| Qualification | Start dates | Entry requirements | Full- or Part-time | Assessment |
| Master of Philosophy (MPhil); Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) | Flexible | First or second class, upper division degree or significant experience; master's degree preferred | Full-time or Part-time | Thesis of up to 100,000 words |
Course Outline
We offer two different programmes of postgraduate study, each in either full-time or part-time mode. These are degrees by research which require an original contribution to the body of knowledge in a particular academic or professional discipline.
- DPhil – 3 academic years of full-time study or 6 years of part-time study.
- MPhil – 2 academic years of full-time study or 4 years of part-time study.
Postgraduate students wishing to register for a DPhil must first register for the MPhil and seek conversion at a later stage.
MPhil and DPhil students undertake supervised but independent research, at the end of which they submit a thesis embodying the results of that research. This thesis must demonstrate familiarity with, and an understanding of the subject, its principal sources and authorities. It should display critical discrimination and a sense of proportion in evaluating evidence and the judgements of others. A DPhil thesis must embody an original contribution to the knowledge of the discipline either by the discovery of new knowledge, or by the exercise of a new and independent critical approach.
Research Proposals
Applications should be accompanied by a research proposal. Advice on submitting a proposal is available as a PDF document: dphil prospectus.
If you have a research proposal which you would like to discuss further, please contact Linda Waterman who will put you in touch with the appropriate academic member of staff.
