University of Oxford - George Webb Medley Graduate Thesis Prize

George Webb Medley Graduate Thesis Prize

For the best dissertation of your MPhil year at the University of Oxford, you will receive a one-off cash prize of about 360 EUR. The prize is funded by the George Webb Medley Fund, the most significant prize fund for economics, politics and philosophy at Oxford. As a rule, in addition to the winner, a runner-up (referred to as the ‘proxime accessit’, i.e. the second-placed entrant) is also announced.

Who can apply

• Where you study: You are studying for an MPhil in Economics at the University of Oxford. The MPhil is a two-year master’s programme.
• Study phase: You are in your second year of study, during which you are writing your final dissertation.
• Grades: You’ve written by far the best dissertation of your MPhil year.
• Nationality: Anyone can win, regardless of their nationality. You just need to be a student at Oxford.

How to apply

There is no application process. The examiners select the winner after the final examinations, based on the quality of their final dissertation. The result is announced after the examination period, usually in the autumn.

How realistic are your chances?

This award is presented each year to one person from a small, already rigorously selected group. You cannot apply for it directly. The only thing you can influence is the quality of your final dissertation. Winning the award means you are recognised as the best in your year; therefore, regard it as recognition of outstanding achievement rather than a scholarship you can rely on.