The DPhil in Sociology provides academically outstanding students an unrivalled opportunity for those who would like to undertake original and independent research in preparation for an academic career and other research-intensive occupations.
The DPhil in Sociology can be taken full-time in three years or part-time over six to eight years. The DPhil is examined by a thesis, prepared under the guidance of one or two academic supervisors.
PhD Program Requirements
A master’s degree with a high pass (2.1) or distinction; and
A first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in sociology or a related social science discipline.
However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first-class degree or the equivalent.
The department will only consider applicants who have a master’s degrees in arts, humanities or science subjects if they can demonstrate a strong interest in sociology and have had sufficient methodological training.
For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.5 out of 4.0. However, most successful applicants have a GPA of 3.7 or above.
It would be expected that graduate applicants would be familiar with the recent published work of their proposed supervisor.
PhD Funding Coverage
The University expects to be able to offer over 1,000 full or partial graduate scholarships across the collegiate University in 2024-25.
You will be automatically considered for the majority of Oxford scholarships, if you fulfil the eligibility criteria and submit your graduate application by the relevant December or January deadline.
Most scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and/or potential.
Application Requirement
1. Online Application
2. Official transcript(s): Your transcripts should give detailed information of the individual grades received in your university-level qualifications to date. You should only upload official documents issued by your institution and any transcript not in English should be accompanied by a certified translation.
3. Research proposal: Your proposal should give details of the topic you propose to investigate, why it is sociologically significant, and how you would carry out the research. You are encouraged to discuss the research proposal with potential supervisors before submitting the application.
4. Written work: Academic essays or other writing samples from your most recent qualification, written in English, are required. The written work ought to have sociological content and should preferably be closely related to the proposed area of study.
5. GRE General Test scores: No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.
6. English language proficiency: This course requires proficiency in English at the University’s higher level. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement.
Application Deadline
1 March 2024
Application Fee
An application fee of £75 is payable per course application.
