oxford history phd funding

Graduate funding

Funding opportunities for 2024-25.

Open-Oxford-Cambridge Doctoral Training Partnership

Mica and Ahmet Ertegun Postgraduate Scholarships in the Humanities

TEV UK Scholarship in the Humanities

Academic Futures awards for 2024-25

Oxford Nizami Ganjavi Centre Graduate Scholarship

Grand Union Doctoral Training Partnership

Application information.

Scholarships covering fees, living expenses, or fees plus living expenses, are available to outstanding graduate applicants subject to eligibility.

Deadline:  To be considered for funding, candidates applying to start a course from October must have submitted their University application(s) for the course(s) for which they wish to be considered by the relevant January deadline. 

How to apply:  Candidates applying for admission to a graduate course by the early January deadline will automatically be considered for their eligibility for funding from a number of sources including the Clarendon Fund; Oxford Colleges; and Benefactors and Trust Funds.

Candidates wishing to be considered for Arts and Humanities Research Council funding should consult the Open-Oxford-Cambridge DTP website .

Candidates wishing to be considered for an Ertegun Graduate Scholarship must indicate that they wish to be considered for this scholarship on their University course application form, and must also submit a supporting statement.

Clarendon Scholarships

If you apply for a full- or part-time Master's or DPhil course in the humanities at Oxford by the January deadline for your course, you will automatically  be considered for a Clarendon Scholarship . Candidates for funding will be nominated by each humanities faculty and awarded on the basis of academic merit through a divisional selection process.

If you wish to be considered for a Clarendon award, you must apply before the January deadline for your course. You can find the deadlines for your chosen course on the relevant  Course page.

Other sources of funding

The Fees, Funding and Scholarships Search tool is a useful source of information on the range of scholarships that are available at Oxford.

DPhil in History

The DPhil, or doctorate, in History is an advanced research degree, awarded on the basis of successful completion of an individual research thesis and an oral examination.

With 200 historians and hundreds more in sister disciplines – archaeology, anthropology, economics, natural sciences, material culture, and literary criticism – Oxford offers the scope to research global, imperial, and ‘area’ history across a wide range of places, periods and themes. There are many opportunities to present research findings at scheduled seminar meetings as well as at less formal workshops and reading groups. The Global and Imperial History group provides a training seminar in methodology and concepts and encourages comparative work. 

The Beit Fund

The Beit Fund is available to DPhil History students for any purpose that will promote the study of imperial and global history at the University of Oxford. Enrolled students may apply to the Fund to examine archives in the United Kingdom and abroad, or to publish theses approved by the examiners and considered to be of exceptional merit. There is also a Research Scholarship in Imperial or Commonwealth History for advanced research students, providing up to £12,000 for up to one year.   Link to further details on graduate funding at Oxford .

Gregory Hynes, DPhil in History:

Global History avoids isolation and insular understandings. For me, it highlights the importance of connections, interactions, exchanges, and conflicts between groups, communities, and nations to shaping identities and understandings in history. The picture can only be complete through looking at these interactions, and exploring the spaces between nation and national histories.

Riccardo Liberatore, DPhil in History:

Studying global history means taking part in a debate surrounding some of the big questions of our time, such as what it means to live in a global community and how globalization has shaped contemporary society.

Eiko Honda, DPhil in History:

Global history means engaging the history of human as part of the history of the globe, beyond nation- or human-centred thinking. I practice global history as a way to uncover histories of environmental thoughts that have long remained invisible in other methods of history writing. Environmental history is, I believe, inherently global.

Doctoral: DPhil in HSM

Dphil in history of science and medicine.

The DPhil is an advanced research degree, awarded on the basis of a thesis and an oral examination. The thesis will be based on extensive original research and engagement with current scholarship. DPhil students are expected to submit their thesis three, or at most four, years from the date of admission. 

All research students in the Oxford History Faculty benefit from the advice of a specialist supervisor or supervisors, and all are encouraged to take advantage of the wide range of expertise available within the Faculty and the University more widely.  

As a DPhil student, you will have many opportunities to present your work and to share ideas through the Faculty’s wide and varied range of research seminars. You are also encouraged to gain valuable experience by establishing and convening your own networks and workshops. DPhil students in the History Faculty may also gain experience in teaching and lecturing through the Introduction to Teaching scheme.

• DPhil in the History of Science and Medicine

Doctoral Funding

Alongside Arts and Humanities Research Council scholarships, applicants who submit by the January deadline will also be considered for Oxford Clarendon Scholarships , and applicants are also eligible to apply for Ertegun Scholarships in the Humanities .  Applicants may need to provide further details to be eligible for a number of specific scholarships for research degrees in History .  Wellcome Studentships are also available to applicants in the area of medical humanities.

Funding for Graduates

Graduate funding opportunities.

This page contains funding information both for applicants and on course students.

The University's Graduate Admissions Pages has a comprehensive summary of funding opportunities and information for propsective students including a  search facility that covers many research funding opportunities for both applicants and on-course students.  In addition, on-course students can use Research Professional to identify potential funding and the BAJR webpages also have useful links to funding opportunities. 

Unless specifically stated below, the funding deadline for graduate courses in the School of Archaeology is January 20, 2023. Applications submitted after this date will not be consider for funding offered by Oxford. Funding deadlines for other University courses can be found on the relevant course page on the Graduate Admissions website . 

Finally, specific schemes to which our students have applied to in the past are listed below:

Funding for applicants

Clarendon awards.

All applicants who have submitted their applications before or in time for the January deadline are automatically considered for the University's prestigious Clarendon Awards , covering fees and maintenance for three years. Over the last few years, some 4-7 of these each year have gone to Archaeology applicants, awarded on the basis of merit.

School of Archaeology Awards (MSc in Archaeology)

School of archaeology awards.

Typically, five awards of £7,000 each are available for each academic year. 

To be eligible you need to apply to the MSc in Archaeology programme through the usual  application system  no later than the January application round. If you are offered a place on the programme you will be automatically considered for shortlisting for one of the awards.  Applicants will normally be notified if they have been successful by the start of April. At this point an acceptance of the award is expected within a couple of weeks. 

All Home and Overseas status applicants are eligible. 

Awards will be offered to the strongest applicants who demonstrate: 

• motivation for and understanding of the proposed area of study, 
• sound reasons for applying to the School of Archaeology, the MSc in Archaeology and your chosen stream, and 
• evidence that your academic ability and focus are suited to the demands and nature of the degree. 

Successful applicants are asked to inform the School of Archaeology of any other offers of financial support for the purpose of their studies at Oxford. Adjustments to the value of the award may be made to take account of these.

For more information about other funds, see the School of Archaeology  Funding Page , and the University Graduate Funding pages. 

Edward Hall Memorial Fund (MSc. Archaeological Science)

Edward hall memorial fund.

All candidates offered a place on the MSc in Archaeological Science will be considered for a bursary from the Edward Hall Memorial Fund. These bursaries honour Edward Hall (1924-2001) who was instrumental in the development of archaeological science, and helped to establish the Research Laboratory for Archaeology and the History of Art in 1955.

We typically award between two and four bursaries each year of £4,000 to £10,000. To be eligible you need to apply to the MSc in Archaeological Science programme through the usual  application system  no later than the January application round.  All applicants will be automatically considered for one of the bursaries and notified if they have been successful by the end of April. At this point an acceptance of the bursary is expected within a couple of weeks.

Bursaries will be awarded to the strongest applicants who demonstrate

• motivation for and understanding of the proposed area of study,

sound reasons for applying to the School of Archaeology and the MSc in Archaeological Science, and

evidence that your academic ability and focus are suited to the demands and nature of the degree.

Successful applicants are asked to inform the School of Archaeology of any other offers of financial support for the purpose of their studies at Oxford. Adjustments to the value of the bursary may be made to take account of these.      

Ertegun Awards (Classical Archaeology)

Mica and ahmet ertegun graduate scholarship programme.

Those applying for a Masters or DPhil in Classical Archaeology are eligible to apply to the Mica and Ahmet Ertegun Graduate Scholarship Programme in the Humanities . This prestigious scholarship covers all fees, as well as a generous maintenance grant. Ertegun Scholars also enjoy dedicated use of Ertegun House, which provides space for each Scholar for writing and research, as well as opportunities to participate in social occasions, lively lectures, performances and other activities developed expressly for the Scholars.

To apply for this fellowship, you must select ‘Ertegun Graduate Scholarships in the Humanities’ in the Funding Section of the University's Graduate Application Form, as well as attaching a specific supporting statement found here . To be elegible for this fund, you must apply by 20 January 2023. 

A specific application form is required, which is uploaded with your application. Please note: ONLY CLASSICAL ARCHAEOLOGY students are eligible. 

Graduate Scholarship in Archaeology, with St. Cross College

St Cross College, jointly with the School of Archaeology, offers the Graduate Scholarship in Archaeology for students who will begin studying for a DPhil in any of the fields offered in Archaeology at the University of Oxford beginning in the academic year 2023-2024.  Applications can be submitted up to March 2, 2023 . 

The St Cross Graduate Scholarship covers the cost of the Home/EU/International course fee (including college fees) plus an annual maintenance grant to the value of the UKRI doctoral stipend, and is tenable for between one and three years coterminous with full fee liability on condition of successfully completing Transfer of Status. The successful scholar will be given priority for a room in College accommodation (at the standard rent) for the first year of their course.

The Graduate Scholarship is awarded purely on the basis of academic merit and is tenable at St Cross College  only .

Applicants entering into DPhil status in 2023-2024 should apply for a place in the School of Archaeology using the University's standard application form and must list St Cross College as their first choice.   Everyone who applies for the DPhil in Archaeology, Classical Archaeology or Archaeological Science before the 2nd March 2023 deadline and lists St Cross will be considered automatically.

No specific application form is required, but St Cross College must be listed as first choice. 

Oxford NERC DTP in Environmental Research

The Oxford Doctoral Training Partnership in Environmental Research has funding (fees and stipend) for students working on projects related to the environment that fit within one of their three research streams:

·      Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolutionary Processes

·      The Dynamic Earth, Surface Processes and Natural Hazards

·      The Physical Climate System

One major benefit of carrying out a PhD through a doctoral training partnership is the opportunity to develop projects in collaboration with partner organisations who can offer support in many areas, including identifying critical problems that need solutions, and access to facilities, equipment, people, data and collections of materials and samples.  Partner organisations may also be able provide financial assistance and co-supervision; and access to mentoring, work placements, the oportunity to work with organisations outside academia.  These partnership opportunities are mutually beneficial - and will be enriched by your energy and commitment to your field of research, your ideas and your discoveries.

Various archaeology research projects are a good fit for the NERC DTP. Students intending to work on archaeological research projects that would fit within these broad areas should apply to both the School of Archaeology and the DTP.

More information and details on how to apply can be found on the Environmental Research DTP Website . If you would like to discuss applying, please contact Professor Victoria Smith. 

The Gerald Averay Wainwright Fund for Near Eastern Archaeology

The Wainwright Fund aims to encourage the study of non-classical archaeology of the countries of the Middle East. The projects supported are wide ranging; the Fund holds an annual Schools Essay Prize, awards Research Grants to mature scholars and also sponsors a post-doctoral Fellowship.  More information can be found on their website.

Separate applications are required. 

Standard Bank Africa Chairman's Scholarships

The Standard Bank Africa Chairman’s scholarships are available for applicants to any full-time, one-year taught master’s course, including all masters programmes offered by the School of Archaeology. This scholarship is open to applicants who are ordinarily resident in Angola, Botswana, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, South Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia or Zimbabwe.

The scholarship covers course fees and a grant for living costs. Awards are made for the full duration of your fee liability for the agreed course.

All students deemed eligible will automatically be considered on application to masters programmes.  The scholarship is only tenable at  Wadham College , but you do not have to list Wadham College as your first course. However, successful applicants will be transferred to Wadham College in order to take up the scholarship.

No specific application form is required.

Other Award Schemes for Overseas Students

Comprehensive information on funding for international students can be found on the  University's Student Funding pages.

The Funding Search (formerly the Scholarship Search) contains information about scholarships that are managed by the International Office, as well as college awards over £2,000 (as listed in this year's Graduate Studies Prospectus). It also contains information about departmental awards and funding for UK/EU students.

American students who would like to take out a US student loan to fund their studies can do so through the International Office. They can find comprehensive information on how to do this at the University's US Loanspages.  We are also able to assist with Canadian student loan applications; they should contact Jenny Carter ( [email protected] ) for advice.

• American nationals may apply for British Marshall Scholarships in the case of the two year MPhil degree and for Fulbright Scholarships in the case of the one year MSt degree.
• Commonwealth nationals may apply for Commonwealth Scholarships.
• Rhodes Scholars - Tenable for two year Masters, eg. MPhil in Classical Archaeology, as well as DPhil and an MSt/MSc if followed by a second MSc or DPhil.

Many of these scholarships require separate applications, please check dates and details individually. 

Boise Trust Studentship and Small Research Awards

The Boise Trust Fund was established by Charles Watson Boise to support research on the antiquity and evolutionary origin of modern Homo sapiens and other hominins, with particular emphasis on the continued exploration of appropriate sites in Africa, and on the early migration of Palaeolithic communities.  All applications should be in this field of research.

For details on how to apply contact:  [email protected]  (Secretary to the Boise Trust Fund).  

St Cross Sonia Hawkes Scholarship in European Medieval Archaeology, AD 400-1500

St Cross College is pleased to offer the Sonia Hawkes Scholarship in European Medieval Archaeology , in partnership with the Clarendon Scholarship funding scheme, to research students who will begin studying for a DPhil course at the University of Oxford in October 2024 and whose research concerns the archaeology of medieval Europe, c. AD 400-1500. The Scholarship covers the annual cost of the course fee and the standard UKRI stipend for annual living costs for the three years of full fee liability.

Application criteria

All applicants who have submitted their DPhil course application by the relevant 2023-2024 admissions deadline will be considered automatically.

Funding for on-course students

Meyerstein research awards.

The Meyerstein Fund supports research by graduate students in all branches of archaeology. Probationary Research and DPhil students can apply for a first grant of up to £400 and a second grant of up to £200 (balance from first grant can be added to second grant; the overall total awarded to any one applicant being £600). Comparable research by students in the first year of an MPhil degrees and students registered for the MSc in Archaeological Science will be sympathetically considered – the maximum awarded being £200.

Craven Committee (Classical Archaeology only)

The Craven Committee funds research (travel, conferences, fieldwork) in Classical Archaeology. For further information, contact the Classics Faculty Board Secretary, Ioannou Centre for Classical and Byzantine Studies, 66 St Giles', Oxford OX1 3LU,  [email protected]  

For details on how to apply contact:  [email protected]  (Secretary to the Boise Trust Fund). 

Graduate Support Fund (Classical Archaeology only)

Students of Classical Archaeology can apply for moderate amounts of support from the Graduate Support Fund. The Graduate Support Fund is administered by the Director of Graduate Studies for Classical Archaeology, who may be contacted informally with enquiries. Grants are made throughout the year. The maximum sum granted per student per academic year from this fund is £250. Grants are made to applicants proposing to give papers at conferences; typically smaller sums are granted for attendance of conferences.

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Fully Funded PhD in History at University of Oxford, England

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The DPhil in History is an advanced research degree, awarded on the basis of successful completion of an individual research thesis and an oral examination.

The DPhil in History offers the opportunity to carry out research on one of the following subject areas:

• British and European History 1700-1850
• British History, 1850 onwards
• Early Modern History 1500-1700
• European History, 1850 onwards
• Global and Imperial History
• History of Science, Medicine, and Technology
• Intellectual History
• Late Antique and Byzantine Studies
• Medieval History
• Military History
• South Asian History
• Women’s, Gender, and Queer History

PhD Program Requirements

A master’s degree with distinction or a high pass (a minimum of 68% overall and 68% for the dissertation); and

A first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (a minimum of 68% overall and 68% for the dissertation); in history or cognate disciplines.

However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first-class degree or the equivalent.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.75 out of 4.0. However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a cumulative GPA of 3.8.

Applicants for the History DPhil are expected to have a masters in a historical subject. If you decide to apply without a prior master’s degree in history, please ensure that you link your proposed thesis topic with your previous expertise when you present it in your application.

You should also show that you have already done a considerable amount of background research into the topic.

Your submitted written work should show your writing and research skills in their best light as it will be important to show that you have the necessary skills for historical research and writing.

PhD Funding Coverage

The University expects to be able to offer over 1,000 full or partial graduate scholarships across the collegiate University in 2024-25.

You will be automatically considered for the majority of Oxford scholarships, if you fulfil the eligibility criteria and submit your graduate application by the relevant December or January deadline.

Most scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and/or potential.

Application Requirement

1. Online Application

2. Official transcript(s): Your transcripts should give detailed information of the individual grades received in your university-level qualifications to date. You should only upload official documents issued by your institution and any transcript not in English should be accompanied by a certified translation.

3. Research proposal: Your research proposal must be written in English. A bibliography may also be provided and is not included in the word count, though any footnotes should be included.

4. Written work: Written work should be from your most recent completed qualification, but does not need to relate closely to your proposed area of study. Extracts from a longer piece of work are welcome, but please include a preface which puts the work in context.

5. GRE General Test scores: No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

6. English language proficiency: This course requires proficiency in English at the University’s higher level. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement.

Application Deadline

5 January 2025

Application Fee

An application fee of £75 is payable per course application.

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Graduate Scholarships

Fully-funded graduate scholarships ensure Oxford attracts the very best graduate students from across the world, regardless of their financial circumstance.

• Access to a graduate education is more important than ever, given its potential to enhance career prospects both outside academia and within.
• The most frequent reason given for why graduate offer holders turn down their Oxford place is lack of funding.
• Many leading universities abroad provide full funding for all PhD students; at Oxford, only 60 percent of doctoral students enjoy this security.
• Graduate scholarships are a strategic priority for Oxford, with ambitious targets of 300 new scholarships proposed in the 2018-23 strategic plan.

The impact of Graduate Scholars

Graduate students are the engine of research in our laboratories, libraries and seminars. They make an essential contribution, and go on to play important roles in the worldwide economy and society, leading the way in their fields and pushing frontiers of knowledge.

Read their stories

Paving the way for success

For international students, a graduate scholarship can mean the difference between taking up a place at Oxford, or choosing an institution closer to home.

Read more →

Driving research into the future of energy

DPhil student Isaac Capone explains why developing new battery technology is vital to reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.

Supporting the study of human rights law

Four human rights professionals from around the world share their experiences of studying for a graduate degree at Oxford.

Tackling disease on a global scale

Oxford's MSc in International Health and Tropical Medicine is enabling graduate students to develop knowledge of major global health problems.

Teaching Fund

With your help we can attract future innovators and leaders who will address global challenges for generations to come.

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We have 45 History PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

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History PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

Embarking on a PhD in History is an exciting and rewarding journey that allows you to delve deep into the past, uncovering hidden stories and shedding new light on historical events. If you have a passion for history and a desire to contribute to the field, pursuing a PhD in History could be the perfect path for you.

What's it like to study a PhD in History?

Studying a PhD in History is a rigorous and intellectually stimulating experience. As a doctoral student, you will have the opportunity to conduct original research, contribute to historical scholarship, and engage in critical analysis of primary and secondary sources. You will work closely with your supervisor, who will guide and support you throughout your research journey.

One of the key aspects of a PhD in History is the production of a substantial thesis. This thesis is typically based on extensive research and presents an original argument or interpretation of historical events. It requires meticulous attention to detail, critical thinking, and strong analytical skills. Additionally, you may have the opportunity to present your research at conferences and publish your findings in academic journals, further contributing to the field of history.

Entry requirements for a PhD in History

To pursue a PhD in History, you will generally need a strong academic background, usually a first-class or upper second-class honours degree in History or a related discipline. Some universities may also require a Master's degree in History or a related field. Additionally, a well-crafted research proposal outlining your intended research topic and objectives is typically required as part of the application process.

PhD in History funding options

Funding for PhDs in History may be available from various sources, including governments, universities and charities, business or industry. See our full guides to PhD funding for more information.

PhD in History careers

A PhD in History opens up a wide range of career opportunities. Many graduates go on to pursue academic careers, becoming professors, lecturers, or researchers at universities and research institutions. Others find employment in museums, archives, libraries, or cultural heritage organizations, where they contribute to the preservation and interpretation of historical artifacts and documents. Furthermore, the skills acquired during a PhD in History, such as critical thinking, research, and communication, are highly valued in fields such as journalism, publishing, policy-making, and consultancy.

Embarking on a PhD in History is not only a chance to deepen your understanding of the past but also a stepping stone towards a fulfilling and impactful career in the field of history. It offers the opportunity to contribute to historical knowledge, engage in intellectual debates, and make a lasting impact on the discipline.

16 PhD positions in MSCA/UKRI Doctoral Network “SCALA - Spatial Communication and Ageing across Languages”

Funded phd programme (students worldwide).

Some or all of the PhD opportunities in this programme have funding attached. Applications for this programme are welcome from suitably qualified candidates worldwide. Funding may only be available to a limited set of nationalities and you should read the full programme details for further information.

Germany PhD Programme

A German PhD usually takes 3-4 years. Traditional programmes focus on independent research, but more structured PhDs involve additional training units (worth 180-240 ECTS credits) as well as placement opportunities. Both options require you to produce a thesis and present it for examination. Many programmes are delivered in English.

From Sail to Steam, Carbon to Green: Empowering Port Communities in the Global South (Peru)

Phd research project.

PhD Research Projects are advertised opportunities to examine a pre-defined topic or answer a stated research question. Some projects may also provide scope for you to propose your own ideas and approaches.

Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

This project has funding attached, subject to eligibility criteria. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but its funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

Take your research degree in Arts and Social Sciences or Business at Monash University Malaysia

International phd programme.

International PhD programs are often designed for international students. Your PhD will usually be delivered in English, though some opportunities to gain and use additional language skills might also be available. Students may propose their own PhD topics or apply for advertised projects.

PhD Studentship (3 years): A New Era of EU Enlargement: Populism and Public Opinion

Phd studentship (3 years): using history-based digital storytelling to shape strategy, phd at the centre for latin american and caribbean studies, humanities research programme.

Humanities Research Programmes present a range of research opportunities, shaped by a university’s particular expertise, facilities and resources. You will usually identify a suitable topic for your PhD and propose your own project. Additional training and development opportunities may also be offered as part of your programme.

History PhD Programme

Study history, classics and archaeology at the university of edinburgh - funding opportunities available, phd at the institute of classical studies, professional doctorate of education (edd), awaiting funding decision/possible external funding.

This programme is waiting to confirm funding from a university or external source. This may depend on attracting suitable students and applications are welcome. Please see the programme details for more information.

Professional Doctorate

A professional doctorate combines academic research with professional and vocational practice and reflection. The qualification is equivalent to a PhD, but usually involves more formal teaching and training in addition to producing an original thesis. Applicants are often more experienced professionals seeking to advance their careers or transmit practical knowledge to an academic setting. Many study part-time alongside their existing roles.

The Scottish Sheriff Court in the Seventeenth Century

Self-funded phd students only.

This project does not have funding attached. You will need to have your own means of paying fees and living costs and / or seek separate funding from student finance, charities or trusts.

Migration and Medical Climatology: the climatic pull upon those leaving Scotland in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries

Truth and being laid bare: the use of nudity in philosophy, documentary practice and knowledge co-production, history of classical film theory.

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Ph.d. in History at Oxbridge without Funding as International Student

Hello Everyone,

I've been accepted to a Ph.d. in History at Oxbridge, but I've received no funding...

I have funds to cover the 1st year and can probably fund most of the second year with grants from my Home country, but I can't understand how I'm supposed to afford the tuition and living costs without any scholarships.

Is there any chance of receiving a Stipend for year 2 or 3 once I start?

Edit: So that was clearly a conclusive 'NO'! Guess it's time to wait a year and apply to some lower rung programs.

For all of those asking me to go to the US: Despite the fact that the funding situation is better, I already spent 6 years getting an MA, so I don't want to do a 5-year program. And I would rather be flayed by Ramsay Bolton than live in the states.

Thank you all very much for your input.

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Applying for Graduate Study

Graduate admissions will open on 11 september 2024.

There is nothing to be gained from applying early as we assess all applications together, after the closing date. However, we would advise you not to leave submitting your application form until the last minute, as you may encounter technical difficulties that could prevent your application being submitted.

All applications must be made on line, through the  University’s Graduate Admissions site  .Before you start your application, please read the information below, and look through the university application guide carefully.

Please note that you can only apply for two taught graduate courses (MSt, MSc, MPhil) and three research courses (DPhil) across the University.

Application Documentation

Masters applications.

• transcript(s) of the individual grades received in your University-level qualifications to date
• three academic references 
• A statement of purpose and research proposal, written as one combined piece, with a word count between 500 and 1000 words (including footnotes but excluding a bibliography)
• Extracts from a longer dissertation are welcome, including a preface which puts the work in context
• The writing samples should be academic work from your most recent completed qualification, but do not need to relate closely to your proposed area of study
• The written work must be submitted in English (if this work has been translated, you must indicate if the translations are your own, or what assistance you had in producing the English text)
• Any footnotes should be included in the word count
• A bibliography may also be provided and is not included in the word count
• If your submitted written work is more than 4000 words, your application will be deemed incomplete and may not be assessed

DPhil Applications

• research proposal with a word count of between 500 and 1000 words

Advice on ...

Qualifications, what degree do i need.

To apply for a Masters course you do not need to have a single honours/major degree in history, but you do need some experience of working on a historical subject at university level. You need to have a solid idea why you want to undertake your proposed project, know what skills you have, and how you’re going to gain the skills you don’t have.

To apply for a DPhil you need significant historical training in higher education, be able to write a detailed research proposal, and have experience of the skills needed to carry out your research. Such experience is usually obtained through a masters degree in history, but relevant experience can be gained from other graduate courses.

What results do I need?

The standard offer for Masters applicants is to achieve at least 68% overall (equivalent to a high upper second class degree) on their undergraduate degree and at least 68% for their undergraduate dissertation.

The standard requirement for an undergraduate degree using a 4-point GPA scale is 3.75. 

The standard offer for DPhil applicants is to achieve at least 68% overall in their Masters and at least 68% for their Masters' thesis.

The standard requirement for a Masters using a 4-point GPA scale is 3.75. 

We expect our DPhil applicants to have an undergraduate degree at the level required for a Masters application.

If your university uses a different marking scale, your offer will be translated to match that scale.

Will my application be considered if my results are lower?

If there are mitigating circumstances for your results being lower than expected, you will be able to explain these in your application, and they will be taken into account when assessing your application.

Adjustments will also be made if your overall score is lower than our requirements state, but your marks for history courses are high.

Please be aware that your academic results are not the only part of the assessment.

DPhil students must be able to work in the original language of their research material. You are not expected to be fluent before starting, but must have substantial experience of the relevant language(s). Training is available through the university language centre and at other departments for more specialized study.

Masters students can use translations in their research, but need the basics of the original language and must take a relevant language course, either at the university language centre or Faculty-organised courses.

For more detail on language learning, please use the Language Learning link on the left of this page.

Your Proposal

Your proposal should show your academic potential and convince us that you have the right intellectual qualities, academic knowledge, and skills to undertake the course. The proposal is the centrepiece of your application and should demonstrate the viability of your topic and the level of background research already done. The depth and structure will naturally differ with the nature of the programme for which you are applying: a proposal for a DPhil should be more detailed, but not necessarily longer.

• Give your dissertation/thesis a preliminary title
• Describe the work you have already done and how you will build on it
• Give an account of the current state of scholarship and any central issues or problems
• Explain what contribution your work will make
• Indicate what kinds of sources you expect to use, where they can be found, how they will contribute to your work, what skills are needed to use these sources (for example, languages or data analysis), and to what extent you have those skills already
• Give an indication of your methodology and approach to dealing with these sources. For example, the level of your inquiry (micro, macro, regional, national, transnational, comparative), will your research be quantitative or qualitative? will you use samples or case studies? will your research draw on a body of theory? does your research draw on the agendas or methods of other disciplines (for example anthropology, literary studies, sociology)?

Supervision

You do not need to try to find your own supervisor. The faculty will appoint supervisors on the basis of our assessment of their fit with your research interests and their teaching capacity. Graduate students do not need to be at the same college as their supervisor.

Offer of places on both Masters and DPhil courses can only be made if appropriate supervision is available, so all applicants are strongly advised to search members of History Faculty staff to make sure there is someone working in the area in which you want to work, and enter the names of all suitable supervisors on their application forms. It’s a good idea to identify two or three potential supervisors, as not all members of staff are available for supervision every year.

Applicants are welcome to contact members of academic staff with queries about potential projects. When you have identified your potential supervisors, send an email with an abstract of your proposal and indicate which course you are interested in. Please don’t send in a full research proposal or CV. Staff may be able to give you advice which will help you think through your project, but do be aware that replies may be delayed at busy times during the academic year. If you don’t receive a reply within three weeks, you’re welcome to send a follow-up email. Please note that an indication from a potential supervisor that they would be willing to supervise a project is not a guarantee that you will be offered a place.

Faculty Staff

Written work.

Your written work serves the purpose of showing your writing and research skills. It will be assessed for your understanding of problems, your ability to construct and defend  an argument, your powers of analysis, and your powers of expression .  Ideally such work would relate to history, but writing samples from other subject areas still give the assessors a clear idea of your abilities.

We normally require three academic references. Your application will be passed for assessment if two references are received by the relevant application deadline, but we will usually ask for a third before an offer is made. Referees must upload their reference directly, through the University admissions portal. More information on and for referees is available here.

We understand that finding three academic references isn’t always possible for mature students. In such cases, two academic references and one professional reference are acceptable.

English Language Qualifications

Do i need to prove my english language ability.

If you are not a native English speaker and do not permanently reside in a majority English-speaking country (as defined by UK Visa & Immigration), you will need to prove you have the required level of English language ability by providing a certificate from a recognised language test taken within two years of your proposed start date. Recognised test providers, required scores, and further details can be found on the University’s information on English proficiency . Please note that History applicants need to achieve test results at the higher level. 

Do I need English language certificate to apply?

You do not need to provide a test result in order to make an application, but if you are made an offer you will be required to submit test scores at the required level as part of your academic conditions.

Can I apply for an English language waiver?

You can apply for an English language waiver if you have completed a course taught entirely in English, which lasted at least nine months, within two years of your proposed start date. If the course was not in a majority English-speaking country (as defined by UK Visa & Immigration), you will need to provide evidence that the course was taught in English.

You can also apply for an English language waiver on the basis of professional experience within two years of your proposed start date. You will need to provide proof of the English language required for your role.

Applying for more than one programme

You can apply for multiple programmes and your applications will be treated separately. However, you can only apply for two taught courses (MSt, MSc, MPhil) and three research courses (DPhil) across the University.

You can apply for the MSt and MPhil for the same strand, but you will only receive an offer for one (should you receive an offer).

You will have to pay the application fee for each application.

Part-time study

Part-time students do not need to live in Oxford, but must attend the Faculty in person regularly for courses, supervision, skills training, research, and participation in seminars. Part-time study is not distance learning.

Students on Masters courses, are expected to be present in Oxford for two days a week during term. You will therefore need to live within a few hours travelling time of Oxford, or be able to stay in Oxford for one or two nights a week.

Part-time DPhil study cannot be accomplished by evening and weekend study alone. You will need to spend time during the week on your research, and be present in Oxford during the week when needed. Attendance requirements are flexible and should be discussed and agreed with your supervisor and the Director of Graduate Studies.

Part-time students working alongside their studies must have the approval of their employers.

You cannot undertake another course at another institution (or Oxford) while studying part-time.

We cannot sponsor student visas for part-time study as the study patterns are not compatible with Home Office regulations on attendance monitoring. However, other options may be available and you should contact the History admissions office ( [email protected] ) to discuss.

You are welcome to reapply if you did not receive an offer, or had to decline an offer. All applications will be assessed without consideration of any previous applications.

Please be aware that if you reapply after declining an offer there is no guarantee that you will be made an offer again.

If you have a query not covered by the information above, or the University Application Guide, please contact  [email protected]

Useful links to guide you through the application process:

Graduate Application Guide

Fees and funding guide, open days and events guide, after you apply, graduate applicant self service.

DPhil in Architectural History

• Entry requirements
• Funding and Costs

College preference

• How to Apply

About the course

It is possible to study for a doctorate by part-time research in architectural history. Students studying for the DPhil part-time normally study for five to eight years. This compares with a full-time DPhil which normally takes three to four years to complete.

The DPhil programme draws on considerable experience in providing advanced tuition in architectural history. It profits from the close links within the department between the disciplines of architectural history, art history, English local history and landscape archaeology. It also has links with other parts of the University, particularly the Faculty of History, the Department of History of Art, and Kellogg College, amongst the fellows of which is the largest concentration of architectural historians associated with the University.

In broad terms, supervision is possible in most areas of British architectural history from the middle ages to the present, and some European and American topics. In terms of Great Britain, academic staff currently have particular research interests in ecclesiastical buildings; country houses and their landscapes; the British home since 1700; railway stations; the history of building conservation; Regency architecture; architecture of the period 1880-1940; Gothic Revival; urban and institutional architecture, especially of London and Oxford, from 1660 to the present.

The programme is overseen by the Continuing Education Board of the University. Admission is through the Department for Continuing Education. The part-time DPhil regulations require a period of five to eight years’ part-time study (equivalent to three years' full-time). Research students may be required to undertake appropriate research training provided within the department. Doctoral training is provided through the department’s Graduate School, and other agreed learning requirements (eg foreign languages) can draw on the resources of both the department and the wider University.

As a part-time student you will be required to attend supervision meetings and other obligations in Oxford for a minimum of 30 days each year.

You will have the opportunity to tailor your part-time study and skills training in liaison with your supervisor and agree your pattern of attendance.

Graduate students in the department have access to the full range of Oxford’s library, archive and computing facilities. In addition, they will be strongly encouraged to participate in seminars and informal meetings with staff and other researchers both within the Department and elsewhere in the University. The major commitment of time will be to individual study and research, involving wide and intense reading, data collection (which may include fieldwork) and analysis, and writing.

Supervision

For this course, the allocation of graduate supervision is the responsibility of the Department for Continuing Education and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the Department for Continuing Education.

Supervision on the DPhil programme is provided by specialist tutors from the department and elsewhere in Oxford. It is provided on an individual basis, tailored to the specific needs of students and to their subjects. Students on the DPhil are required to attend a minimum of 30 days of university-based work each year for the duration of your studies, usually that involves meeting their supervisor once a term.

You will be admitted initially as a Probationary Research Student (PRS), in line with University regulations on doctorates. During the probationary period, you will develop and begin work on the thesis topic. You will develop research skills through a range of training and skills development primarily offered via the Department for Continuing Education Graduate School, as well as across the University.

Students must apply for a Transfer of Status from PRS to DPhil status between the sixth and the eighth academic term after admission, each academic year at Oxford having three terms. This involves the submission of a piece of written work that is examined by two assessors, neither of whom will be your supervisors. This process is to ensure that your work is of potential DPhil quality and that the methodology of the research is appropriate and feasible. Upon successful completion of the Transfer of Status, you would usually undertake a period of primary fieldwork/data collection over one to two years.

You will also be required to apply for a Confirmation of Status as DPhil sometime between the twelfth and eighteenth term after admission. This will also involve the submission of a piece of written work that is assessed by two assessors, neither of whom will be your supervisors. The Confirmation of Status assessment is different to the Transfer of Status assessment as the assessors will be focusing on how the research is progressing, the quality of the draft chapters/papers, and on the plan for completion. The assessors will be looking to ensure that you are making the appropriate amount of progress in the development of your thesis, so that thesis submission will be achieved within the time limit.

You will be expected to submit a substantive academic thesis of around 100,000 words after six or, at most, eight years from the date of admission. To be successfully awarded a DPhil in Architectural History you will need to defend your thesis orally (viva voce) in front of two appointed examiners. This thesis should be driven by a research question suitable for original historical enquiry; should make considered and effective use of appropriate sources (which should be consulted in the original so far as appropriate and practical); must have a coherent approach or method – one that is thought out and intellectually sustainable; should demonstrate a good general knowledge of the particular field of learning within which the thesis falls; show that the candidate has made a significant and substantial contribution in their particular field of learning; and should be presented in a lucid and scholarly manner.

Graduate destinations

The number of students completing the DPhil is too small to provide information on destinations.

Changes to this course and your supervision

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. The safety of students, staff and visitors is paramount and major changes to delivery or services may have to be made in circumstances of a pandemic, epidemic or local health emergency. In addition, in certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study.

Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include illness, sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.

For further information please see our page on changes to courses and the provisions of the student contract regarding changes to courses.

Entry requirements for entry in 2024-25

Proven and potential academic excellence.

The requirements described below are specific to this course and apply only in the year of entry that is shown. You can use our interactive tool to help you  evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive .

Please be aware that any studentships that are linked to this course may have different or additional requirements and you should read any studentship information carefully before applying. 

Degree-level qualifications

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:

• a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in a related subject
• a master’s degree,  preferably with a Distinction
• the PGCert in Architectural History ,  showing consistent performance at the highest level

Applicants who have a Level 4 vocational qualification rather than an undergraduate degree may be considered. In exceptional circumstances, applicants who have substantial experience in a relevant profession (eg one related to building analysis and recording or to historic conservation) may also be considered.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA normally sought is 3.5 out of 4.0.

If your degree is not from the UK or another country specified above, visit our International Qualifications page for guidance on the qualifications and grades that would usually be considered to meet the University’s minimum entry requirements.

GRE General Test scores

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

Other qualifications, evidence of excellence and relevant experience

• You need not necessarily have studied architectural history previously, but should be able to show evidence of prior serious interest in the subject, eg through work-related activities, voluntary work in a related field, completion of previous courses (including evening classes), or membership of relevant local or national societies.
• You must have a sound research proposal, be up to date with previous work in the field, and aware of the academic context of your proposed research.
• Previous publications are not essential.

English language proficiency

This course requires proficiency in English at the University's  higher level . If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement. The minimum scores required to meet the University's higher level are detailed in the table below.

*Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English or Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) † Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English or Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)

Your test must have been taken no more than two years before the start date of your course. Our Application Guide provides  further information about the English language test requirement .

Declaring extenuating circumstances

If your ability to meet the entry requirements has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic (eg you were awarded an unclassified/ungraded degree) or any other exceptional personal circumstance (eg other illness or bereavement), please refer to the guidance on extenuating circumstances in the Application Guide for information about how to declare this so that your application can be considered appropriately.

You will need to register three referees who can give an informed view of your academic ability and suitability for the course. The  How to apply  section of this page provides details of the types of reference that are required in support of your application for this course and how these will be assessed.

Supporting documents

You will be required to supply supporting documents with your application. The  How to apply  section of this page provides details of the supporting documents that are required as part of your application for this course and how these will be assessed.

Performance at interview

Applicants who fully meet the criteria, and for whom the programme directors determine suitable supervision can be arranged, may be invited for interview. If the number of potentially suitable candidates significantly exceeds the number of places available, preference will be given to those whose research proposals best match the research interests of such supervisors as are available. Applicants would not normally be admitted to the programme without attending an interview in person, with at least two academic interviewers, one of whom will normally be a director of the programme.

The interview will seek to resolve any issues arising from the application, to explore relevant educational and other experience, and to create a further understanding of the research proposal. Interviewers will also seek to ensure that applicants have a full understanding of the commitment a part-time DPhil requires. Interviews may be held via Microsoft Teams, at the discretion of the Programme Director, when travelling to Oxford is difficult or impossible for the candidate within the interview period.

How your application is assessed

Your application will be assessed purely on your proven and potential academic excellence and other entry requirements described under that heading.

References  and  supporting documents  submitted as part of your application, and your performance at interview (if interviews are held) will be considered as part of the assessment process. Whether or not you have secured funding will not be taken into consideration when your application is assessed.

An overview of the shortlisting and selection process is provided below. Our ' After you apply ' pages provide  more information about how applications are assessed . 

Shortlisting and selection

Students are considered for shortlisting and selected for admission without regard to age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), religion or belief (including lack of belief), sex, sexual orientation, as well as other relevant circumstances including parental or caring responsibilities or social background. However, please note the following:

• socio-economic information may be taken into account in the selection of applicants and award of scholarships for courses that are part of  the University’s pilot selection procedure  and for  scholarships aimed at under-represented groups ;
• country of ordinary residence may be taken into account in the awarding of certain scholarships; and
• protected characteristics may be taken into account during shortlisting for interview or the award of scholarships where the University has approved a positive action case under the Equality Act 2010.

Processing your data for shortlisting and selection

Information about  processing special category data for the purposes of positive action  and  using your data to assess your eligibility for funding , can be found in our Postgraduate Applicant Privacy Policy.

Admissions panels and assessors

All recommendations to admit a student involve the judgement of at least two members of the academic staff with relevant experience and expertise, and must also be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies or Admissions Committee (or equivalent within the department).

Admissions panels or committees will always include at least one member of academic staff who has undertaken appropriate training.

Other factors governing whether places can be offered

The following factors will also govern whether candidates can be offered places:

• the ability of the University to provide the appropriate supervision for your studies, as outlined under the 'Supervision' heading in the  About  section of this page;
• the ability of the University to provide appropriate support for your studies (eg through the provision of facilities, resources, teaching and/or research opportunities); and
• minimum and maximum limits to the numbers of students who may be admitted to the University's taught and research programmes.

Offer conditions for successful applications

If you receive an offer of a place at Oxford, your offer will outline any conditions that you need to satisfy and any actions you need to take, together with any associated deadlines. These may include academic conditions, such as achieving a specific final grade in your current degree course. These conditions will usually depend on your individual academic circumstances and may vary between applicants. Our ' After you apply ' pages provide more information about offers and conditions . 

In addition to any academic conditions which are set, you will also be required to meet the following requirements:

Financial Declaration

If you are offered a place, you will be required to complete a  Financial Declaration  in order to meet your financial condition of admission.

Disclosure of criminal convictions

In accordance with the University’s obligations towards students and staff, we will ask you to declare any  relevant, unspent criminal convictions  before you can take up a place at Oxford.

The Rewley House Continuing Education Library , one of the Bodleian Libraries, is situated in Rewley House. The Department aims to support the wide variety of subjects covered by departmental courses at many academic levels. The department also has a collection of around 73,000 books together with periodicals. PCs in the library give access to the internet and the full range of electronic resources subscribed to by the University of Oxford, and Wi-Fi is also available. The Jessop Reading Room adjoining the library is available for study, and you will have access to all Bodleian Libraries.

The department's Graduate School provides a stimulating and enriching learning and research environment for the department's graduate students, fostering intellectual and social interaction between graduates of different disciplines and professions from the UK and around the globe. The Graduate School will help you make the most of the wealth of resources and opportunities available, paying particular regard to the support and guidance needed if you are following a part-time graduate programme. The department’s graduate community comprises over 600 members following taught programmes and more than 60 undertaking doctoral research.

The department provides various IT facilities , including the Student Computing Facility which provides individual PCs for your use. In most cases, online support is delivered through a virtual learning environment.

Depending on the programme you are taking with the department, you may require accommodation at some point in your student career. Rewley House is ideally located in central Oxford; the city's historic sites, colleges, museums, shops and restaurants are only a few minutes’ walk away. The department has several en-suite study bedrooms, all with high quality amenities, including internet access.

The Rewley House dining room has seating for up to 132 people. A full meal service is available daily. The Department also operates a Common Room with bar for students.

Department for Continuing Education

The need for new learning opportunities throughout life is now recognised throughout society. An intensive, initial period of higher education is not always enough in times of rapid social, economic and technological change. The Department for Continuing Education is known worldwide as a leading provider of extended learning for professional and personal development.

The department provides high-quality, flexible, part-time graduate education, tailored for adults. Students can undertake graduate-level certificates, diplomas and taught master’s degrees in a wide range of subjects. Increasing numbers of courses are delivered in mixed mode, combining intensive periods of residence in Oxford with tutored online study.

The department recruits adult students of all ages on a regional, national and international level. Many courses are offered jointly with other academic departments around the University. Courses are offered in the following areas:

• Mathematical, physical and life sciences
• Medical and health sciences
• Social sciences .

All postgraduate students on the department's courses are members of its Graduate School. The Graduate School aims to provide a stimulating and enriching environment for learning and research. It also fosters intellectual and social interaction between students coming from different disciplines and professions. Interdisciplinary research seminars, training opportunities and other events are offered by the Graduate School in support of this goal.

All masters' and DPhil applicants are considered for Clarendon Scholarships . The department is committed to seeking scholarship support for other students wherever possible.

View all courses   View taught courses View research courses

The University expects to be able to offer over 1,000 full or partial graduate scholarships across the collegiate University in 2024-25. You will be automatically considered for the majority of Oxford scholarships , if you fulfil the eligibility criteria and submit your graduate application by the relevant December or January deadline. Most scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and/or potential. 

For further details about searching for funding as a graduate student visit our dedicated Funding pages, which contain information about how to apply for Oxford scholarships requiring an additional application, details of external funding, loan schemes and other funding sources.

Please ensure that you visit individual college websites for details of any college-specific funding opportunities using the links provided on our college pages or below:

Please note that not all the colleges listed above may accept students on this course. For details of those which do, please refer to the College preference section of this page.

Further information about funding opportunities for this course can be found on the department's website.

Annual fees for entry in 2024-25

Further details about fee status eligibility can be found on the fee status webpage.

Information about course fees

Course fees are payable each year, for the duration of your fee liability (your fee liability is the length of time for which you are required to pay course fees). For courses lasting longer than one year, please be aware that fees will usually increase annually. For details, please see our guidance on changes to fees and charges .

Course fees cover your teaching as well as other academic services and facilities provided to support your studies. Unless specified in the additional information section below, course fees do not cover your accommodation, residential costs or other living costs. They also don’t cover any additional costs and charges that are outlined in the additional information below.

Continuation charges

Following the period of fee liability , you may also be required to pay a University continuation charge and a college continuation charge. The University and college continuation charges are shown on the Continuation charges page.

Where can I find further information about fees?

The Fees and Funding  section of this website provides further information about course fees , including information about fee status and eligibility  and your length of fee liability .

Additional information

Please note that you are required to attend in Oxford for a minimum of 30 days each year, and you may incur additional travel and accommodation expenses for this. Also, depending on your choice of research topic and the research required to complete it, you may incur further additional expenses, such as travel expenses, research expenses, and field trips. You will need to meet these additional costs, although you may be able to apply for small grants from your department and/or college to help you cover some of these expenses.

Living costs

In addition to your course fees, you will need to ensure that you have adequate funds to support your living costs for the duration of your course.

For the 2024-25 academic year, the range of likely living costs for full-time study is between c. £1,345 and £1,955 for each month spent in Oxford. Full information, including a breakdown of likely living costs in Oxford for items such as food, accommodation and study costs, is available on our living costs page. The current economic climate and high national rate of inflation make it very hard to estimate potential changes to the cost of living over the next few years. When planning your finances for any future years of study in Oxford beyond 2024-25, it is suggested that you allow for potential increases in living expenses of around 5% each year – although this rate may vary depending on the national economic situation. UK inflationary increases will be kept under review and this page updated.

If you are studying part-time your living costs may vary depending on your personal circumstances but you must still ensure that you will have sufficient funding to meet these costs for the duration of your course.

Students enrolled on this course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college. Please note that ‘college’ and ‘colleges’ refers to all 43 of the University’s colleges, including those designated as societies and permanent private halls (PPHs). 

If you apply for a place on this course you will have the option to express a preference for one of the colleges listed below, or you can ask us to find a college for you. Before deciding, we suggest that you read our brief  introduction to the college system at Oxford  and our  advice about expressing a college preference . For some courses, the department may have provided some additional advice below to help you decide.

You may which to consider stating a preference for  Kellogg College , which caters particularly for part-time mature students and is closely associated with the department.

The following colleges accept students on the DPhil in Architectural History:

• Blackfriars
• Campion Hall
• Kellogg College
• Linacre College
• St Catherine's College
• Wycliffe Hall

Before you apply

Our  guide to getting started  provides general advice on how to prepare for and start your application. You can use our interactive tool to help you  evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive .

If it's important for you to have your application considered under a particular deadline – eg under a December or January deadline in order to be considered for Oxford scholarships – we recommend that you aim to complete and submit your application at least two weeks in advance . Check the deadlines on this page and the  information about deadlines and when to apply  in our Application Guide.

Application fee waivers

An application fee of £75 is payable per course application. Application fee waivers are available for the following applicants who meet the eligibility criteria:

• applicants from low-income countries;
• refugees and displaced persons; 
• UK applicants from low-income backgrounds; and 
• applicants who applied for our Graduate Access Programmes in the past two years and met the eligibility criteria.

You are encouraged to  check whether you're eligible for an application fee waiver  before you apply.

Readmission for current Oxford graduate taught students

If you're currently studying for an Oxford graduate taught course and apply to this course with no break in your studies, you may be eligible to apply to this course as a readmission applicant. The application fee will be waived for an eligible application of this type. Check whether you're eligible to apply for readmission .

Do I need to contact anyone before I apply?

You do not need to make contact with the department before you apply but you are encouraged to visit the relevant departmental webpages to read any further information about your chosen course.

You may find it useful to make contact with an academic member of staff before you apply if you have any questions about your application. General queries should be directed to the course administrator via the contact details provided on this page.

Completing your application

You should refer to the information below when completing the application form, paying attention to the specific requirements for the supporting documents .

For this course, the application form will include questions that collect information that would usually be included in a CV/résumé. You should not upload a separate document. If a separate CV/résumé is uploaded, it will be removed from your application .

If any document does not meet the specification, including the stipulated word count, your application may be considered incomplete and not assessed by the academic department. Expand each section to show further details.

Proposed field and title of research project

Under the 'Field and title of research project' please enter your proposed field or area of research if this is known. If the department has advertised a specific research project that you would like to be considered for, please enter the project title here instead.

You should not use this field to type out a full research proposal. You will be able to upload your research supporting materials separately if they are required (as described below).

Proposed supervisor

If known, under 'Proposed supervisor name' enter the name of the academic(s) whom you would like to supervise your research. Otherwise, leave this field blank.

Referees: Three overall, academic wherever possible

Whilst you must register three referees, the department may start the assessment of your application if two of the three references are submitted by the course deadline and your application is otherwise complete. Please note that you may still be required to ensure your third referee supplies a reference for consideration.

References should generally be academic. However, where academic references cannot be provided, professional references will be accepted in lieu of academic references. Your references will support appropriate indicators of academic ability and/or professional experience.

Referees should comment upon the applicant’s intellectual ability, academic aptitude and motivation, as well as on previous contributions to the field where possible.

Official transcript(s)

Your transcripts should give detailed information of the individual grades received in your university-level qualifications to date. You should only upload official documents issued by your institution and any transcript not in English should be accompanied by a certified translation.

More information about the transcript requirement is available in the Application Guide.

Personal statement and research proposal: Statement of a maximum length of 1,000 words and a proposal of a maximum of 1,500 words

Applicants should provide a personal statement and research proposal, both written in English, as a single combined document.

If possible, please ensure that the word count is clearly displayed on the document.

Your personal statement should address your reasons for wishing to study at Oxford and to engage in this particular programme.

This will be assessed for:

• your reasons for applying
• evidence of motivation
• commitment to the subject, beyond the requirements of the degree course
• capacity for sustained and intense work.

Your research proposal should define the topic of research, initial research questions, how the questions relate to existing work on the subject, and the proposed sources and methods of research. This is not intended to be comprehensive, but to provide the basis for seeking a supervisor and for further discussion. The overall word count does not need to include any bibliography.

• the coherence of the proposal
• the originality of the project
• understanding of the proposed area of study
• the feasibility of successfully completing the project in the time available for the course
• preliminary knowledge of research techniques.

It will be normal for your ideas subsequently to change in some ways as you investigate the evidence and develop your project. You should nevertheless make the best effort you can to demonstrate the extent of your research question, sources and method at this moment.

Written work: Two essays of a maximum of 2,000 words each or one longer piece of a minimum of 5,000 words up to a maximum of 6,000 words

Written work in English, either from previous education or more recent, are required. The topic(s) of the work should ideally be related to architectural history or history, though other subjects are acceptable.

Extracts from longer pieces are acceptable, provided they are self-contained and prefaced by a note explaining their context (eg chapter or section of a dissertation).

The word count does not need to include any bibliography or brief footnotes.

This will be assessed for your command of written English, reasoning ability and ability to construct a logical argument.

Instructions for submitting one long piece of work instead of two short pieces

To submit one longer piece of work in your application instead of two shorter pieces, you should upload this document in the first 'Written work' slot on the 'Supporting Documents' tab of the Application Form. In the second 'Written work' slot, you should upload a PDF document with the following statement:

' I have included one long essay in lieu of two short essays. I have checked the course page to confirm this is permitted for this course. '

Start or continue your application

You can start or return to an application using the relevant link below. As you complete the form, please  refer to the requirements above  and  consult our Application Guide for advice . You'll find the answers to most common queries in our FAQs.

Application Guide   Apply

ADMISSION STATUS

Closed to applications for entry in 2024-25

Register to be notified via email when the next application cycle opens (for entry in 2025-26)

12:00 midday UK time on:

Friday 19 January 2024 Latest deadline for most Oxford scholarships

Friday 1 March 2024 Applications may remain open after this deadline if places are still available - see below

A later deadline shown under 'Admission status' If places are still available,  applications may be accepted after 1 March . The 'Admissions status' (above) will provide notice of any later deadline.

*Three-year average (applications for entry in 2021-22 to 2023-24)

Further information and enquiries

This course is offered by the Department for Continuing Education

• Course page on the department's website
• Funding information from the department
• Academic staff
• Departmental research
• Continuing Education Graduate School
• Postgraduate applicant privacy policy

Course-related enquiries

Advice about contacting the department can be found in the How to apply section of this page

✉ [email protected] ☎ +44 (0)1865 286938

Application-process enquiries

See the application guide

Visa eligibility for part-time study

We are unable to sponsor student visas for part-time study on this course. Part-time students may be able to attend on a visitor visa for short blocks of time only (and leave after each visit) and will need to remain based outside the UK.