Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do a Masters degree in Atmospheric, Oceanic and Planetary Physics at Oxford?
At graduate level we only offer the DPhil research degree (equivalent to PhD). We do not offer a graduate taught Masters course.

What is a DPhil? What does PRS mean?
In Oxford, a PhD is given the name "DPhil" (it stands for Doctor of Philosophy). PRS stands for "probationary research student". A student will spend the first year as a PRS before applying for full DPhil status.

How long does the DPhil course last?
The DPhil project period lasts nominally for 3-3½ years.

Are there taught courses in the DPhil programme?
There is some course work in the first year, leading to a written examination, but the student should expect to start work on a research project in parallel with course work. We do not expect course work to be completed before a research project is begun.

What happens in the first year of a DPhil?
In addition to course work DPhil students are expected to attend lectures and seminars, carry out original research and write a first year research report.

How is my progress assessed?
The student will produce a written report at the end of each academic year, which will be reviewed internally in the same manner as a thesis. The first year report and the written examination will determine whether the student proceeds from probationer to DPhil student status. A report at the end of the second year will be examined in a similar way. The target is to complete a DPhil thesis at, or shortly after, the end of the third year, which will be examined by two examiners, one internal and one external.

What should I write in the research proposal section of the application form?
We need to provide appropriate supervision for your DPhil so it is important that you do not choose an area where we have no research expertise. Please consult our list of DPhil projects available for 2012 and simply indicate which ones interest you, preferably in order of priority.

Do I need to submit any additional written material?
No, we do not require any additional work.

How do I choose a college?
AOPP has senior staff at, or historical links with, the following colleges: Jesus, Lady Margaret Hall, Linacre, Lincoln, Oriel, St Anne's, St Cross, St Hugh's, Trinity and Wolfson. If you have no preference, or you wish apply to a college with no links to AOPP, please graduate-admissions [at] atm [dot] ox [dot] ac [dot] uk (contact us) before submitting your application so that we can advise you on the pros and cons of this.

When will the outcome of my application be known?
Overseas candidates will be informed of the outcome by 9 March. UK/EU candidates will be notified by 30 April or earlier. In both cases the question of college admission will then follow automatically.

My first language is not English, but I have studied at an English-speaking university. Do I need to provide proof of proficiency in English?
We require you to provide recent proof of competence in spoken and written English, as given in the selection criteria. This requirement may be waived, at the discretion of the University, in cases where an applicant has successfully completed or is currently completing a full time degree-level course of a minimum of nine months at a recognised institution where the medium of instruction and assessment is entirely in English. If you wish to apply for a waiver to the normal requirement, please upload a request with your online application outlining the reasons why you should be exempted from the requirement. However, please note the University is unable to waive the requirement for an English Language test if it is required for visa purposes, unless you fulfill the requirements in the Application Guide.

I am an international student. Where can I find out about applying for a visa?
http://www.ox.ac.uk/students/international_students/index.html

What selection criteria are used in admitting candidates to graduate study?
Please see our selection criteria.

Where can I find more information about applying to Oxford?
http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/postgraduate_courses/apply/index.html

Where can I find more information on funding and the likely cost of studying in Oxford?
http://www.ox.ac.uk/feesandfunding/fees