a very honest review of my oxford university master's degree (theoretical physics at keble college)

The speaker begins by discussing their reluctance to make a review video about their undergraduate degree, feeling that their previous videos and social media posts sufficiently represented their university experience. They describe their three years at Lancaster as fantastic, with a supportive department and a well-rounded education. They acknowledge that while they could have made adjustments to the syllabus and had varying preferences for modules, they were overall very satisfied with their education.

The speaker shares their mixed feelings about their Master's degree experience. They explain that while they do not regret the year, they would not necessarily recommend the course to others. The speaker discusses the variety of modules offered, the challenges of combining modules from different departments, and the lack of tailoring to the needs of theoretical physicists. They also mention the impact of the pandemic on their experience, leading to feelings of loneliness and a lack of community.

Despite the challenges faced during the Master's program, the speaker found unexpected interests in modules they didn't initially plan to take, such as soft matter physics. They provide a list of the modules they enjoyed most and their academic performance in each. The speaker also discusses the option of replacing one module with a dissertation, which they chose not to do due to personal struggles and workload during the program.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of community in education, particularly in physics, and shares their disappointment with the lack of a strong community during their Master's. They recount instances of kindness and support from peers and staff but express a sense of disconnect due to shared modules with other years and an eclectic mix of chosen modules. The speaker also mentions the administrative and welfare support provided by the university and efforts to foster a sense of community.

The speaker discusses the administrative challenges faced during their studies, including the lack of personal timetables, the need to manually track lecture notes and deadlines, and the absence of a centralized system for university resources. They also express frustration with the lack of a campus map and the uncertainty surrounding exam results. The speaker advocates for improved IT systems to streamline these processes and enhance the student experience.

The speaker reflects on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their academic year, particularly the shift to online lectures and exams. They acknowledge the university's efforts to adapt but criticize the lack of flexibility and support for students, especially in the context of exams. The speaker shares personal struggles during this period, including the loss of their grandfather and the cancellation of graduation ceremonies, highlighting the emotional toll of these events.

The speaker provides an overview of the college system at Oxford, discussing the differences between postgraduate-only and mixed undergraduate and postgraduate colleges. They share their reasons for choosing Keble College, including its graduate campus and architectural appeal. The speaker also talks about the facilities and social events at Keble, highlighting the sense of community among postgraduate students and the variety of activities organized by the MCR committee.

The speaker shares the significant role that the Oxford University Cross-Country Club (OUCCC) played in helping them overcome the challenges of their Master's year. They describe the club as a source of community and support during a difficult time, providing a refuge from academic stress. The speaker also reflects on the importance of extracurricular activities in enhancing their overall university experience, despite the academic challenges they faced.

The speaker concludes by reflecting on the highs and lows of their year at Oxford. Despite the academic challenges and the loss of a term due to the pandemic, they found joy and resilience through extracurricular activities and the sense of community within their college. They express gratitude for the opportunities to explore their interests in physics and sports, and for the friendships formed. The speaker acknowledges the complexity of their experience, but ultimately does not regret the year, looking forward to new opportunities ahead.