Social Intervention and Policy Evaluation DPhil

University of Oxford

The Department of Social Policy and Intervention offers an interdisciplinary DPhil in Social Intervention and Policy Evaluation and welcomes students from across the world. Research students are an important part of the department’s community and you will be fully involved and immersed in the life of the department.

The department welcomes DPhil candidates who are interested in a wide range of areas of social intervention and policy evaluation research, including evaluation methodology, and policy and intervention research in areas such as violence and injury prevention, neighbourhood and urban health, reduction of poverty and social inequality, alcohol and drug misuse, mental health and antisocial behaviour in children and youth, parenting and family interventions including those delivered across the perinatal period, school-based interventions, HIV prevention, AIDS-affected children, the Sustainable Development goals, violence against children and cross-cultural adaptation of interventions.

The department's approach to graduate study emphasises your ability to work independently to explore an original line of research under an academic supervisor. Each member of academic staff has expertise in a particular area of social intervention and policy evaluation and you should try to contact your potential supervisor prior to applying as you will only be accepted for a DPhil if there is an appropriate supervisor available.

As a doctoral student you will be offered a unique graduate programme tailored to your individual needs. In addition to individual supervision, the department offers a large and diverse range of research groups, seminars, workshops and advanced training opportunities in order to further enhance graduate research experience.

Part-time course arrangements

The DPhil programme in Social Intervention and Policy Evaluation is also available on a part-time basis. The part-time version of the degree has the same high standards and requirements as the full-time degree, but spread over six-eight years. The degree is particularly well-suited for students who are seeking the flexibility of part-time study. Part-time study also provides an excellent opportunity for professionals to undertake rigorous long-term research that may be relevant to their working life.

As a part-time student you will be required to attend classes/seminars/research groups/supervision meetings and other obligations in Oxford for a minimum of 30 days each year. There will be limited flexibility in the dates and pattern of attendance, which will be determined by mutual agreement with your supervisor.