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University of Oxford: Atmospheric, Oceanic and Planetary Physics
| Institution | University of Oxford |
|---|---|
| Department | Physics |
| 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 in Atmospheric, Oceanic and Planetary Physics (AOPP) is a research-based course examining physical processes in Earth’s and other planets’ atmospheres, oceans, and surfaces using experimental, computational, and theoretical methods.
The course is hosted by the Atmospheric, Oceanic and Planetary Physics (AOPP) sub-department, one of six sub-departments of the Department of Physics, with most facilities and offices located in the Clarendon laboratory.
Your research work begins on day one and will be underpinned by a taught graduate course in the first year that runs in parallel. You will also have the opportunity to follow courses taught at other departments across the Maths, Physics and Life Sciences division.
The structure of the taught course components and the initial (first year) assessment will be determined by the method of entry onto the course.
Research projects will typically be in area of planetary physics or a specifically-funded research project. Courses will be provided via lectures given as part of fourth year major option in the University's undergraduate degree in physics, Physics of atmospheres and oceans.
Whilst working on your research project you will engage in a thorough skills training programme which includes a range of workshops and seminars in transferable skills, generic research skills and specific research techniques. There are also numerous seminars and lectures held in the department by local and visiting physicists, and you will be provided with opportunities to meet experts in various fields. There will also be opportunity for you to present your work at both formal and informal conferences, seminars and colloquia.
| 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 DPhil in Atmospheric, Oceanic and Planetary Physics (AOPP) is a research-based course of three to four years in duration. Research focuses on the study of physical processes in the atmospheres, surfaces and oceans of the Earth and other planets, using experimental, computational and theoretical techniques.
The course is hosted by the Atmospheric, Oceanic and Planetary Physics (AOPP) sub-department, one of six sub-departments of the Department of Physics, with most facilities and offices located in the Clarendon laboratory.
Admission to this course is highly competitive and is either directly to this course or via Intelligent Earth (UKRI CDT in AI for the Environment).
Members of the sub-department are engaged in research to answer questions like:
-
How does the Earth’s climate evolve?
-
How do we connect measurements made from space and the ground to the future direction of the Earth’s climate?
-
What can we learn from observations of other planets to tell us more about the Earth and the evolution of the Solar System?
Your research work begins on day one and will be underpinned by a taught graduate course in the first year that runs in parallel. You will also have the opportunity to follow courses taught at other departments across the Maths, Physics and Life Sciences division.
The structure of the taught course components and the initial (first year) assessment will be determined by the method of entry onto the course.
If you applying directly to AOPP, typically for projects in the area of planetary physics or a specifically-funded research project, courses will be provided via lectures given as part of fourth year major option in the University's undergraduate degree in physics, Physics of atmospheres and oceans.
If you apply to enter via the Intelligent Earth (UKRI CDT in AI for the Environment) and are successful, you will spend the first year with the CDT. The transition to AOPP typically happens at the end of the first year.
Whilst working on your research project you will engage in a thorough skills training programme which includes a range of workshops and seminars in transferable skills, generic research skills and specific research techniques. There are also numerous seminars and lectures held in the department by local and visiting physicists, and you will be provided with opportunities to meet experts in various fields. There will also be opportunity for you to present your work at both formal and informal conferences, seminars and colloquia.
| 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 |
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