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Area Studies at University of Oxford - UCAS

Course options

2024 - 2025
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Course summary

The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2023). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas. The DPhil in Area Studies offers the opportunity to undertake a doctoral project dedicated to the study of a specific country or region, or else to compare more than one region, using social science approaches whilst also generating theories and propositions that are of value across regions. The Oxford School of Global and Area Studies is recognised as one of the top centres for area studies in the world, carrying out cutting-edge research within a vibrant and exciting environment. As a DPhil student at the school, you will have access to outstanding research projects, seminar series, workshops and conferences and will have the chance to develop your work alongside academic staff who are experts in their fields. Admission to this course is via one of seven strands and you will need to select one before starting your application. The strands are:

  • DPhil in Area Studies (Africa)
  • DPhil in Area Studies (China)
  • DPhil in Area Studies (Japan)
  • DPhil in Area Studies (Latin America)
  • DPhil in Area Studies (Middle East)
  • DPhil in Area Studies (Russia and East Europe)
  • DPhil in Area Studies (South Asia).
No matter which strand you choose the course follows the same general structure, which is outlined in more detail below. Your first year will include participation in the first-year DPhil seminar series and you will have the opportunity to attend other courses offered by the school as identified in your Training Needs Analysis. Your Training Needs Analysis will be discussed with your supervisor and reviewed on a regular basis. During this year, you will focus on developing your research questions, conceptual framework and methodological approaches for your thesis. You will usually have been admitted as a Probationer Research Student (PRS). Within a maximum of four terms as a PRS student you will be expected to apply for and achieve transfer of status from Probationer Research Student to DPhil status. After transferring to DPhil status you will continue to implement your research plan through theoretical engagement and/or fieldwork, data collection and analysis. If you intend to undertake fieldwork as part of your research, you will be expected to attend a fieldwork safety course available through the Social Sciences Division. You will be required to participate in at least one conference, in the UK or internationally, presenting your work to a non-specialist audience, and to submit materials for Confirmation of Status during your ninth term, as well as working towards the completion of your thesis.

Entry requirements

For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

For complete and up-to-date information about fees and funding for this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.
Area Studies at University of Oxford - UCAS