Biochemistry (Skaggs-Oxford Programme) (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 Skaggs-Oxford Programme is a five-year research course at Scripps Research based in either La Jolla, California or Jupiter, Florida, and the Department of Biochemistry at Oxford, leading to the award of a joint PhD/DPhil degree.

The joint Skaggs-Oxford Programme permits highly qualified students to gain a broader and deeper interdisciplinary research experience than is possible from a single institution's doctoral programme. It provides diversity in curriculum, scientific approaches and research training, with access to facilities and expertise at both the University of Oxford and Scripps Research. It also offers the experience of the distinct cultures of the United States and the United Kingdom.

You will have the option of beginning the full programme of study either at Oxford or at Scripps Research.

You can choose from a wide range of research areas covered by the University of Oxford's Department of Biochemistry and Scripps Research's Departments of Chemistry, Immunology and Microbiology, Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, Molecular Medicine, and Neuroscience

Whilst working on your research project you will participate in a comprehensive, flexible skills training programme which includes a range of workshops and seminars in transferable skills, generic research skills and specific research techniques. There are also numerous seminars and lectures by local and visiting scientists, which bring students together with academic and other research staff in the department to hear about on-going research, and provide an opportunity for networking and socialising.

Starting at the University of Oxford
If you begin your programme of study at Oxford, you will start your course as a probationary research student (PRS) and apply to transfer to DPhil (PhD) status near the end of your first year. Your application to transfer will involve you writing a research report and statement of future research plans. This will be assessed by two independent experts, who interview you as part of the process. Continuation in the programme is subject to passing the Transfer of Status exam.

Starting at Scripps Research
If you begin your programme of study at Scripps Research, you will also start your course as a probationary research student (PRS). You will be required to undertake a sequence of taught coursework in connection with your proposed field of research, unless you are granted an exemption in recognition of study and examinations previously undertaken. Courses are graded based on written assignments and a final written exam. You will typically apply to transfer to DPhil (PhD) status near the end of your second year. Your application to transfer will involve you writing a research report and statement of future research plans. This will be assessed by two independent experts, who interview you as part of the process. Continuation in the programme is subject to passing the Transfer of Status exam.

Common assessment elements
After three years of study you will need to apply formally to confirm your DPhil (PhD) status. This involves writing a short progress report and thesis outline and giving a presentation. The application is assessed by two experts. Continuation in the programme is subject to successfully completing the Confirmation of Status.

The final stage of the research programme is submission of your DPhil thesis, which needs to be done within five years. Your thesis is assessed by two independent experts (one from Oxford and one who is external to the University of Oxford and Scripps Research) and your Thesis Committee at Scripps Research, who conduct a viva examination with you.

Successful candidates are awarded a degree certificate from Scripps Research and the University of Oxford. They are invited to attend ceremonies at both institutions.