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The DPhil is examined by a thesis of up to 100,000 words. It is intended to be completed in three years.
Stages in the doctoral programme:
- The student enters the programme as a Probationary Research Student (PRS)
- The student completes the Transfer of Status, to become a fully fledged DPhil student--this should happen by the end of the fourth term
- The student completes the Confirmation of Status--this should happen by the end of the eighth term
- The student submits the DPhil thesis--this should happen by the end of the third year
Supervision
Students are expected to work closely with their supervisors throughout their time at Oxford. Students normally see their supervisor four times throughout the term (including the holiday period that follows term).
Skills training
The Department organises a series of workshops for doctoral students in their first and second years. (Attendance is compulsory.) In the first year, this workshop covers a range of topics relating to the Transfer of Status, as well as other aspects of academic practice. Students also present their own research ideas and receive feedback from their peers. In the second year (in Hilary Term), the professional development workshop covers topics such as publishing and preparing for the job market.
Oxford University also offers a useful insight into the process of studying for a DPhil from both a staff and student perspective - see the Oxford Learning Institute's website:
http://www.learning.ox.ac.uk/supervision/
Doctoral students are also expected to attend the research methods training courses relevant to their research. The training needs of each student should be discussed with their supervisor. In the first year students are required to attend either Intermediate Social Statistics or Advanced Qualitative Methods Workshops. A variety of short courses on advanced methods are also available in all years, and students are strongly encouraged to attend.
Information about training and other courses offered across the University is available through the University Skills Portal. Courses are also offered by the University Computing Services and by the Language Centre.
Research seminars
Alongside the regular research seminars, there is a special seminar series run by students for students: Social Science Graduate Research in Progress Seminars (GRIPS).
Teaching opportunities
After their first year of study, doctoral students may be registered to tutor undergraduates. The Department of Sociology does not allocate teaching, as tutoring is primarily organized by colleges.
Documents
(Note: the Examination Regulations, known as the 'Grey Book', are the ultimate authority on all questions relating to courses.) |