About the course
The DPhil (a PhD at other universities) in Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics offers a wide range of research topics within a large multi-disciplinary and world-renowned department, spanning a diverse spectrum of research areas from neuroscience, cardiac science, ion channels transporters and signalling, metabolism and endocrinology, development and reproduction to neurobiology of sleep and circadian rhythms.
In the first instance, applicants are advised to identify potential supervisors in Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, based on their research area of interest. You will then nominate a supervisor on the application form together with the agreed research project title. As science advances, projects may or may not change.
Your research will be conducted at Oxford under the supervision of academic staff who are at the forefront of developments in your chosen research project area. You will explore your research subject area to new depths and have the opportunity to present your findings to members of the international scientific community with whom, one day, you may well collaborate. DPhil students research full-time for three to four years under the supervision of experienced supervisors.
After attending the new graduate students’ induction day, you will again meet your supervisor and fellow group members. You will complete an Analysis of your Training Needs (TNA) with your supervisor and then attend any training courses from the divisional flexible skills training programme which you will need in your research project. The courses on the toolkit include a range of workshops and seminars in transferable skills, generic research skills and specific research techniques which may be pertinent to your DPhil research area. You will have access to regular departmental seminars and peer presentation groups for fine tuning presentation deliverance Â鶹Դ´ graduate student social events which incorporate informal talks aimed at students. Examples are Public Speaking and Securing Your First Postdoc Job, Careers, Poster Presentation and from seminars talks in various themes from eminent worldwide scientists, to talks on local research being conducted in the department. Special lectures are given to recognise previous famous scientists of the department and will vary in subject.
You will be encouraged to submit termly reports on your progress and report courses undertaken. Your supervisor will also contribute to your termly reports. Students are encouraged to volunteer as one of several student representatives in their second year of study, to sit on various committees, to host seminar speakers and to arrange student social events.
October 2025
University of Oxford
University Offices,
Wellington Square,
Oxford,
Oxfordshire,
OX1 2JD, SOUTHERN ENGLAND, England
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.