CourseCast with Tim Mears

About CourseCast with Tim Mears

CourseCast is a podcast by students for students. We discuss a wide range of university degrees to find out what they're really like - helping you make an informed decision about your future. We go beyond the stats to understand student life and stories. Join me, Tim Mears - a PPE student at the University of Oxford, as I help you answer the question: 'What should I study at University?'

Publisher

Timothy Mears

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

21 Nov 2025

Latest episode

11 Apr 2026

Latest episodes

12 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   11 Apr 2026

   What Is Music at Oxford Really Like?

   In this episode, two third-year students from the University of Oxford, Benedict and Mithesha, share what Music at Oxford is really like. It's not what you think! Whether you're researching UK university courses or preparing for an Oxford application, this video offers practical insight you won’t find anywhere else.www.coursecasttm.co.ukTimestamps:0:17 Highlights1:05 Introductions2:20 Why did you pick music?3:55 How does the course compare to A-level?5:14 What questions do you answer with a Music degree?6:26 How is music unique?7:40 What things drew you to music?8:47 What are you looking to do after the degree?12:03 How is the Music course structured?14:29 What has been your favourite topic so far?19:21 What does your weekly schedule look like?22:25 What makes the tutorial system unique?24:40 What misconceptions did you have about the course?27:25 How much is performance a part of the degree?29:19 What makes a good music student?32:50 What advice do you have for the application process?38:46 What did you write about for your personal statement?41:35 What made you a successful candidate?44:18 Any more advice for applicants?50:35 What do you do outside of the degree?57:21 What did you get up to in your gap year?1:02:20 What one piece of advice would you give an applicant?1:06:43 Anything else to say?1:08:50 OutroContact our Guests:Benedict: https://www.instagram.com/bkqwerty158/?hl=enMithesha: https://www.instagram.com/mitheshamageswaran/?hl=enLike, subscribe & share to support the channel!#university #alevel #sixthform #gcse #gcs #ppe #oxford #oxforduniversity #podcast #music #admissions

2. 

   7 Feb 2026

   Experemental Psychology at Oxford - according to students

   https://coursecasttm.co.uk/our-student-network/ In this episode, two students from the University of Oxford, Anjali and Hannah, share what Experimental Psychology at Oxford is really like. Anjali is a first year Psychology student, whilst Hannah is a second year. Whether you're researching UK university courses or preparing for an Oxford application, this video offers practical insight you won’t find anywhere else. www.coursecasttm.co.uk Timestamps: 0:56 Introductions 2:22 What things led you to choosing Pyschology? 3:42 What actually is Pyschology? 5:44 What is the best thing you have learnt so far? 7:01 Why is Experimental Pyschology a unique course? 9:07 What does your weekly schedule look like? 11:45 How are you assessed on the course? 13:50 How have you found the transition to university? 17:41 How you find the Oxford teaching style? 20:14 What qualities make a good Pyschology student? 21:14 How does Pyschology affect your world view? 22:44 What are your options after the degree? 24:28 What admissions advice do you have? 27:45 What was your personal statement process like? 31:47 What do you do outside of your degree? 35:38 How do you find Oxford's college life? 39:15 Have we missed anything? 42:20 What is your one piece of advice to a prospective applicant? 45:00 Outro Contact our Guests: Anjali: TikTok/Insta: @anjaliexamhelp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjali-sivasundaram-236575239/ Hannah: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-pierce-69ab06275 Like, subscribe & share to support the channel! #university #alevel #sixthform #gcse #gcs #ppe #oxford #oxforduniversity #podcast #psychology #admissions

3. 

   2 Feb 2026

   What's an Oxford Law tutorial really like?

   https://coursecasttm.co.uk/our-student-network/ Disclaimer: Viewer discretion advised, this video discusses topics some viewers may find upsetting. None of what is shared in the episode should be viewed as legal advice. In this episode, two second-year students from the University of Oxford, Edwin and Umberto, share what Law at Oxford is really like. This tutorial-style discussion explores some of the most interesting legal cases our guests have covered in their time at Oxford and should be a fascinating watch for anyone looking to study law at university! Whether you're researching UK university courses or preparing for an Oxford application, this video offers practical insight you won’t find anywhere else. www.coursecasttm.co.uk Timestamps: 1:00 Introductions 2:03 R v Brown 1994 6:26 R v Wilson 1996 8:20 'Dr Evil' 2019 11:50 Flexibility of the law 19:00 R v Clinton 2012 26:17 R v Ahluwalia 1992 28:30 Judgement in Clinton 31:20 R v Blaue 1975 'Thin Skull Rule' 33:28 Types of law 36:38 Smith v Leech Brain 1962 40:30 Law at Oxford 42:00 Constitutional law 44:46 GCHQ 1985 49:20 Law at Oxford 53:25 Roman law's influence 1:02:00 Leases and licenses 1:04:04 Street v Mountford 1985 1:08:00 What is law at Oxford like? 1:15:30 What do you do in a law essay? 1:19:50 What is the best part of the degree? 1:22:40 Oxford Law Society 1:28:00 Outro Contact our Guests: Edwin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwin-walker-273410205/ Umberto: https://www.linkedin.com/in/umberto-spezi-88907a234/ Like, subscribe & share to support the channel! #university #alevel #sixthform #gcse #gcs #ppe #oxford #oxforduniversity #maths #admissions

4. 

   26 Jan 2026

   Maths at Oxford - what's it really like?

   https://coursecasttm.co.uk/our-student-network/ In this episode, two students from the University of Oxford, Jamie and Radomir, share what Maths at Oxford is really like. Both from Worcester College, Jamie is a first year Maths student, whilst Radomir is a second year. Whether you're researching UK university courses or preparing for an Oxford application, this video offers practical insight you won’t find anywhere else. www.coursecasttm.co.uk Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:42 Guest introductions 01:29 Why maths? 05:20 What are you studying when you study maths? 09:14 What is the most exciting thing you've learnt so far? 14:06 Day-to-day life for a maths student 15:42 Course structure and optional modules 23:33 What makes a good maths student? 31:48 Is AI useful for a maths degree? 36:24 Applications advice 47:01 Uni life outside of maths 51:38 Academic programmes and support 54:14 Advice for year 11, 12 and 13 students Contact our Guests: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesepotter?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesepotter?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios) Like, subscribe & share to support the channel! #university #alevel #sixthform #gcse #gcs #ppe #oxford #oxforduniversity #maths #admissions

5. 

   17 Jan 2026

   Classics at Oxford and beyond!

   Check out our guests' book recommendation here: https://amzn.to/4qYfy7m https://coursecasttm.co.uk/our-student-network/ In this episode, two students from the University of Oxford, Valentina and Ilaria, share what Classics at Oxford is really like. Ilaria is a first year undergrad Classics student, whilst Valentina is undertaking her PhD at the University of Copenhagan, she was a visiting student at Oxford last term. Whether you're researching UK university courses or preparing for an Oxford application, this video offers practical insight you won’t find anywhere else. www.coursecasttm.co.uk Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 0:48 Introductions 1:24 Why did you pick Classics? 4:30 What is Classics? 7:31 How is Classics structured at Oxford? 9:11 Were language classes a step up from A-level? 11:25 How does Classics vary from undergrad to masters to PhD? 15:28 What advice would you give to help people manage the workload? 16:55 Why did you go beyond undergrad? 18:16 How are you assessed on the course? 20:58 What misconceptions might people have about Classics? 24:45 What kind of person thrives in Classics? 26:43 Can you speak Latin or Greek or just read it? 31:33 Why did you pick your PhD subject topic? 34:54 What was your admissions process like? 36:15 What did you read and write about in your personal statement? 38:05 How does the admissions test work if you haven't studied Latin or Greek? 39:02 Any tips for Classics interviews? 41:10 How do postgrad admissions work? 44:02 How do you use AI? 50:47 What do you do outside of your degree? 55:33 What one piece of advice would you give your past self? 55:50 Outro 1:00:43 Blooper Contact Valentina: vaor@hum.ku.dk Like, subscribe & share to support the channel! #university #alevel #sixthform #gcse #gcs #ppe #oxford #oxforduniversity #classics

6. 

   10 Jan 2026

   What's it like to study law?

   https://coursecasttm.co.uk/our-student-network/ In this episode, two students from the University of Oxford and the University of Southampton, Edwin and Eren, share what Politics and International Relations is really like. Whether you're researching UK university courses or preparing for an Oxford application, this video offers practical insight you won’t find anywhere else. www.coursecasttm.co.uk Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 0:37 Coming up... 1:08 Why did you pick your degree? 4:19 What do you study during a Law degree? 9:20 What does your typical schedule look like? 12:42 How does studying Law compare to A-levels? 14:45 What are Law exams like? 19:20 Why did you pick a master's degree? 23:35 How useful is AI in your degree? 27:51 Connect with an Oxford student 28:46 What advice do you have for the LNAT and personal statement? 32:17 What advice do you have for interviews? 34:52 How do undergrad and postgrad admissions compare? 38:55 Is there anything you would change about your application? 40:49 What are you looking to do after the degree? 43:00 What's the difference between a barrister and a solicitor? 45:45 What are you looking to do after the degree? 48:06 What do you do outside of the degree? 51:22 What's your one best piece of advice for applicants? 54:06 Outro Contact our Guests: Edwin: https://www.instagram.com/eren.baykut.186/?hl=en Eren: https://www.instagram.com/edwin_w06/?hl=en Like, subscribe & share to support the channel! #university #alevel #sixthform #gcse #gcs #ppe #oxford #oxforduniversity #southampton

7. 

   3 Jan 2026

   Should you study Politics and International Relations at University?

   In this episode, two students from the University of Bath and University College London, Ash and Lyla, share what Politics and International Relations is really like. Whether you're researching UK university courses or preparing for an Oxford application, this video offers practical insight you won’t find anywhere else. www.coursecasttm.co.uk Check out some Supercurricular recommendations here: An Introduction to Political Philosophy: https://amzn.to/4qDay81 (https://amzn.to/4qDay81) Talking to My Daughter About the Economy: A Brief History of Capitalism: https://amzn.to/496l8yx (https://amzn.to/496l8yx) UCL Lectures: https://www.youtube.com/@uclpoliticalscience (https://www.youtube.com/@uclpoliticalscience) Check out Ash's radio show here: 2:15 Every Monday https://bathmedia.co.uk/ (https://bathmedia.co.uk/) https://www.instagram.com/fuelforthoughturb/?hl=en (https://www.instagram.com/fuelforthoughturb/?hl=en ) Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:07 Why did you pick your degree? 4:41 What are you currently studying? 7:18 What's the best thing you've learnt so far? 10:18 How are you assessed on the course? 13:33 What is the year abroad or placement like? 16:57 What is your schedule like in a typical week? 20:17 How do 'Hot Topics' work at UCL? 22:41 Do you like being at a campus uni? 25:41 How have you found the transition to uni? 27:21 How useful is AI on your course? 30:54 What do you getup to outside of the degree? 35:12 What was the process for writing your personal statement? 42:50 What other application advice do you have? 45:15 How did you pick the right course for yourself? 47:46 What advice would you give your Year 12 self? 52:07 What do you want to do after uni? 52:45 Outro Contact our Guests: Lyla: Insta: https://www.instagram.com/lylaa.f/?hl=en (https://www.instagram.com/lylaa.f/?hl=en ) LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/lyla-foley-9713872ba (https://uk.linkedin.com/in/lyla-foley-9713872ba ) Ash: Insta: https://www.instagram.com/ashpeppiatt16/?hl=en (https://www.instagram.com/ashpeppiatt16/?hl=en ) Like, subscribe & share to support the channel! #politics #international #eu #ucl #university #alevel #sixthform #gcse #gcs #ppe

8. 

   27 Dec 2025

   International Politics and a Language - What's it really like?

   In this episode, two students from the University of Bath, Sarah and Charlie, share what International Politics is really like. Sarah is a first-year student studying International Politics with beginner Mandarin, whilst Charlie is a second-year student studying International Politics with advanced Spanish. Whether you're researching UK university courses or preparing for an Oxford application, this video offers practical insight you won’t find anywhere else. Check out some Supercurricular recommendations here: The Rest is Politics - ‪@restispolitics‬ (https://www.youtube.com/@restispolitics) TLDR News - ‪@TLDRnews‬ (https://www.youtube.com/@TLDRnews) The Morality of China in Africa, Stephen Chan - https://amzn.eu/d/62MQZY2 (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbmJNakVoMVFsOTJHOThSUGNtNGJCZmppQVFQQXxBQ3Jtc0tuM25yWFA4Wjc4dmxMbFE0V19lLTQ1M2hoU1VULTdQbnN5YzRIOUtCUl9DSmRjamVrbG9uM0dMVE1iSkFlZE1WeFV2Qm9OUHhxd09nYmNYcWVkZy03M3dWaXF5eUUzU1FxeHBWS1dRTkJ6WGdUaWdVQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.eu%2Fd%2F62MQZY2&v=VewANGQUNQs) The Language Instinct, Steven Pinker - https://amzn.eu/d/1RUHX19 (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbWRTNnhjZjZ4eEZFeU5FV3paakdsUnJGSTlKd3xBQ3Jtc0tuclpobmJlaUltaTJpVnRwaWhtR3ZPTXZ4Y19GR18tdm9DRl9qUmU3ZTBrQ1RlVENNLWVrcXRwZWtrUDVvZDU4WlVrOXVwelNXb1N4REdMT0FQTll0RlRtajJhUUlINTZtMFBvMlRrYjVwcGE2M0RDUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.eu%2Fd%2F1RUHX19&v=VewANGQUNQs) Contact our Guests: Sarah: TBC Charlie: Insta: https://www.instagram.com/charab_05/?... (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbVlUMGFDOTNyMEVqWkxOSUo3NVZZTWRpTVJKZ3xBQ3Jtc0tuYnMwVFRQcjdud212dUtES0dKS0ZLRXpRUjljNkNCMmdtNGE3ZHZ4RVJqVXF3N1p0eVhmLUtBR2dfd1dCa2VxREU3WWRXWmE0TnUwRXY5MTd4eThOX3liYXUtT1pVRWVhTDVPR256V3Y5R0lzTHotTQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fcharab_05%2F%3Fhl%3Den&v=VewANGQUNQs) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-b... (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbG1kWFBUeGRNQ0ZyQW5PS0lvMGZsTmFoLTFpZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttaUF2eW9HMHI1WTlHODZKR2M5Uk5hZ2c4a2FOeFZ0Ykl0ZFFLMnIwWnU4UGM4Qllic3RLN0lySExKem1aelJyb1YwMmZqdmN0c25TcUlZTDEwWlZUYlM0c0NkUUJEZW92VmwtRjRNUXFxWFZRdGdKVQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fcharlie-butt-8592242b5%2F%3Futm_source%3Dshare%26utm_campaign%3Dshare_via%26utm_content%3Dprofile%26utm_medium%3Dios_app&v=VewANGQUNQs) Like, subscribe & share to support the channel! www.coursecasttm.co.uk

9. 

   13 Dec 2025

   Studying Theology & Religion at Oxford | Honest Student Interview

   Thinking about applying to Theology & Religion at Oxford University? In this episode, two Oxford students — Emily (https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-kinne-6768a3295?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app) and Clara (https://www.instagram.com/claratubiermont/?hl=en) — give a clear, honest breakdown of what the degree is really like. We cover the course structure, tutorials, study advice, Oxford personal statement tips, interview preparation, and life as a humanities student at Oxford. Whether you're researching UK university courses or preparing for an Oxford application, this video offers practical insight you won’t find anywhere else. What you’ll learn: What the Theology & Religion degree involves Oxford tutorials explained How to write a strong Oxford personal statement Real Oxford interview examples & advice Studying theology as a person of faith Careers after Theology & Religion Oxford student life and workload Key quotes: “It’s a subject for people who don’t want to box themselves in.” “They want to see how you think, not what you’ve memorised.” Listen on Spotify / Apple Podcasts or Watch on YouTube (https://linktr.ee/coursecasttm) Like/rate, subscribe/follow & share to support the channel!

10. 

    6 Dec 2025

    Oxford PPE - see inside Oxfords most Infamous Degree!

    Check out our guests' reading recommendations: Cut Short by Ciaran Thapar: https://amzn.to/4pwmtnK (https://amzn.to/4pwmtnK) Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance: https://amzn.to/3MhyCys (https://amzn.to/3MhyCys) An Introduction to Political Philosophy by Jonathan Wolff: https://amzn.to/3MhyCys (https://amzn.to/3MhyCys) The Undercover Economist by Tim Harford: https://amzn.to/3KIw8Zm (https://amzn.to/3KIw8Zm) Think by Simon Blackburn: https://amzn.to/4pt4jne (https://amzn.to/4pt4jne) Dive into the infamous Oxford PPE degree! Our guests, Lily and Barn give us the full, honest rundown on what it's really like to study one of the UK's most competitive courses. We cover: The difficult admissions process and tips for prospective students. What the PPE curriculum actually entails, covering Politics, Philosophy, and Economics. The demanding workload and day-to-day student experience at Oxford. Their most useful and interesting book recommendations The best philosophical advice they've received and would pass on to listeners. Whether you're applying to Oxford, curious about PPE, or just looking for a glimpse into university life, this episode is packed with essential insights and personal stories! linktr.ee/coursecasttm (http://linktr.ee/coursecasttm) Connect with our guests! Lily: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lily-taylor-447480311/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lily-taylor-447480311/) Barn: https://www.instagram.com/barn.w.cole/?hl=en (https://www.instagram.com/barn.w.cole/?hl=en) Are you a UK university student with a unique uni experience? DM us with your course and university for a chance to come on the show! #OxfordUniversity #PPE #Admissions #StudentLife #UniversityAdvice #CourseCast #PoliticsPhilosophyEconomics

11. 

    29 Nov 2025

    Oxford Physics - The Student Perspective

    Check out Henry’s book recommendation here: https://amzn.to/4omwwKT (https://amzn.to/4omwwKT) In this episode of CourseCast, we speak to Henry and Emre, two physicists at the University of Oxford. We discuss their experiences with applications and what studying at Oxford is really like. If you're interested in Maths, Physics, Engineering or any other STEM degree - this video is for you. We spoke about what makes physics at Oxford unique and our guests' highlights of the course so far. We also discussed maintaining a good work-life balance at university and admission advice. For a summary of this (and all other) episodes, please subscribe to our blog (https://coursecasttm.beehiiv.com/subscribe): https://coursecasttm.beehiiv.com/subscribe (https://coursecasttm.beehiiv.com/subscribe) Please share this with everyone, and don't forget to like and follow for more. New videos every week (PPE dropping next)! DM us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/coursecasttm/?hl=en)if you are a student at a UK university and would like to be a guest! Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/coursecasttm/?hl=en): https://www.instagram.com/coursecasttm/?hl=en (https://www.instagram.com/coursecasttm/?hl=en) Subscribe to our mailing list (https://coursecasttm.beehiiv.com/subscribe): https://coursecasttm.beehiiv.com/subscribe (https://coursecasttm.beehiiv.com/subscribe) Listen wherever you get your podcasts (https://coursecasttm.buzzsprout.com): https://coursecasttm.buzzsprout.com CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTS: Henry: https://www.instagram.com/henrytaylorr_/ (https://www.instagram.com/henrytaylorr_/) Emre: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emre-p-01b16022b?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app (https://www.linkedin.com/in/emre-p-01b16022b?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app)

12. 

    21 Nov 2025

    Biochemistry at Oxford - What's it really like?

    In this episode of CourseCast, we speak to Ari and Alexei, two biochemists at the University of Oxford. We discuss their experiences with applications and what studying at Oxford is really like. If you're interested in Biochemistry, Biomedicine, Medicine or any other STEM degree - this video is for you. Our guests cover a lot of ground (see our blog - linked below - for a summary). We discuss course structure, application and admissions advice, workload, highlights from the course and much more. Please share this with everyone, and don't forget to rate and follow the show. New episodes every week (Physics dropping next)! Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coursecasttm/?hl=en Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://coursecasttm.beehiiv.com/subscribe

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