DPhil in Public Policy at University of Oxford

Programme overview

One of Oxford's most selective degree courses, recruiting highly academically and professionally capable students including economists, lawyers, political scientists, behavioural scientists and philosophers with backgrounds at organisations such as the World Bank and in senior government.

Department: Blavatnik School of Government | Duration: 3 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

Supervised doctoral research in public policy, with transfer of status assessed by two academics, and confirmation of status in the ninth term (fourteenth if part-time).

Career pathways

Graduates are professional social scientists in public policy, prepared to lead on devising, implementing and evaluating policy solutions, and qualified for research roles in academia, government, institutes and think tanks.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A master's degree with a mark of at least 70% (or an equivalent level of distinction for both thesis and overall degree) in a relevant subject, and a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in any subject. Successful applicants may be invited to an online interview, usually in early March. English language: higher level required.

Domestic applicants: GBP 29,930 a year (2027/28). full-time annual course fee (Home) Source

International applicants: GBP 29,930 a year (2027/28). full-time annual course fee (Overseas) Source

Intake: 4 October 2027

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

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