DPhil in Geography and the Environment (sowie 5 separate MSc-Programme)

What the DPhil offers

The DPhil in Geography and the Environment is Oxford's top research degree, equal to a PhD elsewhere. You earn it by writing a thesis and passing an oral exam, called the viva. You study full time over 3 to 4 years, or part time over 6 to 8 years, within the School of Geography and the Environment, ranked world number 1 for Geography by QS. Research runs across seven areas, including climate systems, biodiversity and conservation, landscape dynamics, environmental interactions and political geographies. You pay course fees, but you can be considered for Oxford scholarships that cover fees and living costs. In recent years about 40% of DPhil students at the School were fully funded and another 28% partly funded. If you cannot secure funding for the whole degree, the School advises against taking up your place.

Who can apply

• Degree: You hold a master's with Distinction, or at least a Distinction in your master's dissertation, in Geography or a related environmental field. You also hold a first-class or strong upper-second bachelor's honours degree in any subject.
• US grades: If your degree is from the US, you need a GPA of at least 3.6 out of 4.0.
• Field of study: Your research must fit one of the School's seven research areas.
• A supervisor first: You must contact a potential supervisor before you apply. Without their provisional agreement to supervise you, admission is very unlikely.
• Research proposal: You submit a written research proposal with your application.
• English: You need a high level of English, for example IELTS Academic 7.5 overall with at least 7.0 in each part, or TOEFL iBT 110.
• Nationality: Open to applicants worldwide, both UK and international. No GRE, GMAT or prior publications are required.

How to apply

After lining up a potential supervisor, you apply online through Oxford's graduate admissions system. You submit your transcripts, CV, references, research proposal and English test. The deadline falls in January. Applying by that date puts you in the running for Oxford scholarships automatically. A departmental admissions panel reviews your application, not the supervisor alone, and you usually hear back 8 to 10 weeks after the deadline.

How realistic are your chances?

This is highly competitive. The School receives around 161 full-time applications for roughly 37 places, and it is the world's top-ranked Geography department. Grades open the door, but a strong research proposal and a supervisor who has agreed to take you on are what decide it. Winning funding is a separate, tighter contest, so treat a secured scholarship as part of getting in, and apply by the January deadline to be considered.