DPhil in Linguistics, Philology and Phonetics at University of Oxford

Programme overview

The DPhil in Linguistics, Philology and Phonetics is a research degree awarded on the basis of a thesis and oral examination, focused on general linguistics, phonetics, historical and comparative philology or the linguistics of specific languages. It emphasises self-directed learning with guidance from a supervisor and the faculty, and can be studied full time (3-4 years) or part time (6-8 years).

Faculty: Faculty of Linguistics, Philology and Phonetics (Humanities Division) | Department: Faculty of Linguistics, Philology and Phonetics | Duration: 3-4 years full time (6-8 years part time) | Intake: 10 October 2027 (2027-28 entry) | Study mode: full-time or part-time | Location: Oxford, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Students are admitted as probationary DPhil students, pass internal viva examinations (transfer and confirmation, usually in the third and eighth terms) and submit an original thesis defended before two examiners. Research themes include linguistic theory, Indo-European comparative philology, phonetics and phonology, Romance philology, psycholinguistics and neurolinguistics, and ancient grammatical thought. Students can use the faculty Phonetics Laboratory and Language and Brain Laboratory.

Career pathways

Graduates follow careers in academia and higher education, research services, research and development, secondary and further education, industry and the civil service.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A master's degree in a relevant subject with a very good result or close to distinction level, and a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in a relevant subject; entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first or equivalent. Applicants are expected to have a background in linguistics comparable to Oxford's MPhil or MSt (Research Preparation) in Linguistics, Philology and Phonetics; exceptionally substantial professional experience may substitute. Minimum GPA 3.5/4.0 for US degrees (most successful applicants 3.7). Applicants should already have the knowledge and skills (e.g. language or programming) to begin their chosen topic. No GRE/GMAT. Three referees (academic preferred; a master's supervisor or course director reference is expected), transcripts, CV, research proposal (max 2,500 words) and two essays of up to 2,000 words each on separate topics. Interviews may be held (online via Teams, usually). 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, 5 January 2027 (full time and part time; 2027-28 entry). Part-time study cannot be sponsored for a student visa.

Domestic applicants: GBP 15,030 a year (2027/28). Home fee, annual course fee, full-time study Source

International applicants: GBP 39,300 a year (2027/28). Overseas fee, annual course fee, full-time study Source

Intake: 10 October 2027

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

Explore more study programmes

Arts & Humanities