DPhil in Geography and the Environment

University of Oxford

About the course: The Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) in Geography and the Environment is the department's premier research degree, awarded to candidates who have successfully completed a major piece of original research. The course provides support and an intellectual environment to pursue your own independent research. The DPhil in Geography and the Environment is offered as either a full-time three- to four-year degree, or a part-time six- to eight-year degree. Currently the expected contact time for the part-time arrangement is 30 days at Oxford per year the majority of this will take place across the three eight-week terms and will include supervision meetings and core research training. The DPhil is an advanced research degree which is awarded on the basis of a thesis and oral examination (Assessment: of other work is not taken into consideration). You are required to work independently, to take the initiative in exploring a line of research and to acquire new skills in order to carry out your research. Assessment: If you are intending to read for the DPhil you are normally admitted to the status of Probationer Research Student (PRS) initially. During the first year (or the second year for the part-time pathway), you must apply for a transfer of status from probationer research student to DPhil student. This requires successful completion of a qualifying test. This involves the submission of a piece of written work which is examined by two assessors (neither of whom will be supervisors). This process is to ensure that your work is of potential DPhil quality and that the methodology of the research is appropriate and practicable. Graduate destinations: Many graduates are commanding influential positions in multinational corporations, in national, state and international government, in non-governmental organisations, and by continuing with further research.

Geography and the Environment