• You can apply for a funded place. These include Departmental 4 year PhD studentships and Wellcome Trust PhD Programmes. Departmental studentships are advertised from October (for students wishing to start the following October) with an application deadline in early January. If you apply to the studentship competition, you do not need to contact a supervisor prior to application.
• You can approach supervisors directly. This is particularly recommended for students who have their own funding (not for students applying to the studentship competition).  This can be done at any time, but it is advisable to start making enquiries at least 12 months before you are hoping to start. Students should look here to identify potential supervisors. If you are unsure which supervisors match your interests please contact us and we will advise you further. Once you have selected one or more prospective supervisors you should make direct contact with them, preferably by email. Your initial email should include your curriculum vitae and the names and addresses of referees. Your supervisor may be able to advise you on possible sources of funding. If a supervisor confirms that he or she is able to supervise you, you should apply ONLINE.

All applications are judged according to a set of admissions criteria.  Offers can only be made after a formal application has been submitted.

Colleges

Since Oxford is a collegiate university you have to be admitted by a college, and the University application form includes an application for a College. If you would like help with the selection of a college please consult your prospective supervisor or contact us. Due to the large number of applications for admission, the college of your choice may not be able to offer a place, and you may receive an offer from another college. You should hear from a college within 8 weeks of receiving your offer letter from the Department.  If you have not please contact us.

Language requirement

If English is not your first language you will be required to supply test certificates stating that your proficiency in English achieves a minimum score. Further details of the acceptable test certificates and scores can be found here. Please note this Department requires a minimum score on the IELTS test of 7.0 (with at least 6.5 in each component) or a minimum score of 100 on the internet-based TOEFL.

Timing

You are advised to start making enquiries at least 1 year before you hope to begin.  The main application deadline is in early January (6^th January for entry in Oct 2012). Students who require funding must apply by this date. Later applications will be considered if places are available but you are encouraged to contact us first. International students must allow time for obtaining a visa.

Students must arrive in time for the induction programmes provided by the Department and Colleges.  These are held in the week before the official start of the University academic year (i.e. week 0 of Michaelmas term). This is usually the 1^st week in October. The dates for University terms are given here.