DPhil programmes
Develop your applied research skills in our thriving, multidisciplinary department.
DPhil Primary Health Care • DPhil Translational Health Sciences
A multidisciplinary department
As the largest, top-ranked centre for academic primary care in the UK, the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences leads world-class research and training to rethink the way healthcare is delivered in general practice and other primary care settings, globally.
Our graduate community reflects the multidisciplinary nature of our department, with students coming from a range of backgrounds including but not limited to statistics, nursing, midwifery, general practice, obstetrics, medical anthropology, behavioural science, nutrition, epidemiology, social science, psychology and physiotherapy.
at the forefront of Primary care research
We have methodological strengths in qualitative and applied research, randomised trials, analysis of big data and evidence synthesis. Our research covers ten broad themes: big data; digital health and innovation; cardiovascular and metabolic disease; health policy and health systems; health behaviours; infections and acute care; EBM and medical statistics; patient experience; trials. In particular, we are expanding our capability for applied digital health research with a focus on health data, digital tools and the social aspects of connected health.
Our main focus on the prevention, early diagnosis and management of common illness. We bring together academics from many different backgrounds to work together to produce benefits for the NHS, for populations and for patients.
developing the researchers of the future
We are a thriving, friendly department located in the centre of Oxford, able to offer our community of graduate students dedicated facilities in close proximity to their supervisors, support staff, colleges and libraries. We are situated next door to Green Templeton, a postgraduate college with excellent facilities.
Many of our supervisors are NIHR Senior Investigators, giving students the opportunity to learn from some of the most prominent well-connected researchers in the health sciences.
Students benefit from access to skills training in the Medical Sciences Division in addition to a training programme organised by the department. Department training and one-to-one support includes workshops from our own researchers on statistics, qualitative research, trials, writing grants, communications and systematic reviews. Find out more about the training we offer.
What is it like to do your DPhil with us?
Our students talk about studying in our department and what they hope to get out of an Oxford DPhil (filmed January 2020):
Admissions status
Applications are now open for entry in the 2021-22 academic year and will close at 12:00 midday on Friday 9th July. You can express your interest in applying or contact us to discuss your own project idea.
Our COVID-19 research
In response to the coronavirus pandemic, many of our DPhil students have worked on COVID-19 research projects, aimed at better understanding, diagnosing and treating COVID-19 in the community. Here are just some of the publications they've been involved in:
Two metres or one: What is the evidence for physical distancing in covid-19?
COVID-19 Mortality Risk in Down Syndrome: Results From a Cohort Study Of 8 Million Adults
Meet our students
Get to know a few of our students and find out how they also make a difference to the world-class research and teaching in our department.
DPhil Training
We provide a training programme to introduce our new students to some of the skills and areas that will be useful to them throughout their their DPhil.
How to apply
To apply for a place on any of the DPhil's in our department, you will need to submit an application using the online application form.
Course information
Potential graduate research projects
We have several fully funded studentships, in addition to suggested projects without funding. Alternatively, if you have your own idea for a project feel free to contact a supervisor.
Contact a supervisor
Additional application support
As well as our own FAQs, the University also offers a more general application guide, lots of information and guidance about postgraduate study, fees and funding, colleges and the application process on the Graduate Admissions website. You can also browse this guide to Preparing for Academic Practice.
