Oxford University Key Facts

Advanced degrees are of two kinds: degrees taught in graduate courses ("taught degrees") and research degrees. No degree is awarded on the basis of the accumulation of credits and progress toward either type of advanced degree depends heavily on individual student initiative. Various programs include classes, seminars and sometimes tutorials and always a supervisor, but graduate work at Oxford relies fundamentally on a student’s ability to work independently to good effect. Advanced degrees, which are obtained by course work and examination, include the Master or Bachelor of Philosophy degree. Degrees, which are obtained by research and an examination, based upon the candidate’s thesis include the Doctor of Philosophy (D. Phil.) degree, an advanced research degree which usually requires three years, and the shorter research degrees of Master of Letters (M.Litt.) in Arts and Social Studies subjects and the Master of Science (M.Sc.) by Research in Science subjects, both of which may be obtained in two years.

In recent years, as noted above, the Master of Philosophy has been the most popular of the advanced degrees among postgraduates. (In the Faculty of Philosophy only, this degree is designated Bachelor of Philosophy.) The M.Phil. is awarded upon the successful completion of two-year course of study culminating in a short thesis and group of examinations similar in format to those required for the B.A. degree. Standards in the M.Phil.

Programmes are rigorously demanding and admission to these programmes, which is determined by the relevant Faculty Boards of the University, is highly selective. Applicants for admission to these M.Phil. programmes must in all cases have a substantial undergraduate background in the proposed area of study. Two samples of recent written work, approximately 2,000 words each, are required for admission to read for any degree in any subject other than a mathematical or scientific subject. Fields in which the M.Phil. may be pursued are listed in the section Study at Oxford University.