How to Apply

Applications for admission as a graduate student are submitted online.  Paper applications are only acceptable in exceptional cases where it is not possible for you to apply online.  If you have an exceptional need to use a paper form, please contact the central Graduate Admissions team

All shortlisted candidates will be interviewed, either in person or by conference call/telephone.

Before you apply you should

• Search the Subject / Research Areas to find details of the study options available in your preferred research topic(s) and select your course(s). For Direct entry DPhil (or MSc by Research) courses you will need to identify a supervisor, as you need to name this supervisor on the application form.  For some courses it is necessary to name more than one supervisor. If you are unsure whether your chosen supervisor is available, you may contact them directly before you apply. For Taught MSc or Structured DPhil courses it is not necessary to identify a supervisor.  If you wish to apply to more than one course, a separate application is required for each one.
• Read the application guide and check your chosen course website(s) for specific instructions and to check that the course is still accepting applications.
• Consider funding. University applications (for an October 2025 start) submitted before before 12 noon (UK time) on Tuesday 3 December 2024, will automatically be considered for all locally-awarded funding. You are also advised to apply separately for any external funding for which you are eligible. Information about how applicants are considered for funding.
• Consider College choice. Check the course website(s) for specific advice on College choice.
• Gather supporting materials for your application including your CV, University transcripts, your research proposal and/or statement of purpose, the contact details of three referees and English language test results if needed (see below).
• Ask any questions you may have! You should contact the course first for advice.

When to apply

• For most courses starting in October 2025, the application deadline is 12 noon (UK time) on Tuesday 3 December 2024, however, some courses will continue to accept applications after this date. Please check your chosen course's website.
• In order to be eligible for automatic consideration for funding it is essential that your application is submitted and complete no later than 12 noon (UK time) on Tuesday 3 December 2024.  If you apply after this date, you will need to discuss other funding possibilities with your potential supervisor.  You are also advised to apply separately for any external funding for which you are eligible.
• Applications to start in October 2025 are open from September 2024.

English language requirements

• If English is not your first language you will be required to pass a recognised English language test such as TOEFL or IELTS at a particular level and provide evidence.
• Full details of English language requirements can be found within the Application Guide: English Language Requirements
• Exemptions to the English language requirement may be requested by applicants whose first language is not English but who are fluent and have studied at schools and/or universities where instruction and testing is in English. If you wish to apply for a waiver of the English test requirement, please upload a letter with your University application outlining the reasons why you should be exempted from the requirement. You must do this at the time of your application.

Apply!

When you have identified your chosen supervisor and/or the course(s) you wish to apply to AND read the application guide AND checked the course website(s) for specific instructions, you can complete and submit your application.