DPhil in Mathematics

University of Oxford

About the course

The DPhil in Mathematics is an advanced research degree which provides the opportunity to investigate a project in depth and write a thesis which makes a significant contribution in the field. You will gain a wide range of research and other skills as well as in-depth knowledge and expertise in your chosen field, whilst studying in a beautiful, modern setting.

You will be asked to outline your research interests when you apply by listing one or more of the fields of research listed above on your application form under “proposed field and title of research project", and you will be matched to the most appropriate research group.

You will be expected to acquire transferable skills as part of your training, which will require you to attend courses, lectures, workshops and colloquia. You will have the opportunity to develop other valuable skills and to contribute to the work of the department by teaching, both by marking students’ work and later by leading classes of around 8 to 12 students.

Undertaking the course is regarded as equivalent to working full-time hours and may also sometimes require some additional hours. The minimum period of registration for the DPhil is six terms but in practice you may need nine terms at least.

Assessment

There are formal assessments of progress on the research project; transfer of status at around 12 to 15 months and confirmation of status at around 30 to 36 months. These assessments involve the submission of written work and an oral examination.

You will be expected to teach at least one set of classes before transfer of status and a further two additional sets before confirmation of status.

You will be expected to acquire transferable skills as part of your training and to undertake 68 hours of broadening courses outside your specialist area. This normally involves the submission of written work for three 16-hour lecture courses and attendance at workshops and colloquia.

Graduate destinations

The department, working alongside the university’s Careers Service, supports graduate students as they move from the DPhil to the next stage of their career. Many graduate students stay in academia, by taking up a postdoctoral position, and many move into employment in a range of industries and sectors where the expertise and skills developed during the DPhil are highly valued.