So, I see where the Mathematical Institute at Oxford is planning a new building next to the Radcliffe Infirmary, the building where my brother was born. They say, "The architects are working closely with English Heritage to ensure that the development complements and enhances its historic setting." [frankly, from the artist's rendering, it looks like the new building is devouring the infirmary in one giant swallow, but what do I know about architecture, heh?]
I also see where "Oxford's highly successful course in Mathematics and Philosophy is 40 years old and a programme of special events is being held to celebrate this milestone...Pioneers are especially welcome! That’s the candidates for the first Mathematics and Philosophy Mods in 1969, and those who, in 1970, sat the first finals examinations, having switched to the newly created Maths/Phil course after taking Maths Mods in 1968."
So let's say, in honor of all this excitement at Oxford, I'd like to write my fictional character as having completed 4 years of study in Mathematics and Computer Science leading to his successfully obtaining an MA degree in 1974.
I know how I'd phrase the sentence, coming from the University of Texas, yee haw!
But if you were my fictional character, how would you tell a friend you hadn't seen in awhile that you'd just completed your MA in computer sciences. I mean, how would someone who speaks UK English phrase that?
Come on guys, help me out here. [heh] 
Well .... you'd say you first went up in such-and-such a year and you'd certainly say you read (rather than studied or took) whatever your subject was ... for what that's worth 
Not really sure!
You can get viva'd (can't vouch for the spelling) if you're a borderline case between the different marks at degree level, but I'm not certain if that could also happen at MSc level as in the case of your Computer Sciences character.
So what's this story all about, then ......??????? Gi's a clue? 
Ah, but I was reading that Oxford traditionally gives MA degrees rather than MSc, and that the employers know that it's just Oxford "being traditional" and hire their grads anyway.
All I want to depict is a long-haired hippy type and a cop having a discussion wherein the long-haired bloke wants his cop friend to recommend a barber.
And in explanation of the need for a haircut, the hippy says he's just finished his course of study in computer sciences at Oxford, and the Metropolitan Police have hired him to help with setting up their new state-of-the-art computer system.
Likely it's only one or two sentences, but I'm bound to get them wrongly phrased. 
Ah, I see. They seem to call it an MSc now, but I don't know when they broke with tradition (bloody typical, call it something different from everyone else .... )
So how's this sentence?
"I went up to Oxford, read Computer Sciences, sat the exams in Maths/Phil, got my Masters. Just signed on with the Met to wringle something vaguely resembling a computer network into their Victorian parlours."
How about "took Mods in Maths/Phil, got my Masters" instead of "sat the exams in Maths/Phil, got my Masters" (just because Mods sounds all Oxonian and they're silly that way)
The timing might be a nuisance, though, as - I guess???? - the rule would have applied that you can't get a Masters until 7 years after matriculating. So Honour Mods after 1 year, the degree 2 years after that and the Masters 4 years later. I know that applied to arts and humanities - but I really don't know if it applies here; I could just as easily be so wrong about this! Maybe Jay would be the person to ask!
.... I see that the modern course leads to a Masters in 4 years, but I was wondering if the old rule might have applied in the 70s for when your character got it in '74
I'll just leave the timing blank. Thanks for the Britique, your da bestest. 
You're more than welcome - just wish I knew more!
So there's going to be a tale told .... looking forward to reading it, I hope!
Well Helio did in fact arrive at my ficcage. Thanks Helio, for reading and replying.
Anyone else who has stumbled across this thread and wants to see what I was attempting can zip over to my lj and read this fic. Here's the URL for part one, and after that just arrow forward for parts 2-4.
http://asymphototropic.livejournal.com/19857.html#cutid1
[dunno if that will work, try it and let me know, eh?]
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