DPhil in Molecular and Cellular Medicine at University of Oxford

Programme overview

A research-based doctorate based in the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology or the Botnar Institute of Musculoskeletal Sciences, focused on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of immune function and inflammatory disease using approaches from experimental biology to data science. Students work on a research project under a principal investigator and supervisory team, with no formal taught component.

Faculty: Medical Sciences | Department: Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology and Botnar Institute of Musculoskeletal Sciences) | 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

Research training in the first year, including core lectures on immunology, inflammation, tissue engineering, clinical trial design, epidemiology, rheumatology, orthopaedics and musculoskeletal diseases, and a literature review. Research themes include immune-mediated inflammatory disease, mechano-inflammatory disease, cancer, infection, biophysics, microbiome, metabolism, ageing and computational biology.

Career pathways

Alumni work in clinical professions (for example rheumatology, orthopaedics or physiotherapy) and non-clinical roles such as postdoctoral academic and industrial research, teaching, pharmaceuticals, marketing and scientific writing.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A first-class or strong upper second-class UK undergraduate degree with honours in biological sciences and/or related topics, or equivalent; medically qualified applicants are also considered, and other medically related applicants (for example nurses and allied health professionals) in special circumstances. A previous master's degree is not required. Applicants with substantial professional experience in a related field may be considered in exceptional circumstances. US bachelor's applicants normally need a minimum GPA of 3.5/4.0. No GRE/GMAT. Recent publications are beneficial but not essential; applicants should be familiar with their proposed supervisors' recent work, and clinical applicants need evidence of NHS or HSE trust support. Application includes three referees (at least two academic), transcripts and a statement of purpose (up to 500 words, with an optional extended statement of up to 1,000 words describing research interests). Interviews are normally held (online, up to 30 minutes, with a short presentation on previous research). English (standard level, international applicants whose first language is not English): IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with at least 6.5 in each component; TOEFL iBT 100 overall (Listening 22, Reading 24, Speaking 25, Writing 24); C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency 185 overall with 176 per component; Oxford Test of English Advanced 155 overall with 145 per component. Final application deadline for 2027-28 entry: 12:00 midday UK time on 1 December 2026; the course may remain open or reopen if places are available.

Domestic applicants: GBP 10,940 a year (2027/28). Home fee, full-time Source

International applicants: GBP 36,260 a year (2027/28). Overseas fee, full-time Source

Intake: 4 October 2027

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

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