Applications must be made through the Graduate Admissions portal. Informal enquiries are encouraged, please email The Podium Institute.

Applications for 2025 entry are now closed.

Proposed Supervisor

You can list up to three potential supervisors for your proposed research project. You may need to contact them in advance of submitting your application.

CV

Questions relating to your CV and background are included on the graduate application form.

Transcript

You will need to upload copies of your previous transcripts to the application portal.

References

The application cannot be assessed until three references have been received by Oxford. Please contact them in advance and let them know to expect the automated email requesting the reference.

Research Proposal

Your research proposal should be between 1000 – 1500 words, and should describe, in English, your proposed research in detail, and the question you will address. It should include reference to your academic background and the relevant experience which demonstrates your suitability to conduct the proposed research. Your statement should focus primarily on academic, research, or employment-related achievements and interests, rather than personal achievements and interests.

Please make sure your research proposal is anonymised with respect to your name, ethnicity, and gender. Anonymisation of application forms is one of the actions we are taking for initial shortlisting. This is aimed at minimising conscious and implicit bias in the admissions procedure for graduate students.

Please ensure that the word count is clearly displayed in your proposal.

Briefly explain your motivation for undertaking doctoral study, including at least one specific example of how you have prepared yourself for doctoral study that illustrates your commitment and motivation.

Summarise your previous achievements and experience, in particular any research you have conducted, relevant employment or work experience (if any), and/or any activities that illustrate your personal strengths, research, programming, communication, and/or team skills.

Your research proposal will be assessed for:

    • Your reasons for applying
    • Evidence of your motivation for and understanding of the proposed area of study
    • Your ability to present a reasoned case in English
    • Your preliminary knowledge of research techniques
    • Your understanding of problems in the area and ability to construct and defend an argument

You should do your best to demonstrate your current research interests and aspirations.
For further information and instructions as to how to make a full application, please see the Graduate Admissions page. If you have any queries, please contact The Podium Institute.