DPhil in Medical Sciences

Our DPhil (Doctor of Philosophy) degree in Medical Sciences covers the whole span of the department’s research. In keeping with our focus on translational research, we welcome applications from both basic scientists and clinicians.

You will be admitted directly onto a research project with a specific Principal Investigator, who will act as your supervisor, and will be one of RDM's world-leading scientists. Students are asked to nominate up to three supervisors from the list of research opportunities. You will be expected to play an active role in shaping your project over the course of the DPhil. Our students are a valuable part of the department and we encourage them to be involved with the scientific and social life of the department at all levels.

Most students also have one or more formal co-supervisors, who can provide additional scientific advice on their specialist areas and who will offer another viewpoint on the student’s project. Together, they form the specialised team that will advise you on your academic progress. If you don’t have a formal co-supervisor, you will have a nominated secondary supervisor who you can always ask for advice, but who will not be actively involved with your project on a day-to-day basis.

As well as your supervisor, you will have the support of a Graduate Advisor, the Director of Graduate Studies and the Graduate Studies Administrator. All activity relating to graduate students within the department is overseen by the Graduate Studies Committee.

In addition, the department has graduate student representatives; two of which sit on the Graduate Studies Committee. They act as the point of contact for the students and ensure that any concerns amongst students can be heard by the department and acted upon.

More information about the Radcliffe Department of Medicine can be found on the About Us, Working at RDM and the Graduate Studies pages.