Choosing a course
Getting started
Oxford offers a wide range of graduate-level courses from postgraduate certificates to doctorates. Our courses are challenging and intensive, and our approach to graduate study emphasises your ability to work independently, while supported by a world-class academic community.
Is graduate study for me?
At Oxford, we welcome and encourage applications from promising students of all backgrounds and nationalities. Requirements vary between our graduate courses, but in general our academic departments look for students with the ability, enthusiasm, curiosity and commitment needed to pursue higher-level study here.
Both home and international students are highly valued and integral members of our diverse community, with international students making up around two thirds of our graduate students.
Why study a graduate degree at Oxford?
There are over 13,000 graduate students at Oxford, forming half of the University’s overall student body. Graduate students are key to our academic community, and join our world-leading academics in tackling the most important questions we face today. We look for the most promising students to join our outstanding departments and faculties and to participate in the interdisciplinary communities of our colleges.
As a graduate student at Oxford you will work alongside your peers and leading experts in your field, who will inspire and support you throughout your time here. You will have access to world-class facilities and resources in your subject, and you will be encouraged to get involved in the intellectual life of your department and the wider academic community.
How do I choose between courses?
When considering what course to choose, you must think seriously about the skills, knowledge and interests you have acquired over time and how you want graduate study to take them forward. It is important to focus your efforts as much as possible in order to submit one really strong, focused application.
Do you want more research experience? Do you want to refine or change your subject focus? How long do you want to study for?
Do you want to study part-time? This option would enable you to work or continue with other commitments alongside your study. You may also want to consider your funding options, as this could inform your decision.
How do I choose the length of course?
A one-year master’s course will usually be a very intensive way to learn, focusing on a specific area that you want to work in or research. In some fields, more particularly in the humanities and social sciences, you will find one-year master’s which are focused specifically around gaining research skills in preparation for doctoral study. You will also find two-year courses, where the first year focuses more on teaching through lectures and seminars and the second year focuses on more advanced research.
A typical full-time doctoral-level course (eg a DPhil, Oxford's name for a PhD) lasts between three and four years. Many courses are also available on a part-time basis.
Can I start my course in a different term?
The vast majority of our taught courses begin in Michaelmas term (October) and you will not be able to commence your study at a later point unless that is explicitly indicated on the relevant course page. For more information about Oxford's academic terms, visit our Dates of term page.
If you would like to start a research course at the beginning of a term other than Michaelmas (October), contact the academic department directly.
How many courses can I apply for?
We strongly encourage you to focus your energy and attention on submitting the best possible application to a single course. While you are technically able to submit two applications for taught courses (eg master’s-level courses) per cycle or three applications per cycle if one of them is for a research course (eg DPhil), it is advised that you put your efforts into submitting one very strong application.
Can I apply for both a taught and research course in the same year?
There is nothing to stop you applying for courses of each type in the same year, but each application should demonstrate your commitment to undertaking that particular course and type of study. It is important to consider that, while for some research courses you will require a master’s degree, for others an undergraduate degree is sufficient. You should refer to the course pages to check specific requirements.
Choosing a taught course
We have provided descriptions below of the different types of graduate-level taught courses that are available to study at Oxford. These are also known as postgraduate taught or PGT courses.
Master of Studies (MSt)
Students studying full-time are normally required to undertake one year (three terms) of study followed by an examination. The exact composition will vary according to the course, but will usually involve a range of core and optional course elements often including research methods and the submission of a dissertation (usually of around 10,000–15,000 words). Study is supported by seminars and lectures. Assessment may be by coursework as well as by written examination papers and dissertation. Some course elements may be common with Master of Philosophy (MPhil) courses and it is possible in some cases to form the foundation of an application to either the related MPhil or DPhil.
Master of Science (MSc)
These degrees are generally offered in Science or Social Science subjects and typically require students to undertake one year of full-time study, although sometimes part-time options are available. The exact composition of the degree will vary according to the course, but will often comprise a range of core and optional modules, supported by teaching in the form of lectures and seminars. Assessment is by a combination of course assignments (in many cases including a dissertation of around 10,000–15,000 words) and sometimes but more rarely, written examinations.
Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
This course is of a higher standing than the Master of Studies (MSt) and full-time study normally lasts for two years (six terms). In the first year, some of the course elements may be common with the MSt and MSc and at its end candidates may be required to pass a qualifying test before continuing. Some MPhils are organised so that the first year is taught and the second is predominantly research based. In the second year, students are expected to complete a substantial dissertation (usually up to 30,000 words) and to sit written examinations. Although the majority of MPhils are recognised as taught courses, the MPhil in Law and the MPhil in Socio-Legal Research are formally classed as research courses and are both one year in duration.
Other master’s-level degrees (BCL, BPhil, EMBA, MBA, MFA, MJur, MPP, and MTh)
The University offers a range of other master’s-level degrees:
- Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL)
- Bachelor of Philosophy (BPhil)
- Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Fine Art (MFA)
- Magister Juris (MJur)
- Master of Public Policy (MPP)
- Master of Theology (MTh)
Please see the relevant course page for further details about each course.
Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) and Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert and PGCE)
A number of one-year (three-term) as well as some part time (1 – 3 years) diplomas and certificates are available to graduate students. These include the Postgraduate Certificate in Education, which is a teacher training course for graduates that is more commonly referred to as the PGCE.
How to choose
Why should I choose a taught course?
If you choose a taught course, you'll study your chosen subject area at an advanced level usually leading to one of the master’s-level qualifications listed above. Your course will consist of a range of core and optional modules and you will be assigned an academic supervisor who will be on hand to offer advice and support, and to help guide your programme of study.
How long will a taught course last?
Many of our taught courses are shorter than those at other institutions, making them intensive and fast-paced. A full-time taught course typically lasts 9 – 12 months, but some MPhils take 2 years to complete. A part-time taught course typically lasts 2 – 4 years.
How will I be assessed?
Your course will consist of a range of core and optional modules. Assessment methods will vary by course, and may include coursework, assignments, written examinations, a dissertation, etc. Refer to the course pages for more information.
Choosing a research course
We have provided descriptions below of the different types of research courses that are available to study at Oxford. These are also known as postgraduate research or PGR courses.
Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) - our name for a PhD
Oxford’s main doctoral research degree is called a DPhil, which is our name for a PhD. DPhil comes from the English phrase Doctor of Philosophy and PhD comes from the Latin phrase philosophiae doctor.
A DPhil usually takes between three and four years to complete (4-8 years if studying part-time, which is an option within some departments), but you should check the relevant course page for the expected length. Working closely with an academic supervisor or supervisory team who will oversee your studies, you will focus on a specific research project to produce a thesis that represents a significant and substantial piece of work. You will also be expected to engage with additional training to support your professional development. You will be assessed on the basis of this thesis and an oral examination called a viva voce. After completing a DPhil, research students frequently pursue academic careers or careers requiring advanced research skills.
During the course of the DPhil degree at Oxford you will need to successfully meet two different milestones:
Transfer of Status: Most DPhil students are initially admitted to the status of Probationer Research Student (PRS). Within a maximum of six terms as a PRS student (and normally by the fourth term) you will be expected to apply for transfer of status from Probationer Research Student to DPhil status. In some subjects, you might be required to successfully complete one or more master’s papers during your first year before you can apply to transfer to DPhil status.
Confirmation of Status: Students who are successful at transfer will also be expected to apply for and gain confirmation of DPhil status, normally within nine terms of admission, to show that your work continues to be on track.
Both milestones normally involve an interview with two assessors (other than your supervisor) and therefore provide important experience for the final oral examination.
If you're studying on a full-time basis, you will be expected to submit your thesis after three or, at most, four years from the date of admission.
Doctoral training programmes (CDTs and DTPs)
Doctoral training programmes are four-year courses providing structured training and research experience in the first year, and a research project leading to a DPhil in subsequent years. These programmes are referred to as Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) and Doctoral Training Partnerships or Programmes (DTPs). They usually involve other partners, including other universities and industrial partners.
Master of Science (MSc) by Research
This degree is awarded on the basis of a submitted thesis and is available in some subject areas that also offer a DPhil. Please see the individual course pages in this section for specific information. The examiners must be satisfied that the thesis shows competence in investigating the chosen topic and that the results have been presented in a lucid and scholarly manner. A satisfactory oral examination is also required. Students will initially hold the status of Probationer Research Student and will be expected to apply to transfer to MSc status during the first year of their research.
Combined Master of Science (MSc) and Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil)
Combined Master of Science (MSc) and Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) programmes are four-year courses that comprise a one-year taught MSc by coursework followed by a three-year research project leading to a DPhil. These course arrangements are often referred to as 1+3 programmes. By applying for a 1+3 programme, your application will automatically be considered for both the one-year taught MSc and the DPhil. Progression to the DPhil requires successful completion of the MSc. These programmes are special course arrangements and the constituent MSc and DPhil elements may not be offered separately as stand-alone courses.
Why should I choose a research course?
An Oxford research degree is an opportunity to immerse yourself in your chosen area, pursue your own ideas and make a significant and original contribution to knowledge. We provide a supportive environment in which researchers at every stage of their career can flourish.
Alongside expert supervision and a supportive academic community in which to work, you'll receive specialist training in research skills. You'll have access to a fantastic range of resources and opportunities to help you make the most of your time at Oxford and boost your employability.
How long will a research course last?
A typical full-time doctoral-level course (eg a DPhil) lasts between three and four years. Many courses are also available on a part-time basis and typically last between four and eight years.
How will I be assessed?
For almost all of our research courses, you will be assessed on the basis of a thesis and an oral examination called a viva voce. Refer to the course pages for more information.
See also
Important notice
Please note that websites external to the University of Oxford may hold information on our courses. Those websites may contain incomplete and inaccurate information. Please refer to this website which provides the definitive and up-to-date source of information on any graduate courses offered by the University.
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