Oncology

Students are admitted directly to work under the supervision of a Principal Investigator who is formally appointed as the DPhil supervisor. Students are based in a research group/laboratory to undertake one of the advertised research projects or a research project agreed with the Principal Investigator.

Students begin the DPhil in Oncology programme as a probationary research student (PRS). Towards the end of the first year, students are required to write a report prior to transfer to DPhil (PhD) status. Progress is evaluated by two academic assessors, who are not directly involved in the student’s supervision. Continuation on the DPhil programme is subject to passing the Transfer of Status assessment.

Students must confirm their DPhil status and are encouraged to do so during their eighth term and by no later than the end of the ninth term. Students are expected to submit their thesis between the ninth and twelfth terms from being admitted as a PRS.

In addition to the standard University milestones described above, a student’s progress is formally recorded via supervisor feedback forms submitted termly, ie three times per year.
The University has a code of practice for supervision of research under which supervisors must:

• advise, guide and support the student in all aspects of their research project
• identify a clear plan of research
• draw up a timetable for research
• have regular meetings
• report on the student’s progress
• identify the student's training needs
• encourage the student to participate in the wider Oxford community.

Please note that the DPhil has no taught elements.

The allocation of graduate supervision is the responsibility of the Department of Oncology and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the Department of Oncology.

In the case of students who require specific help to adjust to an academic programme or to a new range of skills, the supervisor will work with them to ensure that they have additional support.

After completion of their doctoral training, graduates of the Department of Oncology progress to postdoctoral research positions in Oxford, elsewhere in the UK or internationally (around 50%), to study medicine (around 25%), or to employment in medical charities and other professional organisations (around 25%).

Research students are expected to leave the DPhil in Oncology equipped with the scientific knowledge and cutting-edge technical skills that enable them to become the scholars, teachers and researchers of the next generation, both in the UK and globally.

Changes to this course and your supervision

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. In certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study.

Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.

For further information, please see our page on changes to courses.

Other courses you may wish to consider

Applicants are strongly advised to visit the Medical Sciences Graduate School website to help them identify the most suitable course and supervisors.

If you're thinking about applying for this course, you may also wish to consider the courses listed below. These courses may have been suggested due to their similarity with this course, or because they are offered by the same department or faculty.

All graduate courses offered by the Department of Oncology

Experimental and Translational Therapeutics MSc

Oncology DPhil

Oncology MSc by Research

Precision Cancer Medicine MSc

Radiation Biology MSc

Radiation Oncology combined MSc and DPhil

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Entry requirements