The sub-department’s research focuses on the study of physical processes in the atmospheres, surfaces and oceans of the Earth and other planets, using experimental, computational and theoretical techniques. Admission is highly competitive and is either directly to this course or via the physical climate system stream of the Environmental Research NERC Doctoral Training Partnership.
How does the Earth’s climate evolve? How do we connect measurements made from space and the ground to the future direction of the Earth’s climate? What can we learn from observations of other planets to tell us more about the Earth and the evolution of the Solar System?
These are the types of research problems members of the Atmospheric, Oceanic and Planetary Physics (AOPP) sub-department of the Department of Physics are engaged in.
PhD Program Requirements
A first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in physics, mathematics or related subjects. The equivalent of a UK four-year integrated MPhys or MSci degree is typically required. Bachelor’s degrees with a minimum four years’ standard duration may satisfy the entry requirements.
In exceptional cases, the requirement for a first-class or strong upper-second class undergraduate degree with honours can be alternatively demonstrated by a graduate master’s degree or substantial directly-related professional or research experience.
For applicants with a degree from the USA, the typical minimum GPA sought is 3.3 out of 4.0.
Details of any publications. Many candidates with no peer-reviewed publications receive offers each year.
Research or professional experience in areas aligned with the proposed supervisors’ research interests.
Depending on the project, evidence of training in scientific computer programming or related numerical techniques.
Previous experience in a scientific or technical research environment.
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 describe any research project you have been involved in, eg an undergraduate research project, and give any other evidence of your motivation and commitment to studying these topics. If you have any specific interest in an area, please describe why. It is not necessary to provide copies of any papers or research articles in your application.
4. CV/résumé: A CV/résumé is compulsory for all applications. Most applicants choose to submit a document of one to two pages highlighting their academic achievements and any relevant professional experience.
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
5 January 2025
Application Fee
An application fee of £75 is payable per course application.
