DPhil Programme

The Department of Education, an internationally known centre for research and for doctoral study, offers a full-time programme of study leading to the DPhil degree in education. The programme consists of a comprehensive research training followed by a research project carried out under the supervision of a member of academic staff whose interests match the area of research. Applications are particularly welcomed in areas of research represented in the Department’s research groups, details of which can be found on the Research pages.

Our research students form a diverse group, coming from a wide range of countries and with differing backgrounds and experience. The programme aims to develop research skills and in-depth knowledge within a particular field, and students benefit from the rich and stimulating environment provided by the Department and the University of Oxford.

Applicants for the DPhil programme will normally be expected to hold a first degree of a good standard, and many will also have a Masters degree. Applicants who are not native speakers of English must have a fluent spoken and written command of the language and meet the University’s higher level English language requirements of at least 7.5 on the IELTS or equivalent (further information can be found here).

The DPhil programme is a full-time programme which aims to provide comprehensive training in research approaches and methods and to support students in carrying out their own research project. Applications are particularly welcomed from students with interests which overlap with departmental research grouos. This allows research students to be attached to one of the research groups and to participate in its research activities and seminar programme.

There are three routes to the DPhil:

• one year MSc Educational Research Methodology followed by 3 years for DPhil, the '1 + 3' route which is recognised by ESRC, and for which ESRC funding is available (for UK and EU students). This route provides a comprehensive training programme in educational research methodology and the opportunity to carry out a small research project, for example a pilot project for subsequent doctoral research

• three year DPhil, the '+ 3' route also recognised by ESRC and suitable for those who have already undertaken a comprehensive research training Masters programme recognised by ESRC

• three year DPhil which includes comprehensive research training in the first year, and which in intended for those who have already undertaken some research and have a clear idea of their research topic.

All DPhil students are registered first as Probationer Research Students (PRS) and progress through the milestones of 'Transfer of Status' and 'Confirmation of Status'. Undertaking the DPhil is a demanding and costly activity and it is important that all research students are supported to ensure that they make good progress, and that their work is of the appropriate quality.