Oxbridge Reading List: Essential Books for Applicants
Oxbridge Reading List for Aspiring Applicants
Preparing for an Oxbridge application? One of the best ways to stand out is by engaging with a well-curated Oxbridge reading list. The right selection of books can sharpen your critical thinking, deepen your subject knowledge, and help you tackle interview questions with confidence. Whether you’re applying for humanities, sciences, or social sciences, this reading list will guide you toward academic excellence.
We have compiled a reading list for prospective Oxbridge and top UK university applicants. These books will challenge you intellectually, widen your knowledge of your intended course beyond what you may have learnt in the classroom and providing new ideas and analytical material for writing a compelling personal statement. They may also help you confirm whether your proposed subject is the right fit for you. See what piques your interest! This isn’t an exhaustive list, so if you want further or more tailored suggestions, just reach out to us.
Oxbridge Reading List by Subject
Archaeology and Anthropology
“How Societies Choose to Fail or Survive” J. Diamond
“The Innocent Anthropologist” N. Barley
These books explore how societies develop, thrive, and sometimes collapse, offering essential insights into human cultures.
Architecture
“The Details of Modern Architecture” E.R. Ford
“An Outline of European Architecture” N. Pevsner
A must-read for aspiring architects, these books delve into the evolution of architectural styles and design principles.
Biochemistry
“The Selfish Gene” R. Dawkins
“Why Chemical Reactions Happen” J. Keeler and P. Wothers
Gain a deeper understanding of molecular biology, genetics, and the fundamental chemical reactions that drive life.
Biology
“Life at the Extremes” F. Ashcroft
“Why Elephants Have Big Ears: Understanding Patterns of Life on Earth” C. Lavers
These books examine biological adaptation and evolution, offering fascinating insights into how organisms survive in extreme conditions.
Chemistry
“Why Chemical Reactions Happen” J. Keeler and P. Wothers
“The Periodic Table” P. Levi
Learn about the principles that govern chemical reactions and the historical evolution of chemistry.
Classics
“Classics: A Very Short Introduction” M. Beard and J. Henderson
“The Classical World: An Epic History from Homer to Hadrian” R. Lane Fox
Perfect for those fascinated by Greek and Roman civilizations, mythology, and historical narratives.
Computer Science
“AI: Its Nature and Future” M. Boden
“Computer Science: An Overview” J. Glenn Brookshear
Explore the foundations of computer science and the potential impact of artificial intelligence on society.
Economics / Economics and Management
“The Undercover Economist” T. Harford
“Free Lunch: Easily Digestible Economics” D. Smith
These books break down complex economic theories into practical insights, helping students grasp key financial and business concepts.
Engineering
“Think Like an Engineer: Inside the Minds That are Changing Our Lives” G. Madhavan
“Engineering: A Beginner's Guide” N. McCarthy
An introduction to engineering principles, problem-solving techniques, and real-world applications.
English Literature
“A Short History of English Literature” R. Barnard
“The Palgrave Guide to English Literature and its Contexts 1500–2000” P. Widdowson
These books offer an insightful overview of English literary traditions, movements, and key works.
Geography
“The Invention of Nature: The Adventures of Alexander von Humboldt, the Lost Hero of Science” A. Wulf
“The Shock of the Anthropocene” C. Bonneuil and J. Fressoz
Explore the influence of geography on global history, climate change, and human development.
History
“In Defence of History” R. Evans
“What is History Now?” D. Cannadine
These books discuss historiography, different perspectives on history, and how historical narratives are shaped.
History of Art
“The Story of Art” E.H. Gombrich
“A World History of Art” H. Honour, J. Fleming
Essential reads for those interested in artistic movements, visual storytelling, and cultural influences.
Law
“What About Law?” C. Barnard, J. O'Sullivan, G. Virgo
“Is Eating People Wrong? Great Legal Cases and How They Shaped the World” A. Hutchinson
Gain insights into legal reasoning, landmark cases, and the evolution of law.
Mathematics
“How to solve it” G. Polya
“Foundations of Science Mathematics” D. Sivia, S. Rawlings
These books help sharpen problem-solving skills and logical reasoning—essential for aspiring mathematicians.
Medicine
“The Logic of Life” J. Black, C. Boyd, D. Noble
“Oxford Textbook of Functional Anatomy” P. MacKinnon, J. Morris
A great starting point for students interested in medical sciences and anatomy.
Modern Languages
“The Language Instinct: How The Mind Creates Language” S. Pinker
“One Hundred Years of Solitude” G. García Márquez (Spanish)
(Márquez’s Nobel Prize speech, “The Solitude of Latin America” is also well worth reading)“The Plague” A. Camus (French)
These books provide linguistic insights and exposure to some of the world’s most influential literary works.
Oriental Studies
“The Open Empire: A History of China to 1600” V. Hansen
“A New Introduction to Islam” D. Brown
A deep dive into the histories and cultures of the Middle East and Asia.
Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE)
“Democracy for Realists” C. Achen, L. Bartels
“Logic” W. Hodges
Perfect for those interested in governance, political theory, and logical reasoning.
Philosophy
“Philosophy: the Basics” N. Warburton
“Think” S. Blackburn
An excellent introduction to philosophical ideas and thought-provoking questions.
Physics
“Understanding Physics” M. Mansfield, C. O’Sullivan
“Physics for Scientists and Engineers” P. Tipler, G. Mosca
These books provide a strong foundation in physics principles and their applications.
Veterinary Science
“How To: Collected Articles from BSAVA Companion” M. Goodfellow
“Learning Medicine” P. Richards, S. Stockill, R. Foster, S. Ingall
Essential reads for students pursuing veterinary science and animal care.
Final Thoughts
This Oxbridge reading list is a fantastic starting point for prospective applicants looking to enhance their subject knowledge and critical thinking skills. While these books provide valuable insights, don’t hesitate to explore further or ask for tailored recommendations. Best of luck with your studies!
