Oxford Muslim Access Conference
The Oxford Muslim Access Conference (OMAC) is our annual event, tailored to supporting ambitious, young Muslim students who are considering applying to Oxford and other top universities.
Since our first event in 2018, the idea of OMAC was to provide students with a greater understanding of the university application process and to give a realistic and honest reflection about Oxford, to boost the confidence of prospective applicants. With every OMAC, we receive positive feedback from both volunteers and students and we always seek ways to improve for the next year.
At OMAC we deliver subject-specific workshops to give prospective students a taster of the tutorial system at Oxford and to help them engage with materials and resources in a critical manner. These workshops provide a chance to ‘think aloud’, defend and challenge thoughts among peers, and experience what work would be like here.
“It was really entertaining! Myth-busted a lot. I did enjoy hearing both students talk about the subject. It was a very cool idea.”
We also invite special guest speakers to explain how the application process works, and answer questions addressing cultural and faith barriers faced by Muslims across universities in general.
“All the volunteers were very helpful, informative and friendly.”
Our breakout sessions allow current students to share their experiences living at Oxford as a Muslim, the facilities available and the role of OUISoc. These sessions have dispelled common myths and showed Oxford is an environment where Muslims can thrive. Moreover, we host an alumni panel discussion to explore the various career paths available and share Muslim experiences in workplaces.
“It really helped me understand what the interview/tutorials could be like and how to engage with prompts.”
Throughout the day, the opportunities to put questions to members of our ever-expanding Muslim community at Oxford will be plentiful. This is our chance to offer advice and encouragement to what will be beneficial to a future cohort of applicants, Insha’Allah
Have a look through our latest Impact Report to see what OMAC included, how it was presented and the thoughts and experiences by our participants.
OMAC 2019
OMAC 2019 was kindly hosted by Clifford Chance in Canary Wharf, London, and sponsored by Oxford University, Aziz Foundation, and COSARAF. The Conference hosted over 100 year 11 and 12 students from over 90 state and faith schools across the country.
The day included some inspiring speeches and Q&A sessions with Oxford’s Head of Admissions, Samina Khan, Lady Margaret Hall’s Senior Outreach Officer, Marrium Khan, and Oxford’s Muslim Chaplain, Sheikh Ibrahim Amin.
This was followed by a student panel, focusing on university and college life, a series of subject workshops, and an alumni panel with Muslim graduates now working in a variety of fields.
The brothers’ and sisters’ breakout sessions at the end of the day provided a safe space for students to talk through concerns such as balancing faith, wellbeing, and moving away from home for the first time.
Support us
If you’re interested in supporting OMAC or our wider outreach work, including regional events and school visits, we would love to hear from you! To get in touch, please email ouisoc.outreach@gmail.com.
Follow us
Follow us on social media to keep up to date with outreach events like this in the future.
Twitter: @oxforduni_isoc
Instagram: @muslimsofoxford
Hear from current students, alumni and scholars
Debunking common myths
Personal statements, interviews and entrance exams
