DPhil in Chemistry
University of Oxford
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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

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Location

University of Oxford

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

OCT-25

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Duration

3 years

Course info

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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

University of Oxford

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

OCT-25

Duration

3 years

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Chemistry
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Course info

This is a research degree leading to the award of a DPhil in Chemistry. The course admits students across the full breadth of research in the department, which focuses on fundamental science aimed at making significant and sustained long-term impact.The main aspect of the course is an original research project, which develops research skills, knowledge and expertise in an area of cutting-edge chemistry. You will work with one or more academic supervisors, on a project that falls within the ...Read more

This is a research degree leading to the award of a DPhil in Chemistry. The course admits students across the full breadth of research in the department, which focuses on fundamental science aimed at making significant and sustained long-term impact.

The main aspect of the course is an original research project, which develops research skills, knowledge and expertise in an area of cutting-edge chemistry. You will work with one or more academic supervisors, on a project that falls within the department's research themes:

Advanced Functional Materials and Interfaces
Catalysis
Chemistry at the interface with Biology and Medicine
Energy and Sustainable Chemistry
Innovative Measurement and Photon Science
Kinetics, Dynamics and Mechanism
Synthesis
Theory and Modelling in the Chemical Sciences

Many students work on projects that cut across the traditional boundaries of chemistry, and some work in interdisciplinary fields that exploit the department's strong connections with other departments of the University.

A typical week would primarily be spent carrying out your research, along with attending research group meetings, preparing reports, and keeping up-to-date with the scientific literature. You will also have access to a range of training opportunities, including specialist training within the department on key research techniques. Alongside your research project, you will be expected to develop your transferable skills, and many courses and opportunities for this are provided by the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences division and the wider University.

The Department of Chemistry has a strong and vibrant research community, of which you will become part, and you will be encouraged to attend a range of events including seminar series, lectures from distinguished visiting researchers, and the annual Graduate Symposium.

Assessment

You will be admitted as a Probationary Research Student. At the end of the first year, you will undergo a Transfer of Status assessment, to ensure that you have the potential to gain a doctorate. This assessment is made by independent assessors on the basis of a report, a short presentation and an oral examination. Assuming that you satisfactorily transfer to DPhil status, your research proceeds with quarterly reporting throughout the rest of your course. By the end of the third year, you must pass the Confirmation of Status assessment, to ensure that you are on track to complete the thesis within a reasonable time.

Graduate destinations

This is a new course, formed by the amalgamation of four of our previous courses: DPhil in Chemical Biology, DPhil in Inorganic Chemistry, DPhil in Organic Chemistry, DPhil in Physical and Theoretical Chemistry.

Key stats

CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
2nd
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
2nd
What students say
E
Emily
17 Mar 22

Great buildings and location with great transport links to major cities. Being taught by people who are the best in that field and being able to contribute to their research at an..Read more

SR
Student Reviewer
03 Feb 22

-Lots of work. Very intense. High stress -Beautiful. Amazing environment to study in. Top class facilities. College system is really..Read more

Entry requirements

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent or their equivalent: a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in a subject relevant to the proposed research. Normally this will be a chemistry degree, but degrees in other physical sciences or in a biological science may be suitable. Entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first-class degree or the equivalent.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£10,070 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

£33,370 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

£33,370 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Chemistry (General) reviews

Chemistry (General)
Chemistry (General)
E
Emily
17 Mar 22
Chemistry MChem (Hons)
Great buildings and location with great transport links to major cities. Being taught by people who are the best in that field and being able to contribute to their research at an...
Read more
SR
Student Reviewer
03 Feb 22
Chemistry MChem (Hons)
-Lots of work. Very intense. High stress -Beautiful. Amazing environment to study in. Top class facilities. College system is really...
Read more
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Uni info

University of Oxford
University Offices Wellington Square Oxford Oxfordshire OX1 2JD United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Oxford  0.2 miles away

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