DPhil in History
University of Oxford
Student rating
This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni.
( 4.2) View reviews

Want to know what it's like to study this course at uni? We've got all the key info, from entry requirements to the modules on offer. If that all sounds good, why not check out reviews from real students or even book onto an upcoming open days?

Different course options
2 options available
academic-cap
Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

location-pin
Location

University of Oxford

beaker
Study mode

Full Time

calendar
Start date

OCT-25

time
Duration

3 years

Course info

Select a course option


Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

University of Oxford

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

OCT-25

Duration

3 years

SELECTED

Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

University of Oxford

Study mode

Part Time

Start date

OCT-25

Duration

6 years

SELECT

Subjects

Select a subject


History
SELECTED

Exam type

Select a an exam type


Location

Select student location


Domestic
SELECTED

EU
SELECT

Rest of World
SELECT

Course info

About the courseThe DPhil in History is an advanced research degree, awarded on the basis of successful completion of an individual research thesis and an oral examination.If studying full-time, you are expected to submit your thesis three, or at most four, years from the date of admission. If studying part-time, you are expected to submit your thesis six, or at most eight, years from the date of admission.You will be expected to attend and to contribute to the wide range of research seminars, ...Read more

About the course

The DPhil in History is an advanced research degree, awarded on the basis of successful completion of an individual research thesis and an oral examination.

If studying full-time, you are expected to submit your thesis three, or at most four, years from the date of admission. If studying part-time, you are expected to submit your thesis six, or at most eight, years from the date of admission.

You will be expected to attend and to contribute to the wide range of research seminars, conferences and workshops organised by the division and faculty. You will also have access to specialist training courses offered by the Bodleian Libraries and IT Services. Your supervisor will advise you on what seminars will be more beneficial for your chosen research area. You can attend any lectures, across the University, that you wish to (subject to any specific restrictions), and we encourage students to take advantage of this and explore areas outside of their specific research topic.

Assessment

Your thesis will be based on extensive original research and engagement with current scholarship. You will be expected to pass Transfer of Status by the end of your first year on the course, and Confirmation of Status in your third year (these deadlines are doubled for part-time students). These milestones are designed to ensure that you have identified a sound research topic and timeline for completion, as well as giving you the opportunity to receive feedback from academics in your field. They will also help prepare you for your viva voce examination when you have submitted your thesis.

Graduate destinations

A survey of the destinations of doctoral students who completed theses in 2001 shows that about half are in academic posts in nine countries; some are working in museums, or as freelance historians; others are primarily in higher administrative positions. in the civil service, university administration, banking, occasionally in publishing or law.

A preliminary survey of those who completed their doctorate in 2011 shows that around 40% are currently in academic teaching or research positions on collaborative projects or as Junior Research Fellows.

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
SR
Student Reviewer
03 Feb 22

It’s fantastic..Read more

SR
Student Reviewer
03 Feb 22

Beautiful city, buildings spread all around the town so get to walk around a lot...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 master's degree with distinction or a high pass; and a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in history or cognate disciplines. However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first-class degree or the equivalent. Applicants without a prior degree in history or history of art should be aware that competition for a place on the DPhil is extremely tough and even some of Oxford's own master's students may not secure one. You should consider that most of your competitors will have a solid background in the discipline and the appropriate training for academic research in a historical context, with a first class or distinction grade. If you decide to apply without a prior master's degree in history, please ensure that you link your proposed thesis topic with your previous expertise when you present it in your application. You should also show that you have already done a considerable amount of background research into the topic. Your submitted written work should show your writing and research skills in their best light as it will be important to show that you have the necessary skills for historical research and writing. Many applicants will be enrolled on a master’s course at the point of application, in which case any offer made will be conditional on completing that master’s course to the level specified in the condition. For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.75 out of 4.0. However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a cumulative GPA of 3.8.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£13,380 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)

£34,980 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.

£34,980 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 History reviews

History
History
SR
Student Reviewer
03 Feb 22
History BA (Hons)
It’s fantastic...
Read more
SR
Student Reviewer
03 Feb 22
History BA (Hons)
Beautiful city, buildings spread all around the town so get to walk around a lot....
Read more
Review breakdown
University rating
University rating
Students' union
Societies and Sports
University halls
Facilities
Lecturers and teaching quality
Local life
Career prospects
Student support
Location
Campus look and feel
Student life
Course rating
Course content
Work placements and internships
Tutor contact time
Subject facilities
University location
Cost of living
Safety
Public transport
Part-time work opportunities
Graduate employment opportunities
Diversity
Location
Safety
Room allocation
Internet/wifi
Value for money
Property management

How History students rated:

Student rating
( 4.1) 13 reviews
5 star
24%
4 stars
69%
3 stars
0%
2 stars
7%
1 star
0%

How all students rated:

Student rating
( 4.2) 346 reviews
5 star
37%
4 stars
53%
3 stars
9%
2 stars
1%
1 star
0%
Search reviews that mention

Uni info

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

Find a course

  • Undergraduate
  • HND / HNC
  • Foundation degree
  • Access & foundation
  • Postgraduate