Merton College
UCAS campus code: F
Ours is a close-knit community with a friendly and stimulating atmosphere, superb educational and welfare support, and a well-earned reputation for academic excellence and success.
Contact details
Admissions Manager: Katie Selwood
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44 (0) 1865 286316 or +44 (0) 1865 276310
Website: www.merton.ox.ac.uk (including a full list of academic staff)
About us
Merton is one of the oldest and most beautiful colleges in Oxford with medieval and 17th-century buildings - including our 13th-century chapel - and glorious, extensive gardens protected by the city wall. Modern facilities include a lecture theatre, five music practice rooms and a multi-faith prayer room. Undergraduates can live in college-owned accommodation for their whole course. Many rooms are ensuite, and two are fully for students who are wheelchair users. Merton’s hall food is among the tastiest and best value in the University, charged on a pay-as-you-go basis. Student kitchens are also provided.
We have a strong ethos of widening participation and are keen to attract talented applicants, whatever their background. Merton offers generous financial support including grants for buying books, language learning, academic prizes, course-related expenses and projects, and travel.
Notable alumni from Merton include the current Vice Chancellor of the University of Oxford, Professor Irene Tracey, as well as famous writers such as T.S. Eliot and JRR Tolkien. Several Nobel laureates in the sciences are also alumni of Merton, including Anthony Leggett and Nikolaas Tinbergen.
Numerous extra-curricular and subject opportunities are available for Merton students, including a wide range of societies, sports, music, and diverse reading groups. View our short video to hear our students’ views about what it’s like to live and study at Merton. You can also find further insights into life at Merton in the Alternative Prospectus and via the Merton JCR Access Instagram account.
Read more on the college website.
Year founded: 1264
Student numbers: Undergraduate 315; Postgraduate 218
Merton is...
'…a pretty place, but it is made by the people – the thriving, friendly and supportive community is what sets us apart.'
Sarah
'…where I’ve found friends for life.'
Tang
'...such a friendly place…it is a really inclusive and welcoming community.'
Lucy
'…an inclusive community with the perfect balance of fun and academia.'
Dan
'…a wonderfully welcoming place, with a thriving LGBTQ+ community.'
Pax
'…such a mix of people from different backgrounds and who have different interests…you will find people who are like you.'
Oliver
'…full of amazing opportunities you didn’t even know you needed!'
Kaveeta
College living
What you can study here
Don't see your course listed?
Check out a full listing of which colleges offer each undergraduate course.
Where you'll find us
From a quiet, cobbled lane off the High Street, Merton overlooks meadows stretching down to the River Thames. It is just a few minutes from University libraries and departments. Our Holywell Street annexe is close to the Science Area.
Virtual tour
Access Merton
Our outreach events and programmes offer a chance for you to meet us and discover what studying here might be like. You will also learn about our admissions process and how to submit a strong application.
Visit Oxford
Our 2026 undergraduate Open Days will be held on 1 and 2 July and 18 September.
University-wide outreach
Visit the University's outreach event calendar to view upcoming outreach events. Please note that some events may require advance booking or have specific eligibility criteria.
What else should you think about when choosing a college?
Ready to find out more about applying?
Read our step-by-step application guide.