DPhil in Law at University of Oxford

Programme overview

The DPhil in Law is an advanced research degree for original legal research supported by expert supervision, research training and a community of leading legal scholars. It can be studied full time over three to four years or part time over six to eight years.

Faculty: Faculty of Law (Social Sciences Division) | Department: Faculty of Law | Duration: 3-4 years full time (6-8 years part time) | Intake: 27 September 2027 (2027-28 entry) | Study mode: full-time or part-time | Location: Oxford, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Students are admitted as Probationer Research Students, take a legal research methods course in the first year (eight two-hour seminars in Michaelmas term plus further seminars in Hilary term), transfer to DPhil status by submitting a research outline and substantial written work, then confirm status and submit an original thesis examined by viva voce. Research themes include Business Law, Computers and Law, Family and Medical Law, Human Rights Law, Jurisprudence, Law and Technology, Legal History, Private Law, Public Law, Public International Law and Tax Law.

Career pathways

Many graduates take up academic posts or postdoctoral research; others enter legal practice as solicitors, barristers, advocates and judges, or advise government departments, non-governmental organisations and private companies.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A first-class undergraduate degree with honours in law (exceptionally first-class honours in a relevant subject), or a distinction-level postgraduate diploma or master's in law if there is no law first degree. Most admitted students hold a previous master's but this is not required. Minimum GPA 3.7/4.0 for US degrees. No GRE/GMAT. Three referees (academic strongly preferred), transcripts, CV, research proposal (600-1,000 words) and a written work essay of up to 2,000 words on a legal topic. Interviews not normally held. Applicants should check their interests fit the Faculty's research expertise. English language (University higher level): IELTS Academic 7.5 overall with at least 7.0 in each component; TOEFL iBT 110 (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 within two years of the start date. Application deadline: 12:00 UK time, 27 January 2027 (full time and part time; 2027-28 entry). Part-time study cannot be sponsored for a student visa.

Domestic applicants: GBP 11,560 a year (2027/28). Home fee, annual course fee, full-time study Source

International applicants: GBP 32,970 a year (2027/28). Overseas fee, annual course fee, full-time study Source

Intake: 27 September 2027

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

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