Making an application

The deadline for applications for any Oxford-administered scholarships, including the RDM Scholars Programme and the WIMM Prize Studentship, has now passed.

We continue to accept applications for unfunded places and prospective applicants should contact their prospective supervisor in advance of making an application to ensure availability of research opportunities.

We advise you to submit your application as soon as possible. This allows more time to complete all admissions processes and makes it easier to find a college place. You should be aware that applications received before the funding deadline of 9 December will be processed prior to any later applications being considered.

The latest date you can apply for a place for October 2025 entry is 20 June, 2025.

Research opportunities available in this programme are advertised in DPhil Research Opportunities 2025. Please contact a supervisor to ensure they still have capacity to take DPhil students.

You can find full details on the application process in the University’s application guide.

See the application process key dates.

Identify a supervisor

Contact with the prospective supervisor is a key part of the admissions process, in order to ensure there is a good fit between the student and the lab. Before you make an application, you need to identify an academic member of staff who is willing to supervise you and has the resources to support the proposed research project. Once you have identified them, please consult our People pages to find their contact details.

Some supervisors receive many enquiries from prospective students, so please contact them as soon as possible, allow time for a response and keep your message brief and to the point.

A supervisor will either let you know that they cannot support your application, or contact you to discuss the project further. After this discussion they will let you know whether they can support your application. Please note that conversations with potential supervisors are not part of the final selection process.

If you do not manage to contact your prospective supervisor you can still submit an application and, if shortlisted, you will be able to make contact with them prior to the interview.

Please download and complete this form, and send it to your preferred supervisors with a covering email.

Part-time option

if you wish to study part-time you must contact your potential supervisor to ask if they are able to accommodate part-time study.

Make an application

Before starting your application, please read the University of Oxford Graduate Application Guide.

All applications must be made using the University's online application form.

Please note that there is a cap on the number of applications that can be made to Oxford. For further information please refer to the University's Application Guide.

You are advised to submit your application form and all your supporting documents at least a week before the deadline to avoid any last-minute problems with the submission process. An application will show as complete once only two of the three required references have been uploaded. However, we will still require the third reference before we consider the  application to be fully complete and ready for assessment.

Specific details required in the application form

• Programme description - DPhil in Medical Sciences
• Course Code - RD_MD1 (full-time option), RD_MD9P1 (part-time option)
• Proposed Field and Title of Research: Insert 'Not applicable'
• Supervisor: List up to three supervisors from DPhil Research Opportunities
• CV: You should complete the standard CV included in the online application form. If you have contributed to any publications or journals please include the full reference.
• Research Proposal: A research proposal is not required.
• Statement of Purpose: All applicants must submit a personal statement with their application (500 words max; any statements exceeding this limit will not be considered). 

NB Make sure that you upload a copy of your undergraduate degree transcript as well as those for further degrees.

References

At least two references must be uploaded before an application can be assessed.

You will need to ensure that your referees are willing and able to write a reference for you. References must be submitted no later than the application deadline. It is your responsibility to ensure that your references are submitted on time.

Your references should generally be academic, though you may use up to one relevant professional reference – for example, a reference from an industrial placement. If you have completed or are currently undertaking a Masters, you should include a reference from this course as well as your undergraduate degree.

Application fee

You will need to pay the application fee unless you are eligible for a fee waiver. The fee is currently £20 and can be paid by credit/debit card through the University's online shop. If you do not have access to a bank account and are unable to pay by card, you should contact Graduate Admissions and Funding for guidance as soon as you have decided to apply.