Methods of application

Detailed information on how to apply can be found in the Oxford University graduate studies webpages.  You can apply either using a paper application form or online, but please note that, whichever method you use, there is a £25  application fee.

Applying using a paper form

General guidance on how to apply using a paper application form is available from the postgraduate office website

You can download a paper application form here.

Applying online

General guidance on how to apply using an online application form is available from the postgraduate office website

You can complete an online application form from here.

Deadlines for application

Applications are submitted in 6-week "gathered fields": after a specified 6-week period (click link for exact dates), all applications submitted during that period are considered.   Each application is then accepted, rejected, or, if no decision is made, the candidate's application is entered into the next gathered field.  As places are limited to 2 per year, due to the arrangements necessary for the clinical component of the course, the gathered field system effectively means that the earlier in the year you apply, the more likely you are to be accepted on to the course.

GMC registration

In order to study on the course, you need to be registered with the UK General Medical Council.  Provided there is no obvious reason why you will be refused registration, you can apply for the course before registering with the GMC. 

Sponsorship for registration with the GMC

Non EU doctors may be able to apply for a form of registration with sponsorship termed 'full registration' but carrying certain restrictions such as the need for supervision and to work within an approved practice setting. This type of registration, with the sponsorship of the Head of the Nuffield Department of Surgery, who is a GMC-approved sponsor, is adequate for completion of the course.

If you wish to be sponsored for registration, you should send your completed application form to the sponsor (i.e. the Head of the Nuffield Department of Surgery) NOT the GMC.  Please contact the course administrator for the address details of the head of department. The Head of Department will send the application form to the GMC himself, together with a sponsorship form that he himself will obtain and complete, and a certificate of selection for employment. 

If you are not from the EU, you will also need to have obtained the necessary visa to study in the UK, Please refer to the main Oxford University website for more information here. 

For details of how to register with the GMC, please see the GMC website.

Proficiency in English

Under Oxford University's regulations, if English is not your first language AND you do not already hold a degree from an English-speaking university, you will need to show that you have reached the higher level in IELTS, TOEFL or the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (see link for types of exam and results required by the university).

However, the GMC has its own regulations on proficiency in English as a condition of registration. Therefore, even if you meet the requirements for the university, you may need to show that you have achieved a certain score in a specified English exam in order to obtain GMC registration, which you will need for the course.  Please see link for GMC requirements for proficiency in English.

Information on fees and where to get help with them