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DPhil in Criminology at University of Oxford

University of Oxford, United Kingdom

Programme overview

The DPhil in Criminology involves researching and writing a thesis of 75,000 to 100,000 words under the guidance of a supervisor who is an acknowledged authority on the chosen topic. Full-time students submit after three or at most four years; the part-time pathway takes up to eight years.

Faculty: Faculty of Law  |  Department: Centre for Criminology  |  Duration: 6-8 years part time (3-4 years full time)  |  Intake: 27 September 2027  |  Study mode: full-time or part-time  |  Location: Oxford, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Independent doctoral research leading to a thesis within the Centre for Criminology, with progress assessed through the first-year transfer stages.

Career pathways

Graduates have pursued professional careers in criminal justice agencies and the law, and university research and teaching.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A master's degree with an average mark of 67% or above and a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (usually a minimum weighted average of 67%), in law, sociology, politics, economics, social policy, psychology, history or another relevant subject. Applicants normally have a broad, advanced understanding of a subject relevant to criminology. English language (higher level): IELTS Academic 7.5 overall with at least 7.0 in each component; TOEFL iBT 110 (Listening 22, Reading 24, Speaking 25, Writing 24); C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency 191 overall with 185 per component; Oxford Test of English Advanced 165 overall with 155 per component. Test must be taken no more than two years before the course start. Application deadline 27 January 2027.

Intake: 27 September 2027

Duration: 3-4 years full-time; 6-8 years part-time

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