An Oxford DPhil in full academic regalia
Something this blog is missing is discussion of the Oxford DPhil, or PhD, programs. Some who apply for the MSc in Global Governance and Diplomacy may intend to try for an Oxford DPhil, whether continuing on at Queen Elizabeth House studying International Development, or at various other departments in the social sciences and humanities. This post discusses the advantage of doing an MSc as preparation for DPhil study, and some important points about the Oxford DPhil generally.
Doing an Oxford MSc program is a huge advantage if one intends to apply for a DPhil. Not only will the MSc program afford one valuable connections with professors—who may later serve as references on the application, or even advisers—but it should also stoke a deeper, more academic interest in a topic. In many cases, this interest serves as the basis for the MSc dissertation, which many roll over as the subject of more profound DPhil research. It is also easier to gain admission to a DPhil program after doing an Oxford MSc. In a hypothetical choice between two individuals, I believe Oxford would rather admit one of its own than take a chance on someone who has not done an Oxford MSc, likely for two reasons. First, and quite simply, interest in DPhil study shows a commitment and interest in remaining at Oxford, for whatever reason. Second, and more deeply, Oxford has very few “professional” degrees. What this means is that all MSc students undertake rigorous academic training through their courses and dissertation, intended as preparation for DPhil study, whether intended or not. An MSc student will have training in quantitative and qualitative methods, as well as other research skills, essential to the successful completion of the DPhil. Hence, there is no guarantee that other masters level programs offer this training, when considering two applicants for a DPhil spot. Lastly, and this goes without saying, one’s marks at the MSc level matter. If one applies to continue straight through to the DPhil, i.e., before the issue of marks at the end of the year, the department may place a “condition” upon one’s acceptance. This is straightforward: an acceptance to a DPhil program contingent upon a baseline aggregate score on final examinations, providing one with an incentive to finish the year on a strong note, even after notification of acceptance.
Moreover, admission to the DPhil program relies heavily upon the explication of a detailed research proposal. Unlike the majority of American PhD programs, the personal statement section of the DPhil application is not used as a show of one’s creative writing or a treatise on why the applicant wants to earn a doctorate, inter alia. It is best to think of this as a “research proposal.” Although dry at times, it is imperative for successful DPhil applicants to adumbrate a research proposal that includes the following things:
1) The guiding questions of the dissertation and research
2) Although more relevant for hard science students, a sense of the research’s design, its provenance in your educational experience, and how one’s resume and relevant experiences have provided one the necessary skills to complete this project successfully
3) A proposed timeline or a sense that the research is feasible given one’s resources and skills
4) Why the research is worthy of a DPhil spot and perhaps funding: what does it add to the field? How is it novel or more than just a literature review or recitation of past research?
5) With whom would you work? Which professors in the department would supervise the project?
DPhil applicants who include all of this in an academic statement will have the best chance for admission to an Oxford DPhil program. The proposal may even begin with the statement of a research question or questions. In the application process, after the departmental committee approves one’s proposal, the committee sends the proposal to the proposed adviser for his or her signature. It is not until the proposed supervisor signs off on the proposal that the application may move forward.
In terms of potential supervisors, established Oxford etiquette is to reach out to professors only via one’s current professors or adviser. Generally, professors make introductions electronically, which often prompts an invite for a tête-à-tête meeting regarding the research proposal (do not take these invitations lightly—come with a detailed outline of the research). Another good way to introduce oneself is to audit a course the professor is teaching, or attend a lecture by that professor. Most Oxford professors are willing to dedicate time to their students when they request it, although some can be intimidating in conversation.
