DPhil in Psychiatry
IMPORTANT APPLICATION DATES
Course codes: RD_PV1 (Full-time) RD_PV9P1 (Part-time) |
Course description
The DPhil in Psychiatry is an advanced research degree that gives you the opportunity to undertake an original, independent research project in an area of mental health and brain research. Working closely with expert supervisors, you will develop specialist knowledge and advanced research skills while making a significant contribution to your field.
You will join a vibrant, interdisciplinary research community spanning the biological, psychological, clinical and computational sciences. The Department has strong links with researchers across the University, the NHS and external research partners, creating opportunities for collaboration across disciplines and between fundamental, translational and clinical research.
Alongside your research, you will have access to a broad range of training and professional development opportunities and will be encouraged to participate in seminars, research meetings, workshops and conferences. You will have opportunities to present your work, engage with researchers across Oxford, and develop skills and professional networks relevant to careers in academia, healthcare, industry, policy and beyond.
The DPhil can be studied full-time over three to four years or part-time over six to eight years. Both modes require attendance in Oxford. Full-time students are subject to the University's residency requirements, while part-time students are required to attend course-related activities in Oxford for a minimum of 30 days each year.
How to Apply
Applications for the DPhil in Psychiatry are made through the University’s Graduate Admissions website. Before starting your application, read the course page carefully for full information about entry requirements, application deadlines, supporting documents and how applications are assessed.
1. Find a potential supervisor
You must have the support of a potential supervisor in the Department of Psychiatry before submitting your application. Applications submitted without an agreed project and supervisor will not be considered.
Before you apply, explore the profiles of academics in the department to identify researchers whose work aligns with your interests. We recommend contacting potential supervisors well in advance of the application deadline to discuss possible research topics and whether they are able to offer supervision.
When contacting a potential supervisor, briefly explain your research interests and relevant academic or research experience, and include your CV.
2. Develop your research proposal
You will need to submit a research proposal of up to 1,000 words, excluding the bibliography. Your proposal should set out what you propose to research and how you propose to do it.
Your proposal should include:
- · The background to your research question
- · The aims of your project
- · Your proposed methodology
- · The anticipated contribution of the research to the field
The proposal should focus on your proposed research project rather than your personal achievements, interests or aspirations.
You can explore our advertised DPhil projects for possible research opportunities. Potential supervisors may also be willing to consider other project ideas suggested by applicants.
3. Prepare your statement of purpose
You will also need to submit a statement of purpose of up to 500 words describing why you want to undertake this research and how your background and interests prepare you for it.
If you are applying for part-time study, you should also demonstrate that you can commit sufficient time to the programme and meet its attendance and study requirements.
4. Submit your application
Once you have the support of a potential supervisor and have prepared your application materials, apply online through the University Graduate Admissions website
Interviews
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an online interview, normally held in January following the December application deadline. The interview will include a brief presentation and discussion of your proposed research, questions about your motivation for undertaking a research degree, and an exercise designed to assess your ability to interpret research data.
Applicants invited to interview will be provided with full details of the format and any preparation required in advance.
Fees and funding
Before applying, you should consider the cost of undertaking a DPhil and how you intend to fund your studies. The University’s Fees and Funding pages provide information about course fees and estimated living costs.
An offer of a place on the DPhil does not automatically include funding. Funding is limited and highly competitive, so we strongly encourage you to explore all funding options available to you as early as possible.
DEPARTMENTAL AND DIVISIONAL STUDENTSHIPS
The Department of Psychiatry and the Medical Sciences Division have a limited number of funded studentships available each year. If you submit a complete application by the early December deadline, you will automatically be considered for these funding opportunities where you are eligible.
These studentships are highly competitive and only a small proportion of applicants receive funding through this route. We therefore strongly encourage you to explore other sources of funding alongside your application.
PROJECT-SPECIFIC STUDENTSHIPS
Additional funded studentships may become available during the year, including funding attached to specific research projects. These opportunities are advertised on our Studentships page and may have their own eligibility criteria, application process and deadlines.
OTHER FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
A range of other scholarships and funding opportunities are available through the University and Oxford colleges. Many of these also consider eligible applicants automatically if they submit their course application by the early December deadline.
You should use the University's graduate funding search to identify opportunities for which you may be eligible. Some funding opportunities require a separate application, have additional eligibility requirements or have different deadlines, so check the requirements for each funding scheme carefully.
International applicants may also wish to explore scholarships and other sources of funding available in their home country.