AAA, and no required subjects
The A-level entry qualification is AAA and the IB requirement is 38 points including core points with 666 at Higher Level. Oxford lists no required or recommended subjects.
Undergraduate · Oxford Human Sciences
Oxford Human Sciences: an interdisciplinary degree and how to apply
Oxford's Human Sciences studies humans across the biological and social sciences, from evolution and genetics to ageing, cultural diversity and the environment. Its entry rules are unusual for Oxford science-related degrees: AAA, no required or recommended subjects, the three-module TARA, no written work, and an interview where no specific prior knowledge is expected. This guide is written for families planning 2028 entry. Everything cycle-specific in it was last verified for 2027 entry, so treat it as the best guide to preparation and not as the 2028 requirement.
Official information · last verified for 2027 entry
What Oxford asks for in Human Sciences
Taken from Oxford's official Human Sciences course page and read on 25 October 2026. For a normal 2028-entry application, made in 2027, every requirement below is last verified for the previous cycle and may change; Oxford's 2028-entry requirements and dates are awaiting publication.
Biology or Mathematics can help, but are not required
Oxford says Biology or Mathematics to A level or the equivalent can be helpful in completing the course, although they are not required for admission.
The TARA, all three modules
All applicants must take the Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions (TARA) with all three modules: Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and the Writing Task.
No written work
Oxford says you do not need to submit any written work for this course.
An interview that expects no specific prior knowledge
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to at least one online interview, expected to take place in December. Oxford says tutors will not expect any specific prior knowledge of the subject.
A three-year BA across biological and social sciences
The degree awarded is BA, the course lasts 3 years (UCAS code BCL0), and it studies humans from multiple interconnecting perspectives across the biological and social sciences.
Official sources
Read on 25 October 2026 on Oxford's Human Sciences course page, which describes 2027 entry. The 2023-25 admissions statistics quoted in the guide are history, not a requirement. TARA sittings, booking windows and the UCAS deadline are cycle-specific and are not stated. The Human Sciences website and the paper structure were not read.
The course
Humans studied from biology to culture
Oxford says the BA in Human Sciences was founded in 1969 by specialists across a range of departments, to give an interdisciplinary understanding of the problems facing human societies. Central topics include the evolution of humans and their behaviour, molecular and population genetics, population growth and ageing, ethnic and cultural diversity, and human interaction with the environment, including conservation, disease and nutrition. Students study the connections between human biology, evolution, genetics, development, psychology, behaviour, ecology, demography, society and culture. The course is taught by specialists from across the University. The page does not describe the paper structure, which this guide has not read.
Reading the offer
No required subject: the choice is about fit, not prerequisites
Oxford sets AAA, or 38 IB points with 666 at Higher Level, and lists no subject requirement.
Helpful subjects
Biology or Mathematics to A level or the equivalent can be helpful to students in completing the course, although they are not required for admission.
Practicals
If a practical component forms part of a science A level used to meet the offer, Oxford expects you to pass it.
What the freedom means
Because no subject is required, think about which parts of the course's range, from genetics to culture, genuinely interest you.
The TARA
All three modules, including a Writing Task
Oxford says all applicants must take the TARA and all three modules: Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and the Writing Task. The test's sittings and booking windows change each cycle, so they are not stated here: check Oxford's course page and the test provider's key dates.
The interview
Attributes, not prior knowledge
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to at least one online interview, expected to take place in December. Oxford says the attributes tutors look for include keenness, an ability to understand things in context and make connections, readiness to modify ideas in the light of evidence, and the capacity to form and express a personal point of view. At interview, tutors will not expect you to have any specific prior knowledge of the subject; the questions are designed to help you demonstrate those attributes.
Context
How competitive the course has been
Oxford's page gives a three-year average, for 2023-25, of 56% of applicants interviewed, 16% successful and an intake of 28. Those are historical figures about past cohorts. They are not a requirement and they do not predict any individual result.
Planning for 2028 entry
Planning for 2028 entry: what carries over and what is awaiting publication
Applying for 2028 entry means applying in 2027, under rules Oxford has not yet published for that cycle. Each item below carries one of two labels. Last verified for 2027 entry means Oxford published it for the previous cycle and it may change. Awaiting publication for 2028 entry means Oxford has not yet published it.
Grades, the TARA modules and the interview approach: last verified for 2027 entry
These are the best guide to what to prepare. Oxford has not confirmed them for 2028 entry.
UCAS deadline, TARA sittings and booking windows: awaiting publication for 2028 entry
Check Oxford's course page and the test provider's key dates for the 2028-entry values when they appear.
What to do now
Read across the biological and social sciences, practise timed critical thinking, problem solving and argument writing, and be ready to explain why an interdisciplinary degree suits you.
Support
Independent support with course strategy and preparation
Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with the University of Oxford or any of its colleges or departments. Preparation sits within the Avandy Trinity Advisory Model: a Strategic Admissions Consultant, a PhD-level Academic Mentor and a Subject-specific Tutor, working to the actual requirements of each programme. No outcome is promised.
Questions
Questions applicants ask
What are the Oxford Human Sciences entry requirements?
AAA at A level, or 38 IB points including core points with 666 at Higher Level. Oxford lists no required subjects. This is Oxford's wording for 2027 entry.
Which test is required?
The Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions (TARA), with all three modules: Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and the Writing Task.
Do I need Biology or Mathematics?
Neither is required. Oxford says Biology or Mathematics can be helpful in completing the course.
Do I need to submit written work?
No. Oxford says you do not need to submit any written work for this course.
Do I need prior knowledge for the interview?
No. Oxford says tutors will not expect any specific prior knowledge of the subject.
Are these the rules for 2028 entry?
No. They are Oxford's wording for the 2027 application cycle. Check the course page again when Oxford publishes its 2028-entry requirements.
Students and families
Talk to us about Oxford Human Sciences
Tell us about the student's curriculum, their interests across the biological and social sciences, how they have approached the TARA, and the intended year of entry. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare.