University of Oxford

Overview

The DPhil in Law at the University of Oxford is a prestigious research degree designed to foster the development of an original thesis. This rigorous program typically spans three years for full-time students, with part-time options available that may extend the duration. The structure emphasizes structured research training in the initial phases, combined with close supervision from experienced faculty.

• Award: DPhil (Doctor of Philosophy) in Law
• Duration: typically 3 years full-time; longer for part-time arrangements
• Credits: thesis-based program, not always adhering to a standard ECTS credit structure
• Delivery: research-led program with faculty supervision and training
• Mode: full-time or part-time
• Language of instruction: English
• English language tests: IELTS or TOEFL required; minimum scores vary
• Application: through Oxford’s graduate admissions process; specific deadlines apply
• Start: typically in October

What you'll study

The DPhil in Law is primarily thesis-driven, with a strong foundation in research training and academic engagement.

• Legal research training: Students engage in a course focused on legal research methods during their initial year of full-time study or within the first two years for part-time students, unless they have already completed the Faculty’s MPhil in Law.
• Seminars and academic engagement: Participation in compulsory seminars during the Michaelmas term and additional options in the Hilary term, including sessions from other social science departments and relevant Oxford centers.
• Conference attendance: Students are required to attend the course conference at the beginning of Trinity term.
• Supervision: Regular meetings with supervisors are expected, typically accounting for up to nine interactions throughout the academic year, with specifics varying by supervision mode.
• Part-time attendance expectation: Part-time students are usually required to be in Oxford for a minimum number of days each year, coordinated with their supervisor.
• Thesis: The program culminates with the submission of a thesis for examination.

Entry requirements

The admission process for the DPhil in Law is competitive and hinges on the alignment of your academic qualifications with the proposed research area.

Academic requirements

• Typically, a first-class honours undergraduate degree in law is required.
• Applicants with first-class honours in a different but relevant subject may also be considered.

English language requirements

• IELTS: generally required, with minimum scores subject to Oxford’s current graduate requirements.
• TOEFL iBT: generally required, with minimum scores subject to Oxford’s current graduate requirements.

Other requirements

• Two academic references are typically required.
• A research proposal detailing your intended topic, methodology, and its relevance to Law at Oxford.
• A CV and any other supporting documents as specified in the application process.
• Compliance with any additional Faculty or department-specific requirements for your research area.

Career prospects

Graduates of the DPhil in Law program are well-prepared for a variety of career paths, including academia, legal practice, policy-making, and roles in international organizations. The research skills developed during the program enable alumni to excel in diverse professional environments, contributing to advancements in legal scholarship, practice, and public policy.