The award of this degree is based on a thesis of not more than 100,000 words in length. It should constitute a significant and substantial piece of research, of a kind which might reasonably be expected of a diligent and competent student in three years of full-time study. The maximum time allowed for completion of the degree is four years.
DPhil students work closely with a supervisor or with joint supervisors who will be specialists in the subject under investigation. Prospective students should check with the list of Department members' research interests to determine if there is likely to be a suitable supervisor for the area in which they wish to work.
All students are admitted with PRS (Probationer Research Students) status and are first required to transfer to DPhil status. The Transfer of Status requires the completion of the Qualifying Examinations, necessary coursework, and an interview with two assessors appointed by the department, at which the candidate presents an outline of their proposed thesis and a piece of written work relevant to the thesis. The transfer for full-time students is normally expected to be completed by the end of the fourth term, and no later than six terms from admission to PRS status. Part-time students will be expected to undertake transfer to full DPhil status after nine term of registration, and within a maximum of twelve terms.
Upon a successful transfer to DPhil status, students must confirm their DPhil status no later than nine terms after admission to Probationer Research Student status. Candidates for Confirmation of Status must present a research paper at a workshop or seminar, present a detailed outline of the complete thesis and some complete draft chapters, and will be interviewed by an assessor.
