DPhil in Biology Programme

Department of Biology, University of Oxford

The Department of Biology at the University of Oxford is delighted to offer a series of PhD opportunities in the biosciences commencing in 2024.

The University of Oxford has been named top of the World University Rankings for an 8th year running, excelling in areas of teaching, research, industry, influence and more. Its Department of Biology offers a broad range of research opportunities for graduate students through its new DPhil in Biology course.

Projects on offer range across the biosciences, and will cover one or more of the Department’s five key areas of research:

• Behaviour & Biomechanics
• Ecology & Conservation
• Evolutionary Biology
• Microbiology & Infectious Disease
• Molecular Plant Biology

Doctoral research projects can be based on fieldwork carried out in the UK or abroad, 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. A large majority of student time will be spent in independent self-directed research and will involve a mixture of experimental, computational, and observational activities.

Working within a vibrant educational research community, including an interactive group of around 200 DPhil students, the department provides training to all DPhil students that focuses on developing both research and professional skills. This provides students with the tools and experience they need for their future careers. For more information, see the individual projects below.

Projects

Projects are multidisciplinary across a spectrum of topics within biology. Project topics are shown below. For more information on each project, please contact the relevant supervisor.

Funding

The DPhil in Biology course is not a funded course at the University of Oxford, as such, students are expected to explore options for funding. However, we anticipate being able to offer around 6 full graduate scholarships to incoming DPhil Students in 2024-25.

You will be automatically considered for the majority of Oxford scholarships, if you fulfil the eligibility criteria and submit your graduate application by 5 January 2024. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic achievement and potential to excel as a DPhil student.

For further details about searching for funding as a graduate student visit the University’s dedicated Funding pages.

Application process

The deadline for applications for 2024-2025 entry is midday 5 January 2024. We will continue to accept applications submitted after 5 January 2024, but these late applications will not be considered for scholarship funding.

You can find the admissions portal and further information about eligibility and the DPhil in Biology Programme at the University's graduate admissions page.