Welcome to our New Students

As Blackfriars Hall begins a new academic year, we are pleased to welcome 53 new students.

They join us from across the world, including from China, Australia, India, Indonesia, Nigeria and Russia, as well as the UK, North America and Europe.

Our students have entered the following programmes this year: 7 DPhil, 5 MPhil, 28 Masters’, 2 PGCE, and 4 Diploma, and 8 Visiting Student Programme. Subjects include our usual focus on the Humanities and Social Sciences, including Theology / Religion and Philosophy, English, History and Geography, and also several studying in the area of Policy and Diplomacy; we even have an archaeologist.

During our welcome week, students mingled with staff for free buffet lunches held in the Aula – and the rich variety of backgrounds and interests made for fascinating conversations.

On Saturday, our students studying for the first time at Oxford University were enrolled or ‘matriculated’, wearing the traditional ‘sub-fusc’ uniform – see photos.

The Regent, Fr John O’Connor OP, commented:

“It is wonderful to welcome new students to Blackfriars Hall, to join our academic community of students, Fellows, and staff. We at Blackfriars look forward to getting to know one another during the months and years ahead.”