DPhil in Politics at University of Oxford

Programme overview

A research degree for students intending advanced research in preparation for an academic career in political science or political theory, or for careers in government and the private sector. Research falls in either Comparative Government or Political Theory.

Department: Department of Politics and International Relations | 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

In the first year you develop your thesis topic and research design, attending lectures, seminars and classes. Comparative Government students complete advanced quantitative and qualitative research methods training; Political Theory students attend research design workshops and the Oxford Political Thought Seminar and Nuffield Political Theory Workshop.

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Application information

Entry requirements

A master's degree with distinction in politics or a closely related discipline preparing you for advanced research on your thesis topic, and a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in political science, international relations or a related discipline such as economics, history, philosophy, sociology or law. US bachelor's degree: minimum GPA normally 3.6/4.0. No GRE or GMAT. Interviews are not normally held. Required with application: three referees, a research proposal (2,000 to 4,000 words) and two essays (maximum 2,000 words each). Deadline 12:00 midday UK time, 7 January 2027 for 2027-28 entry. English language (international applicants, University higher level): IELTS Academic 7.5 overall with at least 7.0 in each component; TOEFL iBT 110 (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.

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