How to apply
The application window for both the DPhil in Primary Health Care and the DPhil in Translational Health Sciences for 2025/26 entry is open. The main funding deadline for applications is Tuesday 03 December 2024; however we will stay open to new applications past this point and further funded opportunities may be available later in the cycle.
You can browse particular research projects and get an idea of the research carried out across the department by looking at our research themes pages.
To apply for a place on the DPhil in Primary Health Care or DPhil in Translational Health Sciences you will need to submit an application using the online application form.
How to apply: FAQs
We recommend
We recommend that applicants choose to apply to work with a specific supervisor after reading their supervisor profile. You are strongly advised to contact your prospective supervisor(s) in advance of application to discuss potential projects or directions for research you may be able to take. This is to ensure that there is a good fit between the student and the team and is considered an integral part of the admissions process. Please be aware that some supervisors receive a large number of enquiries from prospective students, so please allow time for a response and keep your message brief and to the point.
Supervisor contact details can be found by clicking on their profile pages found here. Please note that any conversations with potential supervisors are not part of the selection process.
The personal statement:
Your statement of purpose/personal statement and research proposal should be submitted as a single, combined document with clear subheadings. Please ensure that the word counts for each section are clearly visible in the document.
Statement of purpose/personal statement
You should provide a statement of your research interests, in English, describing how your background and research interests relate to the course.
The statement should focus on academic or research-related achievements and interests rather than personal achievements and interests.
If you are applying for part-time study, you should provide evidence of your ability to commit sufficient time to study and fulfil all elements outlined in the course description (eg completing coursework, assessments, and attending course and University events and modules).This will be assessed for:
- your reasons for applying;
- evidence of motivation for and understanding of the proposed area of study;
- your ability to present a reasoned case in English; and
- capacity for sustained and focused work; and
- understanding of problems in the area and ability to construct and defend an argument.
Research proposal
You should submit a detailed outline of your proposed research, written in English, covering areas such as the background to the research, methodology, expected results and the contribution to the field of learning.
It will be normal for your ideas subsequently to change in some ways as you investigate the evidence and develop your project. You should nevertheless make the best effort you can to demonstrate the extent of your research question, sources and method at this moment.
This will be assessed for:
- the coherence of your proposal;
- the originality of your project;
- the feasibility of successfully completing your project in the time available for the course.
It is normal for your ideas subsequently to change in some ways as you investigate the evidence and develop your project. You should nevertheless make the best effort you can to demonstrate the extent of your research question, sources and method at this moment.
Course-specific information on the supporting materials required and how your application will be assessed can be found on the University’s pages DPhil in Primary Health Care and DPhil in Translational Health Sciences. You can find full details on the application process in the University’s application guide.