Oxford has a thriving group of research students studying for the DPhil in Economics. The DPhil, which is the equivalent to a PhD at most other institutions, is similar in structure to a PhD at leading economics graduate schools worldwide.
The majority of students on the DPhil at Oxford have first completed the two-year Oxford MPhil in Economics. You can also apply for the DPhil if you hold, or will hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in Economics from other universities.
PhD Program Requirements
An outstanding performance in a rigorous master’s course in economics; and
A first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in economics or another approved subject (such as mathematics).
Applicants must demonstrate a strong quantitative preparation.
A master’s qualification that is only partially in economics would not be considered a suitable background: for example, a master’s course in development studies, public administration, or in finance lacks the required level of economics content, even if there are economics courses as part of the training;
A master’s qualification in a specialised field within economics (eg development economics, applied economics, or financial economics) may also be insufficient background. Candidates with these qualifications should provide a written statement as part of their research proposal to demonstrate that the courses on which they have been examined covered all the core material of a rigorous master’s course in economics.
Applicants with an insufficient master’s background in economics who wish to proceed to DPhil are encouraged to first apply to the joint MPhil+DPhil in Economics.
For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum cumulative GPA sought is 3.7 out of 4.0.
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: You should submit a detailed outline of your proposed research, written in English, covering areas such as the background to the research, methodology, expected results and the contribution to the field of learning.
4. Written work: An academic essay or other writing sample from your most recent qualification, written in English, is required. An extract of the requisite length from longer work is also permissible. The written work should be related to the subject you propose to study.
5. 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.
6. GRE General Test scores: No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.
7. 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.
