DPhil in Molecular Cell Biology in Health and Disease at University of Oxford

Programme overview

A full-time research doctorate in which students spend up to four years in one of the Sir William Dunn School of Pathology's research groups, working on a project supervised by the group's principal investigator. Topics include cell biology, stem cells, immunity, cancer and genome stability through hands-on laboratory work. The course was previously known as the DPhil in Pathology.

What you will study

A short induction followed by a laboratory research project, a training needs analysis, a literature review within six months, transfer to DPhil status after about a year, confirmation of status by the end of the third year, and thesis submission within four years. Research themes are cancer and genome stability, cell and developmental biology, immunity and infection, and RNA and gene expression, supported by a flexible skills training programme and an annual graduate symposium.

Career pathways

Most graduates pursue research careers in academia or industry; others work in management (pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies), consulting, law, teaching, scientific publishing, medical writing and science funding organisations and charities.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A first-class or strong upper second-class UK undergraduate degree with honours in any subject relevant to the proposed research project, or equivalent; entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first-class degree or equivalent. A previous master's qualification is not required. US bachelor's applicants normally need a minimum GPA of 3.5/4.0. No GRE/GMAT. Research experience (for example an undergraduate research project or industry placement) is very important; applicants should be familiar with their proposed supervisors' recent work, and publications are not required but an advantage. Application includes three referees (academic preferred), transcripts and a statement of purpose (maximum 500 words). Interviews are normally held online, with a presentation of one of the applicant's research projects. 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 Source

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

Intake: 4 October 2027

Duration: 3-4 years full-time

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