The Target Oxbridge Podcast

Hope Oloye, Founder of Thinking Black, joins Naomi to discuss studying Biomedical Sciences at Oxford.  Biomedical Sciences focuses on the science underpinning human biology, with the option to pursue Cells and Systems Biology or Neuroscience. Hope highlights that whilst the course overlaps with Medicine, it differs by focusing on the scientific fundamentals instead of on disease and treatment – it's a great option if you love the science related to Medicine but don’t want to be a doctor, or aren’t sure yet!  Hope speaks about the skills she developed through lab work and essay writing on her course and how she has used them whilst completing her PhD research into the use of technology in mental health diagnoses. She shares that her peers have gone onto a range of careers, including medicine, law, consulting and banking, and speaks about her work running creative writing and educational programmes for young Black students through Thinking Black.   You can learn about Thinking Black here: http://thinkingblack.co.uk/    Hope recommends reading:   Phantoms in the Brain by V.S. Ramachandran: https://www.wob.com/en-gb/books/v-s-ramachandran/phantoms-in-the-brain/9781857028959   How We Live and Why We Die by Lewis Wolper: https://www.wob.com/en-gb/books/lewis-wolpert/how-we-live-and-why-we-die/9780571239122  

Francesca Richards joins Naomi to speak about studying Education at Cambridge. Francesca’s interest in English, social sciences and creativity attracted her to Education. She explains that it isn’t a teacher training course, but instead provides the opportunity to think critically about education as a social, cultural and political entity as well as how we construct and value knowledge. She also talks about the Education department’s non-traditional approach to assessment which gave her the opportunity to be examined through art portfolios and drama pieces.   Francesca shares her journey after her degree, which has included a Master’s at Oxford in Higher Education and a PGCE, which is a teacher training course. She also speaks about her friends from the course who have gone on to careers with charities, NGOs, the Civil Service, law firms and consulting firms. To end, Francesca shares her tips for applying to Education at Cambridge and preparing for interview.

Tobi Olaitan, a consultant, joins Naomi to speak about studying Biochemistry at Oxford. Tobi chose Biochemistry due his to interest in how cells and the human body works. The course combines Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths across a number of modules like Organic Chemistry and Biophysical Chemistry. Tobi shares that his course involved lab work and scientific essay writing, and that he used his optional fourth year Master’s to research the genes that cause sepsis and the genes that cause the fast twitch muscle in sprinters. Tobi speaks about his career as a consultant working with Life Sciences companies and highlights how the ability he developed at university to analyse and communicate large amounts of information has been essential in his role. Tobi also shares his top tips for the application process and an insight into the interview questions he was asked.   Recommended Reading: ‘Life Ascending’ - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Life-Ascending-Great-Inventions-Evolution/dp/1861978189

Skai Campbell joins Naomi to discuss studying Biological Sciences at Oxford, a course he was drawn to because of his interest in animals with weird features, like the mantis shrimp. Skai speaks about the course’s lectures, essays and problem sheets, as well as the practical experiments in the lab and through field trips. He highlights the wide choice of module options and the optional fourth year to complete a Master’s level research project.   He also shares how Biological Sciences led to a career in the creative industries, which started with Skai making his own short films and completing a BBC internship before securing a job working on nature documentaries. Skai shares that his peers have gone onto a range of careers, including journalism, consulting, research, technology and creative roles. To conclude, Skai discusses his top tips for preparing for the application process and provides an insight into the questions he was asked at interview.

Victoria Chris, a PhD research student, joins Naomi to discuss what it is like to study Natural Sciences at Cambridge. Victoria’s interest in the multidisciplinary nature of the sciences meant that Natural Sciences was a great fit for her. She was able to explore Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Physiology in her degree before deciding to specialise in Biochemistry for her optional integrated Master’s. Victoria shares what the Natural Sciences course structure is like, including what it is like to work in a lab. She speaks about her research projects to date, which have explored the genetic drivers of antibacterial resistance and investigating new ways to treat urinary tract infections. She also discusses the application processes for both her Natural Sciences undergraduate degree and her current PhD programme, providing tips on how to prepare. Useful links referenced in this episode: - Natural Sciences course: https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/natural-sciences-ba-hons-msci - Find a PhD: https://www.findaphd.com/

Naomi speaks with Maria Motunrayo Adebisi, author of Koku Akanbi and the Heart of Midnight, about studying English Literature and Language at Oxford.  Maria tells the story of how she almost applied for Medicine before realising that English was a much better fit for her and finding a way to convince her parents of this. She speaks through the content of what she describes as a broad course, touching on her experiences of studying Old English and Middle English as well as Children’s Literature and Abolitionist literature.   Maria shares how the translation and communication skills that she gained through her degree enabled her to build a career in tech at companies like Bumble and Tinder. She also talks about becoming a full-time author writing fantasy novels based on Nigerian mythology that focus on Black characters in South London. The episode ends with Maria speaking about her journey to getting her first novel published and sharing her tips for Oxbridge hopefuls.  You can read more about Maria’s work here:   Koku Akanbi Book 1: https://geni.us/KokuAkanbi   Koku Akanbi Book 2: https://geni.us/KokuBook2  Author Website: https://mariamotunrayoadebisi.com/ 

Naomi speaks with Ashleigh Ainsley, Co-Founder of Colorintech and Black Tech Fest, about studying Geography at Oxford.   Ashleigh shares that Geography appealed to him as it bridged the gap between the physical sciences and social sciences, allowing him to explore topics related to migration, climate change, economics and geopolitics. He outlines what the course involved for him day-to-day, including field work, and the range of careers that his peers have gone into since graduating. In terms of his career, Ashleigh shares how the skills he gained through his Geography degree helped him move into a career in tech. He started in tech by working at Google, moved into a role as a consultant and then became an entrepreneur running a business focused on diversifying the tech world. Ashleigh also provides some of his tips on networking and how to prepare for the Oxbridge application process.  You can read more about Ashleigh’s work here:   www.colorintech.org  www.joinbtf.com 

The Target Oxbridge podcast returns with a conversation between Naomi and Andi Marsh about studying Classics at Oxbridge.  Andi Marsh has recently taken on the role of running the Target Oxbridge programme, having previously studied Classics at Balliol College, Oxford. Andi shares the details of the Classics course, how it appealed to her interest in both History and Literature and how she navigated the application process. She speaks about the range of careers that Classics graduates have gone onto after graduating and the value of the skills that she gained through her degree. Andi also tells the story of how she founded the Christian Cole Society, a society for Oxford Classicists of Colour named after the first Black student to graduate from Oxford, who was also a Classicist.   Below is a list of resources that Andi recommends:   Christian Cole Society: https://christiancolesocietyorg.wordpress.com/  Khameleon Classics Podcasts: https://khameleonproductions.squarespace.com/khameleon-classics  Essay on Black Feminist Thought and Classics: https://pressbooks.claremont.edu/clas112pomonavalentine/chapter/haley-shelley-1993-black-feminist-thought-and-classics-re-membering-re-claiming-re-empowering-in-feminist-theory-and-the-classics-edited-by-nancy-rabinowitz-and-amy-richlin-2/ 

In this episode Naomi speaks with Leona Kouame who is studying Human, Social and Political Sciences (HSPS) at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge. Leona shares the story of her journey to HSPS and how the breadth and multidisciplinary nature of the course appealed to her. She discusses how she researched the different topics related to the subject and how she developed her interests by using everyday events as a starting point. She also shares how she wrote her personal statement and prepared for the admissions assessment an the interview. Below is a list of the resources mentioned by Leona in this episode: - Crash Course Sociology: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnCJU6PaCio - HE PLUS: https://myheplus.com/ - Talking Politics Podcast: https://www.talkingpoliticspodcast.com/ - Surviving Society Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/surviving-society/id1291679351

In this episode Naomi speaks with Taiye Lawal who is studying Engineering at St Anne’s College, Oxford. Taiye speaks about how she developed her interest in Engineering despite it not being taught at school. She shares the detail of her preparation for her application process, covering further reading, problem solving resources, personal statement writing, admissions assessment preparation and the interview. Below is a list of the resources mentioned by Taiye in this episode: - Problem solving exercises via I want to Study Engineering: https://i-want-to-study-engineering.org/ - Problem solving via Isaac Physics: https://isaacphysics.org/ - STEP Practice Papers: https://www.admissionstesting.org/for-test-takers/step/preparing-for-step/

In this episode Naomi speaks with Tolu Mustapha who is studying Law at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, and part of the team that runs the Black at Fitz YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPVUNAZklcyoAMTtHECqu7w Tolu speaks about her reasons for choosing Law over the other subjects she was considering, and what the academic study of Law is and isn’t. She shares the detail of her preparation for the application process, covering further reading, personal statement writing, LNAT and Cambridge Law Test preparation, and the interview. Below is a list of the resources mentioned by Tolu in this episode: - A Very Short Introduction to Law by Raymond Wacks - What about Law by Janet O’Sullivan and Graham Virgo - Trinity College YouTube Channel Mock Interview Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7Li362PfHc - Black At Fitz YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUQiQJI7z5A

In this episode Naomi speaks with Chizute Ogbedeh, who is studying Medicine at Jesus College, Cambridge. Chizute speaks about the difference between Medicine at Oxbridge and other universities, and how to know if the academic focus of those courses is right for you. He also speaks about the requirements for making a competitive application, securing work experience, personal statement writing, preparing for the BMAT (the admissions assessment) and the types of questions asked during interview. Below is a list of the resources mentioned by Chizute in this episode: - Brighton and Sussex online work experience: https://bsmsoutreach.thinkific.com/courses/VWE - Do No Harm: Stories of Life, Death and Brain Surgery by Henry Marsh - When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi - Sharp Scratch Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7A92ZIPYK3OTIhNjV3sF8d?si=Zi5o3MZMSaeSg8AZXDyR-g&dl_branch=1 - New Scientist: https://www.newscientist.com/ - BBC News Health Section: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health - Pub Med: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ - BMAT Past Paper Worked Solutions (ask your school if they have a copy): https://www.amazon.co.uk/BMAT-Past-Paper-Worked-Solutions/dp/0993231144/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=bmat+worked+solutions&qid=1628196788&sr=8-6 or  https://www.amazon.co.uk/BMAT-Worked-Solutions-2003-2020/dp/B099C3FSFF/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=bmat+worked+solutions&qid=1628196817&sr=8-9

In this series of episodes, Naomi speaks with Target Oxbridge alumni studying some of the most popular Oxbridge subjects to get their top tips on getting in. Naomi begins by speaking with Tariq Hammed, who has recently completed his Economics and Management degree at Wadham College, Oxford. Tariq shares the details of the world events and books that inspired him to study Economics, as well as his tips for writing a personal statement, preparing for the Thinking Skills Assessment and getting ready for the interview. He also shares his insights into what it is like to study the course. Below is a list of the resources mentioned by Tariq in this episode: - Bottom Billion by Paul Collier - The Economics and Management Reading List: https://www.ox.ac.uk/sites/files/oxford/media_wysiwyg/Economics_%26_Management_reading_list_pdf.pdf - Think You Can Think?: Cracking the Thinking Skills Assessment by Minesh Tanna - Thinking Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving by John Butterworth and Geoff Thwaites - The Thinking Skills Assessment Past Papers: https://www.admissionstesting.org/for-test-takers/thinking-skills-assessment/tsa-oxford/preparing-for-tsa-oxford/

In the final episode of the series, Naomi speaks to Matthew Ryder QC, the barrister who represented the family of Stephen Lawrence, and former Deputy Mayor of London for Social Integration, Social Mobility and Community. Matthew Ryder studied Law at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, where he got involved with the Black Caucus and co-founded the Group to Encourage Ethnic Minority Access (GEEMA). On graduating he worked at a legal aid firm in Harlesden before training as a barrister and then moving to New York to study for a Master’s in Human Rights at Columbia University. Matthew discusses the things he has learnt and achieved in his career, including what being a Queen’s Counsel involves, and the growing importance of data in regard to issues of human rights, racism and discrimination. He also makes a strong case for young people to push for the change they want to see in the future, whilst building on the foundations laid by the generations that have gone before them. The Target Oxbridge Podcast aims to share the knowledge of how to effectively target a top UK university with parents, teachers and young people across the country, perhaps even the world! Visit https://targetoxbridge.co.uk/ and connect with us on Twitter and Instagram: @TargetOxbridge.

Naomi catches up with Priscilla Mensah, the first Black woman to be elected President of the Cambridge University Students’ Union (CUSU), and a UK representative at the WTO and the UN. Priscilla almost missed out on her school’s visit to Cambridge, as she wasn’t in the top set for both English and Maths. Her English teacher secured her a place on the trip however, and she fell in love with Cambridge as a result. When she arrived at Cambridge, she set her sights on making things fairer for the students who came after her. She co-founded FLY, Cambridge’s network for women and non-binary people of colour, and became the first Black woman to be elected President of CUSU. In this episode Priscilla discusses the lessons she learnt in these roles, including her realisation that change is a process that takes time, and the challenges faced by Black women in the public eye. She also reflects on the importance of self -care, and the role this plays in ensuring one is able to fight for change in a sustainable way. The Target Oxbridge Podcast aims to share the knowledge of how to effectively target a top UK university with parents, teachers and young people across the country, perhaps even the world! Visit https://targetoxbridge.co.uk/ and connect with us on Twitter and Instagram: @TargetOxbridge.

In this episode Naomi speaks to Tom Ilube CBE, CEO of Crossword Cybersecurity, Advisory Fellow of St Anne’s College, Oxford, Honorary Fellow of Jesus College, Oxford, and a Director at both the BBC and WPP. Tom studied Physics at the University of Benin in Nigeria and discusses how he has applied those skills in his career in tech and entrepreneurship. He tells the tale of leaving his job to start his first business at 30 years old, and how his ability to embrace failure helped him go on to found eight business over the course of his career. Tom also provides an insight into the skills that have made him successful and the importance of persistence. Building on his interest in education, Tom has also founded two schools. The Hammersmith Academy is a tech focused school inspired by a trip to an Apple Store, and the African Gifted Foundation teaches gifted girls from across Africa STEM A Levels in just one year! Tom shares the insights he has gained from running these schools. The Target Oxbridge Podcast aims to share the knowledge of how to effectively target a top UK university with parents, teachers and young people across the country, perhaps even the world! Visit https://targetoxbridge.co.uk/ and connect with us on Twitter and Instagram: @TargetOxbridge.

For this episode, Naomi caught up with Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE, the Founder of Stemettes, Presenter of the Woman Tech Charge podcast, and at 20, one of the youngest ever to receive a Master’s Degree in Mathematics and Computer Science from the University of Oxford. Anne-Marie was a child prodigy, taking her first GCSE exam at the age of ten and being accepted to Oxford at just 15. She explains what enabled her to achieve such success, how she kept herself motivated, and how she overcame unsupportive teachers by finding ways around the existing system. Stemettes encourages young women into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) through free, fun, food-filled events. Anne-Marie speaks to Naomi about how Stemettes got started, the barriers that young women face in the world of STEM, and how organisations can be intentionally inclusive. The Target Oxbridge Podcast aims to share the knowledge of how to effectively target a top UK university with parents, teachers and young people across the country, perhaps even the world! Visit https://targetoxbridge.co.uk/ and connect with us on Twitter and Instagram: @TargetOxbridge.

In this episode, Hashi Mohamed joins Naomi to discuss his journey from arriving in the UK as a child refugee to becoming a barrister and author.  Hashi Mohamed arrived in the UK as an unaccompanied child refugee. With the support of a number of people, including a teacher who gave up her summer to provide a safe space for her students, Hashi was able to work towards his dreams in terms of his education and career. Following a Master's degree at St Anthony's College, Oxford, Hashi went on to pursue a career as a barrister. His book, People Like Us, reflects on his personal journey in relation to the wider theme of social mobility in the UK.  Hashi and Naomi discuss the importance of recognising those who support us in achieving our success, how to think about 'fitting in', and the work he has done with Big Education, a charitable trust that runs schools.  The Target Oxbridge Podcast aims to share the knowledge of how to effectively target a top UK university with parents, teachers and young people across the country, perhaps even the world! Visit https://targetoxbridge.co.uk/ and connect with us on Twitter and Instagram: @TargetOxbridge.

Femi Fadugba joins Naomi to speak about The Upper World, his recently announced book series that is being made into a Netflix film starring Daniel Kaluuya. The Upper World tells the story of a 16 year old boy from Peckham who discovers he has the power to see glimpses of the past and future. It combines time-travel physics with life on an estate, and explores the question of free will. Femi is a Physicist who has worked as a consultant and on solar energy solutions in West Africa. In this episode he discusses how the problem solving skills he developed in these roles were also helpful when writing his book series. Femi is the newest Patron of Target Oxbridge, and will be meeting with the programme’s students at least once a year.

In this episode Naomi speaks to Theophina Gabriel, a published poet, recent intern at #Merky Books and the Editor in Chief of Onyx Magazine, a magazine that showcases the talent of Black writers and authors.  Theophina studied Philosophy and Theology at Oxford, and explains in this episode that, despite popular opinion, this did not limit her to a career in a nunnery! She discusses the skills she gained from studying philosophy, and how she got involved in theatre during her studies. Theophina also shares the story of how Onyx Magazine got started, including the fundraising efforts and input from the wider community that made the magazine possible. Having recently completed an internship at #Merky Books, Theophina also reflects on the importance of diversity in publishing.  The Target Oxbridge Podcast aims to share the knowledge of how to effectively target a top UK university with parents, teachers and young people across the country, perhaps even the world! Visit https://targetoxbridge.co.uk/ and connect with us on Twitter and Instagram: @TargetOxbridge.