This is a research degree leading to the award of a DPhil in Chemistry. The course admits students across the full breadth of research in the department, which focuses on fundamental science aimed at making significant and sustained long-term impact.
The main aspect of the course is an original research project, which develops research skills, knowledge and expertise in an area of cutting-edge chemistry. You will work with one or more academic supervisors, on a project that falls within the department’s research themes:
- Advanced Functional Materials and Interfaces
- Catalysis
- Chemistry at the interface with Biology and Medicine
- Energy and Sustainable Chemistry
- Innovative Measurement and Photon Science
- Kinetics, Dynamics and Mechanism
- Synthesis
- Theory and Modelling in the Chemical Sciences
Many students work on projects that cut across the traditional boundaries of chemistry, and some work in interdisciplinary fields that exploit the department’s strong connections with other departments of the University.
PhD Program Requirements
A first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in a subject relevant to the proposed research. Normally this will be a chemistry degree, but degrees in other physical sciences or in a biological science may be suitable.
Entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first-class degree or the equivalent.
For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.5 out of 4.0.
A previous master’s degree (either an integrated maser’s degree or stand-alone) is preferred, but is not required.
Prior publications are not expected but may help to indicate your aptitude for research.
Applicants with substantial professional experience are welcome.
It would be expected that graduate applicants would be familiar with the recent published work of their proposed supervisor and have an understanding of the background to their proposed area of study.
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. Statement of purpose: Rather than a research proposal, you should provide a statement of purpose. Your statement should be written in English and explain your motivation for applying for the course at Oxford, your relevant experience and education, and the specific areas that interest you and/or you intend to specialise in.
4. GRE General Test scores: No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.
5. 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
19 January 2025
Application Fee
An application fee of £75 is payable per course application.
