Degrees of the University of Oxford

The system of academic degrees at the University of Oxford can be confusing to those not familiar with it. This is not merely because many degree titles date from the Middle Ages, but also because many changes have been haphazardly introduced in recent years. For example, the (medieval) BD, BM, BCL, etc. are postgraduate degrees, while the (modern) MPhys, MEng, etc. are integrated master's degrees, requiring three years of undergraduate study before the postgraduate year. In postnominals, "University of Oxford" is normally abbreviated "Oxon.", which is short for (Academia) Oxoniensis: e.g., MA (Oxon.), although within the university itself the abbreviation "Oxf" can be used. Bachelor of Arts (BA) Bachelor of Fine Art (BFA) The bachelor's degree is awarded soon after the end of the degree course (three or four years after matriculation). Contrary to common UK practice, Oxford does not award bachelor's degrees with honours; however, a student whose degree is classified third class or higher is considered "to have achieved honours status". Until recently, all undergraduates studied for the degree of Bachelor of Arts. The BFA was introduced in 1978. Holders of the degrees of BA and BFA both proceed in time to the degree of Master of Arts (MA). Note that the BA is still awarded even for some science courses, such as the three-year Physics degree which also still adheres to the traditional degree classification structure, with only 30% of candidates being awarded an upper second class honours or above. The degree of Bachelor of Science (BSc) has never been awarded as an undergraduate degree at Oxford; it used to be awarded as a graduate qualification, however. Bachelor of Theology (BTh) Bachelor of Education (BEd) The BTh is awarded primarily to students of the various theological colleges and halls, such as Wycliffe Hall, Regent's Park College, Blackfriars, St Stephen's House, Ripon College Cuddesdon, Harris Manchester College () and the former Westminster College, Oxford.