Surgical Sciences (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 Surgical Sciences is a research-based course offering full-time training in areas such as cancer, immunology, neurosciences, transplantation, urology, vascular surgery, and global surgery, with direct entry onto a research project.

The MSc by Research in Surgical Sciences is a research-based course covering cancer, immunology, neurosciences, global surgery, transplantation, urology, vascular surgery, and patient safety, with direct entry onto a research project.

Hosted by the Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, the DPhil in Surgical Sciences is three to four years in length whereas the MSc by Research in Surgical Sciences is normally two years in length.

You will be admitted directly onto a research project working with one of the department's many principal investigators (PIs). Usually candidates agree upon a project with their supervisor.

Normally your supervisory team will consist of your main supervisor along with at least one additional co-supervisor (who may be based outside of the University), with support also available from the Graduate Studies team and college advisors.

You will be integrated into your supervisor's research group, and will have the opportunity to network with and present to the wider department through events such as our Surgical Grand Round series, Research Away Day and Student Symposium.

Typically, students should treat their studies as a full-time occupation of at least 40 hours per week, and should be available during core working hours.

You will have access to seminars organised by the department or other departments within the University, individual research groups, or groups with a common area of interest. Some research groups within the department run research seminars that offer the opportunity to present your work and receive feedback from senior members of the department.

The University of Oxford and the Medical Sciences Division provide a rich environment of transferable skills suitable for both researchers and graduate students through the Medical Sciences Division Skills Portal and other resources. The University has established a Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL), which supports the development of research students who wish to follow an academic career, including training in teaching skills.

The Medical Sciences Division's skills training programme offers opportunities for you to develop your research and professional skills over the duration of your course. It is recommended that you spend at least ten days a year on your graduate skills training. DPhil students will also be given one-to-one specialist training in research and laboratory techniques as required for your project.

As a member of the department you are invited to and involved in various social events, which are either organised by the department or ad hoc by the students themselves.