Frequently asked questions

Can I apply to do a MSc?

Most students come to do a PhD; we rarely take MSc students. Those that we do take do one year research projects; we offer no taught MSc programme. We have no funding available for MSc students.

How do I apply to do a DPhil (PhD)?

Please see instructions here. All applicants should apply using the online application form. The application fee is £50 and is paid online using a credit card. If for any reason you are unable to submit an application online you should contact us for advice.

Should I contact a supervisor before applying?

We encourage all students to contact (a) potential supervisor(s) whose research interests them prior to submitting an application. Details of the available supervisors and their field of research can be found here. If you are applying to our Departmental studentship competition it is not necessary for you to contact a supervisor, although you may do so if you wish.

How much does a degree cost?

Basic information can be found here. More detailed information is available here.

How many references must I supply?

We require 3 academic references for an application to be considered.

By which date must references be submitted?

References must be submitted by the application deadline. If you are applying online the referees will be contacted directly by us. Nevertheless you should contact your referees yourself to tell them to expect a request for a reference and to advise them of the deadline. This is particularly important if you submit your application within a few days of the deadline

Where can I get a prospectus?

The graduate studies prospectus is available online here. The section on the Sir William Dunn School of Pathology is here. We do not send out hard copies of the prospectus.

What is the minimum academic standard required?

The minimum academic requirement is a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject with upper second class honours (2.1) or the international equivalent. Because of the large number of applicants applying, successful applicants typically have or are predicted to get a first class honours degree (1^st) or the international equivalent.

What level of proficiency in English is required?

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. Please note that this Department requires the standard level score. You do not need to have met this requirement in order to submit an application, but you will be required to meet it before you can be accepted. Candidates for whom English is not their first language but who are fluent in English, can apply for exemption from this requirement. Exemption may be given if the candidate has been educated at an English-medium University for at least 3 years and shows clear evidence of fluency at interview and in written work.

Do you have any funding available?

Yes. Funding is available for D.Phil. students but not MSc students. We offer full funding for 4 years for up to ten DPhil students per year through our Departmental Prize Studentships. In order to be considered for funding you must apply by the early January deadline. Further details on funding can be found here.

Can you please send me an offer or acceptance letter?

We are often asked to provide such a letter to students who need it for an application for external funding/fellowships/bursaries etc. We are unable to send out an offer letter until we have received a formal application. However an application can be made at any time and an offer letter provided promptly. You should identify and contact a potential supervisor and contact us before submitting an application. The application should be made online.

Can I follow a course part-time or through distance learning?

No. All our students are full time and resident in Oxford for at least the minimum of six terms.

What is the PhD/MSc programme?

After a very short induction period during which some basic training is provided students start a research project in their supervisor’s laboratory. Whilst working on their main project students participate in a comprehensive skills training programme over the 4 years which includes workshops, seminars, symposia etc. There is no compulsory course work. There are Wellcome Trust 4 year DPhil Programmes which involve course work and rotations through 2-3 laboratories in the first year before the main research project begins.

How long does a PhD take?

The minimum time is 2 years and the maximum 4 years. Most students finish in their fourth year.

For how many terms/years do I pay fees?

You pay University and College fees for every term that you are here for a minimum of 2 years (6 terms) and a maximum of 3 years (nine terms) at the full rate. MSc students pay the full rate for a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of two years. Students pay a 'continuation' University fee after their third year which will be approximately half the value of the home/EU rate for all students (including overseas students).

Where can I find out about available projects?

You can find details of supervisors and their areas of research here and should contact them directly if you want more details about specific projects. Projects for which we provide funding through our Departmental Studentships are advertised from October each year here.