what is dphil vs phd

What is a DPhil?

A DPhil is the Oxford equivalent of a PhD. Both ‘PhD’ and ‘DPhil’ are abbreviations for ‘Doctor of Philosophy’, which is an advanced research qualification usually involving independent research to write an original thesis. It usually takes three to four years of full-time study or six to eight years of part-time study to complete. Successfully completing a DPhil usually involves submitting a thesis and then an oral examination of your work, a viva voce . Examiners must be satisfied that your thesis represents a significant and substantial piece of research, is conveyed in a lucid and scholarly manner and that you have a good general knowledge of your academic field. Further information about the types of graduate courses offered at Oxford, their titles and duration is available on our  'Introducing our Courses'  pages.

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DPhil vs. PhD

What's the difference.

DPhil and PhD are both doctoral degrees that are typically awarded after completing advanced research in a specific field. The main difference between the two lies in the countries where they are awarded. DPhil is primarily awarded in the United Kingdom, while PhD is more commonly awarded in the United States and other countries. In terms of requirements and rigor, both degrees are equivalent and require the completion of a dissertation or thesis based on original research. Ultimately, the choice between pursuing a DPhil or PhD may depend on the specific academic institution and program offering the degree.

Further Detail

Introduction.

When it comes to pursuing a doctoral degree, many students are faced with the decision between a DPhil and a PhD. While both degrees are considered terminal research degrees, there are some key differences between the two that prospective students should be aware of before making a decision.

Program Structure

One of the main differences between a DPhil and a PhD is the program structure. In general, a DPhil program tends to be more focused on independent research, with less coursework requirements compared to a traditional PhD program. On the other hand, a PhD program typically includes a combination of coursework, exams, and a dissertation. This means that DPhil students may have more flexibility in designing their research projects, while PhD students may have a more structured curriculum to follow.

Another important factor to consider when choosing between a DPhil and a PhD is the duration of the program. DPhil programs are often shorter in length compared to PhD programs. This is because DPhil students are expected to already have a strong foundation in their field of study and can therefore focus more on their research from the start. On the other hand, PhD programs may take longer to complete due to the additional coursework and exams that students are required to take before beginning their dissertation.

Research Focus

Both DPhil and PhD programs require students to conduct original research in their field of study. However, the research focus may differ between the two degrees. DPhil programs are often more specialized and focused on a specific research question or topic, while PhD programs may have a broader research focus. This means that DPhil students may have the opportunity to delve deeper into a particular area of study, while PhD students may have a more interdisciplinary approach to their research.

Supervision

Supervision is another key aspect to consider when comparing DPhil and PhD programs. DPhil students typically work closely with a supervisor or a small committee of advisors throughout their program. This close supervision allows DPhil students to receive more personalized guidance and feedback on their research. On the other hand, PhD students may have a larger supervisory team and may not have as much one-on-one interaction with their advisors. This can be both a benefit and a challenge, as PhD students may have access to a wider range of expertise but may not receive as much individualized support.

Career Opportunities

When it comes to career opportunities, both DPhil and PhD graduates are highly sought after in academia, research, and industry. However, there may be some differences in the types of positions that graduates of each degree program are qualified for. DPhil graduates may be more likely to pursue academic positions or research roles in specialized fields, while PhD graduates may have a broader range of career options due to their interdisciplinary training. Ultimately, the career opportunities available to graduates of both degrees will depend on their research interests, skills, and experience.

In conclusion, while both DPhil and PhD programs are prestigious research degrees, there are some key differences between the two that prospective students should consider. From program structure and duration to research focus and supervision, each degree offers unique attributes that may appeal to different students depending on their academic and career goals. Ultimately, the decision between a DPhil and a PhD will depend on the individual student's interests, strengths, and aspirations.

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DPhil vs PhD – Differences Explained

Published 16 October, 2023

A DPhil is a research degree from the University of Oxford in England. A PhD, on the other hand, is an academic degree earned at universities around the world. The two degrees are often used interchangeably, but there are some key differences between them.

Introduction

There is often confusion surrounding the difference between a PhD and a DPhil. This is because in many countries, the terms are used interchangeably to refer to doctorates. However, there are some subtle – yet important – differences between the two that are worth noting.

The more common and well-known ‘ PhD’ is far outweighing the less popular D Phil. Most people outside of Britain have never even heard about an abbreviation like this before!

The University of Oxford still uses “DPhil” as you can see on their admissions page. As a result, almost all doctorate students graduating today do so with ‘ PhD’ written down in the official manuscript- even though most UK universities use the term ‘PhD’ instead for postgraduate studies leading to qualification after three years of work experience under supervision from an accredited university or institution where student successfully completing research taught dissertation which is then submitted together other supporting material such as papers, reviews and so on.

Let’s take a closer look at the main differences between a PhD and a DPhil.

What are the differences between DPhil & PhD ?

The main difference between a DPhil and a PhD is that a DPhil is awarded by the University of Oxford in England, while a PhD is awarded by universities around the world.

A DPhil is also known as a Doctor of Philosophy, while a PhD is also known as a Doctor of Science.Another key difference between the two degrees is that a DPhil typically takes four years to complete, while a PhD usually takes three years to complete.

In terms of coursework, a DPhil generally requires students to complete two years of research, while a PhD generally only requires one year of research.

Lastly, the thesis requirements for a DPhil are often more rigorous than those for a PhD.

So, while the two degrees are often used interchangeably, there are some key differences between them that are worth noting.

Is there any differences in DPhil & PhD in the basis of Funding, Eligibility Requirements or Duration?

No,  not really- the only thing that differs is the name of the degree. DPhil studentships are funded in the same way as PhD studentships, and there is no difference in eligibility requirements or duration.

So, if you’re considering pursuing a doctorate, you can choose between a DPhil or a PhD. Both degrees will give you the opportunity to conduct research and contribute to your field of study. The only difference is in the name.

Scope of DPhil  & PhD:

A DPhil or PhD allows you to conduct your own research project, under the supervision of experienced academics. This gives you the opportunity to develop specialist knowledge and skills in your chosen field.

Your research project will usually be based on your own interests and ideas. You’ll have the chance to design, carry out and write up your own research project. This will usually take the form of a thesis, which you’ll submit at the end of your studies.

The DPhil or PhD is a ‘higher degree by research’. This means that it focuses on your ability to conduct independent research, rather than on your ability to master a body of knowledge.

Potential DPhil Concerns

In recent years, there has been some debate among current and former doctoral students about whether having a ‘DPhil’ on their official degree manuscript may put them at a disadvantage in the job market.

Some feel that employers outside of the academic world may not be familiar with the term ‘DPhil’ and thus view it as less prestigious than the more widely known ‘PhD’.

However, it is important to remember that a ‘DPhil’ is simply the British equivalent of a ‘PhD’. In other words, it is still a doctorate-level degree that requires the same amount of work and research as a ‘PhD’.

Therefore, employers should not view a candidate with a ‘DPhil’ any differently than they would a candidate with a ‘PhD’. Ultimately, what matters most is the quality of the research and the candidate’s ability to communicate their findings. As long as prospective employers keep this in mind, ‘DPhil’ holders should not have any trouble finding employment.

Fears about the potential disadvantage of having a ‘DPhil’ on one’s degree manuscript are unfounded and ultimately unimportant. What matters most is the quality of the research and the candidate’s ability to communicate their findings. Therefore, ‘DPhil’ holders should not have any trouble finding employment.

It is important to remember that a ‘DPhil’ is simply the British equivalent of a ‘PhD’. In other words, it is still a doctorate-level degree that requires the same amount of work and research as a ‘PhD’. Therefore, employers should not view a candidate with a ‘DPhil’ any differently than they would a candidate with a ‘PhD’.

How Long is a DPhil?

The DPhil is a research degree that usually takes between three and four years to complete. You will likely spend the majority of your time working on your research project, which will be supervised by a member of staff at the university.

The three stages of the journey to enlightenment are:

• The DPhil student will carry out a literature review, providing critique on sources from across the field. The goal is for them to use these notes as inspiration when conducting their own research and writing up about it.
• Thesis proposal and submission. During this stage, the student will develop a research proposal under the guidance of their supervisor. This will be submitted to an internal board for feedback before being sent off to external examiners.
• The final stage is the viva voce, or oral examination, in which the student will defend their thesis in front of wo experts in the field.

Useful tips for DPhil students:

Start early and be organised. This will help you stay on top of your work and make the most of your time at the university.

Be prepared to work hard. A DPhil is a demanding degree, and you will need to put in the hours to get the most out of it.

Make use of your supervisors. They are there to help you, so don’t be afraid to ask for advice or feedback.

Keep a healthy balance. It is important to take care of yourself both physically and mentally during your time as a DPhil student.

Enjoy the journey! A DPhil is an opportunity to explore your interests and discover new things about yourself and the world around you. Embrace it!

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PhD vs DPhil: What’s the Difference?

In General , University by Think Student Editor March 19, 2024 Leave a Comment

Postgraduate degrees are often a mystery to many students, and certainly not guaranteed to be part of your future plans. There are many options available in both employment and higher education, one such option being a PhD. However, you may have also heard the term ‘DPhil’ being used alongside PhD – can these terms be used interchangeably, or are there differences between a PhD and a DPhil?

‘PhD’ and ‘DPhil’ are two different terms for the same thing: they both refer to a ‘Doctor of Philosophy’ qualification. They are both level 8 qualifications and the highest qualification achievable at university. The reason for there being two different terms is to do with their origin: DPhil is just the shortening of the literal English term, whereas PhD comes from the Latin term. Different universities in the UK and internationally may use different terms, but the course structure and requirements are not likely to differ significantly.

In this article, I’ll be taking you through what a PhD and a DPhil is, what they involve, the origins of the terms and whether doing one is worth it, so keep reading for all you need to know!

Table of Contents

What is a PhD?

A PhD is a level 8 qualification, the highest level of qualification achievable in the UK. They are usually taken after a master’s degree, but a master’s degree is not always a mandatory prerequisite.

For a PhD, you study for three to four years (full time) or up to seven years (part time) . In this time, you will produce a thesis which at the end of your course you will discuss and defend in an oral exam, which lasts anywhere from one to three hours.

You may also work part-time in a related field (usually education) whilst completing your PhD. This might be as a tutor or a teaching assistant.

To read more information about PhDs, including more details about the information included throughout this article, check out this Think Student article.

Are PhD and DPhil the same thing?

Now that you’ve understood what a PhD is and what it involves, yes, a PhD and a DPhil are effectively the same thing.

Both stand for the term ‘Doctor of Philosophy’. Although both terms are short for Doctor of Philosophy, this does not mean the same as the actual discipline of philosophy. You can pursue a PhD/DPhil in a wide range of different specialisms.

Of the two, PhD is the more widely accepted term, having originated in America and being adopted globally. I’ll be talking about this later in the article, so keep reading for more information.

However, there are no significant differences in the structure of PhD and DPhil courses, the application processes, or the funding for the degree.

Similarly, there are no differences between DPhil and PhD meanings internationally. A DPhil in the UK will still be the same as a PhD in Europe or internationally (at least in meaning).

What are the differences between a PhD and a DPhil?

Effectively, the only difference between a PhD and a DPhil is which universities use the term.

There are only a few universities in the UK that still use the term DPhil, including the University of Oxford . The rest of the world, including other high-ranking universities, such as the University of Cambridge, Harvard, and Yale, use the term PhD.

There are no general course differences, for both students will need to do work, such as having to write, submit, discuss, and defend a thesis. Although, there may be differences on how the course is taught depending on your specialism and the university you attend.

For example, at the University of Oxford, some DPhil students, who have their course funded, are required to undertake an internship as part of their programme. Whereas at other universities, this is not the case.

To read more about the University of Oxford’s Doctoral Internship programmes, check out this page of their website.

Why do some universities call a PhD a DPhil?

In short, there is no particular reason why some universities may choose to use the term ‘DPhil’ over ‘PhD’. As we established earlier, both mean ‘Doctor of Philosophy’.

However, DPhil is the English term, literally short for Doctor of Philosophy, whereas PhD is the Latin term, short for Philosophiae Doctor.

Only a few universities use the term DPhil, such as the University of Oxford, Sussex, and (formerly) York. Most universities use the term PhD – it was mostly used in the United States of America first before being adopted as a global term.

Should you do a PhD or a DPhil?

As we’ve already learnt, it doesn’t matter whether or not you choose to do a PhD or a DPhil, as they are effectively the same qualification.

You may choose whether or not to do a PhD or DPhil based on the universities that use the term ; the University of Oxford uses DPhil, whereas the University of Cambridge uses PhD.

However, whether or not you choose a PhD or a DPhil might be based on which university offers the course you want to do. For example, if you prefer the course at a university that offers PhDs, you might take a PhD over a DPhil.

Ultimately, they are the same qualification, so you won’t miss anything off your CV if you choose one over the other.

Is a DPhil worth it?

A PhD/DPhil is a level 8 qualification, which is the highest qualification level in the UK . You can read more about the different qualification levels in the UK in a Think Student article, linked here .

Of course, whether or not you choose to do a PhD/DPhil depends on what your future goals are.

Earning a PhD/DPhil is great if you want to enter academia in the future – maybe you want to become a critic, or a lecturer, or maybe a professor. Having a PhD under your belt is a huge advantage for research and education.

However, if you only want to further your career, you might not learn or develop the skills you need for your industry through a PhD.

A PhD/DPhil is the highest level of qualification, so it’s impressive either way. Just make sure it’s the right step forward for you!

Do you need a master’s to do a DPhil?

The majority of institutions will most likely require you to have a master’s degree if you wish to apply for a PhD/DPhil.

At a bare minimum, you will be required to have a bachelor’s degree at a 2:1 or higher if you’re pursuing a PhD. However, universities will probably also like you to have a master’s degree and/or lots of professional experience.

A master’s degree will definitely give your application an advantage, however, it is still possible to be accepted for a PhD without a master’s degree – if you don’t have one, it isn’t the end of the world!

Each application is unique, so there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to a PhD/DPhil application . To read more about candidate requirements for PhDs, check out this Prospects article.

Decoding British Degrees

You are here, "mphil," "research degree," "taught degree," etc..

Looking for translations? Try our unofficial guide to decoding British degrees.

Doctoral Degrees

A DPhil is what Oxford and some other British universities call a PhD. PhDs in Britain are different from those in the US: they are usually just the doctoral dissertation, without coursework, comprehensive examinations, opportunities to TA, etc. You must (almost always) apply with a clearly-defined research proposal and a prospective supervisor for your research. If you're offered a place, you conduct research guided by your doctoral supervisor, write it up, and usually do an oral defense. It tends to take three or four years to earn a doctorate.

Note: If you're hoping to go on to an academic career you should talk to a professor in the relevant field at home: since doctoral programs in different countries can be very different indeed it can be difficult to get a teaching job in some fields with a degree from elsewhere. So be sure to consult experts in your field.

Master's Degrees

Any degree beginning with "M" is a master's degree: MPhil, MSc, MA, MSt, etc. Most master's degree courses in Britain and Ireland take one to two years.

• Some master's programs, like almost all doctoral programs, involve only research. Any of these described as "research" degrees work the way a doctoral degree does, but involve a smaller research project and fewer years to complete it.
• Any master's degree described as a "'taught" degree may involve a research project/paper (but usually a smaller one than a research degree entails) and will always involve some element of more formal teaching: classes, lectures, seminars, labs, etc.

The title of a master's program alone may not help you determine whether or not it is a research or a taught course: always check the fine print...

How to decide among the various options?

Start by finding the universities and departments which seem to be best for what you want to study (see "Ranking universities," here ). Check the admissions website/graduate prospectus of each relevant university to see what degree courses are offered there. Look at the syllabi, the reading lists, the lists of scholars working in that department and what they're working on, the research centers for the study of various topics, and any other resources there which might help to make a particular place the right one to pursue your specific area of interest. Beyond that, consider the following:

• What kind of degree, if any, do you need to do the work you hope to do in the world? (Tip: explore careers and career paths through resources offered by the Office of Career Strategy .)
• Are you looking for a master's degree with some coursework? Then look at the "taught" degree courses offered.
• Or are you prepared and eager to embark on a research project without any further coursework? In which case, you'll want to look at the different research degrees offered in your field. Are you looking to get a master's degree in a year or two or a doctorate in three or four years?
• Don't consider part-time degree courses: unless you're an EU citizen you won't be able to get a visa to study in Britain. Visa regulations for the UK require that students be registered full time as degree candidates. (Find visa information on the official government website here .)

Talk to the experts

Talk with your professors and other mentors in the relevant field. They are the best people with whom to talk about graduate study. They are experts in their fields, they know the shape of current research, who's doing the most interesting work, and where the strong degree programs are. As your teachers and mentors, they also know something about your particular interests and strengths and what might be the best next step in your education.

Faculty in the relevant academic discipline are, moreover, the best people to talk to about finding a research supervisor and putting together a strong, interesting proposal—both of which are essential for application for a research degree.

Tip: Do some homework first, and your conversations with faculty and other mentors will be more fruitful. You'll not only get invaluable advice, but these conversations will also help your mentors to write stronger, more specific letters of recommendation. (Read how best to ask for letters and to prepare for an informational interview with a mentor.)

Types of Doctorates

Learn about the different types of Doctorates available to you, including their eligibility, durations, fees and benefits. Find out which one would be most beneficial to you.

Key Resources

What are Professional Doctorates?

Professional doctorates are advanced postgraduate degrees that combine taught components with independent research in a student’s area of expertise. Find out what they involve.

Integrated Masters with PhD – Explained

An Integrated Masters with a PhD is a relatively new form of Postgraduate study, but what exactly are they and who are they for? We explain all.

What is a PhD?

Contemplating whether to do a PhD or just want to find out more? We explore all aspects of PhD life, from what it involves to the benefits it provides.

What Is a Graduate Teaching Assistant? – Explained

GTAs are postgraduate research students who support academic and faculty staff members with their teaching responsibility. Learn more about what this involves.

What Is an MPhil? – A Complete Guide

‘MPhil’ stands for ‘Master of Philosophy’ and is an advance postgraduate degree. Learn about what’s involved, how much it costs and what you can do afterwards.

Part Time PhDs – Everything You Need To Know

Whilst the core activities of a part time PhD are identical of that to a full time PhD, its organisation is different. Learn more here.

Supporting Resources

PhD vs MD – Differences explained

This article will explain the key differences between a PhD and a MD, from program structure and length to career outlook.

PsyD vs PhD – Differences Explained

A PsyD is a Doctor of Psychology. How does this differ to a PhD? Which is better? We answer these questions and explain the details of a PsyD program.

Second Master’s or PhD? – A Comparison

Deciding between a Second Masters and a PhD can be a tough decision, so we’ve outlined their pros, cons and differences – to help you make the right decision!

Difference Between Undergraduate and Postgraduate Study

Transitioning from undergraduate to postgraduate level is relatively simple once you know what their differences are. Our page compares these two modes of study.

MPhil vs MSc – Differences Explained

An MPhil and an MSc may seem similar, but they lead to two very different paths. Find out which one is for you.

Masters vs PhD – Differences Explained

Discover the difference between a Master’s degree and a PhD doctorate degree, and find out which one is best for you.

PhD by Publication – Explained

A PhD by publication is a less common route to a PhD. Find out exactly what one is, how it normally works and what the advantages and disadvantages are.

DBA vs PhD – Differences Explained

A Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is equivalent to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), however, there are fundamental differences between the two; learn what they are here.

DPhil vs PhD – Differences Explained

There is a common misconception that a DPhil and PhD are two different degrees. This is not the case; find out why here.

Gain valuable insight from our collection of exclusive interviews with both current and past PhD students. Learn from their best advice, personal challenges and career path after completing their doctorate.

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• Accessibility
• Clinical Academic Careers
• Clinical Academic Pathway
• Clinical DPhils/PhDs/DMs

A doctorate (DPhil/PhD/DM) is a necessary step in pursuing a career in academic medicine.

what is a doctorate?

The doctorate is an advanced research degree awarded on the basis of a thesis and oral examination. It is called a DPhil at Oxford, but is more often called a PhD at other universities.

During a DPhil/PhD, clinicians will conduct their own research. They will also use key analytical skills, critically appraise published data, and develop a wider appreciation of their field of interest. 

To be awarded a doctorate, the candidate’s thesis must represent a significant and substantial piece of research. Also, candidates must be able to convey their work in a lucid and scholarly manner, and have a good general knowledge of the field of their thesis.

It is expected that the thesis will be submitted after 3 or, at most, 4 years from the date of admission.

In 2023 we launched a new Doctor of Medicine (DM) degree which is a flexible, variable intensity, clinical research-based doctorate open to doctors employed by the University of Oxford, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, or in Primary Care within Oxfordshire.

can it be combined with clinical work?

A clinician doing a DPhil/PhD may have the opportunity to continue to develop, or at least maintain, their clinical skills. This can be done by participating in clinics, on-call rotas, clinical meetings and/or teaching. 

The DM can be combined with variable intensity cinical work.

International doctors interested in combining doctoral studies with clinical work can find information about practising in the UK in the  General Medical Council website . 

When should I apply ?

A clinical DPhil/PhD can be applied to at any time, if an individual has sufficient research experience and a comprehensive research proposal to apply for funding.

The same applies to the DM although the degree is not eligible for most funding bodies. 

There are many opportunities for doing research and building a strong DPhil/PhD/DM application, if you are proactive. So, do not be shy about approaching academics in your areas of interest, such as groups leaders and clinical lecturers. Explore our department and unit  pages to find them. 

For those in clinical academic training posts, a DPhil/PhD could follow on after the Academic Specialised Foundation Programme (ASFP) or an academic clinical fellowship (ACF). These may maximise the opportunities for trainees to compete successfully for funding for a three-year clinical doctoral training fellowship . However, you do not need to have been involved in these programmes.

The DM can be combined with clinical training/work over a longer period so will not necessarily need time out of training/clinical work.

where can I find out more?

Read about doing a DPhil/PhD at Oxford in  Why Oxford? - Doing a DPhil/PhD .

Or check our  FAQs and applying for funding  pages.

Where next, after a doctorate?

The award of a DPhil/PhD/DM opens up the opportunity to apply for a  clinical lectureship (CL) in order to pursue clinical academic training.

However, depending on which level of clinical training you are at, an academic clinical fellowship (ACF) recruiting at ST1-ST3 may be a more suitable option.

A further option is returning to non-academic clinical training in a specialist training post, with the possibility of applying for a CL in the future.

• Undergraduate opportunities
• Academic Specialised Foundation Programme (ASFP)
• Academic Clinical Fellowships (ACFs)
• Clinical Lectureships (CLs)
• Senior Clinical Academic Positions

Related pages

  Why Oxford? Doing a DPhil at Oxford

  Applying:  Clinical DPhils/PhDs - funding

  FAQs: Doing a  DPhil/PhD

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Abbreviation of Doctor of Philosophy: PhD or DPhil?

I am a bit confused about the proper abbreviation of Doctor of Philosophy . I sometimes read that this person obtained his D.Phil from X University, while someone else obtained his PhD from Y University. According to Wikipidia :

The University of Oxford also abbreviates their Doctor of Philosophy degree as DPhil but in other respects is equivalent to a PhD.

Is it up to me to decide what abbreviation to use?

3 Answers 3

The awarding institution determines the abbreviation*; someone made a Doctor of Philosophy at Oxford is a DPhil, someone made a Doctor of Philosophy at Cambridge is a PhD, and someone made a Doctor of Philosophy at a university in Austria is a Dr.phil. (before the name, not after).

*At the time awarded, as pointed out in another answer.

Addendum: As Jack Orion points out, the abbreviation is of the Latin doctor philosophiae , which is why appears both ways around (Latin is more flexible in its word order than English). Many other degree abbreviations make their Latin origin more obvious (e.g. the MLitt for 'master of letters', magister litterarum ; the LLB for 'batchelor of laws', legium baccalaureatus , with conventional doubling of the 'L' to indicate the plural).

• 9 Nonsense - only Oprah makes Dr. Phils. ba dum bum –  corsiKa Commented Apr 7, 2014 at 17:52
• 1 Also note that even those of us who went only to Oxford (and so would have a DPhil if anything) will use "PhD" to mean a doctorate from an unspecified university. –  Steve Jessop Commented Apr 7, 2014 at 23:07

Neither D. Phil. nor Ph. D. are abbreviations for 'Doctor of Philosophy', but for 'Doctor Philosophiae' or 'Philosophiae Doctor' respectively. Sorry to be pedantic, but when this is realised it becomes easier to understand why the Ph. D. abbreviation exists at all.

• 3 Welcome Jack! This is a great, and very useful clarification, but is not really an answer to the question. Maybe leave something something like this as a comment next time? –  mako Commented Apr 7, 2014 at 19:31
• 7 I think this is an answer. If you point to a banana and ask me if it is an apple or an orange, I would answer your question by saying "Neither, it's a banana." –  Nobody Commented Apr 8, 2014 at 2:55
• "Doctor of Philosophy" and "Philosophy Doctor" are both valid translations for both of the Latin word arrangements. This is not a helpful answer. –  user23776 Commented Jul 12, 2015 at 7:28

No - it depends on the degree you were awarded.

Most universities offer PhD degrees, with a smaller subset (usually UK red-brick universities & Oxford) that offer DPhils. Some of the 'new' universities of the late 60s-early 70s used to offer DPhils. I was awarded a DPhil at Ulster, but subsequent to this, they switched to awarding PhDs.

• 5 "red-brick"...? –  Pete L. Clark Commented Apr 7, 2014 at 14:15
• 2 @PeteL.Clark I had also never heard of it but: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_brick_university –  CTKlein Commented Apr 7, 2014 at 14:43

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Decode the Meaning of DPhil Studies in a Quick Guide

You’re in the right place if you’re curious about what the DPhil meaning is and how it differs at Omega Graduate School. This quick guide will provide a straightforward overview.

The DPhil meaning is?

A DPhil, short for Doctor of Philosophy, is a prestigious doctoral degree beyond traditional master’s-level education. It’s an opportunity to conduct extensive research and make an original contribution to your field of study.

The PhD/DPhil at Omega Graduate School

At Omega Graduate School, a DPhil is about earning a degree and becoming a thought leader in your chosen field. Our DPhil programs offer a unique blend of interdisciplinary study, practical research, and mentorship.

Admission and Requirements

To embark on a DPhil journey at Omega Graduate School, you’ll need a master’s degree and must meet specific admission criteria. This includes submitting academic records, recommendation letters, and a statement of purpose. Interviews may be part of the selection process.

Curriculum and Research

The DPhil curriculum is tailored to provide a comprehensive understanding of your chosen field. It involves coursework, but the heart of the program is original research. You’ll work closely with faculty mentors to develop your research proposal and conduct extensive studies.

Dissertation

The dissertation is the pinnacle of your DPhil journey—a substantial piece of original research. It’s an opportunity to contribute new knowledge to your field and showcase your expertise.

The DPhil program typically takes three to five years to complete. Whether you choose full-time or part-time enrollment, you’ll be on a transformative academic journey.

Faculty Mentorship

At Omega Graduate School, you’re not just a student but part of a scholarly community. Our faculty members are experts in their fields and provide invaluable mentorship throughout your DPhil studies.

Career Enhancement

A PhD/DPhil from Omega Graduate School opens doors to various career paths. Graduates have pursued academic roles, research positions, leadership roles in organizations, and more, armed with the skills and knowledge gained during their DPhil journey. That’s the DPhil meaning, gaining the skills and abilities to rise to greater roles in academia and leadership.

The Omega Difference

What sets Omega Graduate School apart is its commitment to interdisciplinary study and practical application. Our DPhil programs are designed to produce graduates who are well-versed in their fields and equipped to address real-world challenges.

A PhD/DPhil at Omega Graduate School is about earning a degree and making a meaningful impact in your chosen field. It’s an academic journey that challenges, inspires, and equips you to shape the future.

Omega Graduate School (OGS) adopts the DPhil nomenclature interchangeably with PhD to reflect its commitment to both academic rigor and practical application. While the DPhil signifies the depth of scholarly inquiry and original research, it aligns with OGS’s mission to produce graduates who are not only experts in their fields but also equipped to address real-world challenges. This interchangeable use underscores OGS’s belief that doctoral studies should combine advanced knowledge with the ability to make a meaningful impact, making the DPhil a fitting representation of its holistic approach to doctoral education.

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Oxford DPhil vs PhD

I’ve noticed Oxford University has its own postgraduate research programme called DPhil instead of a more commonly used PhD. I am considering applying there in a couple of years (Law) and wondering if it can have any negative effects on my academic career after that.

I mean, is DPhil the same thing as PhD but with a fancier name? And after I graduate when I apply for postdoc and/or lecturer positions, is my DPhil going to incapacitate me somehow? Because the vacancies I see only mention PhD amongst requirements. Does it mean that my DPhil won’t be qualified for the position?

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DPhil in Philosophy

• Entry requirements
• Funding and Costs

College preference

• How to Apply

About the course

The Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) in Philosophy is a three- to four-year full-time research programme whereby you undertake a doctoral level research project under the guidance of your supervisor(s). This course is not available in part-time mode of study and is not offered via distance learning.

The primary aim of the faculty’s DPhil in Philosophy is to prepare you for an academic career in philosophy. Each year, the Faculty of Philosophy welcomes students from a range of courses who have already completed substantial graduate work in philosophy. Typically, students who are successfully admitted to the DPhil course have already completed study that is equivalent or nearly equivalent to that required for Oxford’s BPhil in Philosophy course. The faculty’s Graduate Studies Committee recommends progression from Oxford's BPhil in Philosophy to the DPhil course, considering the BPhil offers the opportunity to study a wide range of philosophical topics over two years as well as to focus on a narrower field of research interest (unlike most one-year masters in a specialised subject, as offered elsewhere).

Students may also progress from the faculty's specialised MSt programmes - the MSt in Philosophy of Physics , the MSt in Ancient Philosophy and the MSt in Practical Ethics .

As part of your doctoral research you will produce a substantial 75,000-word thesis. Students proceeding to the DPhil programme via the BPhil will normally write a DPhil thesis which is an expansion of their BPhil thesis and may be able to incorporate the full contents of their 30,000-word BPhil thesis into the 75,000-word DPhil thesis. However, this is not a formal requirement; sometimes the BPhil thesis topic is not suitable for expansion into a DPhil thesis, or you may wish to write your DPhil thesis on a different topic.

You are not required to attend any taught graduate classes as part of your DPhil degree, but you are encouraged to participate in lectures, classes, seminars and other educational opportunities offered throughout the university as relevant to your topic of study. The course has no fieldwork, industrial placement or year abroad element, but you may decide to attend conferences, workshops or research training elsewhere.

You may attend any graduate or undergraduate classes, seminars and lectures in and outside of the Faculty of Philosophy which are of interest to you, provided that those classes, seminars and lectures are open to you.

Each term, many graduate classes and research seminars are organised by faculty members in which graduate students are full and important participants.

Graduates are encouraged to organise their own seminars and reading groups, and they also run two societies: one invites distinguished speakers from the UK and around the world, while the other gives graduates the opportunity to present papers to a graduate audience.

Each year there is an Oxford Graduate Philosophy Conference, in which most graduate philosophy students participate in some way.

The Masters of Letters (MLitt) in Philosophy is awarded on the basis of a thesis of maximum 50,000 words. In practice, applicants are admitted for the MLitt only in exceptional cases, and few students submit a thesis for the MLitt. The MLitt is more often an exit award for DPhil students who fail or withdraw from the DPhil degree but meet the requirements for the MLitt.

Course Outcomes

As a DPhil student, you will research, summarise, present and defend an argument with some of the best scholars in their subject, under the direction of (an) experienced researcher(s), and will extend your skills and experiences.

During the DPhil you will learn new or hone existing intellectual, practical and transferable skills, as follows:

• analyse and clarify an abstract question, grasp and critically compare different approaches to answering it, and develop an approach of your own
• put complex arguments together for and against a position and take them apart
• interpret difficult historical texts produced within a historical context
• construct extensive pieces of writing that provide a clear overview of a subject and a sustained independent argument about it, presented in a lucid, objective and scholarly manner
• demonstrate excellent oral presentation
• have effective time organisation (since you must produce extensive pieces of written work at regular intervals and to tight deadlines)
• sustain intensive work to a deadline over an extended period
• make effective use of libraries, information technology and other sources of information

Supervision

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Faculty of Philosophy and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the Faculty of Philosophy.

You should have regular one-to-one tuition sessions with your supervisor(s). These will normally happen twice per term but in some terms, especially at the start of the degree and during the final stages of the thesis, the number of sessions may be increased.

You will normally be assigned one supervisor to start with but towards the end of your course, after you have been awarded confirmation of status, it is usual for you to receive a second, additional supervisor, to offer another view on your work as well as to provide another reference for you if required.

You will initially be enrolled as a Probationary Research Student (PRS), unless you have previously completed the BPhil course at Oxford (see below). Normally in the third term after enrolment onto the DPhil as a PRS student, you are required to complete a transfer of status from PRS to full DPhil student status. Two appointed examiners will interview you on:

• your thesis outline, which explains the intended line of argument or contribution to the subject;
• a piece of written work in the area and philosophical style of the proposed thesis which is typically, though not necessarily, a draft chapter of the thesis.

If you progressed from the MSt in Philosophy of Physics course, you are required to write a 20,000-word thesis during your year as a PRS, as your MSt does not have a thesis element.

Normally at the end of the second year after you enrolled, you will be required to apply for confirmation of your DPhil student status. This application will involve an interview by one or two appointed examiners on:

• your thesis outline, comprising both a reasoned statement of the nature of, and some detail on, the proposed thesis together with a provisional table of contents; and
• a piece of written work intended as a part of the thesis, in final or near-final draft.

If you progress from the BPhil, you will normally enter the DPhil without being required to pass a year as a PRS and as a result you will normally apply for confirmation of DPhil status in the third term after enrolment onto the DPhil and, according to the Examination Regulations at time of publication, you will only have six terms (instead of the usual nine terms) of fee liability  for your DPhil.

The doctoral work culminates in a 75,000-word thesis that is defended orally in front of two appointed examiners ( viva voce ).

Graduate destinations

The DPhil in Philosophy's primary aim is to prepare students for an academic career in philosophy. Most DPhil graduates do indeed secure academic posts, as witnessed by the faculty's placement record .

The faculty provides a  placement scheme to help students seeking jobs within philosophy. Users of the placement scheme may ask their referees to send reference letters directly to the faculty where they will be held on file and sent out to universities or other academic institutions at the student’s request. The placement scheme is normally available to alumni until they have secured a tenured post.

The faculty's Placement Officer helps job applicants with the preparation of their CVs, provides advice about the presentation of material in an application dossier, and arranges practice interviews. The Placement Officer also holds a yearly introductory placement seminar, compulsory to those wishing to make use of the placement scheme. Also, students are invited to give talks based on material they propose to use in their writing samples or job talks, with an opportunity for comment and discussion. 

The faculty also runs an email mailing list for members of the placement scheme, which will be used to pass on job tips and news of vacancies.

The faculty runs a teaching scheme, lecturing scheme and a Graduate Teaching Register with the aim of providing teaching experience for those DPhil students who intend to pursue an academic career. In the case of the teaching scheme and Graduate Teaching Register, you will do a certain amount of teaching and marking under the guidance of a college fellow. If you are accepted into the lecturing scheme, you will be allowed to give an undergraduate lecture course of your own choice and design, consisting of four one-hour lectures.

Changes to this course and your supervision

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. The safety of students, staff and visitors is paramount and major changes to delivery or services may have to be made in circumstances of a pandemic, epidemic or local health emergency. In addition, in certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study.

Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include illness, sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.

For further information please see our page on changes to courses and the provisions of the student contract regarding changes to courses.

Entry requirements for entry in 2024-25

Proven and potential academic excellence.

The requirements described below are specific to this course and apply only in the year of entry that is shown. You can use our interactive tool to help you  evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive .

Please be aware that any studentships that are linked to this course may have different or additional requirements and you should read any studentship information carefully before applying. 

Degree-level qualifications

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:

• the BPhil in Philosophy from the University of Oxford with a distinction or near-distinction grade, or an equivalent national or international qualification;  and
• a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in philosophy or a closely-related degree which involved substantial engagement with philosophy.

However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first-class degree or the equivalent.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.6 out of 4.0. However, most successful applicants have a GPA of 3.7 or above.

If your degree is not from the UK or another country specified above, visit our International Qualifications page for guidance on the qualifications and grades that would usually be considered to meet the University’s minimum entry requirements.

GRE General Test scores

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

Other qualifications, evidence of excellence and relevant experience

You are not required to have any publications but these may be an advantage.

Further guidance

Applicants who achieve a distinction in the BPhil in Philosophy , the MSt in Philosophy of Physics , the MSt in Ancient Philosophy or the MSt in Practical Ethics are eligible for progression to the DPhil, provided that the faculty's Graduate Studies Committee is satisfied that their proposed thesis topic and outline indicate that they can be adequately supervised by members of the Philosophy Faculty. Students who pass the BPhil in Philosophy, the MSt in Philosophy of Physics, the MSt in Ancient Philosophy or the MSt in Practical Ethics without a distinction may be admitted to the DPhil at the Committee’s discretion.

All applications are assessed by the faculty's Graduate Studies Committee at the same time, after the application deadline has passed, and offers are made on a strictly comparative basis.

Applicants should not apply with more than one distinct research proposal.

English language proficiency

This course requires proficiency in English at the University's  higher level . If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement. The minimum scores required to meet the University's higher level are detailed in the table below.

*Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English or Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) † Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English or Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)

Your test must have been taken no more than two years before the start date of your course. Our Application Guide provides  further information about the English language test requirement .

Declaring extenuating circumstances

If your ability to meet the entry requirements has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic (eg you were awarded an unclassified/ungraded degree) or any other exceptional personal circumstance (eg other illness or bereavement), please refer to the guidance on extenuating circumstances in the Application Guide for information about how to declare this so that your application can be considered appropriately.

You will need to register three referees who can give an informed view of your academic ability and suitability for the course. The  How to apply  section of this page provides details of the types of reference that are required in support of your application for this course and how these will be assessed.

Supporting documents

You will be required to supply supporting documents with your application. The  How to apply  section of this page provides details of the supporting documents that are required as part of your application for this course and how these will be assessed.

Performance at interview

Interviews are not normally held as part of the admissions process.

How your application is assessed

Your application will be assessed purely on your proven and potential academic excellence and other entry requirements described under that heading.

References  and  supporting documents  submitted as part of your application, and your performance at interview (if interviews are held) will be considered as part of the assessment process. Whether or not you have secured funding will not be taken into consideration when your application is assessed.

An overview of the shortlisting and selection process is provided below. Our ' After you apply ' pages provide  more information about how applications are assessed . 

Shortlisting and selection

Students are considered for shortlisting and selected for admission without regard to age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), religion or belief (including lack of belief), sex, sexual orientation, as well as other relevant circumstances including parental or caring responsibilities or social background. However, please note the following:

• socio-economic information may be taken into account in the selection of applicants and award of scholarships for courses that are part of  the University’s pilot selection procedure  and for  scholarships aimed at under-represented groups ;
• country of ordinary residence may be taken into account in the awarding of certain scholarships; and
• protected characteristics may be taken into account during shortlisting for interview or the award of scholarships where the University has approved a positive action case under the Equality Act 2010.

Processing your data for shortlisting and selection

Information about  processing special category data for the purposes of positive action  and  using your data to assess your eligibility for funding , can be found in our Postgraduate Applicant Privacy Policy.

Admissions panels and assessors

All recommendations to admit a student involve the judgement of at least two members of the academic staff with relevant experience and expertise, and must also be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies or Admissions Committee (or equivalent within the department).

Admissions panels or committees will always include at least one member of academic staff who has undertaken appropriate training.

Other factors governing whether places can be offered

The following factors will also govern whether candidates can be offered places:

• the ability of the University to provide the appropriate supervision for your studies, as outlined under the 'Supervision' heading in the  About  section of this page;
• the ability of the University to provide appropriate support for your studies (eg through the provision of facilities, resources, teaching and/or research opportunities); and
• minimum and maximum limits to the numbers of students who may be admitted to the University's taught and research programmes.

Offer conditions for successful applications

If you receive an offer of a place at Oxford, your offer will outline any conditions that you need to satisfy and any actions you need to take, together with any associated deadlines. These may include academic conditions, such as achieving a specific final grade in your current degree course. These conditions will usually depend on your individual academic circumstances and may vary between applicants. Our ' After you apply ' pages provide more information about offers and conditions . 

In addition to any academic conditions which are set, you will also be required to meet the following requirements:

Financial Declaration

If you are offered a place, you will be required to complete a  Financial Declaration  in order to meet your financial condition of admission.

Disclosure of criminal convictions

In accordance with the University’s obligations towards students and staff, we will ask you to declare any  relevant, unspent criminal convictions  before you can take up a place at Oxford.

Oxford is one of the world’s great centres for philosophy, and is widely recognised to be amongst the best. In the most recent Philosophical Gourmet Report (2021-22) Oxford University’s Faculty of Philosophy was once again ranked top in the list of Philosophy Faculties in the United Kingdom and still ranked second in the overall ranking of philosophy faculties in the English speaking world. More than 150 professional philosophers work in the University and its colleges, between them covering a vast range of subjects within philosophy, and many are international leaders in their fields. 

Many philosophy subjects at Oxford are ranked highly in the most recent Philosophical Gourmet Report’s breakdown of programmes by speciality (2020-21) , including metaphysics, epistemology, philosophical logic, philosophy of language, applied ethics, metaethics and moral psychology, normative ethics, political philosophy, philosophy of law, philosophy of art, philosophy of physics, decision & rational choice, & game theory, ancient philosophy, 18th century early modern philosophy and 20th century continental philosophy.

The Philosophy Centre in the Radcliffe Humanities building on Woodstock Road acts as a focal point for the faculty’s activities and contains, as well as lecturing and teaching space, a graduate study room and a graduate common room. A wireless network runs throughout the Philosophy Centre.

The Philosophy Centre also contains the department's library, with over 25,000 volumes, a collection of approximately 80 periodicals, online access to many philosophical databases, and librarians trained in the specific bibliographic needs of philosophers. Many college libraries also have extensive holdings in philosophy.

The faculty runs a teaching scheme, lecturing scheme and a Graduate Teaching Register with the aim of providing teaching experience for those DPhil students who intend to pursue an academic career. In the case of the teaching scheme and Graduate Teaching Register, you will do a certain amount of teaching and marking under the guidance of a college fellow. If you are accepted into the lecturing scheme, you will be allowed to give an undergraduate lecture course of your own choice and design, consisting of four one-hour lectures. 

Over 150 Oxford academics are employed by or associated with the Faculty of Philosophy, making it one of the largest philosophy departments worldwide. 

The Faculty of Philosophy is widely recognised to be amongst the best philosophy departments in the world, ranked first in the UK and second in the English-speaking world by the most recent  Philosophical Gourmet Report  (2021-22). 

The faculty offers a wide range of graduate classes, seminars and supervisions, providing you with high-quality tuition in philosophy. This includes its flagship course, the  BPhil in Philosophy , which we believe provides the perfect graduate level training for further studies to doctoral level and is usually studied as the first two years of a four- to five-year doctoral program.

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The University expects to be able to offer over 1,000 full or partial graduate scholarships across the collegiate University in 2024-25. You will be automatically considered for the majority of Oxford scholarships , if you fulfil the eligibility criteria and submit your graduate application by the relevant December or January deadline. Most scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and/or potential. 

For further details about searching for funding as a graduate student visit our dedicated Funding pages, which contain information about how to apply for Oxford scholarships requiring an additional application, details of external funding, loan schemes and other funding sources.

Please ensure that you visit individual college websites for details of any college-specific funding opportunities using the links provided on our college pages or below:

Please note that not all the colleges listed above may accept students on this course. For details of those which do, please refer to the College preference section of this page.

Further information about funding opportunities  for this course can be found on the faculty's website.

Annual fees for entry in 2024-25

IMPORTANT : Please note that while most of the content of these pages relates to the course starting in 2024-25, this information about course fees and the additional information section on this page relate to entry in 2025-26 . The remaining content will be updated for 2025-26 entry later in September.

Information about course fees

Course fees are payable each year, for the duration of your fee liability (your fee liability is the length of time for which you are required to pay course fees). For courses lasting longer than one year, please be aware that fees will usually increase annually. For details, please see our guidance on changes to fees and charges .

Course fees cover your teaching as well as other academic services and facilities provided to support your studies. Unless specified in the additional information section below, course fees do not cover your accommodation, residential costs or other living costs. They also don’t cover any additional costs and charges that are outlined in the additional information below.

Continuation charges

Following the period of fee liability , you may also be required to pay a University continuation charge and a college continuation charge. The University and college continuation charges are shown on the Continuation charges page.

Where can I find further information about fees?

The Fees and Funding  section of this website provides further information about course fees , including information about fee status and eligibility  and your length of fee liability .

Additional information

The Philosophy Graduate Studies Committee has a research and travel fund for graduate students to which students may apply for assistance with, for example, the costs of attending conferences or workshops. BPhil and MSt students may only apply for funding if they are presenting a paper. Probationary Research Students and DPhil students are entitled to apply for funding to attend a workshop, conference, etc, whether or not they are presenting a paper.

There are no compulsory elements of this course that entail additional costs beyond fees (or, after fee liability ends, continuation charges) and living costs. However, please note that, depending on your choice of research topic and the research required to complete it, you may incur additional expenses, such as travel expenses, research expenses, and field trips. You will need to meet these additional costs, although you may be able to apply for small grants from your department and/or college to help you cover some of these expenses.

Living costs

In addition to your course fees, you will need to ensure that you have adequate funds to support your living costs for the duration of your course.

For the 2024-25 academic year, the range of likely living costs for full-time study is between c. £1,345 and £1,955 for each month spent in Oxford. Full information, including a breakdown of likely living costs in Oxford for items such as food, accommodation and study costs, is available on our living costs page. The current economic climate and high national rate of inflation make it very hard to estimate potential changes to the cost of living over the next few years. When planning your finances for any future years of study in Oxford beyond 2024-25, it is suggested that you allow for potential increases in living expenses of around 5% each year – although this rate may vary depending on the national economic situation. UK inflationary increases will be kept under review and this page updated.

Students enrolled on this course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college. Please note that ‘college’ and ‘colleges’ refers to all 43 of the University’s colleges, including those designated as societies and permanent private halls (PPHs). 

If you apply for a place on this course you will have the option to express a preference for one of the colleges listed below, or you can ask us to find a college for you. Before deciding, we suggest that you read our brief  introduction to the college system at Oxford  and our  advice about expressing a college preference . 

If you are a current Oxford student and you would like to remain at your current Oxford college, you should check whether it is listed below. If it is, you should indicate this preference when you apply. If not, you should contact your college office to ask whether they would be willing to make an exception. Further information about staying at your current college can be found in our Application Guide. 

The following colleges accept students on the DPhil in Philosophy:

• Balliol College
• Blackfriars
• Brasenose College
• Campion Hall
• Christ Church
• Corpus Christi College
• Exeter College
• Harris Manchester College
• Hertford College
• Jesus College
• Keble College
• Kellogg College
• Lady Margaret Hall
• Linacre College
• Lincoln College
• Magdalen College
• Mansfield College
• Merton College
• New College
• Oriel College
• Pembroke College
• The Queen's College
• Regent's Park College
• Reuben College
• St Anne's College
• St Catherine's College
• St Cross College
• St Edmund Hall
• St Hilda's College
• St Hugh's College
• St John's College
• St Peter's College
• Somerville College
• Trinity College
• University College
• Wadham College
• Wolfson College
• Worcester College
• Wycliffe Hall

Before you apply

Our  guide to getting started  provides general advice on how to prepare for and start your application. You can use our interactive tool to help you  evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive .

If it's important for you to have your application considered under a particular deadline – eg under a December or January deadline in order to be considered for Oxford scholarships – we recommend that you aim to complete and submit your application at least two weeks in advance . Check the deadlines on this page and the  information about deadlines and when to apply  in our Application Guide.

Application fee waivers

An application fee of £75 is payable for each application to this course. Application fee waivers are available for the following applicants who meet the eligibility criteria:

• applicants from low-income countries;
• refugees and displaced persons; 
• UK applicants from low-income backgrounds; and 
• applicants who applied for our Graduate Access Programmes in the past two years and met the eligibility criteria.

You are encouraged to  check whether you're eligible for an application fee waiver  before you apply.

Readmission for current Oxford graduate taught students

If you're currently studying for an Oxford graduate taught course and apply to this course with no break in your studies, you may be eligible to apply to this course as a readmission applicant. The application fee will be waived for an eligible application of this type. Check whether you're eligible to apply for readmission .

Do I need to contact anyone before I apply?

Before you apply, you should identify an academic member of staff who is willing to supervise you and has the resources to support your proposed research project. There is no need to contact prospective supervisors directly; details of academic staff, including their research interests and contact details, can be found on the department's website.

Please note that it can never be guaranteed that your proposed supervisor will be assigned to you, even if you receive prior informal approval from that supervisor.

Completing your application

You should refer to the information below when completing the application form, paying attention to the specific requirements for the supporting documents .

For this course, the application form will include questions that collect information that would usually be included in a CV/résumé. You should not upload a separate document. If a separate CV/résumé is uploaded, it will be removed from your application .

If any document does not meet the specification, including the stipulated word count, your application may be considered incomplete and not assessed by the academic department. Expand each section to show further details.

Proposed field and title of research project

Under the 'Field and title of research project' please enter your proposed field or area of research if this is known. If the department has advertised a specific research project that you would like to be considered for, please enter the project title here instead.

You should not use this field to type out a full research proposal. You will be able to upload your research supporting materials separately if they are required (as described below).

Proposed supervisor

If known, under 'Proposed supervisor name' enter the name of the academic(s) whom you would like to supervise your research. Otherwise, leave this field blank.

Referees Three overall, academic preferred

Whilst you must register three referees, the department may start the assessment of your application if two of the three references are submitted by the course deadline and your application is otherwise complete. Please note that you may still be required to ensure your third referee supplies a reference for consideration.

Three academic references are usually required. However, if you have been out of education for a long time, or if you have substantial relevant working experience, then a maximum of one professional reference may replace an academic reference, provided that it speaks to your ability to undertake philosophy studies at graduate level.

Your references should support outstanding academic achievement, great intellectual ability, strong motivation, and independence of thought.

Official transcript(s)

Your transcripts should give detailed information of the individual grades received in your university-level qualifications to date. You should only upload official documents issued by your institution and any transcript not in English should be accompanied by a certified translation.

More information about the transcript requirement is available in the Application Guide.

Personal statement and research proposal: Statement of a maximum of 500 words and a proposal of a maximum of 2,000 words

Your statement of purpose/personal statement and research proposal should be submitted as a single, combined document with clear subheadings. Please ensure that the word counts for each section are clearly visible in the document.

Personal statement

You should also submit a personal statement explaining your motivation for applying for graduate study at Oxford. Your statement should focus on philosophy, rather than personal, extra-curricular achievements and interests. In your statement, you may wish to consider the following questions:

• why are you applying to this particular programme of study?
• what relevant academic and/or research experience do you have?
• which areas of study within the subject interest you?
• why would you be an excellent candidate for this course?
• how does this course fit in with your future career plans?

Your personal statement should be written in English and be a maximum of 500 words.

If possible, please ensure that the word count is clearly displayed on the document.

Your personal statement will be assessed for evidence of motivation for and understanding of the proposed area of study.

Research proposal

Your research proposal should comprise a detailed outline of your proposed research, covering areas such as the background to the research, methodology, expected results and the contribution to the field of learning. You may wish to make reference to your academic achievements, interests and aspirations and the relevance of the course to your future career development plans.

Your research proposal should be written in English and be a maximum of 2,000 words. The word count does not need to include any bibliography or brief footnotes.

Your research proposal will be assessed for:

• coherence 
• originality 
• evidence of motivation for and understanding of the proposed area of study
• ability to present a reasoned case in English
• feasibility of successfully completing the project in the time available for the course (normally three years and a maximum of four years)
• commitment to the subject
• knowledge of research techniques
• capacity for sustained and intense work
• reasoning ability
• ability to absorb new ideas, often presented abstractly, at a rapid pace.

It will be normal for your ideas subsequently to change in some ways as you investigate the evidence and develop your project, but you should nevertheless make the best effort you can to demonstrate the extent of your research question, sources and method at the time of your application.

Written work: One essay of 4,000 to a maximum of 5,000 words

You should submit an academic essay on a subject related to your proposed research topic. 

The essay should be typed or word-processed in English and must be clearly marked with your name and the date of composition. The word count does not need to include the end bibliography. Footnotes and in-text referencing are included.

This will be assessed for:

• clarity and accuracy of thought and writing
• intellectual independence
• willingness and ability to reach conclusions by reasoned argument rather than assertion
• a critical and attentive reading of any texts discussed
• understanding of important philosophical ideas and theories
• if required by the topic of the work, appropriate technical skills.

Start or continue your application

You can start or return to an application using the relevant link below. As you complete the form, please  refer to the requirements above  and  consult our Application Guide for advice .

Application Guide   Apply

ADMISSION STATUS

Closed to applications for entry in 2024-25

Register to be notified via email when the next application cycle opens (for entry in 2025-26)

12:00 midday UK time on:

Tuesday 7 January 2025

Latest deadline for most Oxford scholarships Final application deadline for entry in 2025-26

*Three-year average (applications for entry in 2021-22 to 2023-24)

Further information and enquiries

This course is offered by the Faculty of Philosophy

• Course page  and FAQs on the faculty's website
• Funding information from the faculty
• Academic and research staff
• Faculty research
• Humanities Division
• Residence requirements for full-time courses

Course-related enquiries

Advice about contacting the department can be found in the How to apply section of this page

✉ [email protected] ☎ +44 (0)1865 276930

Application-process enquiries

See the application guide

Other courses to consider

You may also wish to consider applying to other courses that are similar or related to this course:

View related courses

• Key Differences

Know the Differences & Comparisons

Difference Between M.Phil. and Ph.D.

On the other hand, M.Phil. , i.e. Master of Philosophy , is only a post-graduate degree, which is both research-based and has a syllabus too, for the coursework. In this article, you will find a complete description of the differences between M.Phil. and Ph.D.

Content: M.Phil. Vs Ph.D.

Comparison chart.

M.Phil. Programme

M.Phil. or otherwise called as Master of Philosophy is a postgraduate degree based on advanced academic research work, offered by the University. It is also considered as a second degree or intermediate degree programme between post-graduate degree and doctorate.

The total duration of the programme is two years, of which one year is coursework, followed by dissertation work, in which the learner has to refer to the research performed by the other scholars and look for latest research on the respective subject, to recreate it. The evaluation of the dissertation is done by the internal supervisor and external examiner, which will lead to viva-voce. Once the candidate qualifies the viva-voce, he/she is awarded the degree of M.Phil.

Before the final submission of the dissertation, the student has to give a seminar presentation on the research work performed.

Ph.D. Programme

PhD expands to Doctor of Philosophy, is the topmost degree awarded by any university to its scholars, who have completed their original research, in the topic or field selected. It prepares the postgraduate students for faculty and research positions at universities.

To get admission to this programme, first of all, the aspirant has to qualify certain entrance exam, in their respective subject opted for pursuing Ph.D., such as NET, GATE or similar another equivalent exam. After which he/she has to choose the University for admission to the programme, then one year of coursework needs to be completed, prior to the confirmation of PhD registration. After that they become eligible for the submission of the thesis, after two years from the date registration is confirmed.

By the end of the first year of the programme, the scholar needs to consult with the supervisor, regarding the identification, preparation and submission of the synopsis. The topic of the research work must be an approved one.

Once the thesis is complete under the guidance of the supervisor, the scholar has to give two seminar presentations, followed by the submission of the thesis, to the relevant committee. Next, the thesis will then be sent to the examiner for the purpose of evaluation. If the examiners so appointed recommend the acceptance of the degree, then the thesis needs to be published in the research journal.

After publishing it, the candidate is required to defend the thesis in the viva-voce, in front of the panel of examiners. On the successful completion of the viva, the scholar is recommended for awarding the degree.

Key Differences Between M.Phil. And Ph.D.

The difference between M.Phil and PhD can be drawn clearly on the following grounds:

• M.Phil. is described as a second master’s degree course, that is pursued by the students to gain full-fledged knowledge on the subject and also provides a platform for advanced research. In contrast, Doctor of Philosophy, abbreviated as PhD is a professional degree course, that allows the degree holder to get a faculty position and teach the respective subject at the university level, or work in that field.
• The m.phil programme is a two years course, whereas the minimum time duration to complete PhD is three years but the time can extend depending on the submission and acceptance of the thesis.
• While stipend is not paid in M.Phil., in PhD fellowship is awarded to the student as a stipend, for conducting research work.
• In M.Phil. programme, the course includes research basics. Conversely, in the PhD programme, the students are required to produce their own original work and perform research in a particular field.
• The programme structure of M.Phil. has two components, i.e. coursework and the dissertation work which is performed under the guidance of the expert. On the contrary, PhD programme encompasses the coursework, for one year, followed by thesis work under the guidance of the expert supervisor.

At the end of the discussion, it can be said that M.Phil. is a less advanced research degree as compared to Ph.D., because in M.Phil. The student can read a model research paper and go through the latest researches made on the subject to recreate it. But, in case of PhD, the research work moves around the concept of creating something new and original to the subject, for which continuous experiment and studies is to be performed by the student, under the guidance of the supervisor.

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banban says

November 10, 2019 at 5:59 pm

I wish to recieve all information

Mekala Ravi says

February 8, 2022 at 11:35 pm

Good information

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• MPhil vs PhD

Written by Ben Taylor

The MPhil is a research degree that can be part of a PhD or a standalone qualification. Compared to the PhD, the MPhil involves a shorter research project which shows an advanced understanding of the field and sources. Whereas a PhD is a longer degree which should end with an original contribution to a scholarly field. If your project does not have the scope to become a PhD it may achieve an MPhil instead.

Compared to taught Masters programmes like MAs and MScs, the MPhil is comprised of a single independent research project, rather than a selection of modules and assessments.

This page will explain some of the main differences between an MPhil and a PhD, as well as providing advice for those unsure which qualification is right for them. If you’re interested in how the transition from an MPhil to a PhD works, our guide to the MPhil upgrade will be helpful.

On this page

What is an mphil.

The term ‘MPhil’ means Master of Philosophy and the qualification is a purely research-based Masters degree . While more common Masters like the MA and MSc involve a range of taught units and assessments, as well as a dissertation, the MPhil instead consists of an extended dissertation (usually around 60,000 words). This dissertation is then defended by the student at a viva voce exam .

Despite the name, you can do an MPhil in any subject – not just Philosophy! An MPhil is generally considered the most advanced Masters degree you can take, while a PhD is the highest academic qualification on offer.

There are two types of MPhil:

• Standalone qualifications
• Those that are part of a PhD programme

A standalone MPhil takes two years to complete but if you’re doing an MPhil within a PhD, you’ll usually ‘upgrade’ to a PhD with an oral examination at the end of your first year.

For integrated MPhil/PhD programmes, you won’t have to work on a specific MPhil dissertation but will instead begin work on what will eventually become your PhD thesis .

For more information on how MPhils work, check out our full guide to the MPhil on our sister site FindAMasters. This page will primarily focuses on the differences between a PhD and an MPhil, and how to choose which one to do.

What’s the difference between an MPhil and a PhD?

The main difference between an MPhil and a PhD lies in the extent to which the project can be described as an ‘original contribution to knowledge’ – the defining factor of a PhD.

• An MPhil is a substantial piece of research, but it doesn’t need to provide a completely new scholarly contribution to the subject in question. Instead, it needs to display the student’s comprehensive knowledge and critical understanding of its topic.
• A PhD , by contrast, must consist of a significant academic contribution that will add to the existing research done around the subject. A PhD should also be of publishable quality – generally speaking, an MPhil doesn’t need to meet that standard.

Unsurprisingly, at two years in duration, an MPhil is shorter than a PhD , which takes between three and four years to complete on a full-time basis. It’s also worth knowing that a standalone MPhil dissertation is also shorter than a PhD thesis .

Another important difference between an MPhil and a PhD is their funding status. If you’re intending to do a standalone MPhil, you should apply for a Masters loan . When your intension is to upgrade to a PhD, you should look for PhD funding .

Should I do an MPhil or a PhD?

If you’ve identified a research topic that doesn’t quite have the same scope as a full PhD, then an MPhil could be the perfect qualification for you. You’ll have much more time and freedom than you would on a standard taught Masters to do your topic justice, without the added pressure and commitment that comes with a doctoral degree.

An MPhil also gives you the opportunity to develop valuable research skills that will be sought after by potential employers in a range of sectors outside of academia .

You may feel worried that there is some stigma attached to the MPhil and that such a qualification can be viewed as an unsuccessful PhD. While it’s true that an MPhil can sometimes be the result of an failed PhD or viva exam, this is only the case for a small number of MPhils. Needless to say, you can explain the circumstances that led to you completing an MPhil rather than a PhD in any job application you make.

There are a few other reasons why you might apply for an MPhil instead of a PhD. For example, MPhil is sometimes the name for traditional one-year Masters at certain universities – this is the case at the University of Cambridge, which offers both taught and research-based MPhil qualifications.

Similarly, in some higher education systems like those in India and Pakistan, the MPhil is a research degree that lies between a taught Masters and a full PhD.

Want to learn more about how a PhD actually works?

Our guide to the PhD journey takes you through each stage of a doctorate.

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Joint PhD programmes involve collaboration between two (or more) different universities. So how does that work? Who can apply? And what are the advantages (and disadvantages) of researching in this way?

Integrated PhD programmes consist of a one-year Masters followed by three years of PhD research. Find out more about what it's like to study an integrated PhD, how to apply and the funding options available.

Thinking of applying for the Doctor of Engineering (EngD)? Our guide covers everything you need to know about the qualification, including costs, applications, programme content, and how it differs from a PhD.

A PhD isn't the only option for postgraduate researchers. Our guides explain professional doctorates, joint degrees and compare other qualification types.

How does the value of an MPhil compare with a PhD, and why might you choose the Masters over the doctorate?

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