University of Oxford D.Phil 2008

The D.Phil. degree
The D.Phil. project period lasts nominally for 3-3½ years. There is some course work in the first year, leading to a written examination, but the student should expect to start work on a research project in parallel with course work. We do not expect course work to be completed before a research project is begun. The student will produce a written report at the end of each academic year, which will be reviewed internally in the same manner as a thesis. The first year report and the written examination will determine whether the student proceeds from probationer to D.Phil. student status. A report at the end of the second year will be examined in a similar way. The target is to complete a D.Phil. thesis at, or shortly after, the end of the third year, which will be examined by two examiners, one internal and one external.

For further details on the D.Phil. degree, see the Graduate Studies Prospectus.

Qualifications
A first or upper-second class degree (or equivalent) in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics or related subjects is required. UK-based Physics students should have taken/be taking the four-year Physics course (M.Phys. or equivalent) rather than the three-year course (B.Sc. or equivalent).

Overseas applicants who are unsure how their degree compares with the UK may find http://www.naric.org.uk a useful source of information and advice.

All applicants should note the Mathematical and Physical Sciences Division's Graduate Admissions Criteria below.

ATAS Certificates
In November 2007 the UK government introduced the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS). This will apply to D.Phil. applicants who have received an offer of a place by this department and who are not nationals of the UK, EU or EEA (including Switzerland). For details see Academic Technology Approval Scheme.

Funding
Research Council Support for UK and other EU Students

The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) allocate a number of studentships to the Department each year in general areas of research within their own disciplines. NERC funds atmospheric and oceanic topics for the Earth and STFC funds projects for other planets. The detailed research topic is agreed between the supervisor and the student.

The number of studentships that will be awarded for 2008 has not yet been announced by the Research Councils but, as a rough guide, we had one STFC studentship and four NERC studentships to allocate in 2007.

Eligibility:UK or EU nationals who have been resident in the UK for at least the previous three years are eligible for a studentship from NERC or STFC to cover all fees and living costs. The current value of the maintenance award is £12,600 p.a.

Other EU nationals who have not been resident in the UK qualify for a 'fees-only' award, without any funding for living costs. The University recommends a minimum living allowance of £10,500 p.a.

Non-EU nationals who have been resident in the UK for at least three years and have been granted indefinite leave to remain by the UK Home Office may in some cases also be eligible for a fully funded studentship. If this applies to you, please contact us before submitting an application so that we can check your eligibility with NERC and STFC.

International Students (including EU students)

Funding information for international students can be found here. Note especially the ORS Scheme, Clarendon Fund and Scatcherd European Scholarships.

AOPP requires candidates for ORS scheme and Clarendon Fund awards to apply by the University's 3rd gathered field deadline of 18 January 2008. The Scatcherd Scholarships have the same deadline.

The Department itself is unable to provide financial assistance to overseas candidates.

How and when to apply
Those who wish to apply for our D.Phil. research programme commencing October 2008 should first read the University's webpages "Application and Admissions Procedure" and the links given there, especially "When and where to send your application form". Note that application can be made either online or by a paper form; in each case a £25 fee is payable to the University of Oxford.

You will find extensive Notes for Guidance on the University's website but we will be happy to advise, should you have any queries. It is particularly important that your research interests coincide with ours if we are to consider your application.


UK applicants who wish to apply for a Research Council funded place and are eligible should apply by paper GAO2008 application form (one original and one duplicate) and send it, together with the £25 fee payable to the University of Oxford, to:
Graduate Admissions
Atmospheric, Oceanic & Planetary Physics
Clarendon Laboratory
Parks Road
Oxford OX1 3PU
in time meet one of AOPP's studentship deadlines:

1 February 2008
3 March 2008
11 April 2008
16 May 2008

Since the number of studentships is limited, you are strongly advised to apply as early as possible. Very occasionally, further studentships become available at a later date: if this happens we may have a further studentship deadline of 13 June and this will be announced on our website.


EU and other international applicants should either submit their application online or by sending paper form GAO2008, as instructed in the University's Notes for Guidance, to:

The Graduate Admissions Office
PO Box 738
University of Oxford
Wellington Square
OX1 9FB