Overview

The department welcomes DPhil candidates who are interested in a wide range of areas of social policy research, such as welfare systems within and across countries, family and family policies, educational inequalities and educational policies, economic and social inequalities, social mobility and inequality of opportunity, labour market institutions and policies, retirement age policies, transition from work to retirement and public attitudes on welfare state issues.

Features

This varied research portfolio is organised within the University of Oxford Institute of Social Policy.

Programme Structure

Curriculum:

The DPhil programme in Social Policy is also available on a part-time basis. The part-time version of the degree has the same high standards and requirements as the full-time degree, but is spread over six-eight years.

The degree is particularly well-suited for students who are seeking the flexibility of part-time study and it provides an excellent opportunity for professionals to undertake rigorous long-term research that may be relevant to their working life.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months
Part-time
- 72 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-10-07 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-03-01 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

110

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Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Oxford, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Social Policy View 51 other PhDs in Social Policy in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

GPA

Upper Second Class

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

110

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Other requirements

General requirements

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

a master's degree; and

a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours.

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

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Tuition Fee

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International

27510 GBP/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 27510 GBP per year during 36 months.
National

15300 GBP/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 15300 GBP per year during 36 months.

Part-time study:

Home: £7,650

Overseas: £13,755

Living costs for Oxford

939 - 1530 GBP /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Social Policy.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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