The electorate consisted of all members of the University holding the rank of MA.

It was the first such election to be held in which voters were not required to wear academic dress to vote.

Four candidates were nominated: For much of the race, Chris Patten was generally considered to be the front-runner, due to his high profile as the last Governor of Hong Kong.

[3] Sandi Toksvig was the candidate most vociferously opposed to the government's proposed top-up fees, and so received the endorsement of the Oxford University Student Union.

[4] Lord Neill also declared himself opposed to top-up fees, but said in his candidates' statement that he preferred not to make this the basis of his campaign.