Dr. Benjamin Nicholas

Professor

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Biography

Benjamin Nicholas is a conductor widely known for his performances of large-scale choral works and for commissioning and premiering works by today’s leading composers. Born in Norwich, he was a chorister at Norwich Cathedral and held organ scholarships at Chichester Cathedral, Lincoln College, Oxford, and St Paul’s Cathedral. Currently, he serves as the Organist and Director of Music at Merton College, Oxford, where he has toured extensively with the Merton College Choir throughout the USA, Europe, and the Far East. He founded the College’s Girls’ Choir in September 2016, enabling thirty school-age singers to receive musical training. A distinguished musician, he won the BBC Music Magazine Choral Award in 2020 and has made over 30 recordings on labels such as Delphian, Signum, and Priory. His work includes recordings of music by Weelkes, Mozart, and Elgar, among others. In 2018, he was appointed Music Director of the Oxford Bach Choir and regularly conducts some of the UK’s greatest orchestras. He is also a guest conductor for various esteemed ensembles and festivals. His research interests focus on contemporary choral music.

Research Interests

Experience

Organist and Director of Music

— Present

Merton College • Oxford, UK

Oversees all musical activities, including choir performances and educational initiatives.

Requirements for University of Oxford

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.7
IELTS
Listening
Required:7
Reading
Required:7
Writing
Required:7
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:24
Writing
Required:24
Speaking
Required:25
Total
Required:110
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Politics, International Relations, Economics, History, Law, Philosophy or Sociology
Application Checklist
  • Three academic references
  • Official transcripts
  • CV/Resume
  • Statement of Purpose (1,000 words)
  • Two academic essays (2,000 words each)
Specialization Notes

Department of Politics and International Relations - Higher Level English requirement.