Oxford Brookes in the community

We are proud of our links with the city of Oxford and the county. We strive to play a full part in the life of our local neighbourhood through events and other activities.

Have some fun by taking part in our community events - you might be surprised at what you learn.

Oxford Human Rights Festival

Founded in 2003, the Oxford Human Rights Festival is an initiative of postgraduate students on the MA course in Global Development and Humanitarian Practice, supported by students from Film Studies, Arts and Law. 

The Festival features an exciting, stimulating and thought-provoking programme of films, documentaries, art and performance. The Festival has a different theme each year but is always aimed to raise awareness about a range of human rights concerns among Oxford Brookes students and the wider Oxford community. The festival is open to everyone and most events are free.

Oxford Human Rights Festival logo

Cowley Road Carnival

One of Oxford’s biggest community events, Oxford Brookes has been a proud supporter of the Cowley Road Carnival for many years. Attracting over 45,000 people, the carnival offers a packed cultural programme of activities and events; celebrating all that the vibrant community of Oxford has to offer, along with a large and colourful procession which is a must see.

No Mince Pies

Every year Oxford Brookes and the Oxford Brookes Union jointly organise the Christmas event ‘No Mince Pies’, an event for around 160 older members of the community who have supported Oxford Brookes over the years.

The event takes place at the Centre for Sport on Headington Campus and features performances from students across the University. Afternoon refreshments are available and guests have the opportunity to take part in a game of bingo. The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alistair Fitt, attends to thank the residents for their support.

Members of the community at a 'no mince pies' event

Oxclean

Our student wardens and wider Oxford Brookes community pitch in each year to support OxClean - an Oxford Civic Society initiative to keep Oxford clean and tidy all year round - ensuring that our beautiful city is a welcoming and pleasant place for people to live, work and visit.

Science Bazaar

There are lots of different ways to do science and discover new things. How can we find out what happens inside our brain? Do you like to design and build things? Are you keen to find out new things about your body and your health? Do you love to take a closer look at flowers, birds and bugs? The Science Bazaar offers something for everyone. At Oxford Brookes we are passionate about our work, and we would like to invite you and your family to come and find out more about our research. Meet our staff and students and enjoy a free day of fun-filled science activities for everyone. The Science Bazaar is free and open to all, especially recommended for children aged between 5 and 12.

Science Bazaar logo
A parent and child taking part in an activity

Outburst

Every year Oxford Brookes bursts out of the University campus into the community, to show just how exciting, switched on and joined up life can be. Staff and students will get together to share some amazing experiences, from interacting with robots to creating your own comic; from hearing inspiring new authors to drawing with light. 

OutBurst showcases cutting-edge research and expertise from across the University in a variety of stimulating and fun events for everyone - including art installations, performances, lectures, workshops, exhibitions and group discussions - for all ages.

Outburst logo

Oxford Literary Festival

Oxford Brookes makes an important contribution to the yearly Oxford Literary Festival. Academics from our Department of English and Modern Languages take part in the lively and varied programme of literary events alongside an array of award-winning and internationally renowned authors and poets.

Accounting for Community: Engaging Students (ACES)

The ACES project is a unique volunteering project which matches second and final year accounting student volunteers with charities, social enterprises and voluntary associations in Oxford to provide services such as basic book-keeping, claiming Gift Aid, producing management accounts for board meetings and end of year statements. As well as valuable hands-on experience, volunteers receive specialist training in charity accounting.

“The ACES project has given us the necessary man-power and skills and we have been inspired by the commitment of the students. It has also forced us to look at our procedures and see how we can improve the way we work.”

Elaine Adams, ARCh

Share your story

Are you involved in a great Oxford Brookes community partnership? Please let us know so we can share your story. Email your story to wj.vrij@brookes.ac.uk