DPhil in International Relations at University of Oxford

Programme overview

A doctoral course supporting original research across the major fields of International Relations, with supervision and access to a research community at the forefront of global affairs.

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

What you will study

The first year of full-time study (first two years part time) is spent developing the thesis topic, improving research methods knowledge (qualitative and quantitative) and attending lectures, seminars and PRS Workshops, leading to transfer from Probationer Research Student to full DPhil status; students attend and present at the International Relations DPhil Research Seminar.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Doctoral entry (2027-28 entry): a master's degree at distinction level in international relations or a closely related discipline, and a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in politics or international relations, or a related discipline such as economics, history, philosophy, sociology or law. Entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have first-class and/or distinction-level records. Applicants without a master's qualification will not normally be admitted. English language (higher level, for applicants whose first language is not English): IELTS Academic 7.5 overall with at least 7.0 in each component; TOEFL iBT 110 overall 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. Tests must be taken no more than two years before the course start.

Domestic applicants: GBP 18,340 a year (2027/28). Full-time annual course fee Source

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

Intake: 4 October 2027

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

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