Social Policy (Research)

The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2025). 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 Social Policy is a research-based course exploring welfare systems, family policy, educational inequality, labour markets, retirement, and social mobility through independent study and tailored supervision.

The department welcomes DPhil candidates who are interested in a wide range of areas of social policy research.

The department's approach to graduate study emphasises your ability to work independently to explore an original line of research under an academic supervisor. Each member of academic staff has expertise in a particular area of social policy and you will only be accepted for a DPhil if there is an appropriate supervisor available.

As a doctoral student, you will be offered a unique graduate programme tailored to your individual needs. In addition to individual supervision, the department offers a diverse range of seminars, workshops and advanced training opportunities in order to further enhance graduate research experience.

The department runs several seminar series on social policy, social intervention, and on methodologies– during the year, providing the opportunity to hear external expert speakers. In addition, there is a regular colloquium at which members of the department present and discuss their research, creating an excellent chance for staff and students to learn more about each others’ ideas or receive input on their own research. DPhil students also belong to one of the department's research groups, which provide an opportunity to present their work and explore themed areas in more depth with colleagues with similar interests.

The department’s established methods hub provides research students with general support on qualitative and quantitative research methods, as well as with more specialised and tailored training. In addition, through the Oxford Social Sciences Division a range of methods-training seminars and summer schools are offered.