DPhil in English Local History at University of Oxford

Programme overview

A part-time research doctorate in English local history, drawing on Oxford Lifelong Learning's long experience of specialist local history teaching and its links with local, social and economic historians across the University. It can only be studied part-time, by independent research supported by seminars and supervision.

Department: Oxford Lifelong Learning | Duration: 4-6 years part-time | Intake: 10 October 2027 | Study mode: part-time | Location: Oxford, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Independent research involving wide reading, data collection and analysis and writing, supported by research training, seminars and supervision. Typical research themes include religious communities and devotional practices c.1000-c.1500, power and patronage in later medieval localities, provincial elites in early modern England, poverty and the Poor Law 1660-1800, and religion and community in England 1830-1914.

Career pathways

Graduates often publish their work as academic articles or monographs, and some go on to academic careers or employment in the heritage, museums or archives sectors.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold or be predicted a first-class or strong upper second-class UK honours degree (or equivalent) in any relevant subject; most successful candidates have a good master's-level qualification. US bachelor's degrees normally need a minimum GPA of 3.6/4.0. Publications are not expected and other experience may be taken into account. No GRE or GMAT scores are sought. English language (higher level, if first language is not English): IELTS Academic 7.5 overall with at least 7.0 in each component; TOEFL iBT 110 with minimum Listening 22, Reading 24, Speaking 25, Writing 24; C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency 191 overall and 185 per component; Oxford Test of English Advanced 165 overall and 155 per component. Test must be taken no more than two years before the course start. Application deadline for 2027-28 entry: 27 January 2027 (12:00 UK time; needed for Oxford scholarship consideration); expected final deadline 2 March 2027.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,900 a year (2027/28). Home fee, part-time, per year, 2027-28 Source

International applicants: GBP 15,505 a year (2027/28). Overseas fee, part-time, per year, 2027-28 Source

Intake: 10 October 2027

Duration: 4-6 years part-time

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