Program Overview

Introduction to the DPhil in Clinical Neurosciences

The DPhil in Clinical Neurosciences is a research-based doctoral degree that offers students the opportunity to undertake high-quality research training in a wide range of areas related to clinical neuroscience. The program is designed for both clinical and non-clinical graduates and is offered by the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, one of the leading and largest clinical neuroscience departments in Europe.

About the Course

The DPhil in Clinical Neurosciences will develop students' skills through a range of research and practical training. The department offers opportunities for high-quality research training in wide-ranging areas of clinical neuroscience, with much of the graduate research being interdisciplinary and in collaboration with research leaders at other research centers. The program does not include taught courses examined by written papers, but students are encouraged to attend regular departmental and divisional seminars, as well as a wide range of courses and workshops available across the Medical Sciences Division.

Attendance and Duration

The course can be studied full-time or part-time, with both modes requiring attendance in Oxford. Full-time students are subject to the University's Residence requirements, while part-time students are required to attend course-related activities in Oxford for a minimum of 30 days each year. The full-time DPhil normally takes three to four years to complete, while the part-time DPhil normally requires between six and eight years of 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, with over 13 million printed items and access to e-journals. The University's IT Services is available to support students with core university IT systems and tools, as well as many other services and facilities.

Supervision

Once enrolled on the DPhil, the allocation of graduate supervision is the responsibility of the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences. Supervisors will work with students to ensure they have additional support if needed, and the department is often able to financially support the undertaking of formal skills training that is essential to the successful completion of the DPhil.

Assessment

Students will begin their course as a probationary research student (PRS) and will be monitored and assessed regularly via completion of termly reports by them and their supervisors. Students will be expected to transfer their status from PRS to DPhil (PhD) before the end of their fourth term if they are a full-time student, and will be required to submit a written report summarizing their progress to date, which they will then discuss and defend in an oral examination (a transfer viva).

Graduate Destinations

Past students from the Department of Clinical Neurosciences have gone on to careers based both in the UK and other countries in teaching and research in universities or back to clinical posts.

Research Areas

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

• Prevention of stroke and dementia
• Clinical neurology
• Brain network dynamics
• Anaesthetics
• Ophthalmology
• Integrative neuroimaging

Entry Requirements

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

• A first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honors in a relevant discipline (e.g., neuroscience) is required.
• A master's degree is not a prerequisite for admission.
• For applicants with a bachelor's degree from the USA, the minimum overall GPA that is normally required to meet the undergraduate-level requirement is 3.5 out of 4.0.
• No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.
• Evidence of a prior interest in the area of research proposed may be an advantage.
• Publications are not expected as part of the interview process.
• This course requires proficiency in English at the University's standard level.

Funding and Costs

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.

• The fees for this course are charged on an annual basis.
• For full-time study, the annual course fees are ｣10,470 for Home students and ｣34,700 for Overseas students.
• For part-time study, the annual course fees are ｣5,235 for Home students and ｣17,350 for Overseas students.
• Course fees cover teaching as well as other academic services and facilities provided to support studies.

College Preference

Students enrolled on this course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college. The following colleges accept students for full-time study on this course:

• Balliol College
• Brasenose College
• Christ Church
• Corpus Christi College
• Exeter College
• Green Templeton College
• Harris Manchester College
• Hertford College
• Jesus College
• Keble College
• Kellogg College
• Lady Margaret Hall
• Linacre College
• Lincoln College
• Magdalen College
• Merton College
• New College
• Oriel College
• Pembroke College
• The Queen's College
• Reuben College
• St Anne's College
• St Catherine's College
• St Cross College
• St Edmund Hall
• St Hilda's College
• St Hugh's College
• St John's College
• St Peter's College
• Somerville College
• Trinity College
• University College
• Wadham College
• Wolfson College
• Worcester College
• Wycliffe Hall

How to Apply

Before you begin an application, we recommend that you consult the Medical Sciences Graduate School's website to identify the most suitable course for your intended area of research.

• You should identify an academic member of staff who is willing to supervise you and has the resources to support your proposed research project.
• You should contact them directly to discuss your research interests and proposed project.
• You will need to register three referees who can give an informed view of your academic ability and suitability for the course.
• You will need to supply supporting documents with your application, including a statement of purpose and research proposal, official transcript(s), and English language proficiency test results (if required).