Research at the Department

Interdisciplinary research community

Learn more about our research

The Department has an active interdisciplinary research community, with a strong focus on the humanities and social sciences. Many colleagues are also involved in public engagement and practitioner-based research initiatives which build on the research interests of our academic staff and circa 100 doctoral research students.

The Graduate School within the Department fosters intellectual and social interaction between graduates across the disciplines through an established programme of seminars and research training. 

Research areas

Research projects are undertaken independently or in collaboration with others, both elsewhere in the University and with academics and professionals external to Oxford. Research programmes extend across the disciplines and are supported by a departmental research culture that encourages interdisciplinary initiatives. These are supported by a wide range of external funders.

You may also wish to browse the academic and research student profiles to learn more about individual research interests in the Department.

Research forums

Forums and groups based in the Department

DPhil students and projects

Current DPhil research projects

The Department offers part-time DPhil programmes in a range of disciplines. 

An overview of all our current DPhil research projects can be viewed online. Take a look at thesis abstracts, research interests and supervisors.

View a list of current DPhil research projects

The student experience

Discover what our students, both past and present, have to say about their experience of undertaking a part-time DPhil programme and how they have used their Oxford DPhil for further study, career progression or personal enrichment.

Graduate School

Supporting postgraduate study

The Graduate School facilitates a stimulating and enriching learning and research environment for both internal and external graduate students and postgraduate researchers. The programme of training and development activities is designed to help students conduct their research whilst facilitating them to becoming independent researchers. 

Learn more the Graduate School