online phd programs oxford

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• Graduate Courses in Psychology

DPhil (PhD) in Experimental Psychology

This is a full time 3 to 4 year research degree course. Students are required to submit a thesis of up to 100,000 words in their 3rd or 4th year. Successful applicants will be registered as students with the Department of Experimental Psychology.

Course Description

The DPhil in Experimental Psychology course is based upon independent research carried out under the supervision and guidance of principal investigators and researchers within the students' chosen research group or lab within this department.  Supervision and guidance may also include co-supervision from other collaborating groups or labs, both within the department or from other departments/faculties within the University or from another institution.

FINDING A POTENTIAL  SUPERVISOR

We require all applicants for the  DPhil (PhD) in Experimental Psychology courses  to contact a potential supervisor in the first instance.

This provides applicants with an opportunity to discuss the area of research they wish to conduct as a part of their DPhil (PhD) studies and whether the potential supervisor is able to supervise their proposed project. Details of staff who may be eligible to supervise DPhil students are listed on our Faculty and Research Fellows  page.

Applicants who do not approach a potential supervisor in the first instance and/or whose proposed Research Project falls outside the area of expertise of our  Research Themes  are unlikely to be successful with their application.

The department is not able to provide funding for all candidates who are successful in obtaining a place on the DPhil course.  However, candidates whose applications are ranked most highly may be eligible to be put forward to funding competitions run within the University, that allocate Research Councils funds (e.g. MRC, ESRC) on a competitive basis. Successful applicants are also welcome to seek their own funding from other sources, e.g. charitable bodies or international scholarships.

Please see the funding page for more detailed information.

Course Structure

First Year of Study

Successful applicants are initially registered as Probationary Research Students (PRS Status). During the first year, students are expected to attend various courses, lectures and seminars which will enable them to gain the most out of their time here at Oxford and assist them with the design and analysis of their own area of research. These will typically include:

• Graduate Statistical Workshops
• Skills Training Courses e.g. MatLab and fMRI methods
• Analysis of Research Methods

The Medical Science Division also offers a large number of courses on transferable skills such as teaching and communicating scientific findings which all our students are encouraged to attend as a part of their DPhil studies.

Students are expected to be fully integrated within their own chosen group or lab and attend group or lab meetings as well as attending related seminars and conferences.

Second Year of Study

As a part of the department's Induction Programme, students will produce a poster and give a brief presentation based on their own research in the first term of their 2nd year on the course.

Third and Final Years of Study

Students submit a thesis of up to 100,000 words and attend an oral examination (the final viva).

Assessment of the Course

Assessment of students' progress on the course is monitored in three stages as well as via termly progression reports:

• Transfer of Status

By their 4 th  term, students submit a Transfer Report based on their research to date and attend a transfer viva.

• Confirmation of Status

By their 9 th  term, students are required to give a presentation and attend an interview to assess the progress of their research.

• Thesis Submission

By their 12 th  term, students will submit a thesis of up to 100,000 words and attend an oral examination, known as a viva.

Students will need to have successfully completed all stages to be awarded a DPhil in Experimental Psychology from the University of Oxford.

Course code

Our graduate courses.

MSc in Psychological Research (Taught Masters)

MSc by Research in Experimental Psychology (Research Course) - full-time

MSc by Research in Experimental Psychology (Research Course) - part-time

DPhil (PhD) in Experimental Psychology (Research Course) - full-time

DPhil (PhD) in Experimental Psychology (Research Course) - part-time

Graduate Admissions Information

Application Deadline: 12noon, Friday 1 December 2023

What makes a successful application

Our Graduate Admissions Procedures

Entry Requirements for this Course

University Application Guidelines and How to Apply

Choosing a College

Fees and Funding Opportunities

Fees Information

Funding Information

Further Information

What happens after you've been made an offer

Student Profiles

Graduate Career Destinations

Graduate Admissions Statistics

DPhil Management

Start date:

• 7 October 2024

Time commitment:

About the programme

Our doctoral training will immerse you in all aspects of academic life.

You will be both a student and a junior research colleague. We provide courses in a wide variety of research methods and you will work closely with your supervisors to define your research question and develop your thesis. In addition, you will have opportunities to gain teaching and research assistant experience and become involved with the intellectual community within both Saïd Business School and the wider University. You will attend academic conferences, make presentations, organise lectures and seminars and contribute to management and academic decisions.

Both of our doctoral programmes run in parallel, with only differences in taught courses and preparation for writing in relevant journals to your subject of choice.

We have deliberately kept the programmes small which means that in the vast majority of cases, students are fully funded to allow them to devote their energies to research. The DPhil corresponds to a PhD degree offered at most other universities.

Supervision

You will be assigned two supervisors to act as your academic advisers and mentors.

Your supervisors will be in your specialist area of interest. It is important you identify that there are faculty at the school who work in your area of interest who could potentially supervise your thesis. You can note within your application if you're interested in a particular research area and working with a specific faculty member. 

You will work closely with your supervisors to define your research question and develop your thesis. It is an important relationship and also a very personal one: it is shaped by you, your supervisors and the ways you interact. You will have a minimum of nine meetings, or equivalent per year.

The allocation of graduate supervision is the responsibility of Saïd Business School. It is not always possible to accommodate student preferences to work with a particular member of staff. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside Saïd Business School.

Potential supervisors

You do not need to contact any faculty in advance of making your application. In the application form you can indicate your preferred supervisor(s) and they, along with other related faculty will review your application.

Below is a list of faculty open to supervising DPhil students this coming year.

Research areas and supervisors

Entrepreneurship, governance and systems innovation.

Marc Ventresca  - An  economic and organisational sociologist, Marc has a long-time focus on social sciences approaches to nascent markets, large-scale and systems innovation, and governance.

His current research includes four related work programmes:

• Space commerce and governance, with a focus on growth of venture capital, ventures focused on geospatial analytics, emerging venture strategies, and space as a ‘commons’ (per Ostrom)
• Changes in the energy industries (strategies, architecture, governance) and the move to renewable sources, with focus on digital energy services
• A critical view of concept and empirical studies of ‘ecosystems’ in strategy, organisation theory, and innovation studies
• Changing forms and practices in social innovation, systems change, and contested knowledge.

Equity, diversity and inclusion

Ivona Hideg  - Ivona’s main programme of research includes workplace equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI). In her work, she focuses on gender, but also examines issues surrounding race, ethnicity, language and accent including intersection of various identities that we all hold.

Grounded in psychological theories and using experimental methodology, Ivona’s work seeks insights on root causes of inequities in the workplace, such as persistent underrepresentation of women in top leadership positions and other male-dominated fields (ie entrepreneurship).

By doing so, Ivona seeks to develop and test solutions for greater equity, inclusion and career outcomes of traditionally disadvantaged groups.

Global strategy and comparative institutional analysis

Mari Sako - Mari's main areas of expertise include global strategy, comparative institutional analysis, outsourcing and offshoring, professional services firms and professions, artificial intelligence (AI) and business models.

Her current research examines the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in legal services, conducted as part of a UKRI-funded programme . Doctoral applications are most welcome from students in social sciences, who can work with Mari on exploring the impact of AI on:

• business models
• the future of work
• technology startup ecosystems in professional services (such as law and accounting).

She is open to doctoral research proposals in this and related fields of research.

International business

Matthew Amengual - Matthew's areas of expertise are in the political economy of development and global labour standards. 

Akshay Mangla - Akshay's interests lie in questions of when, why and how states build institutional capacity to perform their core functions in developing countries. Within this broad agenda, his ongoing research investigates the causes and consequences of institutional reform initiatives within frontline agencies of the Indian state (eg primary education and the police).

He is also examining how non-state actors, including private firms and civil society organisations, engage with the frontline state during policy implementation, thereby influencing bureaucratic effectiveness and the quality of public services. He is interested in advising DPhil students working on these and related topics in the political economy of development.

Operations management and business analytics

Agni Orfanoudaki  - Agni conducts research at the intersection of machine learning and optimisation with applications in the industries of healthcare and insurance. Her research agenda primarily focuses on developing new methods and models for healthcare practitioners using data-driven techniques. She is also studying the implications of these models on automated decision making, addressing the implementation challenges of machine learning algorithms in practice.

 Areas of interest:

• Business analytics
• Healthcare operations
• Algorithmic insurance
• Personalised medicine

Organisation studies and strategy

Eero Vaara - Eero’s research focuses on organisational and strategic change. His work deals with:

• strategy process and practice research
• studies of radical change, such as mergers and acquisitions
• work on institutional change and legitimation
• research on multinational corporations, nationalism and globalisation.

He is a world-leading expert especially in communicative and discursive perspectives. Eero combines practically relevant topics such as strategy work and management of post-merger integration with deep theoretical and methodological reflection on organisational and strategic processes and practices.

Eric Zhao -  Eric's research is cross-disciplinary in nature and sits at the intersection of strategic management, organisation theory and entrepreneurship. He is actively involved in four major research areas:

• optimal distinctiveness
• institutions and entrepreneurship
• resource and resourcefulness
• resilience and crisis.

His 2017 SMJ article 'Optimal Distinctiveness: Broadening the Interface between Institutional Theory and Strategic Management' and his solo-authored book Optimal Distinctiveness: A New Agenda for the Study of Competitive Positioning of Organizations and Markets  are widely regarded as foundational contributions to the burgeoning literature on optimal distinctiveness.

Scenario planning

Rafael Ramirez - Rafael researches scenario planning and ground breaking research on interactive value and networked strategy, which has led to widely cited papers in the Harvard Business Review, the Strategic Management Journal and to the development of the Ox ford Collaborative Strategy Lab.

Social entrepreneurship

Alex Nicholls  -  Alex's main areas of expertise include:

• impact investing
• impact measurement
• social entrepreneurship
• public policy and social innovation
• systems change
• social movements.

His current research explores the materiality of impact risk - in terms of both financial and impact outcome risk, the use of AI in impact measurement and reporting, and historical patterns of ethical consumption. He is open to doctoral research proposals in these areas as well as others.

Supply chain management

Steve New :  Steve has interests across the field of supply chain management, including how firms' practices relate to questions of ethics, human rights and sustainability. He has particular interest in the impact of commercial practices and inter-organisational power.

His recent work has focussed on questions of supply chain transparency, wages within supply chains and the challenge of incorporating ESG criteria in procurement from smaller companies.

Sustainability and commons governance

Juliane Reinecke  -  Juliane’s research explores how organisations can address various sustainability challenges including climate change, human and labour rights, and sustain the global commons. As no business can address these systemic challenges alone, a particular focus of her research lies in how multiple stakeholders collaborate to create novel governance solutions. Current projects include collective action for labour rights in the Bangladesh garment supply chain and the role of institutional investors, particularly pension funds, in the transition to a net zero economy.

Juliane welcomes candidates pursuing interdisciplinary approaches and/or using qualitative methodologies, such as ethnography.

Systems complexities

Harvey Maylor -  Harvey is open to a range of lenses being brought to bear on systems complexities and the ‘lived experience’ of systems leaders. Particular areas of interest include:

• What is the impact on performance of the relationship between the NEO profile of an individual and the complexities of the system that they are charged with leading?
• Is there a moral limit to the complexity we should ask organisational leaders to face? And is there an impact on the delivery of public value of high levels of complexity?
• What is the impact of systemic voids on the delivery of grand challenge objectives?
• Systems of routines: linking the areas of routine dynamics and systemic design as a tool for organisational analysis.

System design, forecasting, human algorithm interaction

Kejia Hu - Kejia's work orbits around a central tenet: unlocking business value from data, but doing so together. This emphasis on harmonious human-AI interaction underlines her research, reflecting the conviction that data's true potential is tapped not just through technology but with collective human insight and collaboration.

Her expansive collaborations with Fortune 500 entities and industrial pioneers are a testament to her profound expertise, yielding research that resonates in top-tier academic journals and bears multiple research and best paper awards.

Review some current research taking place around the school including from our DPhil students and alumni

Review articles and podcasts written by our researchers at  Oxford Answers .

Learn more about becoming a researcher from Andromachi Athanasopoulou, who graduated in 2007 and is now an Associate Professor in Organisational Behaviour at Queen Mary University London and an Associate Fellow at Oxford Saïd.

Manuel Hepfer, recent graduate of the DPhil in Cybersecurity and Management Studies, has written an article on  steps businesses can take to boost their resilience to cyberattack .

Ali Aslan Gümüsay, Michael Smets and Tim Morris published an article on religious diversity at work in the Harvard Business Review . An excerpt of their article 'God at work': engaging central and incompatible institutional logics through elastic hybridity , published in the Academy of Management Journal.

In his first year, current DPhil student, Alex Rustler co-authored a paper alongside faculty member, Matthew Amengual  on public perceptions of business involvement in human rights violations.  

Assessment and programme milestones

Our DPhil offers students the opportunity to engage with internationally renowned faculty who are here to help you become an academic scholar.

You will be initially admitted to the status of Probationer Research Student (PRS). You are required to take three core courses in quantitative and qualitative research methodology during your first year.

• Introduction to management research methods
• Statistical research methods
• Management and organisation theory

During second and third terms, you will undertake advanced research methods training and, in consultation with your supervisor, select specialist courses, available from a choice of topics relevant to area of interest. Examples of specialist elective courses previously available:

• Political economy
• Organisational theory
• Foundations of strategy
• Social network analysis

Advanced methodology courses:

• Advanced qualitative research methods
• Advanced quantitative research methods

Following successful completion of all necessary courses and within a maximum of six terms as a PRS student (and normally by the fourth term) you will be expected to apply for transfer of status from Probationer Research Student to DPhil status. A successful transfer of status from PRS to DPhil status is required to be able to show that your proposed thesis gives a clear indication of whether it would be reasonable to consider submission within the course of a further three terms, if work on the thesis continues to develop satisfactorily. Students who are successful at transfer will also be expected to apply for and gain confirmation of DPhil status within nine terms of admission, to show that your work continues to be on track. Both milestones normally involve an interview with two assessors (other than your supervisor) and provide important experience for the final oral examination. You will be expected to submit a thesis, which provides a significant and substantial contribution to the field of learning in management, which should not exceed 100,000 words after four years from the date of admission. It should be good enough to be published in book form or as a series of academic articles. To be successfully awarded a DPhil in Management you will need to defend your thesis orally (viva voce) in front of two appointed examiners.

Changes to this course and your supervision

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations where it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. The safety of students, staff and visitors is paramount and major changes to delivery or services may have to be made in circumstances of a pandemic, epidemic or local health emergency. In addition, in certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study.

Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include illness, sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.

For further information please see our page on changes to courses and the provisions of the student contract regarding changes to courses.

The faculty has made me feel like a junior colleague from the very start and they offer the chance to work together on their research projects. Magdalena Plesa Current DPhil in Management student

Benefits and opportunities

• Engage with internationally renowned faculty
• Conference and research funding
• Training in principal research methods at both at Saïd Business School and wider University

Opportunities

• Paid teaching and research assistant opportunities
• Contribute to management and academic programme decisions through student representation on committees
• Postgraduate careers resources

You will become a member of an Oxford college. Your college is both an academic and social community that will enrich your time at Oxford. It offers everything from formal dinners and balls to sports and lecture series.

The Oxford college system enables you to interact with students and faculty from other disciplines. Some colleges provide also accommodation for students. 

Who can apply

Our candidates are passionately intellectual people with a superlative academic record and are committed to a career in academia.

DPhil in Management

You will require:

• a good undergraduate degree: 2.1 (GPA 3.5 or its equivalent)
• GMAT or GRE test results
• TOEFL or IELTS test results (If you are not from an English speaking majority country)
• three pieces of written work, including a well-developed research proposal
• three academic references

Successful applicants typically have a distinction in a Master’s level degree in addition to their undergraduate studies, but exceptional applicants from undergraduate programmes in relevant subjects will be considered.

Application process

Applications are now closed for October 2024 entry.

The deadline for applying was 13 December 2023 at 23:59 GMT.

Complete applications received by the deadline will be considered. You will be informed by late January if you have been shortlisted for interview.

Final decisions will be communicated by the end of February.

There are nine shared places available for the DPhil Finance and DPhil Management. The average number of applications for entry between 2021 and 2023 was 94. 

Application advice

These videos will help you understand the qualities we are looking for.

Introduction

Getting to know you

Explaining your project

Enhancing your position

Fees and funding

The course fee in 2024-25 is £23,580 for both home and overseas students.

The programme is four years in duration. Course fees are payable each year, for the duration of your fee liability (your fee liability is the length of time for which you are required to pay course fees). Please be aware that fees usually increase annually. For details, please see our guidance on changes to fees and charges .

Course fees cover your teaching as well as other academic services and facilities provided to support your studies. Unless specified in the additional information section below, course fees do not cover your accommodation, residential costs or other living costs. They also don’t cover any additional costs and charges that are outlined in the additional information below.

Following the period of fee liability , you may also be required to pay a University continuation charge and a college continuation charge. The University and college continuation charges are shown on the Continuation charges page.

Additional cost information

There are no compulsory elements of this course that entail additional costs beyond fees (or, after fee liability ends, continuation charges) and living costs. However, depending on your choice of research topic and the research required to complete it, you may incur additional expenses, such as travel expenses, research expenses, and field trips. You will need to meet these additional costs, although you may be able to apply for small grants from your department and/or college to help you cover some of these expenses.

Scholarships and funding

Doctoral students admitted to our programme receive full funding over four years. This includes course fees and an annual living expenses stipend. To maximise the overall availability of funding for candidates, we will identify suitable alternative scholarships and may ask you to submit funding applications. We also ask that you identify and pursue any other funding opportunities, including external funding.   

For some scholarships you are required to submit a scholarship essay and/or tick the relevant box in the Funding section of the application form.

Cost of living

In addition to your course fees, you will need to ensure you have adequate funds to support your living costs for the duration of your course. Please read the University's  living expenses page for information about likely living costs for 2024-25.

Where can I find further information about fees?

The Fees and Funding section of this website provides further information about course fees , including information about fee status and eligibility  and your length of fee liability .

• Please contact us if you have any queries.
• [email protected]

University of Oxford

Online doctorate programs found in world's top 500:.

Graduate Admissions

Admission for entry in October 2024 is now CLOSED. Applications for entry in October 2025 will open in September 2024.

Below you will find information about the graduate courses offered by the Oxford Philosophy Faculty, including the Faculty’s flagship two-year Master’s course, the BPhil in Philosophy. For information about the application process, please visit the Admissions Procedure and Entry Requirements page .

Introduction to graduate study in Philosophy

Each year, around 75 graduate students in philosophy are admitted to Oxford. About two-fifths are admitted for the Bachelor of Philosophy in Philosophy course, the “ BPhil ” (note that, despite its name, the BPhil is a Master's level, postgraduate degree, equivalent to a two-year MPhil) and between five and eight students are admitted for each of the Faculty’s specialised Master of Studies courses, in Ancient Philosophy and Philosophy of Physics . There are also a number of students admitted to the Master of Studies  in Practical Ethics . 

The aim of the Faculty’s graduate programmes is to prepare students for an academic career in philosophy. The usual progression through the Oxford philosophy graduate programme is to take the BPhil or one of the specialist MSt courses and then to continue research on the DPhil, which is examined by a thesis of approximately 75,000 words. Students who progress from one of the specialist MSt courses must spend one year as a Probationary Research Student (“PRS”) before applying for full DPhil status. Typically, a candidate’s thesis for the BPhil or the MSt in Ancient Philosophy will provide a basis for his or her DPhil thesis. There is no thesis element to the MSt in Philosophy of Physics, but candidates who progress to the DPhil from that course are required to write a 20,000 word thesis during their year as a PRS. For all these degrees the student must be a matriculated member of a college, and must normally reside in Oxford for at least one or two years.

A number of students are admitted each year directly to the Doctor of Philosophy course (the “ DPhil ”, the Faculty’s doctoral programme), initially as Probationary Research Students. These students will typically have already completed substantial graduate work in philosophy, usually equivalent to that required for the BPhil.

It is also possible to study philosophy at Oxford at graduate level without being enrolled for a degree. In order to do this, you must apply for entry as a Recognised Student . 

Entry Requirements

For a detailed description of the entry requirements for each course, please click on the relevant course link below:

• DPhil in Philosophy 
• BPhil in Philosophy
• MSt in Ancient Philosophy
• MSt in Philosophy of Physics
• MSt in Practical Ethics

We hold a Graduate Open Day in March each year, for applicants who receive an offer of a place. If your application is successful, you will receive further information about this in due course. The Open Day in 2025 is provisionally scheduled for Wednesday 19 March.

For the latest information on fees charged by the University, and living costs, please visit the Fees and Funding page .

Please visit our Graduate Funding page to identify various sources of funding for the Philosophy Faculty’s graduate programmes.

Please read through our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Admissions pages .

• DPhil in Philosophy
• Other Courses

In addition to progressing from the BPhil or one of the specialist MSt courses, an alternative route to the DPhil, involving initial admission directly as a Probationary Research Student (PRS) and later transfer to DPhil status, is available to candidates who already have a substantial background in philosophy, usually equivalent to that acquired by taking the BPhil. A general condition for admission of any candidate to the DPhil course is that their proposed thesis constitutes a suitable philosophical project of the required length and that there is a member of the Faculty who is able to act as supervisor.

For a full description of the DPhil, please visit the DPhil in Philosophy page .

The BPhil is an intellectually demanding course, presupposing an undergraduate and/or graduate background in philosophy or a closely related discipline. It is not suitable as a conversion course for students changing to philosophy from another subject and it cannot be studied part-time or externally. It is regarded both as training for the DPhil and a basis for teaching a range of philosophical subjects and requires sustained and focused work over two years.

For a full description of the BPhil in Philosophy, please visit the BPhil in Philosophy page .

The MSt course in Ancient Philosophy attracts students of the highest calibre with a background in philosophy or classics and aims to provide a graduate education in ancient philosophy of the highest possible quality: one which will provide a foundation on which students can go on to pursue doctoral work in the area. The course consists of two subject options (examined by a total of three 5,000 word essays) and a thesis of 10,000-15,000 words.

It is not a course requirement that students without any (or with little) Ancient Greek attend the Ancient Greek language classes currently run by the Faculty of Classics but it is highly recommended that they do so as being able to read philosophical texts in the original language is an advantage for Ancient Philosophy studies. 

Students who pass the MSt in Ancient Philosophy will have the opportunity to apply to continue to the Faculty’s DPhil (doctoral) programme, via a year as a Probationary Research Student. MSt in Ancient Philosophy graduates who continue to the DPhil, will be expected to have reached a certain standard in classical Greek. While there is no related examination requirement, it is a requirement for the MSt in Ancient Philosophy students without any (or with little) knowledge of classical Greek to attend language classes run by the Faculty of Classics, if they want to progress to the DPhil. 

For a full description of the MSt in Ancient Philosophy, please visit the MSt in Ancient Philosophy page .

This course aims to attract students with a strong background in physics at undergraduate level or higher, who wish to learn about philosophy in general and philosophy of physics in particular. The course will offer a graduate education in Philosophy of Physics of the highest possible quality, providing a foundation on which candidates can go on to pursue doctoral work in the area.

The course consists of three subjects: Philosophy of Physics, Philosophy of Science, and an elective component (chosen from the following list: Metaphysics and Theory of Knowledge; Philosophy of Mind and Action; Philosophical Logic and the Philosophy of Language; and Philosophy of Mathematics).

Students who pass the MSt in Philosophy of Physics will have the opportunity to apply to continue to the Faculty’s DPhil (doctoral) programme, via a year as a Probationary Research Student.

For a full description of the MSt in Philosophy of Physics, please visit the MSt in Philosophy of Physics page .

Since October 2018, the Department of Continuing Education, in coalition with the Faculty of Philosophy, has been offering a two-to-three-year part-time masters course in Practical Ethics, the MSt in Practical Ethics. For more information, please check the Department of Continuing Education course webpage and the MSt in Practical Ethics page .

Other degrees that may be of interest include the MSt in Film Aesthetics , MSt in Women's Studies , MSt in Philosophical Theology  and MPhil in Philosophical Theology .

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• MSc in Quantum Technologies
• DPhil in Astrophysics
• DPhil in Atmospheric, Oceanic and Planetary Physics
• DPhil in Atomic and Laser Physics
• DPhil in Condensed Matter Physics
• DPhil in Particle Physics
• DPhil in Theoretical Physics

From working alongside experts in their field to having access to specialist facilities, we train and equip our graduates to do the best research in the world – come and join us to pursue your passion and fulfil your potential.

Each year, we welcome some 100 graduate students to our department to study for a 3 to 4-year DPhil research degree – which is equivalent to a PhD. Graduates can choose from a range of specialisms across our six sub-departments of astrophysics; atmospheric, oceanic and planetary physics; atomic and laser physics; condensed matter physics; particle physics; and theoretical physics.

Our DPhil degrees are research-based across an exceptionally broad range of topics and many of our groups are interdisciplinary. You will be part of a dynamic and world-leading research community and you will join an existing group that typically comprises at least one lead academic as well as postdoctoral research assistants or fellows and other research students.

Your research work begins on day one and will be underpinned by a taught graduate course in the first year that runs in parallel. You will also have the opportunity to follow courses taught at other departments across the Maths, Physics and Life Sciences division. Our department runs an active programme of seminars and colloquia giving students and academics the opportunity to regularly come together for specialist and interdisciplinary discussion.

Why Oxford?

As a graduate student at Oxford’s Department of Physics, you will work alongside world experts and have access to the department’s world-class facilities – from the ultra-low vibration and ultra-low temperature labs in the state-of-the-art Beecroft Building to our in-house specialist SRFs and mechanical and electronic workshops and technicians. Our students also get to benefit from the close relations we foster with other facilities in the UK and around the world: in the UK, these include the leading science and innovation campus at Harwell home to the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory and Diamond Light Source synchrotron among others; internationally, it extends to the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, T2K in Japan, DUNE in the USA and large telescopes around the world.

We want our graduates to be as diverse as the science they investigate. We are actively pursuing our equality, diversity and inclusion agenda and you can read more about it here: equality, diversity and inclusion

DPhil courses

Each of the six sub-departments within the Department of Physics offers a DPhil course for postgraduates and many of our research projects are inter-disciplinary. Prospective students apply to the sub-department of their choice however we welcome applications to multiple sub-departments if your interests span sub-departments or if you are undecided. Find out more about our six DPhils below.

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How To Get Into Oxford in 2024 [The Ultimate Guide]

The University of Oxford is one of the most prestigious schools in the world, making the admissions process highly selective for aspiring students. People from all around the globe prepare from a young age with hopes of getting admitted into the university.

With so many students to compete against, your application has little room for error. This article will provide you with everything you need to know about the University of Oxford and its admission process, from GPA and letters of recommendation to the interview . 

Before we dive into how to get into Oxford, let’s take a look at Oxford’s history. We’ll tell you about the accolades associated with the school and why it’s in such high demand for students.

Table of Contents

About the University of Oxford

Located in Oxford, England, the University of Oxford is one of the world’s leading universities. Oxford is known as a premier research institution that produces top-tier graduates and scholars from around the world.

The school was founded in 1096, making it one of the oldest universities operating today.

The university’s rich history makes it a legendary and iconic destination for some of the most skilled students and faculty in academia. In addition, the university’s alumni base is vast due to its established history as a renowned institution.

Oxford is made up of 39 different colleges and six permanent private halls that function as independent components of the school, controlling their own admission processes, guidelines, and programs.

Instruction styles include lectures, hands-on learning experiences, labs, and more.

To understand more about the University of Oxford, take a look at some of the institution’s core data points :

• Total # of applicants
• 2022: 23,819
• 2021: 24,338
• 2020: 23,414
• 2019: 23,026
• 2018: 21,516
• 2017: 19,953
• Diversity of applicants in 2021 (based on out-of-country applicants)
• UK students: 59.2%
• EU students: 8.8%
• Non-EU students: 32.1%
• Average time of admission results released
• Total number of degree programs offered
• Total # of programs (i.e., – Economics, Psychology) : 53
• Total # of degree types (i.e., – PhD, Masters): Four – bachelor’s, master’s, diplomas, doctorates
• Acceptance Rate
• Average GPA accepted: 3.8
• Average GRE accepted: 160+

The University of Oxford is very competitive. You’ll need to have a plan to make your application complete and memorable so that you stand out from the pack.

Let’s walk through key elements of the application process from start to finish.

What Is the Acceptance Rate for Oxford?

The University of Oxford’s acceptance rate is around 15% – 17.5% for undergraduate programs and 30% for graduate students. 

In the UK system, you’ll need a first-class undergraduate degree with honors to get into Oxford as a graduate student. But if you’re a US student, what are the Oxford GPA requirements? The minimum University of Oxford GPA is around 3.7 out of 4.0. So, a 3.0 or lower GPA for Oxford won’t cut it.

How Oxford University’s acceptance rate compares to other top institutions:

Oxford’s acceptance rate for international students is comparable to its general acceptance rate, which is reflected in its diverse student population. Around 45% of the university’s student body and 65% of its graduate students are from outside the UK, with students coming from more than 160 countries.

Source: Oxford University Student Statistics , December 2021

Oxford’s Undergraduate Application Requirements

If you’re wrapping up high school and want to apply to Oxford, you’ve come to the right place.

But first, you need to be aware of the requirements for Oxford University and subsequent deadlines. One scheduling mistake can make or break your application. 

Oxford, like most universities, requires various supporting documents and credentials with the application, including: 

• Strong grades

Applicants should have an “A” average in their International Baccalaureate, A-level, International Course Equivalents, or Scottish Higher classes.

• Personal statement

This formal essay introduces you to the review board. Share information about yourself, your aspirations, and past successes.

As you write, maintain inspiration about what motivates you. You might even have a specific prompt or sample questions to answer in your personal statement.

• Admissions test results

You will need to take an admissions test as a part of the application process. Each major receives a distinct test — just check Oxford’s admission test webpage to find out more information. 

All applicants must register for the admissions test by September 30 .

• Written work

Written work demonstrates your analytical, logical, and writing skills. You might include sample essays and assignments from your high school education or any other personal written materials. 

Only certain courses require written work, so check to see what you should include when you begin the application process.

Starting Your Undergraduate Application Process

Let’s face it: the application process is overwhelming. It’s stressful trying to perfect everything in time for various deadlines.

But like everything in life, your Oxford application can be done one step at a time.

The University of Oxford recommends breaking down your application process into three broad steps:

• Choose a course

Think about your aspirations after graduation and narrow courses down accordingly. If you’re thinking about business, ensure you take prerequisite math courses in your first year. Each course has a different application process. 

You can also apply to more than one course, but you’ll need more time to fill out an entirely different application.

• Think about funding

Worried about saving enough for tuition? Oxford has funding sources and scholarships for you to consider. Plus, UK students can apply for government funding through loans or living cost subsidies. 

• Prepare to apply 

Course? Check. Funding? Check. Now you’re almost set to apply. Consult your chosen course’s admission requirements and prepare your application accordingly. Now’s the time to dot every I and cross every T. 

And before you submit? Get a peer, teacher, or mentor to review your submission documents. They’ll likely have fresher eyes to catch a mistake. 

But have you already earned an undergraduate degree? Let’s take a look at Oxford’s graduate program and what you need for acceptance. 

Oxford’s Graduate Application Process

Much like the undergraduate application process, Oxford’s graduate process is extensive. Whether you’re going to graduate school for an Oxford MBA or a different degree, your application must meet every requirement. 

Oxford will automatically reject incomplete applications. 

Requirements for your application vary by course, but most Oxford graduate applications require the following components:

• Official transcript

Your previous institution can send official transcripts directly to Oxford. These transcripts demonstrate your success and grades for your undergraduate education. 

• CV or resume

Your CV or resume showcases your professional endeavors, providing a glimpse at your work history, awards, and accolades.

This is your opportunity to not only show your skills but also how you used them to achieve success and drive value for businesses or organizations.

As stated above, your personal statement is a chance to share your story, motivations, and career objectives. Your graduate program application personal statement should be no longer than 1,000 words.

• Letters of recommendation

Each applicant should provide three letters of recommendation from an academic. You might ask a former professor, dean, or faculty member for the letter. 

• Application fee

Most programs require an application fee. 

Luckily, the fee will be phased out by the 2024-2025 school year to make the application process more accessible for all students. In previous years, the application fee was £75.

However, you might be wondering how to pick the right Oxford graduate course for you. Let’s explore some ways to narrow it down.

Selecting Your Graduate Course

Oxford offers over 365 graduate courses from various disciplines to choose from.

The courses fall under five distinct departments:

• Humanities 
• Mathematical, Physical, and Life Sciences 
• Medical Sciences 
• Social Sciences 
• Continuing Education

The application process differs on a course-by-course basis. Review each individual course page to understand specific requirements. That way, you’ll be prepared when the deadline approaches.

Additionally, Oxford graduate students will be assigned an academic supervisor to oversee their journey through the graduate program.

How Do Students Apply to Oxford as an American?

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get into Oxford as an American:

• Lay the groundwork. With a highly competitive admissions process, preparation is key. You’ll need to demonstrate a strong academic record as well as excellence in extracurricular activities.
• Check the admissions requirements. Review requirements well before the application deadline.
• Gather your application materials. You’ll need to submit academic records, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation. Check specific course requirements to ensure you don’t miss anything. 
• Pull together your standardized test scores. All US applicants must submit either SAT or ACT scores. The Oxford University SAT score minimum is a minimum of 1400. Likewise, Oxford looks for applicants with three or four AP exam scores of 5.
• Submit the application form. All UK universities use the centralized UCAS application system. Visit the UCAS website to fill out and submit the form.
• Complete the admissions test. Many Oxford courses require applicants to complete an admissions test . The tests are specific to the area of study, such as the Mathematics Admission Test and the Fine Arts Practical .
• Attend the interview. This is the final step of the application process, and only certain applicants reach this stage. The students with the strongest applications are invited to attend an interview with Oxford staff, usually tutors of your chosen subject.

Tips For Getting into Oxford

There is no data on the specific Oxford acceptance rate for US students, but we can assume it’s comparable to the overall admissions rate, which is highly competitive. Like other world-renowned educational institutions, Oxford’s requirements are fairly tough.

Follow these helpful tips to stay organized and improve your chances for acceptance: 

• Work hard to get the best grades and test scores. Although academics aren’t everything, Oxford certainly will look at your GPA and SAT/ACT scores.
• Read widely. Stay up-to-date on industry literature and news for your chosen course. This will help you channel knowledge and passion into your application. 
• Don’t overlook the importance of the UCAS application form. Be clear and concise while highlighting your achievements and qualities. Proofread and double-check your application to catch any errors.
• Write a winning personal statement. Use your personal statement to convey your drive, goals, and passions for your chosen subject. Try to show your individual personality as much as possible, too. 
• Ask the right people for letters of recommendation. Choose people who attest to your academic history and personal qualities in letters of recommendation. 
• Prepare thoroughly for the admissions tests. Take admission test courses and chat with an academic advisor to prepare as much as possible. 
• Let your personality shine through in the interview. Your academic and extracurricular achievements have gotten you this far. Now, it’s time to connect with the admissions committee on a personal level.

Understanding Oxford’s Colleges

Oxford has 39 colleges and six permanent private halls, each with assigned faculty, specialized courses, and like-minded students.

These colleges make a large university feel smaller, providing tight-knit communities of learners and doers. This creates a culture and community for students to grow and develop together.

Oxford highlights its colleges as a way to provide students with three critical value points: community, facilities, and support. With a tight-knit community, the colleges foster valuable interactions between students and gather new perspectives.

The top-notch and varying facilities set Oxford colleges apart from one another. Oxford offers support to students through tutors, engaged faculty, financial aid, and other resources.

Let’s take a look at four of Oxford’s most noteworthy colleges: Kellogg, St. Catherine’s, St. Anne’s, and St. Hugh’s.

Kellogg College

Kellogg College was founded in 1990 in an attempt “to make graduate study more open and accessible.” Graduate students completed the first program through the new college during the graduation ceremonies in 1992.

Kellogg College is the largest graduate college at Oxford, with the most international students and areas of study.

Students at Kellogg College come from more than 90 countries, creating a memorable learning community with a variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and unique individual experiences.

St. Catherine’s College

St. Catherine’s College is one of the newest colleges at Oxford for both undergraduate and graduate students at the university. The college’s mission is “the pursuit of academic excellence and the enhancement of creative thinking.”

Despite being a “new” college, its history dates back to 1868, when it was originally founded as the “Delegacy for Unattached Students.” The goal of this delegacy was to create a place that didn’t exclude people based on the high costs of college admissions.

The college was officially founded in 1962, and it is now nicknamed “St. Catz.”

St. Anne’s College

St. Anne’s College has over 800 students, making it one of the largest colleges at Oxford. This college encapsulates many disciplines, including the arts, humanities, social sciences, mathematics, physical, life, and medical sciences.

The college was founded in 1879 and has been distinguished as a comprehensive college at the University of Oxford since 1952.

St. Anne’s emphasizes “forward-looking and outward-facing” research, encouraging students to take a collaborative approach to making new discoveries.

St. Hugh’s College

St. Hugh’s College , another one of the university’s largest colleges, spans 14 acres of Oxford’s campus located in North Oxford. The college was originally founded in 1886 by Elizabeth Wordsworth. More than 800 students attend the college every year.

The college offers all of Oxford’s graduate programs, graduating prominent alumni with backgrounds in the arts, law, and politics.

Getting into the University of Oxford isn’t easy — but it’s not impossible. Just follow each program’s guidelines and keep our tips in mind. From there, you’ll learn how to get into Oxford in no time. 

Take your time completing your application and ensure you include every required document. Curious about other colleges and programs? Learn about remote study options through our guides to the best online master’s degree programs and top online PhD programs .

How To Get into Oxford University: FAQs

What gpa do you need to get into oxford.

US students will need a GPA of at least 3.7 out of 4.0 to get into Oxford.

Is Oxford Better than Harvard?

Oxford and Harvard are both world-renowned institutions with high standards of education. A qualification from either is sure to be well-regarded. The only way to separate the two universities would be to look at the specific program and faculty in your field or specialty of choice.

See our guide to how to get into Harvard for more information.

How Hard is it to Get Into Oxford?

Oxford’s admissions process is pretty tough, with a mere 15-17.5% acceptance rate. You’ll need to demonstrate a strong academic record, excellence in extracurriculars, and a passion for your chosen subject.

Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

• Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ 12 Best Laptops for Computer Science Students
• Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ ACBSP Vs AACSB: Which Business Program Accreditations is Better?
• Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ BA vs BS: What You Need to Know [2024 Guide]
• Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ The 19 Best MBA Scholarships to Apply for [2024-2025]

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Introducing our courses

Oxford offers a wide range of graduate courses from postgraduate certificates to doctorates. Our courses are challenging and intensive and our approach to graduate study emphasises your ability to work independently, while supported by a world-class academic community.

Taught courses

As a taught graduate, you'll study your chosen subject area at an advanced level usually leading to one of the master’s or master’s-level qualifications listed below. Your course will consist of a range of core and optional courses and you will be assigned an academic supervisor who will be on hand to offer advice and support, and to help guide your programme of study.

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Expand each section below to find out more about the different types of taught courses on offer.     

Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

This course is of a higher standing than the Master of Studies (MSt) and full-time study normally lasts for two years (six terms). In the first year, some of the course elements may be common with the MSt and at its end candidates may be required to pass a qualifying test before continuing. Some MPhils are organised so that the first year is taught and the second is predominantly research based. In the second year students are expected to complete a substantial dissertation (usually up to 30,000 words) and to sit written examinations. Although the majority of MPhils are recognised as taught courses, the MPhil in Law and the MPhil in Socio-Legal Research are formally classed a research courses and are both one year in duration.

Master of Studies (MSt)

Students studying full-time are normally required to undertake one year (three terms) of study followed by an examination. The exact composition will vary according to the course, but will usually involve a range of core and optional course elements often including research methods and the submission of a dissertation (usually of around 10,000–15,000 words). Study is supported by seminars and lectures. Assessment may be by coursework as well as by written examination papers and dissertation. Some course elements may be common with Master of Philosophy (MPhil) course and it is possible in some cases to form the foundation of an application to either the related MPhil or DPhil.

Master of Science (MSc) by coursework

These degrees are generally offered in Science or Social Science subjects and typically require students to undertake one year of full-time study. The exact composition of the degree will vary according to the course, but will often comprise a range of core and optional modules, supported by teaching in the form of lectures and seminars. Assessment is by a combination of course assignments (in many cases including a dissertation of around 10,000–15,000 words) and written examinations.

Other master’s-level degrees (BCL, BPhil, EMBA, MBA, MFA, MJur, MPP, and MTh)

The University offers a range of other master’s-level degrees:

• Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL)
• Bachelor of Philosophy (BPhil)
• Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Fine Art (MFA)
• Magister Juris (MJur)
• Master of Public Policy (MPP)
• Master of Theology (MTh)

Please see the relevant course page for further details about each course.

Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) and Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert and PGCE)

A number of one-year (three-term) diplomas and certificates are available to graduate students. These include the Postgraduate Certificate in Education, which is a teacher training course for graduates that is more commonly referred to as the  PGCE .

Research courses

Our research degrees offer the opportunity for sustained research in the area of your choice.

Alongside expert supervision and a supportive academic community in which to work, you'll receive specialist training in research skills and have access to a fantastic range of resources and opportunities to help you make the most of your time at Oxford and boost your employability.

View research courses

Expand each section below to find out more about the different types of research courses on offer.     

Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil)

Oxford’s main doctoral research degree is called a DPhil, which is our name for a PhD. DPhil comes from the English phrase Doctor of Philosophy and PhD comes from the Latin phrase philosophiae doctor .

A DPhil usually takes between three and four years to complete, but you should check the relevant  course page  for the expected length. Working closely with an academic supervisor who will oversee your studies, you will focus on a specific research project to produce a thesis that represents a significant and substantial piece of work. You will be assessed on the basis of this thesis and an oral examination called a  viva voce . After completing their DPhil, research students frequently pursue academic careers or careers requiring advanced research skills.

During the course of the DPhil degree at Oxford you will need successfully to meet two different milestones:

Transfer of Status : Most DPhil students are initially admitted to the status of  Probationer Research Student (PRS) . Within a maximum of six terms as a PRS student (and normally by the fourth term) you will be expected to apply for transfer of status from Probationer Research Student to DPhil status. In some subjects, you might be required to successfully complete one or more master’s papers during your first year before you can apply to transfer to DPhil status.

Confirmation of Status:  Students who are successful at transfer will also be expected to apply for and gain confirmation of DPhil status, normally within nine terms of admission, to show that your work continues to be on track. Both milestones normally involve an interview with two assessors (other than your supervisor) and therefore provide important experience for the final oral examination.

If you're studying on a full-time basis, you will be expected to submit your thesis after three or, at most, four years from the date of admission.

Doctoral training programmes (CDTs and DTPs)

Doctoral training programmes are four-year courses providing structured training and research experience in the first year, and a research project leading to a DPhil in subsequent years. These programmes are referred to as Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) and Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs). They are usually supported through links with industry and/or other partners, including other universities.

Master of Science (MSc) by Research

This degree is awarded on the basis of a submitted thesis  and is available in some subject areas that also offer a DPhil. Please see the individual course pages in this section for specific information. The examiners must be satisfied that the thesis shows competence in investigating the chosen topic and that the results have been presented in a lucid and scholarly manner. A satisfactory oral examination is also required.

Students will normally initially hold the status of  Probationer Research Student  and will be expected to apply to transfer to MSc status during the first year of their research.

Combined Master of Science (MSc) and Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil)

Combined Master of Science (MSc) and Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) programmes are four year courses that comprise a one-year taught MSc by coursework followed by a three-year research project leading to a DPhil . These course arrangements are often referred to as 1+3 programmes. By applying for a 1+3 programme, your application will automatically be considered for both the one-year taught MSc and the DPhil. Progression to the DPhil requires successful completion of the MSc. These programmes are special course arrangements and the constituent MSc and DPhil elements may not be offered separately as stand-alone courses.

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Non-standard application processes

The instructions in our Application Guide are relevant to applications for all graduate courses at Oxford, except for :

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Please note that websites external to the University of Oxford may hold information on our courses.  Those websites may contain incomplete and inaccurate information. Please refer to this website which provides the definitive and up-to-date source of information on any graduate courses offered by the University.

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