The DPhil in History is an advanced research degree, awarded on the basis of successful completion of an individual research thesis and an oral examination.
The DPhil in History offers the opportunity to carry out research on one of the following subject areas:
- British and European History 1700-1850
- British History, 1850 onwards
- Early Modern History 1500-1700
- European History, 1850 onwards
- Global and Imperial History
- History of Science, Medicine, and Technology
- Intellectual History
- Late Antique and Byzantine Studies
- Medieval History
- Military History
- South Asian History
- US History
- Women’s, Gender, and Queer History
PhD Program Requirements
A master’s degree with distinction or a high pass (a minimum of 68% overall and 68% for the dissertation); and
A first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (a minimum of 68% overall and 68% for the dissertation); in history or cognate disciplines.
However, 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 3.75 out of 4.0. However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a cumulative GPA of 3.8.
Applicants for the History DPhil are expected to have a masters in a historical subject. If you decide to apply without a prior master’s degree in history, please ensure that you link your proposed thesis topic with your previous expertise when you present it in your application.
You should also show that you have already done a considerable amount of background research into the topic.
Your submitted written work should show your writing and research skills in their best light as it will be important to show that you have the necessary skills for historical research and writing.
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 research proposal must be written in English. A bibliography may also be provided and is not included in the word count, though any footnotes should be included.
4. Written work: Written work should be from your most recent completed qualification, but does not need to relate closely to your proposed area of study. Extracts from a longer piece of work are welcome, but please include a preface which puts the work in context.
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.
