Program Overview

---

Introduction to the DPhil in Geography and the Environment

The DPhil in Geography and the Environment is a research-based degree focused on original work in areas such as climate systems, biodiversity, political geographies, and environmental interactions. This advanced research degree is awarded on the basis of a thesis and oral examination.

About the Course

The DPhil is an advanced research degree which is awarded on the basis of a thesis and oral examination. Students are required to work independently, take the initiative in exploring a line of research, and acquire new skills to carry out their research. The course provides support and an intellectual environment to pursue independent research.

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 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, holding more than 13 million printed items and providing access to e-journals.

Supervision

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the School of Geography and the Environment. You will be allocated a supervisor who will meet with you at specifically agreed times and agree with you a research plan and programme of work.

Assessment

If you are intending to read for the DPhil, you are normally admitted to the status of Probationer Research Student (PRS) initially. Within a maximum of four terms as a full-time PRS student or eight terms as a part-time PRS student, you will be expected to apply for, and achieve, transfer of status from Probationer Research Student to DPhil status.

Graduate Destinations

Many graduates are commanding influential positions in multinational corporations, in national, state and international government, in non-governmental organisations, and by continuing with further research.

Changes to the 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

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

• Biodiversity, Ecosystems and Conservation
• Climate Systems
• Landscape Dynamics
• Economy, Society: Transformations and Justice
• Environmental Interactions
• Political Worlds: Place, Power, Politics
• Technological Life: Environments, Bodies, Mobilities

Entry Requirements

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

Proven and Potential Academic Excellence

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

• a master's degree with distinction (or a distinction grade on the dissertation, as a minimum) in geography or a related environmental field
• a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in any discipline

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.

Full-time Study

• Home: ｣24,430
• Overseas: ｣32,960

Part-time Study

• Home: ｣12,215
• Overseas: ｣16,480

Living Costs

In addition to your course fees and any additional course-specific costs, you will need to ensure that you have adequate funds to support your living costs for the duration of your course.

College Preference

Students enrolled on this course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college. If you apply for a place on this course, you will have the option to express a preference for one of the colleges listed or ask us to find a college for you.

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 ｣20 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

Completing Your Application

You should refer to the information below when completing the application form, paying attention to the specific requirements for the supporting documents.

After You've Submitted Your Application

Your application will be assessed against the entry requirements detailed on this course page. Whether or not you have secured funding will be taken into consideration when your application is assessed.