Making an application

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.

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. Two of your three references must be submitted before the application can be considered 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.

Statement of purpose

You should head the Statement of Purpose with the names of the supervisors to whom you are applying. The statement should explain your motivation for doctoral study, including how your background, experience and research interests relate to the proposed programme of study. The focus should be on academic or research-related achievements and interests rather than personal achievements and interests.

The Statement of Purpose (Personal Statement) will be assessed for:

• Your reasons for applying
• Evidence of motivation for and understanding of the proposed area of study
• The ability to present a reasoned case in English
• Capacity for sustained and focused work
• Understanding of problems in the area and ability to construct and defend an argument.

It will be normal for students' ideas and goals to change in some ways as they undertake their DPhil, but your Statement of Purpose will enable you to demonstrate your current interests and aspirations.

You are only required to provide one Statement of Purpose for the DPhil in Medical Sciences. This will be considered by both the RDM Scholars Programme and the WIMM Prize Studentship if you meet the eligibility criteria.

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 £75 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.