Program Overview

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Introduction to the DPhil in Evidence-Based Health Care

The DPhil in Evidence-Based Health Care is a research-based, part-time course that focuses on applied healthcare sciences. It enables students to conduct independent research, supported by training, seminars, and supervisory meetings.

About the Course

The DPhil follows on from the taught MSc in Evidence-Based Health Care (EBHC) and is overseen by the University's Continuing Education Strategic Management Board. Admission is through Oxford Lifelong Learning. This part-time course is part of the Evidence-Based Health Care Programme, which is jointly run with the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine in the Nuffield Department of Primary Health Care Sciences.

Attendance

The course is part-time, and part-time students are required to attend course-related activities in Oxford for a minimum of 30 days each year. The University's DPhil regulations normally require a minimum of four years' part-time study, equivalent to two years' full-time, up to a maximum of eight years part-time study.

Resources to Support Study

As a graduate student, you will have access to the University's wide range of resources, including libraries, museums, galleries, digital resources, and IT services. The Bodleian Libraries is the largest library system in the UK, and the University's IT Services is available to all students to support core university IT systems and tools.

Supervision

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences and/or the Department for Continuing Education. Supervision is arranged to suit your DPhil topic and usually involves staff attached to the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine.

Assessment

You will be admitted initially as a Probationary Research Student (PRS), in line with University regulations on doctorates. During the probationary period, you will develop and begin work on the thesis topic. You will develop research skills through a range of training and skills development primarily offered via the Department for Continuing Education Graduate School.

Graduate Destinations

Most students commencing this programme are already in employment and continue their professional work alongside their doctoral research. Completing a DPhil in Evidence-Based Health Care enhances professional life and enables graduates to further their careers.

Research Areas

Youll have the opportunity to undertake research within the specialized themes of this course, which include:

• Cancer screening, detection, and prevention
• Screening, diagnosis, and prognosis in health care
• Evidence-based evaluation of health care interventions
• Health services research
• Research methods and better use of data in health care
• Communication of evidence-based health care
• Pharmacovigilance and adverse effects

Entry Requirements

The requirements described below are specific to this course and apply only in the year of entry that is shown.

Degree-Level Qualifications

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:

• The MSc in Evidence-Based Health Care, or equivalent qualification, with an average of at least 65% across all components of the MSc
• A first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honors in a relevant subject

English Language Proficiency

This course requires proficiency in English at the University's higher level. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement.

Funding

For entry in the academic year, the collegiate University expects to offer over 1,100 full or partial graduate scholarships across a wide range of graduate courses. If you apply by the January deadline shown on this page and receive a course offer, your application will then be considered for Oxford scholarships.

Costs

Annual Course Fees

The fees for this course are charged on an annual basis.

• Home: Ł16,440
• Overseas: Ł16,440

Additional Costs

Please note that this course requires that you attend in Oxford for a minimum of 30 days each year, and you may incur additional travel and accommodation expenses for this.

College Preference

Students enrolled on this course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college. The following colleges accept students on the DPhil in Evidence-Based Health Care:

• Kellogg College
• Linacre College
• St Catherine's College
• St Cross College
• Wycliffe Hall

How to Apply

Our guide to getting started provides general advice on how to prepare for and start your application. If it is important for you to have your application considered under a particular deadline, we recommend that you aim to complete and submit your application at least two weeks in advance.

Application Fee Waivers

An application fee of Ł20 is payable for each application to this course. Application fee waivers are available for the following applicants who meet the eligibility criteria:

• Applicants from low-income countries
• Refugees and displaced persons
• UK applicants from low-income backgrounds
• Applicants who applied for our Graduate Access Programmes in the past two years and met the eligibility criteria

Deadlines

• 12:00 midday UK time on:
  • Wednesday 28 January 2026: Latest deadline for most Oxford scholarships
  • Tuesday 3 March 2026: Applications may remain open after this deadline if places are still available

Further Information and Enquiries

This course is offered by Oxford Lifelong Learning and the Nuffield Department of Primary Health Care Sciences. Advice about contacting the department can be found in the application guide.