D.Phil. in Computer Science or Numerical Analysis

Doctoral students in the Computing Laboratory do individual research in Computer Science or Numerical Analysis under the direct supervision of a leading academic expert in their field. The Laboratory's doctoral programme is aimed at developing its students into mature researchers, able to make original scientific contributions that have both practical significance and a rigorous, elegant theoretical grounding. A doctoral degree from Oxford is an excellent preparation for an academic career, advanced research and development in industry, or entrepreneurial ventures.

In Oxford, the Doctor of Philosophy degree is abbreviated D.Phil. but in other respects is equivalent to a Ph.D. elsewhere.

For information about studentships and other funding opportunities, see the section on Scholarships below.

Research Opportunities in the Computing Laboratory

• Research in the Computing Laboratory, organized by topic.
• Academic Staff of the Computing Laboratory.
• The Laboratory's Research Students.
• Proceedings of the computer science research student conference.

Applying for a D.Phil. Place

Processing of applications to doctoral programmes in the Computing Laboratory is handled by the University's central Graduate Admissions Office. Applications are considered in a number of distinct gathered fields over the course of the year, each of which has a specific deadline. The University's Graduate Studies Prospectus gives authoritative information about the deadlines and how apply. The Prospectus and application forms are available online or in printed form by post.

• Graduate Studies Prospectus.
• Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)
• The Computer Science section of the Graduate Studies Prospectus.
• Request or download application materials. These comprise the application forms and notes. The notes state the application deadlines and explain the paperwork that must be submitted to apply.
• Selection criteria for Research Degrees in the Computing Laboratory (pdf). The academic criteria by which we assess applications and our requirements for English language proficiency.

Applications should be sent to the Graduate Admissions Office, but we request that you also send a brief email note to the Graduate Admissions Secretary to let us know your application is on the way.

All applicants are also encouraged to read the following notes, which the Computing Laboratory has prepared to give guidance specific to research degrees in Computer Science and Numerical Analysis:

• D.Phil. Research in the Oxford University Computing Laboratory (pdf).
• D.Phil. Programme Requirements at the Computing Laboratory, with advice about your research proposal (pdf).
• Advice about college selection.

Scholarships and Fees

Here are some sources of scholarhips for doctoral study at Oxford, and some information about fees. From time to time new scholarships become available, so it is worth revisiting this page regularly.

• Scholarships available from the Computing Laboratory:
  • EPSRC DTA Studentships (UK and EU students).
• Scholarships and funding opportunities for graduate study at Oxford.
• More funding ideas for international students from the International Office.
• Commonwealth Scholarships.
• Rhodes Scholarships.

• Fees and Expenses. This part of the Graduate Prospectus states what the fees are and has some advice about living expenses.
• Definition of ‘home student’ and ‘overseas student’ for the purposes of fees.

Other Useful Information

Most graduate students will look to their college for accommodation, but there are also some University options:

• Accommodation available through the University.
• See also accommodation information from colleges.

For a guide to life as a research student in the Computing Laboratory and the main rules and requirements for our D.Phil. programme, consult the Research Student Handbook:

• Research Student Handbook (pdf).

Enquiries and Further Information

Informal enquiries about graduate studies in the Computing Laboratory at Oxford can be addressed to one of the following members of the administrative staff:

• For Computer Science - the Graduate Admissions Secretary.
  
• For Numerical Analysis - the Numerical Analysis Group Secretary.