DPhil in Geography and the Environment at University of Oxford

Programme overview

An advanced research degree awarded on the basis of a thesis and oral examination, in which students work independently on an original line of research as members of one of the department's six research clusters.

Duration: 3-4 years full-time; 6-8 years part-time | Intake: 1 October 2027 | Study mode: full-time or part-time | Location: Oxford, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Independent research within themes including Biodiversity, Ecosystems and Conservation; Climate Systems; Landscape Dynamics; Economy, Society: Transformations and Justice; Political Worlds: Place, Power, Politics; and Technological Life: Environments, Bodies, Mobilities. Students attend and help organise their cluster's research seminars.

Career pathways

Graduates hold influential positions in multinational corporations, national and international government and non-governmental organisations, or continue in research.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Entry for 2027-28. A master's degree with distinction (or at least a distinction grade on the dissertation) in geography or a related environmental field, and a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in any discipline (or equivalent; US GPA normally 3.6/4.0, though most successful applicants achieve higher). Publications are not required. Three references and supporting documents; interviews are not normally held. No GRE or GMAT. 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 191 overall and 185 per component; C2 Proficiency 191 overall and 185 per component; Oxford Test of English Advanced 165 overall and 155 per component. Test must have been taken no more than two years before course start. Application deadline: 12:00 midday UK time on 13 November 2026 (applications are more likely to receive earlier decisions by this date; final deadline 26 January 2027).

Domestic applicants: GBP 25,890 a year (2027/28). Full-time home fee Source

International applicants: GBP 34,930 a year (2027/28). Full-time overseas fee Source

Intake: 1 October 2027

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

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