Information for applicants

Resources for applicants

A list of eligible supervisors as well as research posters, video clips and links to research group websited are available via our Open Days webpage which can be accessed here. Further resources including videos of the admissions talks from the Open Days are available here.

Application deadlines

The application deadlines for 2025 postgraduate entry are 12 noon (UK time) on:

  • Friday 15 November 2024
  • Wednesday 29 January 2025
  • Tuesday 4 March 2025

Note that you must apply by the January deadline if you wish to be considered for most of the University's funding opportunities.

Later applications may be considered if places are still available.  Please note that we do not offer the November deadline for the MSc(Res) in Chemistry programme.

Before you apply to a research degree

If you are considering applying to one of our research degrees, i.e. a DPhil or an MSc(Res), you are strongly encouraged to make informal contact with potential research supervisors before submitting a formal application. This will help you to decide whether the course is the right choice for you, and it will provide an opportunity to discuss potential research projects. The potential supervisor(s) may also be able to offer advice on completing the formal application, and they may suggest possible sources of funding or scholarships.

Submitting your application

The University provides extensive guidance on submitting your application. You are advised to read this carefully before submitting your application. Course-specific information is available for each of our programmes of study.

Please note the following in particular:

  • When applying for a research degree in Chemistry, you are strongly advised to list potential supervisors. Assessment of your application may be delayed if no proposed supervisors are listed.
  • A detailed research proposal is not required for application to our research degrees; instead, you should submit a Statement of Purpose, which explains your motivation for applying for the course at Oxford, your relevant experience and education, and the specific areas that interest you.
  • If English is not your first language, you will be required to fulfill the University's English language requirement before your place on the degree programme is confirmed. However, it is not required to submit language test results at the time of application.

Application fee waivers

Application fee waivers are available for applicants from certain low-income countries, refugees and displaced persons, and for UK applicants from low-income backgrounds. For more information, see the 'Application Fee Waivers' section of the University's Declaration and Payment page. 

2024 Open Days for Postgraduate Study

  • The main event took place online during Tuesday 5th and Wednesday 6th November. Many of our supervisors and their research groups were available for drop-in Teams meetings on Wednesday 6th November.
     
  • There was also an Admissions Talk, given by Dr Martin Galpin (Associate Head of Department for Teaching) on Tuesday 5th November, and a recording of this talk is available here.
     
  • The Inorganic Materials for Advanced Manufacturing EPSRC CDT (IMAT) provided a live-streamed informative talk on Tuesday 5th November at 2.45pm delivered by the CDT Director, and a recording of this talk is available here.
     
  • The Chemical Synthesis for a Healthy Planet EPSRC CDT held a virtual open day on Tuesday 5th November 11.00am-1.00pm, with talks from the CDT Directors, and a recording of this talk is available here.
     

Any questions?

Applicants should contact the Graduate Studies Team (graduate.admissions@chem.ox.ac.uk) with any queries regarding the application process.