Program Overview

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Introduction to the DPhil in Women's and Reproductive Health

The DPhil in Women's and Reproductive Health offers a wide range of opportunities to carry out multidisciplinary research on important issues in human reproduction and applied basic science. Research carried out in the Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health encompasses a broad range of topics.

About the Course

As a student in the Department of Womens and Reproductive Health, you will be expected to regularly attend the weekly department seminars, and undertake any relevant training required for your project. You will also have the opportunity to attend a variety of skills training sessions and career planning events offered by the Medical Sciences Division.

Course Outline

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. Part-time students are required to attend course-related activities in Oxford for a minimum of 30 days each year.

Year One

In the early stages of your DPhil, you will spend the first few months reading scientific literature and planning your first set of experiments. The nature of the work will differ depending upon whether the project involves work in a laboratory or a computer-based project.

Year Two

A very similar year to year one with ongoing research work and a significant amount of literature reviewing to make sure the project fits in with current knowledge. During this year, many DPhil students start putting down the basis of their thesis introduction.

Year Three

This is a key year for you where the thesis needs to take shape. You should have a degree of autonomy during the final year, managing your future direction in discussions with your supervisor.

Attendance

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. Part-time students are required to attend course-related activities in Oxford for a minimum of 30 days each year.

Resources to Support Your 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.

Supervision

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff.

Assessment

All students will be initially admitted to the status of Probationer Research Student (PRS). Within a maximum of six terms as a full-time PRS student or twelve terms as a part-time PRS student, you will be expected to apply for transfer of status from Probationer Research Student to DPhil status.

Graduate Destinations

Graduates from the Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health go on to further research in reproductive, biological, and biomedical science, assisted reproduction, as well as clinical academic work and industry.

Changes to this Course

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration.

Research Areas

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

• oocytes and sperm
• preimplantation genetic diagnosis
• genetic studies, molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying normal and aberrant reproductive function
• immunology of pregnancy
• gynaecological cancer
• pelvic pain and endometriosis
• chronic fatigue syndrome
• lactation
• clinical studies in women's health and pregnancy
• epidemiological and health services research

Entry Requirements

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

• a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in a subject related to biomedical science, a medical degree, or a degree otherwise relevant to the topic of study

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.

Costs

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

• Full-time study:
  • Home: È10,470
  • Overseas: È34,700
• Part-time study:
  • Home: È5,235
  • Overseas: È17,350

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
• Campion Hall
• Green Templeton College
• Hertford College
• Jesus College
• Kellogg College
• Lady Margaret Hall
• Linacre College
• Lincoln College
• Oriel College
• Reuben College
• St Anne's College
• St Catherine's College
• St Cross College
• St Edmund Hall
• St Hugh's College
• St John's College
• St Peter's College
• Somerville College
• Trinity 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 must identify an academic member of staff who is willing to supervise you and has the resources to support your proposed research project before you apply.