oxford phd in management

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DPhil in Management

University of oxford, different course options.

• Key information

Course Summary

Tuition fees, entry requirements, similar courses at different universities, key information data source : idp connect, qualification type.

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Subject areas

Management (General)

Course type

About the programme

Our doctoral training will immerse you in all aspects of academic life.

You will be both a student and a junior research colleague. We provide courses in a wide variety of research methods and you will work closely with your supervisors to define your research question and develop your thesis. In addition, you will have opportunities to gain teaching and research assistant experience and become involved with the intellectual community within both Saïd Business School and the wider University. You will attend academic conferences, make presentations, organise lectures and seminars and contribute to management and academic decisions.

Both of our doctoral programmes run in parallel, with only differences in taught courses and preparation for writing in relevant journals to your subject of choice.

We have deliberately kept the programmes small which means that in the vast majority of cases, students are fully funded to allow them to devote their energies to research. The DPhil corresponds to a PhD degree offered at most other universities.

Assessment and programme milestones

Our DPhil offers students the opportunity to engage with internationally renowned faculty who are here to help you become an academic scholar.

You will be initially admitted to the status of Probationer Research Student (PRS). You are required to take three core courses in quantitative and qualitative research methodology during your first year.

Introduction to management research methods

Statistical research methods

Management and organisation theory

During second and third terms, you will undertake advanced research methods training and, in consultation with your supervisor, select specialist courses, available from a choice of topics relevant to area of interest.

UK fees Course fees for UK students

For this course (per year)

International fees Course fees for EU and international students

You will require: a good undergraduate degree: 2.1 (GPA 3.5 or its equivalent). Successful applicants typically have a distinction in a Master’s level degree in addition to their undergraduate studies, but exceptional applicants from undergraduate programmes in relevant subjects will be considered. Three pieces of written work, including a well-developed research proposal, three academic references.

MSc Port Management

Liverpool john moores university, msc management, msc international business and management, msc international business and management (with advanced practice), msc management (with advanced practice).

Department of

Department of Education

Studying for a part-time dphil with us.

Doctoral research training programmes in the department, as across the University of Oxford more generally, are set up and structured around the needs of full time (FT) students.

This department admits around twenty-two doctoral students to start a full-time DPhil each year, and it is not possible to offer training courses outside the working day or through distance/online provision.

However, the department does have the University’s permission to offer a part-time (PT) DPhil option for students who reside and are employed locally.  In the recent past we have admitted one and occasionally two PT students most years. Our ‘Special Regulations’ stipulate that:

Part-time research students are required to attend for a minimum of thirty days of university-based work each year, to be arranged with the agreement of their supervisor.

Studying part-time for a DPhil is demanding and students should normally expect to devote on average at least 20 hours per week to their research. The research training provided for our first-year doctoral students is timetabled on Wednesdays and Thursdays during the eight-week terms. Part-time students normally spread this training over two years, allocating every Thursday in their first year, and every Wednesday in their second year. We also encourage students to benefit from relevant research training and skills-training opportunities available across the Social Science division. Students should be prepared to be in the department from 9.30am to 4.30pm on days they are expected to attend.

Students are encouraged to actively participate in, and contribute to, the academic life in the department throughout their doctoral studies. Many attend and present at regular student-run weekly ‘Work in Progress’ sessions, and the annual Student conference held in March.

PT DPhil study, like FT study, is only suited to exceptional candidates. Applicants need to have a strong and coherent research proposal, an outstanding academic track-record, and to ensure their employer understands the importance of full participation in the life of the department. An important part of the doctoral experience comes from being in a cohort, of sharing ideas, and being supported by peers. The department’s research centres and groups also play a vital role. Staying engaged helps students stay motivated, meet ‘milestone’ deadlines and progress to timely completion. Applicants to PT study would need to demonstrate how they would continue to be part of this doctoral community over the course of their studies.

For part-time research applications admission is initially dependent on evidence of the following requirements:

• the applicant normally has a minimum of three years’ professional experience and is currently employed (and will continue to be employed) in some capacity in the field of education
• the applicant can meet the attendance requirements relating to part-time study (In practice this means living in or very near Oxford)
• the applicant has the written support of their present employer for their proposed course of study and its obligations

A student’s perspective

It was very interesting reading through your document and made me realise how much I have learned in the relatively short period since I began the DPhil.

I think the summary you have produced is absolutely fair and balances the responsibilities of part-time students to stay engaged with the Department and University activities (not easy but makes the whole experience much more rewarding), with the flexibility a part-time programme gives you to combine work and study. It is very important potential part-timers realise the extent of their commitment well in advance of registering, and your document tells them what they need to know.

Gillian Clarke, part-time DPhil student

Hospitality, Tourism and Events Management

MPhil or PhD

Find a course

Start dates.

January 2024 / June 2024

Application deadline

Applications for international candidates must be received in full by:

• 31 May 2024 (for September 2024 entry)
• 30 September 2024 (for January 2025 entry)
• 31 January 2025 (for June 2025 entry)

Applications for home and distance learning candidates must be received in full by:

• 30 June 2024 (for September 2024 entry) - only entry for Doctor of Coaching & Mentoring
• 31 September 2024 (for January 2025 entry)
• 28 February 2025 (for June 2025 entry)

Distance learning

Course length

Full time: minimum 3 years

Part time: minimum 4 years

Oxford Brookes Business School

Funding status

Self-funded

Attend an open day or webinar

Write your research proposal

Apply direct

Oxford Brookes has a well-established tradition of research in hospitality, tourism and events and is an internationally recognised centre of excellence in these fields. Our research in hospitality, tourism and events encompasses work on sustainable planning and development; experience design and customer experience management; organizational behaviour; digital marketing; revenue and financial management; strategy; entrepreneurship; consumer behaviour; stakeholder engagement and social impacts. Our colleagues working in these fields bring a range of disciplinary expertise, and our research promotes responsible business practice, while seeking to create positive impacts.

If you study for a PhD in Hospitality, Tourism and Events, you will normally be linked to either the Centre of Business Society and Global Challenges (BSGC) or Oxford Regions Innovation, Enterprise Lab (ORIEL) depending on your chosen topic, but we also maintain strong links with colleagues working in the International Centre for Coaching and Mentoring Studies (ICCAMS) .

Degree routes

All students enrol as probationer research students. The degree for which you register will depend on your academic qualifications and research experience. During the first year you will formally register your research proposal for one of the below routes.

If you undertake an MPhil you will:

• critically investigate and evaluate an approved topic
• demonstrate understanding of research methods appropriate to the chosen field
• present and defend a substantial thesis by oral examination.

Thesis: 50,000 words

Length of study: Full-time: 2-3 years. Part-time: 3-4 years.

The criteria for a PhD are similar to those for an MPhil, with the key difference that:

• the research carried out will result in an independent and original contribution to knowledge.

Thesis: 100,000 words

Length of study: Full-time: 3-4 years. Part-time: 4-6 years.

Why Oxford Brookes University?

You will benefit from:

• a supervisory team of two to three supervisors who can provide the best combination of expertise to support your work
• training courses in research methods provided by the Business School and wider University
• regular seminars and learning activities at department, school and university level
• experience of presenting work to different audiences
• opportunities to network and discuss your work with staff and fellow students.
• engage with our entrepreneurs in residence and visiting entrepreneurs
• Work with local businesses
• collaborative opportunities, including receiving industrial funding and sponsorship.

You will be supported in developing and sharing your expertise through:

• opportunities to present at internal seminars and conferences
• dupport in attending, and ultimately presenting at external conferences (some financial assistance is available)
• training as an Associate Lecturer and the opportunity to engage in teaching activity on appropriate modules offered by the Business School.

Learning and assessment

While every candidate’s exact experience will vary according to their particular discipline, topic and methodology, there are a number of common elements that all students will undertake:

• critically investigating and evaluating an approved topic
• undertaking an analytical review of the existing literature in your topic area to set the theoretical context for your work and help demonstrate the gap in knowledge you will address
• developing and then implementing a rigorous and appropriate methodology for researching your topic
• demonstrating that your research conforms to all relevant ethical codes of practice
• extensive primary field research, analysis and evaluation.

Your progression will be monitored through an annual process undertaken at the end of each academic year, and through two key progression points after approximately six months and eighteen months of study respectively.

Janrapee Kemthong

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Political risks and international hotel expansion decision making: a strategic framework for risk optimisation

How to apply

Entry requirements.

Applicants should have a good honours degree and a good master's degree at merit level or above that includes a thesis component.

Applicants with equivalent experience will be considered.

Application process

• Complete your research proposal
• Gather your supporting documents (listed below)
• Make a direct application .

If you have any difficulty completing your application, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page .

Supporting documents

When applying for this programme of study please upload all of the required supporting documents listed below to the online application portal .

We suggest merging your supporting documents into a single PDF file. Please note there are two specifically designated options for you to upload your two references to.

• copies of your previous degree transcripts and certificates (both undergraduate and postgraduate)
• a scan of your passport
• two academic references
• a 2,000-word Research Topic Proposal
• evidence of funding (we require evidence of personal funds or letter from funder if being sponsored)
• international students must also provide an English Language Certificate with an IELTS score of at least 7.0.

Tuition fees

Fees quoted are for the first year only. If you are studying a course that lasts longer than one year, your fees will increase each year.

For International fees the following factors will be taken into account by the University when it is setting the annual fees: inflationary measures such as the retail price indices, projected increases in University costs, changes in the level of funding received from Government sources, admissions statistics and access considerations including the availability of student support. 

Home fees are set by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and are released approximately five months before the start of each academic year.

If you have any questions about fees, get in touch with the Research Degrees Team at  [email protected] .

How and when to pay

Tuition fee instalments for the semester are due by the Monday of week 1 of each semester. Students are not liable for full fees for that semester if they leave before week 4. If the leaving date is after week 4, full fees for the semester are payable.

• For information on payment methods please see our Make a Payment page.
• For information about refunds please visit our Refund policy  page

Compulsory costs

Optional costs, funding your studies, financial support and scholarships.

Featured funding opportunities available for this course.

All financial support and scholarships

View all funding opportunities for this course

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• DPhil in Public Policy
• DPhil in detail
• How to apply to the DPhil
• DPhil fees and funding

Do you want to help improve governments by providing them with research-based evidence? Are you motivated to carry out in-depth academic research that can make a positive contribution to public policy?

Our Doctorate in Public Policy or DPhil (as a PhD is known at the University of Oxford) in Public Policy is structured as a full-time course over three years (there is a part-time option for candidates in exceptional circumstances). The course has an emphasis on solving pressing public problems and provides robust training for understanding particular policy challenges and for evaluating, devising or implementing policy solutions.

At the Blavatnik School we focus on question-driven research: this means that the focus is on analysing and finding solutions to policy issues and challenges that governments face around the world. As a DPhil student, you will concentrate on research that answers policy questions, drawing on rigorous concepts, theory and methods from multiple disciplines, rather than developing new theories or methods in a particular discipline.

At the end of your studies, you will be expertly qualified to conduct research, whether as an academic, in a governmental role, or in other influential policy organisations, institutes and think tanks.

The DPhil in Public Policy aims to:

• Hone your research skills in ways that are relevant to policy-focused research.
• Develop your interdisciplinary understanding of policy challenges.
• Equip you to be able to design and undertake original research which makes a real contribution to the development and/or analysis of public policy.
• Enhance your ability to communicate your research findings to the policy community in a way that ensures real world impact.
• Enable you to present a lucid and scholarly thesis for examination.

You will have the opportunity to attend an impressive set of seminars within the Blavatnik School and across the University of Oxford, where you will learn in a multidisciplinary environment and present your research proposals to relevant audiences. You will also benefit from being part of an extraordinary network of peers to share ideas and advice, while meeting and interacting with prominent public policy practitioners who will help you root your research into practical issues.

Our DPhil alumni have gone on to build successful careers in various sectors – from  working on critical EU negotiations  at the European Commission to  establishing a leading law firm  in Colombia. With its emphasis on the real-world application of policy knowledge, our DPhil specifically prepares you for a high-level career in public service, government and non-governmental organisations, as well as academia and the private sector.

Oxford graduates are highly sought-after by employers across the world and the career prospects for you after completing your DPhil in Public Policy are excellent. At the Blavatnik School you will develop the skills required to succeed in your career as well as benefit from a programme of career-focused events. Collaborating with your fellow students and faculty will help you discover career paths and opportunities in public service and academia. We also offer an outstanding programme of speaker events at which many visitors discuss their careers, and outside of the School there are many events organised by departments, centres, societies and colleges – all of these provide opportunities to meet with global specialists and develop your network of contacts.

You will be interacting and sharing opinions with fellow DPhil students and other Blavatnik School students – forging relationships that will last well beyond the time you will spend at the School. As your career develops, being part of this community will mean you have a shared learning experience with like-minded peers throughout the world.

The Blavatnik School’s alumni form a close-knit community providing them with social connections, professional guidance and a trusted source of advice. These connections also serve as powerful reminders for all of us of our shared commitment to public service and our desire to make a positive, real difference in the world.

Learn more about the course details, the fees, funding options and how to join our community.

Report a problem

Thank you, your report has been submitted. We will deal with the issue as soon as possible. If you have any other questions, please send an email to [email protected] .

Your Programmes

University of Oxford

DPhil (PhD) Management Studies

1 in 10 applicants to this programme received an offer.

Data shown above is for entry in academic year 2019/20 (sources) .

Previous Years

Why are there inexact numbers? For data protection reasons, when the number of applications, offers, or admissions is low for a given course (or in some cases, regardless of the numbers), some universities report only approximate numbers. Based on these, we have computed the range of possible values.

Data sources

• FOI Request by S.H Crozier. July 2016.
• FOI Request by Albert Warren. December 2019.

The acceptance rate , or offer rate, represents the fraction of applicants who received an offer. Note that this will be generally lower the acceptances rates (acceptances divided by applicants) published by many other sources. This article explains it in more detail. The acceptances generally indicate the number of offer holders who accepted the offer and fulfilled its conditions. For some universities, however, it denotes the number of applicants who accepted the offer, regardless of whether they subsequently met its conditions.

Data Reliability

Unless otherwise noted, the data presented comes from the universities and is generally reliable. However, some of the differences between years and/or courses may be due to different counting methodologies or data gathering errors. This may especially be the case if there is a sharp difference from year to year. If the data does not look right, click the "Report" button located near the top of the page.

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MSc Major Programme Management

Start date:

• 7 October 2024

Time commitment:

About the programme

How do you create change and tackle the challenges of complexity and disruption through leading major programmes?

You’re already an experienced project or programme manager, fully capable of delivering promised outcomes and realising the business benefits of these focused, temporary organisations. But against a backdrop of climate change, the push to net zero, technological transformation, and economic and geopolitical uncertainty, you feel that you need to develop your skills further.

Over two years and eight intensive weeks in Oxford, the MSc in Major Programme Management will broaden and deepen your capabilities. It will introduce you to the latest research on programme management, systems thinking, leadership, risk, governance, and more. You will work with a diverse group of fellow students at the cutting edge of organisations and industries worldwide. And you will receive feedback and coaching to ensure that you can turn your new knowledge into effective and impactful action.

The eight modules are:

• Designing and managing successful programmes
• Systems thinking
• Governance and stakeholder leadership
• Major programme risk
• Research methods
• Strategic leadership and programme performance
• Major programme impact
• Major programme futures

As part of our continuous review process, elements of this programme are subject to change for the 2024 intake. Any modifications to the content will be communicated at the earliest opportunity.

Throughout the MSc in Major Programme Management you will build your leadership acumen, systems thinking, stakeholder governance, programme design, and risk management capabilities with an eye towards impact, benefits realisation, and future trends. Daniel Armanios BT Professor and Chair of Major Programme Management

Oxford experience

Oxford is one of the world’s greatest and most famous universities. As an MSc student, you will be a part of it.

You will become a member of one of the University's colleges – the independent interdisciplinary communities of scholars and students located all around the city. You will connect with all kinds of people outside your course, have the opportunity to dine in extraordinary surroundings, and enjoy privileged access to historic buildings and experiences that are unavailable to non-members.

As a student at Saïd Business School, you will network with classmates, faculty, and industry guests, as well as take advantage of a range of speaker events, academic and careers advice sessions, and social occasions. Once graduated, you will automatically become a member of the Oxford Business Alumni network (OBA), offering valuable ongoing networking and learning opportunities with other Oxford graduates worldwide.

• Why Oxford Saïd?
• The college experience
• Alumni network

Class profile 2023

The MSc draws together a truly diverse mix of project and programme managers from many employment sectors and countries.

Average age

Nationalities

Employment sectors

Female students

Average years of work experience

Watch a recording of a webinar with Programme Director, Jessica Hodgson and our female students and alumnae. As they give an overview of the diversity of current cohorts and the importance of studying alongside participants from a wide-range of industries, while providing insight into the opportunities inherent in studying at Oxford and engaging with like-minded practitioners.

• Become part of a dynamic intellectual community, with access to cutting edge research.
• Accelerate your career in programme management and leadership.
• Stretch yourself with innovative, creative, critical thinking.
• Leverage the collective wisdom of your fellow students: it’s like having 60 industry-leading consultants working with you.
• Put your learning into practice immediately: leave Oxford on Friday night and make changes at work on Monday.
• Enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime experience of studying at Oxford.
• Grow your network with the global, multi-industry Oxford Business Alumni.

To your organisation

• This is an investment in retaining and developing top achievers and high-potential employees.
• You will help them improve programme outcomes and risk management.
• Through you they can tap into game-changing research.
• You can address their specific organisational challenges in the group discussions and dissertation.
• The programme will increase your confidence and ability to lead teams and programmes to success.
• You will remain a productive and contributing member of the management team even while studying and developing.
• Through joining an experienced peer-group you will bring new knowledge and ideas to the business.

I have been able to apply what I've learned to my workplace, using new language and terminology, and implementing changes where necessary. The way I see the bigger picture now and have been able to open my peripheral vision has really benefited what I'm doing and how I'm continuing to influence the organisation. Emma McDaid Head of Project Management, Magnox Ltd, UK

Who can apply

The MSc is designed for experienced project and programme managers.

You should have strong academic and professional credentials with over seven years' relevant professional experience.

The full cost of the 2024-2026 programme is £57,760 including:

• Tuition, lunch, refreshments and one college dinner per module
• University and College services

Making an impact

For the latest insights and views from the classroom, read our class blogs – written first-hand by students and alumni.

Oxford is where I belong and Oxford is part of my life

Applying Oxford learnings directly into work

My MSc experience: an enlightening, inspiring and magnificent journey

A highlight of Emma McDaid's Oxford experience

You don't come to Oxford to get answers, you come to find the answers within yourself

The perfect fit for the NHS

The MSc in Major Programme Management women scholarship experience

Application advice

We hold one-to-one meetings and information events both in-person and online. These sessions are a great opportunity to find out more about the programme.

Selected faculty

Oxford Saïd’s outstanding faculty bring access to world-class research, a wealth of industry experience and the ability to present complex concepts and lead high-level executive debate.

Daniel Armanios, Academic Director

BT Professor of Major Programme Management

Alex Budzier

Fellow in Management Practice in the Field of Information Systems

Andrew White

Associate Fellow

Benn Lawson

Associate Professor of Operations Management

Bridget Kustin

Senior Research Fellow

Lecturer in Organisation Studies

Harvey Maylor

Associate Professor, Senior Fellow in Management Practice

Juliane Reinecke

Professor of Management Studies

Kate Blackmon

Associate Professor in Operations Management

Malcolm McCulloch

Associate Professor of Engineering Science

Marc Ventresca

Associate Professor of Strategic Management

Paolo Quattrone

Paulo Savaget

Associate Professor of Engineering (Engineering Entrepreneurship)

Rehema Msulwa

Associate Professor in Major Programme Management

Professor of Organisational Behaviour

Scholarships and funding

We believe that greater team diversity positively affects the outcome of a project.

We offer two Women's Scholarships to outstanding female candidates from each intake, covering 50% of the total programme fee. This is designed to further support greater diversity within the cohort and increase the flow of talented women into senior roles in the industry.

The Rewley Scholarship , made possible by the generosity of Saïd Business School alumni, is awarded on the basis of academic excellence and covers 50% of course fees. And three Director's Awards , covering up to 50% of the total programme fee, are open to candidates who can effectively demonstrate how they will enhance the diversity of their cohort, as well as exemplify the positive impact this MSc will have on their sector/country/region in the long term.

• Magda Brown, Recruitment Manager, Executive Diplomas and Masters
• [email protected]
• +44 (0)7720 143388

DPhil in Sustainable Urban Development

• Entry requirements
• Funding and costs

College preference

• How to apply

About the course

The Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) in Sustainable Urban Development is a part-time doctoral programme that provides outstanding students an opportunity to pursue in-depth and rigorous research about the pressing challenges of urban sustainability and the processes of environmental, economic, and social development in urban environments around the world. 

Students admitted to the programme are usually motivated to undertake detailed research in preparation for an academic career and other research-intensive occupations; to have a substantial impact on future policy-making processes; or to pursue and/or advance their professional career at organisations and institutions operating in the field of sustainable urban development. The course provides support and an intellectual environment by leading scholars in the field to pursue your own independent research.

Pattern of teaching and learning

This is a part-time DPhil programme, taken over a minimum of four years and a maximum of eight years. You are required to have a good general knowledge of the field within which research falls, and of the methods appropriate to the study of this field. Throughout the period of study, you will be part of a thriving international graduate community of students engaged with sustainable urban development, including students on the part-time MSc in Sustainable Urban Development . 

Students are expected to attend the programme’s two doctoral training weeks each academic year (usually held in October and June), and to contribute to additional online research and reading seminars. Students should meet regularly with their supervisor during their doctoral research – usually once or twice a term - but also will be motivated and capable of maintaining consistent independent and self-directed studies throughout the year.

As a part-time student you will be required to attend course activities and related obligations in Oxford for a minimum of 30 days each year.

There will be flexibility in the dates of attendance, which will be determined by mutual agreement with your supervisor. You will have the opportunity to tailor your part-time study and pattern of in-person attendance in liaison with your supervisor. It is expected that you will join all online course activities during your period of study.

Supervision

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Department for Continuing Education 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 Department for Continuing Education.

Students admitted to this degree will conduct their own research under the guidance of a University supervisor, who will advise on all aspects of training, development and academic progress. In being admitted to the degree you must be prepared to work independently a good deal, and you will need considerable personal motivation.

In the case of students admitted to the DPhil who require specific help to adjust to an academic programme or to a new range of skills, the supervisor will work with them to ensure that they have additional support.

Students on the DPhil are required to attend a minimum of 30 days of university-based work each year for the duration of your studies, usually that involves meeting their supervisor once a term.

Students  will be admitted initially as a Probationary Research Student (PRS), in line with University regulations on doctorates. During the probationary period, you will develop and begin work on the thesis topic. You will develop research skills through a range of training and skills development primarily offered via the Department for Continuing Education Graduate School, as well as across the University.

Students must apply for a Transfer of Status from PRS to DPhil status between the sixth and the eighth academic term after admission, each academic year at Oxford having three terms. This involves the submission of a piece of written work that is examined by two assessors, neither of whom will be your supervisors. This process is to ensure that your work is of potential DPhil quality and that the methodology of the research is appropriate and feasible. Upon successful completion of the Transfer of Status, you would usually undertake a period of primary fieldwork/data collection over one to two years.

You will also be required to apply for a Confirmation of Status as DPhil sometime between the twelfth and eighteenth term after admission. This will also involve the submission of a piece of written work that is assessed by two assessors, neither of whom will be your supervisors. The Confirmation of Status assessment is different to the Transfer of Status assessment as the assessors will be focusing on how the research is progressing, the quality of the draft chapters/papers, and on the plan for completion. The assessors will be looking to ensure that you are making the appropriate amount of progress in the development of your thesis, so that thesis submission will be achieved within the time limit.

You will be expected to submit a substantive academic thesis of around 100,000 words after the eighteenth or, at most, twenty-fourth term from the date of admission. To be successfully awarded a DPhil in Sustainable Urban Development you will need to defend your thesis orally (viva voce) in front of two appointed examiners.

Graduate destinations

It is expected that students will already be in employment, working within some area related to urban development. The DPhil may enhance professional practice, career prospects and help secure promotions and other opportunities.

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:

• a master's degree with distinction overall, or a distinction grade on the dissertation as a minimum, in a discipline relevant to sustainable urban development;  and
• a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in any discipline.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA normally sought is 3.7 out of 4.0.

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

• As this is a part-time DPhil, it is anticipated (although not required) that many applicants will have professional experience in a field relevant to sustainable urban development.
• No publications are expected or required. 

Further guidance

• It is essential that applications be submitted as early as possible and to ensure that all required materials are submitted by the advertised deadlines.

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 normally held as part of the admissions process for the candidates who meet the admissions criteria and present a promising research proposal.

The department endeavours to hold interviews within six weeks of application deadline.

Interviews may be held via Microsoft Teams, at the discretion of the Programme Director, when travelling to Oxford is difficult or impossible for the candidate within the interview period. The interview will normally last around 30-45 minutes and will be conducted by a minimum of two assessors from the Admissions Panel. Applicants will be asked to discuss the key aims of their research proposal succinctly, explaining the relevance of the research question in the context of existing knowledge and outlining the rationale for the research methods proposed.

The interview will seek to determine whether the applicant:

• recognises the academic rigour required, and has the intellectual capacity and on-going capacity to maintain independent and proactive independent research study to complete a part-time DPhil;
• shows evidence of possessing research methods skills on which to build on in order to conduct the proposed research project;
• shows a good understanding of the relevant debates underpinning the proposed area of study; and
• has independently assessed which academic(s) would be a relevant doctoral supervisor.

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.

The  Rewley House Continuing Education Library , one of the Bodleian Libraries, is situated in Rewley House. The department aims to support the wide variety of subjects covered by departmental courses at many academic levels. The department also has a collection of around 73,000 books together with periodicals. PCs in the library give access to the internet and the full range of electronic resources subscribed to by the University of Oxford. Wifi is also available. The Jessop Reading Room adjoining the library is available for study. You will have access to the Central Bodleian and other Bodleian Libraries.

The Graduate School provides a stimulating and enriching learning and research environment for the department's graduate students, fostering intellectual and social interaction between graduates of different disciplines and professions from the UK and around the globe. The Graduate School will help you make the most of the wealth of resources and opportunities available, paying particular regard to the support and guidance needed if you are following a part-time graduate programme. The department’s graduate community comprises over 700 members following taught programmes and more than 80 undertaking doctoral research.

The department provides various  IT facilities , including the Student Computing Facility which provides individual PCs for your use. Many of the department's courses are delivered through blended learning or have a website to support face-to-face study. In most cases, online support is delivered through a virtual learning environment. 

Depending on the programme you are taking with the department, you may require  accommodation  at some point in your student career. Rewley House is ideally located in central Oxford; the city's historic sites, colleges, museums, shops and restaurants are only a few minutes’ walk away. The department has 35 en-suite study bedrooms, all with high quality amenities, including internet access.

The Rewley House dining room has seating for up to 132 people. A full meal service is available daily. The department operates a Common Room with bar for students. 

Department for Continuing Education

The need for new learning opportunities throughout life is now recognised throughout society. An intensive, initial period of higher education is not always enough in times of rapid social, economic and technological change. The Department for Continuing Education is known worldwide as a leading provider of extended learning for professional and personal development.

The department provides high-quality, flexible, part-time graduate education, tailored for adults. Students can undertake graduate-level certificates, diplomas and taught master’s degrees in a wide range of subjects. Increasing numbers of courses are delivered in mixed mode, combining intensive periods of residence in Oxford with tutored online study.

The department recruits adult students of all ages on a regional, national and international level. Many courses are offered jointly with other academic departments around the University. Courses are offered in the following areas:

• Mathematical, physical and life sciences
• Medical and health sciences
• Social sciences .

All postgraduate students on the department's courses are members of its Graduate School. The Graduate School aims to provide a stimulating and enriching environment for learning and research. It also fosters intellectual and social interaction between students coming from different disciplines and professions. Interdisciplinary research seminars, training opportunities and other events are offered by the Graduate School in support of this goal.

All masters' and DPhil applicants are considered for Clarendon Scholarships . The department is committed to seeking scholarship support for other students wherever possible.

View all courses   View taught courses View research courses

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 department's website.

Annual fees for entry in 2024-25

Further details about fee status eligibility can be found on the fee status webpage.

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

Please note that you are required to attend in Oxford for a minimum of 30 days each year, and you may incur additional travel and accommodation expenses for this. Also, depending on your choice of research topic and the research required to complete it, you may incur further 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.

If you are studying part-time your living costs may vary depending on your personal circumstances but you must still ensure that you will have sufficient funding to meet these costs for the duration of your course.

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 . For some courses, the department may have provided some additional advice below to help you decide.

The following colleges accept students on the DPhil in Sustainable Urban Development:

• Blackfriars
• Campion Hall
• Harris Manchester College
• Kellogg College
• Linacre College
• Regent's Park College
• St Catherine's 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 per course application. 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?

You do not need to make contact with the department before you apply but you are encouraged to visit the relevant departmental webpages to read any further information about your chosen course.

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) who you would like to supervise your research. Otherwise, leave this field blank.

Referees: Three overall, of which at least two must be academic

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.

Whilst it is recommended that all references be from experienced scholars and teachers of graduate students, one professional reference is acceptable.

Your references will support your intellectual ability, academic achievement, and personal motivation.

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.

Research proposal: A maximum of 3,000 words

You should provide a succinct overview of the research project you plan to undertake for your DPhil, written in English.

A suggested structure for your research proposal would include:

• an introduction stating your research question as succinctly as possible and a justification for why this is a significant and interesting question to address;
• a literature review providing a brief overview of the existing literature, both theoretical and topic specific, stating how your research fits within that literature, and showing the contribution your research will make to existing knowledge;
• a research methodology outlining how you will answer the research question, which should make reference to overall methodological approach, case selection (where a case is used), data to be collected, and methods of data collection and analysis;
• a schedule of work outlining a preliminary timeline leading to the completion of the research project; and
• a bibliography of the works cited in the research proposal.

The bibliography and any footnotes should not be included in your word count.

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

The quality of your research proposal is key in assessing your academic ability to undertake doctoral study. The proposal will be assessed for:

• coherence and originality
• evidence of motivation for and understanding of the proposed area of study
• the ability to present a reasoned case
• the feasibility of successfully completing the project in the time available for the course
• preliminary knowledge of research techniques
• capacity for sustained and intense work.

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

Written work: One essay or other piece of written work, a maximum of 2,000 words

Your written work can be either an essay, a chapter of a thesis, a published scholarly paper, or work written specifically to support your application. Extracts from longer pieces of work are acceptable, but should not come from the same piece of work; and should be prefaced by a note putting it in context. It is not necessary for this piece of written work to relate closely to the chosen area of study.

Your work should be written in English and the word count does not need to include any bibliography or brief footnotes. Please note that multi-authored works are not acceptable.

This will be assessed for:

• a comprehensive understanding of the subject area
• the ability to construct and defend an argument
• powers of analysis
• powers of expression
• familiarity with the literature on the subject area.

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 . You'll find the answers to most common queries in our FAQs.

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:

Friday 19 January 2024 Latest deadline for most Oxford scholarships

Friday 1 March 2024 Applications may remain open after this deadline if places are still available - see below

A later deadline shown under 'Admission status' If places are still available,  applications may be accepted after 1 March . The 'Admissions status' (above) will provide notice of any later deadline.

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

Further information and enquiries

This course is offered by the Department for Continuing Education

• Course page on the department's website
• Funding information from the department
• Academic staff
• Departmental research
• Continuing Education Graduate School
• Postgraduate applicant privacy policy

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 286948

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

Visa eligibility for part-time study

We are unable to sponsor student visas for part-time study on this course. Part-time students may be able to attend on a visitor visa for short blocks of time only (and leave after each visit) and will need to remain based outside the UK.