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University of Oxford: Biology
| Institution | University of Oxford |
|---|---|
| Department | Biology |
| Web | http://www.ox.ac.uk/study |
| graduate.admissions@admin.ox.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | +44 (0)1865 270059 |
| Study type | Research |
DPhil
Summary
The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2025). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.
The DPhil/MSc by Research in Biology is a research-based course focused on original projects in areas such as fieldwork, lab experiments, data analysis, or theoretical biology, with training in research and professional skills.
As a doctoral student, your primary focus will be your research, which will be conducted within one or more of the existing research groups. You will be expected to develop an original research project under the guidance of your academic supervisors and normally on a topic related to their areas of expertise. In addition, you will be encouraged to make the most of the doctoral training and research methods provision available across the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division.
Doctoral research projects can be based on fieldwork (sometimes in remote places), laboratory experiments, analysis of existing data sets, or mathematical theory, but in all cases must be original and rigorous, leading to publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals. The majority of your time will, therefore, be spent in independent self-directed research and will involve a mixture of experimental, computational and observational activities.
The department has a friendly graduate community which provides a welcoming network to new students. The graduate student community offers a supportive environment, both social and scientific, allowing new graduates to develop into well-rounded and confident scientists. Graduates are a valued part of the department's research community and their work is showcased annually at the departmental Graduate Symposium.
The MSc by Research version offers advanced training in the latest research approaches in support of independent research that you will be conducting in your chosen field of biology, giving you the preparation and expertise required to bridge the gap between a taught degree and a DPhil/PhD or employment.
You will be expected to develop an original research project under the guidance of your academic supervisors and normally on a topic related to their areas of expertise. Research projects must be original and rigorous, and can be based on fieldwork (sometimes in remote places), laboratory experiments, analysis of existing data sets, or mathematical theory.
The majority of your time will be spent in independent self-directed research and will involve a mixture of experimental, computational and observational activities.
The Department of Biology offers a broad range of research opportunities for graduate students. As an MSc by Research student, your primary focus will be your research, which will be conducted with one or more of the existing research groups. Depending upon your research, you may work with different research groups within the Department of Biology and with collaborators in other departments or institutions.
Across both versions, you will be part of a vibrant educational research community that includes an active set of student-led events, seminars and workshops. You will have the opportunity to present and discuss your work in progress with your supervisor, other faculty members and peers, informally day-to-day and by attending a variety of seminars and workshops in the department and at conferences elsewhere. In addition, you will be encouraged to make the most of the graduate training and research methods provision available across the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division.
| Level | RQF Level 8 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas |
| Location | University of Oxford University Offices Wellington Square Oxford OX1 2JD |
Summary
The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2024). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.
The Department of Biology offers a broad range of research opportunities for graduate students. The department maintains a large and interactive group of around 200 DPhil students.
As a doctoral student, your primary focus will be your research, which will be conducted within one or more of the existing research groups. You will be expected to develop an original research project under the guidance of your academic supervisors and normally on a topic related to their areas of expertise. In addition, you will be encouraged to make the most of the doctoral training and research methods provision available across the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division.
Doctoral research projects can be based on fieldwork (sometimes in remote places), laboratory experiments, analysis of existing data sets, or mathematical theory, but in all cases must be original and rigorous, leading to publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals. The majority of your time will, therefore, be spent in independent self-directed research and will involve a mixture of experimental, computational and observational activities.
You will be part of a vibrant educational research community that includes an active set of doctoral student-led events, seminars and workshops. You will have the opportunity to present and discuss your work in progress with your supervisor, other faculty members and peers, informally day-to-day and by attending a variety of seminars and workshops in the department and at conferences elsewhere.
The department has a friendly graduate community which provides a welcoming network to new students. The graduate student community offers a supportive environment, both social and scientific, allowing new graduates to develop into well-rounded and confident scientists. Graduates are a valued part of the department's research community and their work is showcased annually at the departmental Graduate Symposium.
| Level | RQF Level 8 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas |
| Location | University of Oxford University Offices Wellington Square Oxford OX1 2JD |
Summary
The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2023). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.
The Department of Biology offers a broad range of research opportunities for graduate students. The department maintains a large and interactive group of around 200 DPhil students.
As a doctoral student, your primary focus will be your research, which will usually be conducted within one or more of the existing research groups. You will be expected to develop an original research project under the guidance of your academic supervisors and normally on a topic related to their areas of expertise. In addition, you will be encouraged to make the most of the doctoral training and research methods provision available across the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division. The department also provides training to all DPhil students that focuses on developing both research and professional skills.
Doctoral research projects can be based on fieldwork (sometimes in remote places), laboratory experiments, analysis of existing data sets, or mathematical theory, but in all cases must be original and rigorous, leading to publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals. The majority of your time will, therefore, be spent in independent self-directed research and will involve a mixture of experimental, computational and observational activities.
You will be part of a vibrant educational research community that includes an active set of doctoral student-led events, seminars and workshops. You will have the opportunity to present and discuss your work in progress with your supervisor, other faculty members and peers, informally day-to-day and by attending a variety of seminars and workshops in the department and at conferences elsewhere.
The department has a friendly graduate community which provides a welcoming network to new students. The graduate student community offers a supportive environment, both social and scientific, allowing new graduates to develop into well-rounded and confident scientists. Graduates are a valued part of the department's research community and their work is showcased annually at the departmental Graduate Symposium.
| Level | RQF Level 8 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas |
| Location | University of Oxford University Offices Wellington Square Oxford OX1 2JD |
MSc (Res)
Summary
The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2025). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.
The DPhil/MSc by Research in Biology is a research-based course focused on original projects in areas such as fieldwork, lab experiments, data analysis, or theoretical biology, with training in research and professional skills.
As a doctoral student, your primary focus will be your research, which will be conducted within one or more of the existing research groups. You will be expected to develop an original research project under the guidance of your academic supervisors and normally on a topic related to their areas of expertise. In addition, you will be encouraged to make the most of the doctoral training and research methods provision available across the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division.
Doctoral research projects can be based on fieldwork (sometimes in remote places), laboratory experiments, analysis of existing data sets, or mathematical theory, but in all cases must be original and rigorous, leading to publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals. The majority of your time will, therefore, be spent in independent self-directed research and will involve a mixture of experimental, computational and observational activities.
The department has a friendly graduate community which provides a welcoming network to new students. The graduate student community offers a supportive environment, both social and scientific, allowing new graduates to develop into well-rounded and confident scientists. Graduates are a valued part of the department's research community and their work is showcased annually at the departmental Graduate Symposium.
The MSc by Research version offers advanced training in the latest research approaches in support of independent research that you will be conducting in your chosen field of biology, giving you the preparation and expertise required to bridge the gap between a taught degree and a DPhil/PhD or employment.
You will be expected to develop an original research project under the guidance of your academic supervisors and normally on a topic related to their areas of expertise. Research projects must be original and rigorous, and can be based on fieldwork (sometimes in remote places), laboratory experiments, analysis of existing data sets, or mathematical theory.
The majority of your time will be spent in independent self-directed research and will involve a mixture of experimental, computational and observational activities.
The Department of Biology offers a broad range of research opportunities for graduate students. As an MSc by Research student, your primary focus will be your research, which will be conducted with one or more of the existing research groups. Depending upon your research, you may work with different research groups within the Department of Biology and with collaborators in other departments or institutions.
Across both versions, you will be part of a vibrant educational research community that includes an active set of student-led events, seminars and workshops. You will have the opportunity to present and discuss your work in progress with your supervisor, other faculty members and peers, informally day-to-day and by attending a variety of seminars and workshops in the department and at conferences elsewhere. In addition, you will be encouraged to make the most of the graduate training and research methods provision available across the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas |
| Location | University of Oxford University Offices Wellington Square Oxford OX1 2JD |
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