definitely help me to prepare better now. All the best for your scholarship and other offers.

An interview for a DPhil is probably VERY different from an interview for an MSc. Do bear that in mind. The focus will lie on your research proposal.

 

I applied for a DPhil in CS, btw.

Edited January 26, 2015 by Kleene

[Batman_007]

An interview for a DPhil is probably VERY different from an interview for an MSc. Do bear that in mind. The focus will lie on your research proposal.

 

I applied for a DPhil in CS, btw.

I am aware of this aspect particularly. But getting a general overview of interview was very helpful to ease out the tension. When are you expecting the interview?

[Kleene]

I am aware of this aspect particularly. But getting a general overview of interview was very helpful to ease out the tension. When are you expecting the interview?

Haven't heard yet. Only got a message today that my application had been forwarded and is now under consideration by the department.