Social Policy DPhil

University of Oxford

The Department of Social Policy and Intervention offers a DPhil in Social Policy 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 policy research, such as welfare systems within and across countries, family and family policies, educational inequalities and educational policies, economic and social inequalities, social mobility and inequality of opportunity, labour market institutions and policies, retirement age policies, transition from work to retirement and public attitudes on welfare state issues. This varied research portfolio is organised within the Oxford Institute of Social Policy.

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 policy and 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 diverse range of seminars, workshops and advanced training opportunities in order to further enhance graduate research experience.

Part-time course arrangements

The DPhil programme in Social Policy 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 is spread over six-eight years. The degree is particularly well-suited for students who are seeking the flexibility of part-time study and it 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.