DPhil in Statistics

About the course

In the DPhil in Statistics, you will investigate a particular project in depth and write a thesis which makes a significant contribution to the field. You will acquire a wide range of research and transferable skills, as well as in-depth knowledge, understanding and expertise in your chosen field of research. You will become part of a vibrant community of researchers.

The Department of Statistics in the University of Oxford is a world leader in research in probability, bioinformatics, mathematical genetics and statistical methodology, including computational statistics, machine learning and data science. Oxford’s Mathematical Sciences submission came first in the UK on all criteria in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) and in 2016 the department moved to a newly-refurbished building in the centre of Oxford.

Much of the department’s research is either explicitly interdisciplinary or draws its motivation from application areas, ranging from biology and physics to the social sciences. The department is also part of a number of Centres for Doctoral Training (CDT) which admit graduate students.

• StatML (Modern Statistics and Statistical Machine Learning), an EPSRC CDT in applicable modern statistical theory and methods as well as on the underpinnings of statistical machine learning in association with Imperial College London;
• Mathematics of Random Systems. Analysis, Modelling and Algorithms, an EPSRC CDT in the area of probabilistic modelling, stochastic analysis and their applications in association with Imperial and Oxford Mathematics; and
• Sustainable Approaches to Biomedical Science (SABS), an EPSRC and MRC CDT focusing on quantitative and predictive research at the interface between the mathematical and physical, and the biological and medical sciences.

Assessment

Initially, you will be admitted as a Probationer Research Student in the same way as those intending to do a MSc by Research. Thus, it may be possible to switch between the two. The same standards are applied for admission for the two degrees.

There are formal assessments of progress on the research project with the Transfer of Status from Probationer Research Student to DPhil status at around 12 to 15 months and Confirmation of Status at around 30 to 36 months. These assessments involve the submission of written work and oral examination by two assessors (other you’re your supervisor). Over the course of the DPhil you will be expected to undertake a total of 100 hours of broadening training outside your specialist area.

Graduate destinations

After research degrees, the majority of the department’s graduates move into research and academic careers. Others work, for example, in data analytics, in tech and biotech companies and in the financial sector.

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 an appropriate subject. You will need a strong background in mathematics and/or statistics. However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first-class degree or the equivalent. A previous master's degree (either an integrated master's degree or standalone) is preferred but is not required. For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.6 out of 4.0.