DPhil in Earth Sciences
University of Oxford
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( 4.3) View reviews

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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

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Duration

3 years

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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

University of Oxford

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

OCT

Duration

3 years

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Course info

About the course: The Earth sciences are the focus of scientific understanding about this and other planets, embracing a large range of fundamental topics including the evolution of life, how climate has changed in the past and will change in the future, the nature of planetary surfaces and interiors and the processes underlying natural hazards like earthquakes and volcanoes. The DPhil is an advanced degree by research that will take between three to four years to complete. You will typically ...Read more

About the course: The Earth sciences are the focus of scientific understanding about this and other planets, embracing a large range of fundamental topics including the evolution of life, how climate has changed in the past and will change in the future, the nature of planetary surfaces and interiors and the processes underlying natural hazards like earthquakes and volcanoes. The DPhil is an advanced degree by research that will take between three to four years to complete. You will typically join a research group and work alongside other research students, postdoctoral researchers and academics in the same general research area – all of whom provide additional support and advice for DPhil students. Academic activity across research groups is also strongly encouraged.While the focus of the DPhil is on your development to conduct independent research, there are formal courses available both within the Department of Earth Sciences and other departments in the Maths, Physical and Life Sciences (MPLS) Division. Formal courses are organised through the MPLS Graduate Academic Program and include generic skills such as advice on science writing, as well as subject specific specialist courses. These allow the structured course components to be tailored to your individual research project needs. There are also paid opportunities for you to gain teaching experience by demonstrating laboratory classes to undergraduates, assisting on undergraduate fieldtrips or in tutorial teaching. Assessment: Examination of the DPhil is in three stages. After the first year and between years two and three a formal report, presentation and interview are required to confirm your status as a DPhil candidate. At the end of the degree a written thesis is submitted and this is examined viva voce by an external expert in the field and moderated by an internal member of faculty. Graduate destinations: Many graduates choose to stay in academia. Others go on to environmental work or work in industry. The Department of Earth Sciences has an active and vibrant alumni network. With an annual newsletter, alumni dinners, networking and other events throughout the year, there are many different opportunities to keep in contact with the department.

Key stats

  IDP Connect
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2026
2nd
What students say
SR
Student Reviewer
14 Mar 22

The location and facilities are brilliant, and the academic staff couldn’t be more helpful and accommodating. Student welfare could be improved a little, especially disability..Read more

SR
Student Reviewer
03 Feb 22

Good..Read more

Entry requirements

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the equivalent of the following UK qualifications or their equivalent: a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in science or mathematics. However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a minimum of an upper-second or first-class degree or the equivalent. Most candidates have a master's degree or the equivalent. For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum overall GPA that is normally required to meet the undergraduate-level requirement is 3.5 out of 4.0. However, most successful applicants have a GPA of 3.7.

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 Earth Sciences reviews

Earth Sciences
Earth Sciences
SR
Student Reviewer
14 Mar 22
Geography - BA (Hons)
The location and facilities are brilliant, and the academic staff couldn’t be more helpful and accommodating. Student welfare could be improved a little, especially disability...
Read more
SR
Student Reviewer
03 Feb 22
Geology - BA (Hons)
Good...
Read more
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How Earth Sciences students rated:

Student rating
( 4.8) 4 reviews
5 star
75%
4 stars
25%
3 stars
0%
2 stars
0%
1 star
0%

How all students rated:

Student rating
( 4.3) 130 reviews
5 star
47%
4 stars
43%
3 stars
7%
2 stars
2%
1 star
1%
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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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