Department of Social Policy and Intervention (DSPI) at the University of Oxford - Barnett Scholarship

What the Barnett Scholarship gives you

You will receive a full scholarship, which covers your full tuition fees and also includes a small monthly stipend (a regular cash allowance) to cover your living expenses. The duration is three years or two years if you progress from an MPhil to a DPhil. A DPhil is the University of Oxford’s designation for a doctoral degree (known elsewhere as a PhD). The scholarship is awarded by the Department of Social Policy and Intervention (DSPI) at the University of Oxford. Payment is made at the start of each year. From the second year onwards, funding will only be continued if your academic performance remains good and you participate in departmental activities, for example by attending its seminars.

Who can apply

• Degree: You are applying for a DPhil (PhD) programme at the DSPI. Both new applicants and students who are currently studying for an MSc or MPhil at the DSPI and wish to transfer to a DPhil programme are eligible to apply.
• Field of study: Any DPhil programme offered by the DSPI that focuses on social policy and social interventions.
• Nationality: Applicants of any nationality are welcome to apply. There are no requirements regarding place of residence or nationality.
• Grades: You will be selected on the basis of your academic achievements, taking into account both your past performance and your potential.

How to apply

There is no separate form. Please apply for a DSPI DPhil place by the scholarship application deadline on 27 January 2026. If you are admitted, you will automatically be considered for the Barnett Scholarship. Only successful applicants will be notified by email. Therefore, if you do not hear anything, you have not been selected. Applications received after this date will not be considered for any Oxford funding.

How realistic are your chances?

This is a scholarship offered by a single department at Oxford, awarded on the basis of academic merit; competition is therefore fierce, and, above all, outstanding academic achievement is essential. The pool of applicants is limited to DPhil candidates from a single department, which is an advantage. However, the department only accepts around 12 PhD students each year and offers only a few funded places. Your chances are best if you have an outstanding academic record and clearly demonstrated research potential, and if you apply by the January deadline rather than waiting until later.