DPhil Programmes

Courses

DPhil in Philosophy

The DPhil in Philosophy is a three- to four-year research programme in which a candidate undertakes a doctoral level research project under the guidance of a supervisor. The doctoral work culminates in a 75,000-word thesis that is defended in the form of a viva voce examination (oral defence). Satisfactory progress through the DPhil is checked in the form of a mini-viva voce examination taking place at the end of the first and second year of study.

DPhil in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies

The DPhil in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies is the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies' main research degree. Supervision can be offered in the full-range of areas in which the faculty has expertise, namely Chinese studies, Egyptology and the ancient Near East, Eastern Christianity, Hebrew and Jewish studies, the Islamic world, Japanese studies, Korean studies and South and Inner Asia.

DPhil in Classical Languages and Literature

The DPhil programme in Classical Languages and Literature is a research degree intended to make it possible for the successful candidate to aspire to a career in research and teaching at university level anywhere in the world where the Classical subjects are studied. The DPhil takes the form of the composition of a substantial dissertation, of up to 100,000 words, based on new research on a subject of your choice.

DPhil in Theology and Religion

The DPhil in Theology and Religion is the research degree for graduate students in the Faculty of Theology and Religion. This degree offers access to a wide variety of experienced specialists in many different fields of theology and religion, including the study of the world religions; biblical studies; science and religion; ecclesiastical history; systematic theology; ethics; patristics, and philosophical theology.

Course Handbooks

Alumni Information

Selected Recent Placement

Lea Cantor

DPhil in Philosophy (2023)

Now: Lecturer (Assistant Professor) in Philosophy, King's College London (from September 2026)

Chiara Martini

DPhil in Philosophy (2023)

Now: Associate Professor of Ancient Philosophy, Philosophy Faculty, University of Oxford, Christ Church (from January 2027)

Saloni Marie De Souza

DPhil in Philosophy (2019)

Now: Lecturer in Philosophy and Ethics, Bath Spa University

Simona Aimar

DPhil in Philosophy (2017)

Now: Lecturer in Philosophy, Department of Philosophy, UCL

Elena Cagnoli Fiecconi

DPhil in Philosophy (2016)

Now: Lecturer in Ancient Philosophy, Department of Greek & Latin, UCL

Michael Griffin

DPhil in Greek and Latin Language and Literature [Classics] (2009)

Now: Associate Professor of Greek Philosophy, Departments of Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Studies (AMNE) and of Philosophy, University of British Columbia

Katharine O'Reilly

DPhil in Philosophy (2019)

Now: Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy, Toronto Metropolitan University

Nathanael Stein

DPhil in Philosophy (2009)

Now: Associate Professor, Department of Philosophy, Florida State University

Barnaby Taylor

DPhil in Classical Languages & Literature [Classics] (2013)

Now: Associate Professor of Classical Languages and Literature, Faculty of Classics, University of Oxford

Ai YUAN

DPhil in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies [formerly Oriental Studies] (2018)

Now: Associate Professor of Chinese Philosophy, Department of Philosophy, Tsinghua University