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DPhil in Information, Communication and the Social Sciences

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Key information, student experience, supervisors, fees and funding.

The DPhil programme in Information, Communication and the Social Sciences provides an opportunity for students to pursue cutting-edge research into the societal implications of the Internet.

As a doctoral student at the Oxford Internet Institute, you and your peers will address research questions from across the spectrum of disciplines, drawing on our multidisciplinary faculty and on the complementary strengths of your cohort of peers, who are building on literature from different disciplines to answer their research questions.

We are looking for academically excellent candidates who display the potential and enthusiasm necessary to perform research that will make a difference — to ask important questions and to adopt innovative methodologies and approaches for exploring those questions.

Our DPhil students research spans a wide range of topics, normally linked to one or more of our Research Labs, Groups and  Research topics .

This system allows doctoral students to dig deeply into disciplinary questions in, for instance, politics or sociology, while also being able to place these questions into a broader picture of how the Internet can be theorised and researched.

Over the course the programme, you are expected to produce an important and original piece of scholarship that will make a significant contribution to the dynamic area of Internet research. On completion, you will have the qualities and transferable skills necessary to excel in teaching, research, policy-making or business.

Whilst every doctoral project will follow a unique path, broadly there are three stages:

• Formulating a research question:  You will focus on developing your research questions, and research skills. All doctoral students are required to take two courses which give the necessary foundation for undertaking research in this multi-disciplinary field.
• Gathering data:  You will outline the structure of your thesis, this includes data gathering, and might include a period of fieldwork away from Oxford. Many students also use this time to start drafting journal articles, often in collaboration with their supervisors.
• Writing up your thesis and submitting:  You will concentrate on any final data gathering, and writing up the final chapters for submission of your thesis.

In addition to the formal requirements of the DPhil thesis, all doctoral students receive regular training in the key graduate skills necessary to support their research and future employment. These range from classes on specific tools or skills such as programming in Python or using content analysis software, to more generic training such as presentation skills, academic writing and peer review.

We also provide opportunities for DPhil students to gain teaching experience through mentored assistantship roles in some of the MSc courses. There are also opportunities for taking part in organising the annual student-run  Connected Life conference  dedicated to sparking exchange between disciplines and showcasing emerging Internet research.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the DPhil programme, it is expected that you will have developed your knowledge and understanding of:

• The application of one or more of the social sciences to a detailed study of the Internet and related information and communication technologies and their societal implications.
• Practices and technologies relevant to the Internet and related ICTs.
• Theories and techniques of social sciences research applicable to the field of information and communication and of emerging technologies in particular.
• Modes of communicating and applying research in the field of information and communication to such issues as the design of new technologies and the formation of public policy.
• The qualities and transferable skills necessary to excel in teaching, research, policy-making or business in your studied field, including abilities to design new technologies and to predict and analyse their impacts.
• Leading-edge research methods relevant to investigating emerging information and communication technologies in the social sciences.

How To Apply

All applications must be made through the University of Oxford Graduate Admissions site . Please ensure that you start the online application process as early as you can, to ensure plenty of time to complete your application. We particularly advise applicants to contact their referees as early as possible, and register their details in the draft application form well in advance of the deadline.

Both the full-time and part-time DPhil programmes have one application deadline in January. Only applications that are complete by the deadline, including receipt of references, can be considered by the admissions team.

The Oxford Internet Institute is part of the University of Oxford’s pilot on selection procedures which aims to explore actions aimed at better contextualising admissions procedures for graduate students while minimising conscious and unconscious bias. For all our courses, the socio-economic data you provide in the application form will be used to contextualise the shortlisting and decision-making processes. For details about the pilot and the actions we are taking, please see the University’s page on the Pilot selection procedure.

• Full-time: 3-4 Years
• Part-time: 6-8 Years

Start date:

• October 2024

12 noon UK time (midday) on:

• Friday 5 January 2024

Professor Mariarosaria Taddeo

Professor of Digital Ethics and Defence Technologies, DPhil Programme Director (ICSS)

Rosaria Taddeo is the Programme Director of the DPhil in Information, Communication and the Social Sciences.

Laura Maynard

DPhil Coordinator

Laura is the DPhil Co-ordinator, and administrates the course.

Our induction programme is usually held in the first week of October, the week preceding the start of Michaelmas Term (also referred to as 0th week). During Induction Week students will be formally introduced to the OII’s Director, Director of Graduate Studies, Programme Directors, Graduate Studies Support team, as well as our faculty and administrative team. In addition students will be offered a full tour of the OII’s facilities and introduced to IT and library resources, followed by several informative DPhil induction sessions. There is also ample opportunity to get to know fellow students and staff through student-led social activities and an afternoon drinks reception. During October the Social Sciences Division also holds a welcome event for all new research students.

Our doctoral students are provided with hot-desk working space in the department. We are equipped with advanced video conferencing facilities and high-speed network access. The OII’s library specialises in the social sciences, technology and computing, and our students also have access to the Bodleian Libraries, the University’s main research library.

Opportunities for teaching and training

We provide opportunities for DPhil students to gain teaching experience through mentored assistantship roles in some of the MSc courses. Students will have the opportunity to attend the Introduction to Learning and Teaching at Oxford programme run by the Social Sciences Division, an interactive and discursive course in which attendees will explore common teaching formats (lectures, small groups, tutorials) and common experiences (for example, group management, preparation, presentation and delivery). Students must complete this programme if they wish to undertake a teaching assistant position at the Oxford Internet Institute.

Pastoral and Welfare Support

In addition to the pastoral support provided your college, as a department the OII seeks to support students by various means. Each degree programme has dedicated administrative support and the administrators in question will be able to help and advise students on a range of matters relating to welfare or academic matters, or point them towards dedicated sources of support elsewhere in the University. Supervisors and the Director of Graduate Studies can also serve as a source of support, in addition to our dedicated disability lead and several Harassment Officers who can assist with connecting students with the appropriate support.

Whilst every doctoral project will follow a unique path, there are common milestones that every DPhil student must pass. The information below gives a broad indication of the general milestones, but all students are advised to discuss the timeline with their supervisor.

During the programme you will move through three different stages:

• Probationer Research Student (PRS)
• DPhil Status
• Confirmed DPhil Status

DPhil Milestones

(You can find detailed information on scheduling in the OII DPhil handbook.)

Stage 1: Formulating a Research Question

Stage 1 takes place over Year 1 for full-time students and Years 1 and 2 for on the part-time programme.

All doctoral students are required to take courses which give the necessary foundation for undertaking research in this multi-disciplinary field. Both courses must be passed in order to transfer from PRS to DPhil status.

• Advanced Social Theory  provides an overview of the major findings to date regarding the social implications of the Internet, drawing material from several social science disciplines, including communication studies, sociology, and political science.
•   DSR Methods Core  and  DSR Statistics Core  provides students with the core skills, methods, theories and concepts required to undertake the remainder of the degree. It examines issues concerning the application of traditional social research methods to the study of emerging ICTs as well as the use of new methods, enabled by the Internet and ICTs, in the study of an array of social research problems.

If you come from a background outside the social sciences (e.g. in computer science), you may be asked to take appropriate courses in theory and methods offered by the OII or one of the University’s  Social Science Division  departments during your first year of doctoral studies.

DPhil students are also welcome to take any of the  OII MSc Option Papers , with the approval of their supervisor and the course provider.

In addition to these classes, students will be required to work on their thesis, and will meet regularly with their supervisor to this end. By the end of this stage, students will be expected to have formulated clear research questions and identified appropriate theoretical and methodological frameworks for addressing these questions.

Transfer of Status

As most students will enter the DPhil programme as Probationer Research Students (PRS), they will be expected to gather materials and draft a research proposal for transfer to DPhil Status between their third and fourth term in Oxford. Assuming the normal three-year programme, we expect students to complete the transfer interview by the end of their fourth term. Most students successfully transfer in the third term.

Stage 2: Gathering Data

Stage 2 usually occurs in Year 2 for full-time students and Years 3 and 4 for students on the part-time programme.

This stage of the DPhil will normally be devoted to data gathering and mapping the outline structure of your thesis. However, students will also need to make significant progress in writing their thesis, drafting at least two chapters in preparation for the Confirmation of Status milestone. This may include a period of fieldwork away from Oxford. Many students also use this time to start drafting journal articles, often in collaboration with their supervisors.

Confirmation of Status

Confirmation of DPhil Status is an essential stage on the way to the doctorate and confirms that the student is capable of producing a thesis of the necessary standard and within an appropriate timescale. It is not possible to submit a thesis for examination until DPhil status has been confirmed.

The OII’s Graduate Studies Committee expects students to complete the confirmation interview by the end of their third year for full time students; and by the sixth year of study for part-time students.

Stage 3: Writing Up and Thesis submission

Stage 3 usually occurs in Year 3 for full-time students and Years 5 and 6 for students on the part-time programme.

Stage 3 will concentrate on any final empirical work, and on writing up the final chapters for submission of the thesis. The thesis must be submitted within four years (full-time) and eight years (part-time) from the date of admission as a graduate student. In special circumstances, you may apply for an extension of time through the Graduate Studies Committee. The maximum extension permitted is two years, making six years (full-time) or ten years (part-time) of study in all.

Once the thesis has been submitted, two examiners are appointed and the examination by viva voce (an oral defence of the thesis) is scheduled.

As a graduate student you will be assigned an academic supervisor, who is responsible for your academic well-being and progress. In addition to academic supervision, you will also have a college advisor who can help with issues of student support and welfare.

You should expect to meet with your supervisor at least three to four times a term. In the early stages of your doctoral studies your supervisor will assist you in settling into the pace of academic life, help you identify your training needs in order to fulfil your research and facilitate appropriate networking across the University. As your research progresses, your supervisor will advise you on research design, provide guidance on any data collection, and comment on your written drafts. In the final stages of your doctoral studies, your supervisor will provide comments on your thesis drafts and help you prepare for milestones and the final examination of the thesis. Your supervisor may also provide career guidance as you plan your future beyond your period of study.

The following OII faculty members are eligible to supervise DPhil students. The supervision areas are intended as a guide only: please contact a faculty member directly if you would like to discuss their suitability to supervise your research proposal.

Dr Adam Mahdi

Dr Ana Valdivia

Professor Andrew Przybylski

Dr Bernie Hogan

Professor Brent Mittelstadt

Professor Carl-Benedikt Frey

Professor Chris Russell

Professor Ekaterina Hertog

Dr Gemma Newlands

Professor Greg Taylor

Professor Helen Margetts

Dr Joss Wright

Professor Kathryn Eccles

Dr Keegan McBride

Dr Luc Rocher

Professor Mark Graham

Professor Philip Howard

Professor Ralph Schroeder

Professor Rebecca Eynon

Professor Sandra Wachter

Dr Scott A. Hale

Professor Victoria Nash

Professor Viktor Mayer-Schönberger

Professor Vili Lehdonvirta

Details of fees, living expenses, and definitions of home and overseas students, together with information about potential sources of funding are available from the  University’s Fees and Funding  website.

There are a number of sources of funding for postgraduate students at Oxford. Details of all scholarships for which candidates may be eligible can be found on the  University’s Fees and Funding website.  The scholarships are all highly competitive and are awarded on academic merit.

Clarendon Scholarships

Clarendon is one of the biggest of the University’s scholarship schemes, offering around 170 new scholarships each year to academically outstanding graduates. Clarendon scholarships are competitive, prestigious and highly sought-after. As well as providing for fees and living costs Clarendon aims to enhance the Oxford experience by offering students the chance to form lasting social, academic and professional networks. Students can apply by completing the funding sections of the graduate admissions form. As part of the admissions process, the Oxford Internet Institute Scholarship Committee will decide which applicants to nominate to the University for consideration. Further details of this scholarship can be found on the University’s Clarendon Scholarships  page.

Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) funding

The ESRC is the UK’s largest organisation for funding research on social and economic issues. The University, in collaboration with Brunel University and the Open University, hosts the Grand Union Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP).

The Oxford Internet Institute’s graduate degree programmes are a recognised doctoral training pathway in the partnership and our  Digital Social Science pathway  is provided through two routes, MSc-to-DPhil (known as 1+3) and DPhil-only (known as +3), and is available to students studying part-time as well as those studying full-time.

In order to be considered for a Grand Union DTP ESRC studentship, you must select ‘ESRC Grand Union DTP Studentships in Social Sciences’ in the University of Oxford scholarships section of the University’s graduate application form. You must complete a  Grand Union DTP Application Form  and upload it, together with your graduate application form, in order to be considered for nomination for the studentship.

Information about ESRC studentships at Oxford can be found on the  Grand Union DTP website . Please ensure you have read all of the guidance available on the website before completing the  ESRC Grand Union DTP Studentship Application Form . Questions can be directed to the Grand Union DTP Office at [email protected] 

ESRC studentships are open to both Home (UK) and International candidates, read more about the eligibility criteria here .

Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) funding

The AHRC provides public funding in support of research into the arts and humanities, for approximately one quarter of the UK’s research population. Oxford participates in the Open-Oxford-Cambridge AHRC Doctoral Training Partnership, providing a number of scholarships each year to students working in eligible subject areas across the Humanities and Social Sciences Divisions.

Information about applying for AHRC scholarships at Oxford can currently be found on the  Open-Oxford-Cambridge Doctoral Partnership  website. In order to be considered for a studentship you must apply by the programme deadline and tick the relevant box in the studentships section of the application form. You will also need to complete the  OOC DTP Application Form  and upload it as an additional document when completing your application.

Black Academic Futures scholarships

The Black Academic Futures programme offer scholarships to UK Black and Mixed-Black students starting doctoral study at Oxford. A pplicants need to apply to an Oxford department by the relevant programme deadline to be considered for the scholarship and ensure they include the ethnicity information in their application.

Refugee Academic Futures

The Refugee Academic Futures scheme offers financial support to pursue graduate study at Oxford to students who are refugees or other people with lived experience of displacement. The scholarships are open to all academic subjects. Each scholarship will cover your course fees and will provide you with a grant for living costs. Awards are made for the full duration of your fee liability for your course. Scholars will be offered opportunities to receive mentoring and a bespoke programme of pre-arrival and on course support.

Care-Experienced Academic Futures

The Care-Experienced Academic Futures scholarships offer financial support to students who have experienced being in care in the UK to pursue graduate study at Oxford. The pilot will include the inaugural award of the Oxford-Rees Graduate Scholarship, which supports care-experienced Social Sciences candidates.

OII Shirley Scholarship

The OII awards a limited number of DPhil Scholarships each academic year supported by the Shirley Scholars Fund which was established in honour of OII founder donor Dame Stephanie Shirley. These scholarships are open to both full- and part-time students (from any country) and all applicants who are offered a place on our programme are automatically considered for an award. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit.

DPhil Handbook 2023-24

Download the handbook for study at the OII in the academic year 2023-2024

You can find general FAQs about applying to our courses, studying at the OII, and choosing a college on the study FAQs page .

When should I apply?

The DPhil programme has one deadline in January.

Please ensure that you start the online application process as early as you can, to ensure plenty of time to complete your application. Only applications that are complete by the deadline (including letters of reference) can be considered by the admissions team. All applications must be made through the  University of Oxford Graduate Admissions  site.

How do I choose a supervisor?

Our students are supervised by OII faculty members. Please note that we will only admit students where appropriate supervision is available; please see the full list of  faculty members  eligible to supervise students on this programme. If having read these, you are still unsure who could supervise your proposed research (or if you are considering supervision by a faculty member from a different department within the University of Oxford), please contact us to discuss this at  [email protected] .

Please note that it is strongly advised that DPhil applicants should contact a potential supervisor before they submit an application to check that there is appropriate supervision for their research proposal. Once DPhil applicants have identified an appropriate supervisor they should email them directly with a brief overview of the proposed research topic. The faculty member will then indicate whether they would be suitable to supervise the proposed topic.

If I need to submit English Language Test results, when are they due?

You can read more about the English language requirements for graduate study applications in the graduate application guide.   This course requires proficiency in English at the University’s higher level . If you already have English language test scores at the required level achieved within two years of the start of the course to which you are applying, please include them in your application. However, you are not required to provide test scores when you submit your application.

How does the DPhil in Information, Communication and the Social Sciences differ from the DPhil in Social Data Science?

The  DPhil in Information, Communication and the Social Sciences  is designed for students interested in research about the Internet and related technologies and their societal implications. Theses in this programme might include quantitative, qualitative, computational or mixed methods applied to a broad range of questions about digital phenomena and could address questions about technology policy or practice. The  DPhil in Social Data Science  is designed for students with core quantitative skills who wish to develop their skills for analysing structured and unstructured data using advanced computational techniques such as machine learning. Theses in Social Data Science might develop new computational approaches for analysing human behavioural data and/or apply such approaches to answer a social science question.

What does a good DPhil application look like? Do you have any examples?

Here is some great advice from OII DPhil alumni Bertram Vidgen on how to write your DPhil application proposal .  You can also read OII Professor Vili Lehdonvirta’s advice about picking a research topic for a DPhil application.  

What fees do I have to pay?

Course fees cover your teaching, and other academic services and facilities provided to support your studies. They do not cover your accommodation or other living costs. You may have seen separate figures in the past for tuition fees and college fees. We have now combined these into a single figure.

See the University’s  guidance on fee status  and fee liability for information on  Home/Republic of Ireland ,  Islands  and  Overseas  student classification. As well as covering University and College fees, students will also have to support their maintenance costs. As Oxford is a relatively expensive place to live, it is recommended that students consult the University’s  guidance on living costs  when planning their budget, to cover accommodation, meals and other living expenses.

Do I have to live in Oxford during my studies?

Full-time students are required by the University’s regulations to be in residence in Oxford during term time. That means a commitment to be in Oxford for at least the full nine weeks of all three terms of each academic year. You also need to be available in Oxford for several events outside full term, from the induction programme to examinations. Research away from Oxford should be discussed with your supervisor. Part-time students are not required to live in Oxford, but are expected to be present in Oxford on average 30 days per year. Please see the DPhil handbook for more details.

Do you offer any intensive, online or distance-learning courses?

We do not normally offer any of our MSc or DPhil programmes in an intensive, online, or distance-learning modality. Although we do make use of virtual learning environments and various other online components of study, both full and part-time students are required to attend in person during term time due to the collaborative and multi-disciplinary nature of our programmes, and the principles that underpin Oxford education as a  collegiate university.  We strongly believe that the face-to-face element of the programme is vital in providing a multi-disciplinary peer network for students to engage in ideas, discussion and debate.

We do, however, offer this programme on a part-time basis. The part-time DPhil is substantively identical to the full-time degree, but distributes the workload over five to six years for those who must fit study around work, family, or other outside commitments.

What does the schedule look like for a part-time DPhil student?

Part-time students can typically expect to spend at least 30 days physically in Oxford each year, and will be expected to commit approximately 20 hours per week to their studies. Part-time DPhil students will be expected to take core courses in Michaelmas Term of Years 1 and 2, which will mean choosing two courses in one year, and one in the other year. These courses have been scheduled to allow part-time students to take them on a single day, so students will need to be able to attend classes in Oxford one day a week for the eight consecutive weeks of Michaelmas Term, as a minimum. In addition, part-time students will need to be present in Oxford in their first year for the full Induction Week (normally held the first week of October).

There are provisions to attend DPhil seminars and supervision meetings via video conference, the latter at your supervisor’s discretion, particularly from Year 3 onwards. However, classes for the core courses and any corresponding examinations in Michaelmas Term of Years 1 and 2 can only be attended in person.

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Top Tips for Academic Writing from PhD Candidates

20 Mar, 2024 | Blog Articles , Get the Edge

Faissal, DPhil Clinical Neurosciences

“When it comes to writing for your academic project, remember that staying organised is super important! You’ll have to record, research and cite your sources, which you definitely don’t want to do in one go at the end. Using a reference manager like Paperpile or Zotero will help you keep track of your sources and cite them properly in your papers.

Instead of trying to write perfect sentences right away, you might find it useful to start by making a rough outline with bullet points. Then, add in facts, quotes and other information from your research to build your paper.

Also, don’t forget to separate the writing process from editing. Focus on getting your ideas down on paper first, and you can work on making your writing sound better and fixing any mistakes later.

Good luck with your writing!”

Alejandro, DPhil International Relations

“My number one tip for academic writing, whatever your level? Be concise .

Very often, students are led to think that good academic writing means using the most sophisticated, advanced vocabulary they can find. To make a piece of work more professional, it can be tempting to look for elaborate synonyms and use them in place of simple words.

However, doing this can actually prevent your reader from understanding the arguments and ideas you’re trying to put forward, and you might even get lost in your own sentences! Try to go for the simplest language, and the fewest words needed, to express an idea. Use short sentences, don’t be vague, and avoid overly complex language. Remember that academic writing is not about sounding a certain way, but about expressing your ideas clearly. Being concise, for me, is the essential first step to good academic writing.

P.S.: Don’t forget to proofread your work.”

Academic writing is always a work in progress, and your style and voice will develop and evolve throughout your studies. It also won’t be possible to apply all of these tips, all of the time, but experiment with those that appeal to you, and use them as you develop your own writing.

Looking to take part in a truly international Oxford summer school?

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Introduction to Academic Writing and Language

A course to develop basic knowledge of english syntax and academic writing, please note, this course will next run in michaelmas term (from october 2024). please join our mailing list   to be notified once enrolment opens, course timetable: hilary term 2024.

For Learners without an Oxford University SSO, or who are not members of the University, enrolment information can be found  here .

Enrolment will close at 12 noon on Wednesday of Week 1 of term (17 January 2024).

To ensure that we have time to set you up with access to our Virtual Learning Environment (Canvas), please make sure you have enrolled and paid no later than five working days before your course starts. 

MT = Michaelmas Term (October - December); HT = Hilary Term (January - March); TT = Trinity Term (April-June)

Course overview

This course is designed for international students and other University members, with little or no experience in academic writing, who want to develop their basic knowledge of English syntax and academic writing. It is also designed for those who feel they need to advance their competence in using academic language to perform satisfactorily in their written course work. 

The programme introduces a foundational understanding of the organisation of ideas in common types of academic texts, as well as the skills needed to communicate effectively to the reader. It also looks to develop their competence in the use of the grammar, vocabulary, expressions, style and conventions typically used in academic writing at Oxford. 

Students joining the Online course will access materials and take part in seminars using Oxford’s VLE system, Canvas, and videoconferencing software. 

Learning outcomes

• Develop essential knowledge of the organisation of ideas in common academic texts (e.g. essays, reports, dissertations, publications) 
• Improve the organisation and expression of arguments, evidence and stance in writing 
• Develop essential skills to integrate ideas from the literature into the student’s writing  
• Use linking words and expressions to communicate effectively with the reader 
• Develop use of essential academic grammar, vocabulary and style 
• Avoid the grammatical, vocabulary and stylistic errors common to international students 
• Receive feedback on their academic writing and advice on how to continue to develop throughout their degree course 

Enrolment Information

For Learners with an Oxford University SSO (Single Sign-On) simply click on the enrol button next to the class that you wish to join. 

For Learners without an Oxford University SSO, or who are not members of the University, once enrolment opens , please email  [email protected]  with the following details:

• Email address and phone number
• The name of the course you wish to study
• The start date and time of the course
• Your connection to Oxford University, if any (to determine course fee)

We will then provisionally enrol you onto the course and send you a link to the Oxford University Online Store for payment. Once payment is received we will confirm your place on the course. Please note that we will be unable to assist you until enrolment has opened, so please do not send us your enrolment details in advance.

Course structure

• Taught in weeks 2-8 of term
• Number of classes per week: 1
• Length of class: 2 hours
• Individual feedback and one-to-one tutor support is available

Intensive course structure

• One week intensive course
• Taught in week 9 of term (Monday - Friday)
• Number of classes throughout the week: 5
• Length of class: 2-3 hours
• Total hours of tuition over the week: 14

Course fees

VIEW THE COURSE FEES

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Other Term-time Courses

Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) in Geography and the Environment

Admissions guidance, potential supervisors and topics for dphil research, current graduate research, frequently asked questions, where can i get more information.

The Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) in Geography and the Environment is our premier research degree. The DPhil (or PhD as it is known in most other universities) is an advanced research degree awarded on the basis of a thesis and oral examination (assessment of other work is not taken into consideration). The DPhil is of a higher standing than the MSc by Research or the MLitt. Examiners of the DPhil must be satisfied that the thesis represents a significant and substantial piece of research, is conveyed in a lucid and scholarly manner and that the candidate has a good general knowledge of the field of their thesis. The DPhil in Geography and the Environment is offered as either a full time 3-4 year degree, or a part-time 6-8 year degree.

Students intending to read for the DPhil are initially admitted to the status of Probationer Research Student (PRS). During their first year (or second year for the part-time pathway) of work, students must apply for transfer to DPhil status, which requires successful completion of a Qualifying Test. This involves submission of a piece of written work which is examined by two assessors. Students will also be required to undergo a similar examination to confirm their DPhil status during their third year (or by the end of the sixth year for the part-time pathway).

Full-time DPhil students must be resident in Oxford for at least six terms (2 years). It is mandatory for students at the School of Geography and the Environment to spend their first year in Oxford so that they can take full advantage of the research training which is provided. Field work undertaken in the second or third year can be counted towards the residency requirement. Currently the expected contact time for the part-time pathway is thirty days at Oxford per year, the majority of this will take place across the three eight week terms, and will include supervision meetings and core research training.

It is expected that the thesis will be submitted after three or at most four years from admission (or within the sixth/eight year time limit for the part-time pathway). The standard fee liability for students registered for the DPhil is 9 terms (3 years) (or 6 years for the part-time pathway). The University applies a termly Continuation Charge for graduate students who exceed the standard period of University tuition fee liability.

Some DPhil study in the School is supported by various scholarships and grants available through Oxford University and from sources outside of the university such as government scholarships and research council funding. In the period 2019-2021, 40% of DPhil students at SoGE were fully funded, whilst 28% were partially funded. Each year around 20% of DPhil offer holders receive funding from Oxford University. The vast majority of Oxford scholarships are open to new graduate students only. Funding options for on-course students are extremely limited. The School of Geography and the Environment is working hard to expand access to funding for all students but unfortunately we feel we must discourage students who have not secured funding for the whole period of their DPhil from taking up their place.

For more information on scholarships and funding for under-represented groups, please see the University's scholarships and funding for under-represented groups webpage.

Currently available scholarships from SoGE are listed on our graduate fees and funding webpage.

For information on graduate admissions, selection criteria, funding and how to apply for the DPhil in Geography and the Environment, please see the DPhil in Geography and the Environment webpage on the University's Graduate Admissions website.

Please also read through the following information which will help support your application.

Read the form we use to assess every DPhil application

Guidelines to writing a research proposal

Meet potential DPhil supervisors and discover the topics for research that are available.

Explore our current graduate research

Why are there multiple application deadlines?

We offer two application deadlines to maximise the time scale for candidates to prepare and make their application.

Can I apply before I secure funding?

Applications will be considered without secured funding. The college which accepts you will require you to complete a Financial Declaration form in order to meet your financial condition of admission and the college will give you a deadline for meeting this requirement. For further details please see the University's Financial Declaration webpage. If you have any questions regarding the financial declaration, you should contact your college and not the department.

Is there funding available?

What level of written and spoken english do i need.

Applicants whose first language is not English are usually required to provide evidence of proficiency of English at the higher level required by the University. You can find details of what is required from the University's Application Guide . The department may be able to consider a waiver of this requirement if you are currently completing, or have completed within the last two years, a degree-level course that is: full-time; at least nine months long; undertaken at a recognised institution where the medium of instruction and assessment throughout the course is entirely in English. To request a waiver, you will need to write a letter or statement giving the reasons for your request and upload this to your application. We will ask you for proof by means of a letter from your institution indicating that the medium of instruction and assessment has been in English.

You do not need to submit an English language test result at the same time as your application if you have not yet taken a test or received your results; your application will still be considered (provided that all other required documentation has been submitted) by the department but any offer of a place will be conditional on your supplying English language test results at the required level.

Do I need to submit a research proposal?

If you apply for the DPhil you must submit an acceptable research proposal which addresses the questions of what you plan to accomplish and why you want to and how you are going to do it. You can find full information and guidelines on writing a research proposal on our website.

When should I expect a decision on my application?

You can expect to hear the outcome of your application about 8 to 10 weeks after the application deadline. You should expect to receive college notification around 8 to 10 weeks following the department decision. This timetable is for guidance only and notifications may take longer in some cases. For further information on what to expect after you apply please see the University's After you apply webpage.

If my application is declined, will I receive feedback?

Due to the volume of applications the University receives; it is not possible to provide feedback on unsuccessful applications. For further information on admissions decisions please see the University's Decision timeline webpage.

When does the course begin?

The academic year starts in October each year and students are normally admitted for an October start. The department will notify you of the exact date in their offer letter which will also give you information about any pre-sessional courses/fieldwork that you may be required to attend and the relevant dates. Please see the University's Your offer and contract webpage for further information about your offer and contract.

Where can I find accommodation in Oxford?

Colleges are unable to accommodate all graduate students and the offer of a college place does not guarantee accommodation. The college which accepts you will contact you with regard to making an application for college accommodation. The Graduate Accommodation Office lets and manages rooms, flats and houses in and around Oxford city centre and on sites owned by the University to full-time graduate students. They also offer advice on renting private accommodation. If you wish to look for private accommodation and are based outside of the UK, please see the section on the International Students webpage about immigration checks required by law before agreeing a tenancy. We also recommend you look at the Oxford University Student Union's helpful guide on Living Out .

What are the likely career destinations of postgraduate students?

Many of our graduates are commanding influential positions in multinational corporations, in national, state and international government, in non-governmental organisations, and by continuing with further research. For further information on potential careers and alumni please see the departmental alumni webpages and the University's Careers and alumni webpage.

I need to apply for a visa, when can I expect to receive my CAS number?

CAS numbers cannot be issued until you have successfully met all academic and financial conditions which were outlined in your offer letter. You are unable to apply for your visa until three months before your course start date. In most cases we would normally start issuing CAS numbers from July onwards. Once a CAS request has been made you will receive an email asking you to check the information that has been used for the CAS request. You should contact your departmental course-coordinator to let them know that the information is correct or let them have any amendments. Once the course-coordinator has been informed, they will be able to submit the CAS request and the CAS number will be sent to you via email within a few days of submission. For further information about the visa application please see the University's Before you arrive webpage and the University's information on the Student visa .

Do I need an ATAS certificate?

It is very unlikely that DPhil students will need to apply for a certificate. For information about the ATAS certificate please see the University's Student visa webpage.

Can I work to help fund my studies?

We advise that no student should expect to fund their studies through taking on paid employment or teaching. The MSc or MPhil programmes have a very intensive teaching programme which leaves very little time to take on paid work. You should generally regard your studies as a full-time occupation of at least 40 hours per week, and you should normally be available for academic commitments during core working hours (i.e. 9am to 5pm on weekdays during term for MSc and MPhil students and year-round for DPhil). You may also have a work restriction placed on your student visa. If you do undertake some paid work, you should ensure that this does not impact on your studies. Please see the University Policy on Paid Work Guidelines for Oxford Graduate Students .

Are there any opportunities for developing teaching skills?

As the undergraduate and MSc teaching system at Oxford University is normally delivered by academic staff, there are very limited opportunities for graduate students to become involved and, if any teaching is available, it will only be available to DPhil students in their 2nd or subsequent years. Most opportunities arise from undergraduate teaching or acting as a teaching assistant on our MSc courses. Before students are allowed to commence any teaching, they must undertake an 'Introduction to Undergraduate Teaching' seminar which is held in the department each year and, after attending this, students can also take advantage of the Social Sciences Division Preparation for Learning and Teaching at Oxford seminars which are accredited.

Are there any opportunities for work experience and internships?

The School of Geography and the Environment does not normally arrange work experience or internships for DPhil students, however, many students have very successfully taken up opportunities related to their research and temporary suspension of studies can be arranged to cover any period which is spent undertaking this.

What level of supervision can I expect?

Your offer letter will state who your supervisor(s) is and you should arrange to meet with them as soon as possible after arriving in Oxford to establish a timetable of regular meetings and they will help you devise a programme that allows you to realise the full benefits of the resources and intellectual community in Oxford. Your supervisor will meet with you regularly to provide advice about your specific project and suitable research methods and they will review your progress and help you to work within a planned framework and timetable. We would normally expect that you would meet with your supervisor(s) for at least nine one-hour meetings during each academic year. It is departmental practice for all research students to have two supervisors if possible. You may be allocated two supervisors when you are admitted however, in some cases only one supervisor may be allocated and a second supervisor will be allocated at the end of the first year if a suitable secondary supervisor can be found. You can find further information on research courses and supervision on the University's Research courses webpage.

What research training is provided?

DPhil students will be required to attend a weekly training seminar which is held each term. The aim of the DPhil training programme is to welcome, introduce and orientate students into DPhil work and life at the School. The seminars will be led by academics and some sessions will involve experiences from current DPhil students.

Doctoral students at Oxford will need to combine detailed subject knowledge with thorough training in relevant quantitative and qualitative research methods and techniques, as well as general research management skills, professional knowledge and career development. This combination of skills, knowledge and training is intended to help with research and also to enhance personal and professional development and employability.

DPhil students will have access to a wide range of training whilst undertaking their research at the University, including:

• Research methods training within the department, and other departments as appropriate;
• Researcher Training provided by Doctoral Training in the Social Sciences open to all doctoral student;
• Training provided by University providers such as the Careers Service, IT Services and Bodleian Library.

What workspace is provided?

DPhil students have access to the Staff Common Room where they will find a microwave, fridge and hot water. There are also three DPhil study rooms. Our large DPhil room offers space on a 'hot desk' basis and rooms two and three have allocated spaces for those who are writing up their thesis. Working space is also available in some of the Libraries.

Can I apply to the DPhil from the MPhil?

Application process.

MPhil students who wish to apply for the DPhil in the department must follow the same application process as any other applicant for the DPhil. There is no automatic progression from MPhil to DPhil and applications from MPhil students will be assessed against the same criteria as all other applicants.

Current MPhil students are eligible to be considered for all Oxford funding schemes. If you are made an offer, you will automatically be considered for funding, but you should be aware that the funding available is limited and very competitive.

One year of MPhil fees counts toward DPhil fee liability, so students who have completed the MPhil only pay full DPhil fees for 6 terms. Thereafter, students are charged the University Continuation Charge until they submit their DPhil thesis.

The DPhil thesis via the 2+2 route

Students following the 2+2 route have the same thesis requirements as all other DPhil students: the book format following the traditional thesis-style, or the article-based thesis which comprises a minimum of three academic papers.

Students who have followed the article-based format for their MPhil should be aware that papers included in the thesis must have been written whilst holding the status of PRS or DPhil. A DPhil thesis may build directly on work completed during a Master's programme at Oxford but material which has already been submitted for assessment as part of an MPhil thesis cannot be included in the DPhil thesis.

If you have any questions about the University's application process you are strongly advised to contact the University of Oxford Graduate Admissions Office, tel: +44 (0)1865 270059, or by e-mail: [email protected] taking particular care to follow the instructions in the automatic reply, in the first instance.

If you have any further questions that have not been answered by the information provided by the Graduate Admissions Office or our website then please contact the Research Degrees Coordinator at the School of Geography and the Environment.

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Course details

Writing the world: the travel writer at home and abroad.

This course is currently full, and new additions to the waiting list are unlikely to secure a place for summer 2024. You may be interested in the following courses, available to book now: Mini Masterpieces: Prose Poetry, Micro-Memoir, Flash Fiction and More Keep on Creative Writing

Travel literature is perhaps best summarised as writing that takes its structure from a journey that, although physical in nature, often becomes one of self-discovery. Traditionally it has involved its narrator visiting distant lands, often comparing what they find there unfavourably with their own home; nevertheless, the hunger for description of unfamiliar places and cultures remains undiminished. How can we find our voice as travel writers, within the post-colonial, climate-conscious moment we inhabit? And is it really necessary to leave home in order to embark on a worthwhile journey? Through critical reading of travel writing texts, class discussion, writing exercises and the sharing of their own work, students will gain both confidence and greater insight into their chosen genre. Suitable for both experienced writers and beginners.

This course is part of The Oxford Experience summer school.

Programme details

Seminars meet each weekday morning, with afternoons free for course-related field trips, individual study, or exploring the many places of interest in and around the city.

Monday Structures and Starting Points We will start by exploring travel writing, from medieval pilgrimage or quest narratives to contemporary accounts, focusing on themes and motifs that have persisted down the centuries. We will look at the importance of finding an angle to make the story your own, an opening that will grab the reader and establish a central theme, and a narrative arc that will carry them through your story, referring to examples from travel literature, as we will throughout the course.

Tuesday Place and People We will examine the ways in which place, when well evoked, can play a central role rather than be a backdrop to your story; and how it can tell us what we need to know about your characters without the need for exposition. We’ll look at how best to portray people, without patronising or ‘othering’ them; and discuss interview technique, ethics and anonymity. We’ll end the session with a writing exercise.

Wednesday Preparation and Immersion We will begin with research done before we travel, including the advantages and disadvantages of online research over conversation and visits to archives, and continue with the ‘immersive’ research done once on location, including the role of the chance encounter and the unexpected event. In the second half of the lesson, members of the class who choose to will be sharing pieces of writing they have brought with them on the course, and receiving feedback on them from the tutor and their fellow students. 

Thursday Voice and Narrative We will look at how best to develop your own voice as a writer; how to develop a narrative point of view; the crossover between travel writing and memoir; and how best to position the author as narrator on the page — the positives and pitfalls of including oneself in the travelogue. We’ll end the day with a writing exercise that experiments with narrative point of view.

Friday Endings and Editing In our final session we will look at convincing endings for a travel narrative, which often involve some kind of return, resolving questions or themes established at the beginning of the journey. We’ll also look at the vital process of editing your draft in preparation for sending it out to readers, agents or publishers, signpost helpful resources, and discuss next steps for your project. Finally, we’ll look at ways of holding on to the momentum you’ve gained and ways to help you continue to write beyond the end of the course.

Recommended reading

Pitts, Johny (2020). Afropean: Notes from Black Europe . Penguin.

Participants should bring along a 250-word example of their own writing, and should feel free to share examples of travel writing by other authors that has interested them.

Please note there are no sources of funding (scholarships, bursaries, etc) available for applicants.

All fees are charged on a per week, per person basis.

Please be aware that all payments made via non-UK credit/debit cards and bank accounts are subject to the exchange rate on the day they are processed.

Payment terms

• If enrolling online: full payment by credit/debit card at the time of booking.
• If submitting an enrolment form : full payment online by credit/debit card or via bank transfer within 30 days of invoice date.

Supplementary costs

• Extended stay fee: Participants staying multiple, consecutive weeks are offered bed and breakfast accommodation for the Saturday night between their courses. The extended stay rates are charged on a per person basis, depending on your enrolment accommodation. An invoice will be emailed alongside your confirmation of enrolment. 
• Excursion fee where applicable: £5-130. This fee is built into the above course fees and will not require a separate payment. If your course includes a day-long excursion, you may need to make your own lunch arrangements.
• Course transfer fee: Please note that course transfers may be permitted in exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the programme administrator, up to the 1 May 2024. In accordance with our  Terms and Conditions , an administration fee of £50 will be charged.
• Any ticketed activities, as outlined in the Social Programme.

Cancellations and refunds

1. Cancellation by you

Participants who wish to cancel must inform the Programme Administrator in writing: by email to  [email protected] , or by post to The Oxford Experience, OUDCE, 1 Wellington Square, OXFORD, OX1 2JA, UK.

The following cancellation and refund policy applies in all cases:

Cancellation within 14 days of online enrolment / payment of fees – full refund of all fees paid. 

• Cancellations received up to and including 30 April 2024 – OUDCE will retain an administration fee of £100 per week booked; all other fees paid will be refunded.
• Cancellations received between 1-31 May 2024 – OUDCE will retain 60% of the fees paid; the remaining 40% of fees paid will be refunded.
• Cancellations received on and after 1 June 2024 - no refunds will be made under any circumstances.

Where course fees have been paid in currencies other than pounds sterling, refunds will be subject to the exchange rate on the day they are processed.

2. Cancellation by us

Where there is good reason, OUDCE reserves the right to cancel a course by giving you notice in writing at any time before the course is due to start. In these cases, we will endeavour to offer a transfer to another available course if practical and acceptable to you, subject to payment or refund of any difference in course fees. Alternatively, we will refund the course fees that you have already paid. If we cancel a course, our liability is limited to the fees that we have received from you; this means that we will not compensate you for any pre-booked travel costs or any other expenses incurred. The status of this course will be reviewed on 1 May 2024. If it is likely that the course may be cancelled, anyone affected will be notified by email within 7 days; if you have not heard from OUDCE by 8 May 2024, you should assume that your course will be running. You may wish to delay finalising your travel arrangements until after this date.

OUDCE reserves the right to cancel a course at short notice in exceptional circumstances that would prevent the course from being delivered e.g. tutor illness. In these rare instances, and if we are unable to find a replacement tutor, we will notify you as soon as possible and arrange a transfer to another available Oxford Experience course. If we cancel a course, our liability is limited to the fees that we have received from you; this means that we will not compensate you for any pre-booked travel costs or any other expenses incurred.

3. Travel insurance

All participants must purchase travel insurance to cover the programme fee, travel costs, and any other expenses incurred. OUDCE cannot be held responsible for any costs you may incur in relation to travel or accommodation bookings as a result of a course cancellation, or if you are unable to attend the course for any other reason. 

Dr James Attlee

Dr James Attlee is the author of three travel-related titles, including the widely acclaimed Isolarion: A Different Oxford Journey; Nocturne: A Journey in Search of Moonlight; and Station to Station: Searching for Stories on the Great Western Line (shortlisted for the Stanford Travel Book of the Year award) . He has also written extensively on art, including the book Guernica: Painting the End of the World . He is a Royal Literary Fund Fellow and teaches creative writing, both in the community and at university level.

Teaching methods

Participants will be taught in seminar groups of up to 12 people. The teaching methods used during this course may include:

• Short lectures/Presentations
• Physical handouts
• Seminars/group discussions
• Written exercises in-class
• Student presentations
• Video recordings

Assessment methods

There are no assessments for this course.

Application

Registration closes on 1 May 2024. Most courses fill up fast so early registration is recommended.

Single accommodation and non-residential places may be booked online by clicking on the “Book now” button in the “Course details” box at the top right-hand side of the course page.

• If you experience any difficulties enrolling online please contact the Programme Administrator at [email protected] .

Those requiring twin or double accommodation should complete an enrolment form as these rooms cannot be booked online. Completed forms should be sent:

by email to [email protected] , or

by post to The Oxford Experience, OUDCE, 1 Wellington Square, OXFORD, OX1 2JA, UK.

Level and demands

The Oxford Experience is aimed at non-specialists: no prior knowledge is required, and classes are pitched at an introductory level. The courses are designed for an international audience aged 18 and over.

Accommodation

During your course you will stay in typical Oxford student accommodation at Christ Church, in buildings which range from the 18th to the 20th century. Please note that bedrooms are modestly-furnished and do not have air-conditioning.

The course fee includes breakfasts Monday-Saturday, lunches Sunday-Friday, and 3-course dinners Sunday-Thursday. On Friday, there will be a special 4-course Gala Dinner to celebrate the closing of the week. All meals are taken in  Christ Church’s spectacular dining hall .

Single bedrooms

• Single en suite;
• Single standard.

En suite rooms include private bathroom facilities (shower, washbasin and toilet). Standard rooms include a washbasin and shaver point only, with bathroom facilities shared with other rooms.

Shared bedrooms

Shared rooms can only be booked by two people attending the programme together, and are charged on a per person basis.

• Double en suite;
• Twin en suite;
• 'Twin Set' standard.

En suite rooms include private bathroom facilities (shower, washbasin and toilet). 'Twin set’ standard rooms comprise two separate single standard rooms, each with a washbasin and shaver point only, opening onto a private sitting room, with bathroom facilities shared with other rooms.

Those requiring twin or double accommodation must complete an  enrolment form (see ‘Application’), as these rooms cannot be booked online.

Christ Church rooms do not have lift access, and the higher rooms can be located up a few flights of stairs. If you need a room on a ground or lower floor please indicate this on your enrolment form , or contact the programme administrator directly at  [email protected]  as soon as possible before 1 June.

We regret that we are unable to arrange accommodation at Christ Church prior to or following your course. Additionally, family or friends who are not enrolled in the programme cannot be accommodated in college. Please  contact Christ Church directly  if you require additional nights of bed and breakfast accommodation.

Participants Attending Multiple Weeks

The Oxford Experience welcomes participants who want to attend multiple courses over the summer. Resident participants staying in Christ Church for consecutive weeks are offered bed and breakfast accommodation for the Saturday night between their courses. The extended stay rates are charged on a per person basis, depending on your enrolment accommodation. An invoice will be emailed alongside your confirmation of enrolment. 

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support

The Oxford Experience

Summer schools