DPhil in Oncology

About the course

This programme aims to train the next generation of leaders in translational oncology research by applying state-of-the-art techniques to address fundamental biology of cancer and how to optimise treatments for patients.

The Department of Oncology employs multidisciplinary approaches from physics, biology, chemistry and mathematical modelling to investigate DNA biology and epigenetics, cell and environmental biology of tumour tissue and both systemic and local immunological responses in cancer. This programme focuses on expanding scientific knowledge with a particular focus on therapies involving drug discovery or action and combination therapies with radiotherapy.

The DPhil in Oncology is a three-to-four year DPhil programme and is based on the conduct of a specific research project conducted in a single research group or laboratory. Applications are accepted from both basic scientists and clinicians.

Students will be admitted directly to a particular research area, within a research group/laboratory lead by a Principal Investigator who will be formally appointed as their DPhil supervisor.

As a graduate student you will have access to a wide range of resources offered by the department, the Medical Sciences Division and the wider University, to obtain the sills you need to become an outstanding researcher. There is also a wide range of courses and workshops which you can attend to acquire skills that will be necessary for the pursuance and presentation of your research, as well as your professional development as a research scientist. Please note there are no taught elements for the DPhil in Oncology.

Assessment

All students are initially admitted to the status of Probationer Research Student (PRS). Within a maximum of four terms candidates are expected to apply for transfer of status from Probationer Research Student to DPhil status.

A successful transfer of status assessment will require satisfactory attendance, submission of a thesis outline and presentation to the assessors. Students who are successful at transfer will then be expected to apply for and gain confirmation of DPhil status within nine terms of admission, to show that their work continues to be on track.

Both milestones normally involve a presentation and an interview with two assessors.

Graduate destinations

After completion of their doctoral training, graduates of the Department of Oncology progress to postdoctoral research positions in Oxford, elsewhere in the UK or internationally (around 50%), to study medicine (around 25%), or to employment in medical charities and other professional organisations (around 25%).

Research students are expected to leave the DPhil in Oncology equipped with the scientific knowledge and cutting-edge technical skills that enable them to become the scholars, teachers and researchers of the next generation, both in the UK and globally.

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the equivalent of the following UK qualifications: a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in a biological, medical, chemical, mathematical and physical science background, as appropriate for the projects offered. However, entrance is highly competitive and most successful applicants have a first-class degree or the equivalent. A previous master's degree is not required, but is an advantage. For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.5 out of 4.0.