The DPhil in Pharmacology offers a wide range of cutting-edge research topics within a multi-disciplinary and world-renowned department (ranked number 1 by subject since 2019 in the QS World Ranking), from calcium signalling to cardiovascular pharmacology, neuropharmacology and medicinal chemistry.
This programme aims to train students in the general areas of:
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Neuropharmacology
- Signalling.
Within each area, cutting-edge laboratory research techniques will be used including biophysical approaches to the study of ion channels, electrophysiology, high resolution microscopy, molecular biology, systems biology all across a broad range of sub-disciplines including cell biology, calcium channels and signalling, medicinal chemistry, drug discovery, vascular pharmacology, circadian rhythms, rare diseases, lysosomal and sphingolipid disorders, neuronal circuits, synaptic plasticity and pharmacology, neuropsychopharmacology and molecular biology.
PhD Program Requirements
A first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in a biological or chemical science, but applications from high-calibre candidates with mathematical and physical science backgrounds are welcomed.
However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first-class degree or the equivalent.
A previous master’s is not a prerequisite for consideration for a place to study for a DPhil.
For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.5 out of 4.0.
Research or work experience in your research area may be an advantage. Evidence of your employer’s support is required, if applicable to your circumstances.
It would be expected that graduate applicants would be familiar with the recent published work of their proposed supervisor.
Previous publications are not a condition but would advantage an application.
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: You should provide a statement of your research interests, in English, describing how your background and research interests relate to the programme. If possible, please ensure that the word count is clearly displayed on the document.
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
1 December 2024
Application Fee
An application fee of £75 is payable per course application.
