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How to apply

2025 – 26 entry Application Deadline

Applications for entry in October 2025 are now closed. Applications for entry in October 2026 will open in September 2025. 

Entry Requirements for admission

Full details of the entry requirements for admission to the DPhil in Population Health are available on the DPhil in Population Health Graduate Admissions webpage.

Application tips

  • Be clear about why you want to do your research in this department, and what you feel you will gain from the DPhil.
  • Before submitting your application, you must speak to your potential supervisor or supervisors about your proposed project, or the listed project. Ensure you feel confident in this project  and that it fits your experience and interest.
  • Read the How to apply for the DPhil in Population Health at Oxford University: a guide blog post written by Ling Tao, a current OxPop DPhil student.
  • Consider what you wish to achieve. The DPhil is an intensive three-year research degree. It is a challenging but rewarding experience.

Assessment Criteria

Applications will be assessed by a shortlisting panel using these criteria:

1. Demonstrated ability to contribute scientifically taking career stage into account.
candidate demonstrates a strong personal commitment to and enthusiasm for science, given their personal statement and CV.

  • candidate articulates clearly a persuasive rationale for the choice of project(s) or research proposed.
  • candidate shows an understanding of the importance of the work they are proposing to do.
  • candidate has a track record of productive research – assessed in the context of their career stage.

2. Academic achievement given their stage of study and level of opportunity and taking into
account various indicators of ability.

3. Contextual and other data which help to guide the assessment of applications include:

  • References
  • Relevant research project, internship or working experience, as appropriate.

Applying to the University

To apply for a DPhil based on one of the advertised research projects offered by the department:

  1. Review our list of advertised DPhil research projects.
  2. Choose the one that most interests you.
  3. Contact one supervisor associated with the project to discuss developing a brief research proposal based on the project. Your proposal will be part of your formal application. You must secure the supervisor’s agreement in principle to act as supervisor before submitting your formal application.
  4. Apply to the programme via the University’s DPhil in Population Health Graduate Admissions page. 

To apply for a DPhil based on your own research proposal: 

  1. Review the department’s research.
  2. Identify a suitable supervisor.
  3. Contact the supervisor to discuss developing a brief research proposal based on the project. Your proposal will be part of the formal application. You should secure the supervisor’s agreement in principle to act as supervisor before submitting your formal application.
  4. Apply to the programme via the University’s DPhil in Population Health Graduate Admissions page.

Candidates are advised to refer to the Application Guide before making an application. 

COLLEGIATE UNIVERSITY

When you receive an offer from the department your application will be considered for a place at a college. You can state a college preference on your application form or, if you have no preference, you will be assigned to a college. Details of the colleges that accept students on to the DPhil in Population Health can be found on the colleges tab of the DPhil in Population Health Graduate Admissions webpage.

The Oxford collegiate system enables leading academics and students across subjects and year groups, and from different cultures and countries, to come together to share ideas. Belonging to an Oxford college provides students with the chance to participate in a lively intellectual community and access a variety of social activities.

College social events include dinners, banquets and balls. Students have access to their college grounds, libraries, computer rooms, bars and in some cases, punts. All colleges have a variety of sports clubs and societies and students can contribute to decision-making of the college by becoming a member of various committees.

 

The college system is great, with the opportunity to meet a wide variety of people from different backgrounds. — Stephen McCall, MSc and DPhil graduate

 Disability

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments and addressing any individual support requirements for applicants with disabilities. You can find information about the facilities and support available to students from the Disability Advisory Service.

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