UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD · UNITED KINGDOM
DPhil in Information, Communication and the Social Sciences
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
36 mo
Duration
0.0
IELTS
€0k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- 3-4 years (full-time)Duration
- 6-8 years (part-time)Part-time Duration
- October 2026Start Date
- 49 studentsCohort Size
- 69%International Students
- 20+Nationalities Represented
The DPhil in Information, Communication and the Social Sciences at the University of Oxford offers a unique opportunity to conduct original doctoral research into the social dimensions of the internet and related technologies. This program, delivered by the Oxford Internet Institute (OII)'s multidisciplinary faculty, provides personalized supervision, advanced methodological training, and access to the university's extensive academic resources. Students will design and execute a doctoral project, grounded in their chosen discipline, while leveraging theories and techniques from across the social sciences to address their research questions. Upon completion, graduates produce an original piece of scholarship that significantly contributes to internet research. This program is ideal for academically excellent candidates committed to making a significant contribution to the field through in-depth scholarship. It suits individuals seeking a research-intensive, multidisciplinary doctoral experience with close supervision, and those planning careers in academia, policy, industry, or the civil sector where critical thinking and diverse methods are applied to the opportunities and challenges of a connected world.
Curriculum
The DPhil program is structured around three key stages, guiding students from initial research question formulation through to thesis submission. While each doctoral project is unique, all students progress through these same milestones with dedicated supervisory support.
- Stage 1: Formulating a Research Question (Year 1 full-time, Years 1-2 part-time)
- Stage 2: Analysis (Year 2 full-time, Years 3-4 part-time)
- Stage 3: Writing Up and Submission (Year 3 full-time, Years 5-6 part-time)
Careers
Alumni of the DPhil in Information, Communication and the Social Sciences pursue diverse and impactful careers. They are equipped with deep expertise, critical thinking skills, and diverse research methods to address the challenges and opportunities of a connected world.
- Academic roles at leading universities
- Influential roles in government
- Influential roles in industry
- Influential roles in the civil sector
Frequently asked questions
- What are the estimated living costs for an international student?
- Estimated living costs for 12 months range from £17,100 to £24,420, excluding tuition, visa costs, and the Immigration Health Surcharge. These costs are for a single student without dependants and can vary based on personal lifestyle.
- What is the duration of the DPhil program?
- The program is typically 3-4 years full-time, or 6-8 years part-time. The curriculum is structured into three stages: formulating a research question, analysis, and writing up and submission.
- What are the tuition fees for international students?
- International tuition fees for DPhil programs are not provided in the source text. Please check the official University of Oxford fees page for the most up-to-date information.
- How do I apply for the DPhil program?
- Applications are submitted online through the University's graduate admissions portal. You will need to prepare documents such as academic transcripts, references, a research proposal, and proof of English language proficiency.
- What is the application deadline?
- The application deadline for the DPhil in Information, Communication and the Social Sciences is 12 noon on 9 January 2026 for a course start date in October 2026.
- Are there any scholarships available?
- The New College Graduate Awards are available for students who specify New College as their first-choice college during application. You should also check the University's main graduate admissions page for details on Clarendon scholarships.
Fees
Tuition (international)Please check the official University of Oxford fees page for the most up-to-date international tuition fees for DPhil programs, as this information was not provided in the source text.
Tuition (home)Please check the official University of Oxford fees page for the most up-to-date home tuition fees for DPhil programs, as this information was not provided in the source text.
LivingEstimated living costs for 12 months range from £17,100 (lower range) to £24,420 (upper range). This includes food (£3,960-£6,180), accommodation (£9,480-£11,460), personal items (£2,400-£4,020), social activities (£540-£1,200), study costs (£480-£1,080), and other miscellaneous expenses (£240-£480).
These living cost estimates are for a single, full-time student without dependants living in Oxford. Costs may vary based on personal lifestyle. International students should also budget for student visa costs and the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is paid upfront for the entire duration of the course.
How to apply
1. Find your courseBrowse the complete list of postgraduate courses and ensure you select the DPhil in Information, Communication and the Social Sciences for the correct intake year.
2. Prepare your applicationGather all necessary documents, including academic transcripts, references, a research proposal, and proof of English language proficiency.
3. Submit your applicationApply online through the University's graduate admissions portal by the specified deadline. Be sure to select New College as your first-choice college if you wish to be considered for New College graduate awards.
4. After you applyMonitor the status of your application. If successful, you will receive an offer of admission. International students will then proceed with visa applications.
Scholarships
New College Graduate AwardsGenerous college awards
Frequently asked questions
What are the estimated living costs for an international student?
+
Estimated living costs for 12 months range from £17,100 to £24,420, excluding tuition, visa costs, and the Immigration Health Surcharge. These costs are for a single student without dependants and can vary based on personal lifestyle.
What is the duration of the DPhil program?
+
The program is typically 3-4 years full-time, or 6-8 years part-time. The curriculum is structured into three stages: formulating a research question, analysis, and writing up and submission.
What are the tuition fees for international students?
+
International tuition fees for DPhil programs are not provided in the source text. Please check the official University of Oxford fees page for the most up-to-date information.
How do I apply for the DPhil program?
+
Applications are submitted online through the University's graduate admissions portal. You will need to prepare documents such as academic transcripts, references, a research proposal, and proof of English language proficiency.
What is the application deadline?
+
The application deadline for the DPhil in Information, Communication and the Social Sciences is 12 noon on 9 January 2026 for a course start date in October 2026.
Are there any scholarships available?
+
The New College Graduate Awards are available for students who specify New College as their first-choice college during application. You should also check the University's main graduate admissions page for details on Clarendon scholarships.