1896

The AEW and Somerville College award BA diplomas to women

1891 Somerville College photo

BA Diplomas for Women

In view of the University’s refusal to award diplomas or degrees to women students, the AEW and Somerville College wasted no time in ensuring that women’s efforts and achievements were recognised. 

By the summer of 1896, the AEW had developed plans to award BA diplomas to students who qualified for the BA degree and two alternative certificates for women who chose to study under less strict conditions. At this time, the AEW also opened a special register for women students who were following full degree courses.

Somerville College increasingly distanced itself from the confines of the AEW, reflected in its decision to award its own diplomas:

  1. For students who qualified for the BA in terms of examinations and residence requirements.
  2. For students who in keeping twelve terms of residence and taking a final honours examination, chose not to take intermediate exams.1 

[1] Batson, Her Oxford, 110-111.