University of Oxford Essay Prompts 2026-27
For the 2026-27 cycle: program supplements for 2 programs.
Oxford is a UCAS university, so your UCAS personal statement is the main piece of writing it reads. You answer it once and it goes to all five of your UCAS choices.
Prompts under a program heading apply only if you are applying to that program.
Archaeology and Anthropology
Archaeology and Anthropology set essay
Written new for the Oxford application and submitted alongside two recently marked school essays. Submission deadline 10 November 2026.
How do you understand the connections between Archaeology and Anthropology? Illustrate your response by reference to what we can learn about people in the past and/or present from their material culture
800 words max
History of Art
History of Art personal response
Must be a new piece of writing, not previously submitted for assessment. Oxford asks that you see the object in person. Submitted alongside one marked essay of up to 2,000 words by 10 November 2026.
One personal response of up to 750 words, written in response to a piece of art, architecture or design.
750 words max
Checked against official sources. Last verified August 30, 2026.
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