Frequently Asked Questions (PRS/DPhil)
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How Do I Apply?
Applications have to be made through the Graduate Admissions Office. For further information please visit the following website: http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/postgraduate_courses/index.html.
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When Are The Deadlines
20 January 2012 and 9 March 2012 - Applicants are strongly advised to submit their application for consideration at the first application deadline of 20 January 2012. Places on the second application deadline will be limited.
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What Are The Entry Requirements?
If you have not completed the MPhil in Economics at Oxford University but hold a masters degree with Distinction in Economics, and wish to undertake research for the DPhil, then you may apply to be admitted as a Probationer Research Student (PRS). Applicants are expected to be predicted or to have achieved an outstanding performance in a rigorous Masters program in Economics and offers will be made conditional on a Distinction (or an equivalent level of performance when Distinction grade is not officially awarded). Note that a Masters qualification that is only partially in economics would not be considered a suitable background. For example a Masters in Development Studies, Public Administration, or Finance lacks the required level of economics content, even if there are economics courses as part of the training. Note also that a Masters qualification in a specialised field within economics (e.g. Development Economics, Applied Economics, or Financial Economics) may also be insufficient background; candidates with these qualifications should demonstrate in their personal statements that the courses on which they have been examined covered all the core material of a rigorous Masters program in Economics.
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What if I Do Not Have a Master’s Degree?
If you wish to undertake research for the DPhil and do not currently hold a taught postgraduate qualification, then we recommend that you apply for the MPhil in Economics programme.
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Do I need a GRE?
Applicants who do not hold, or will not shortly hold, a UK undergraduate degree (3 or 4 years), must submit the results of a recent GRE General Test. Applicants from UK universities are recommended to submit a GRE. In some cases offers may be made conditional on GRE results.
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What Level Of GRE Do I Need?
We do not have a required minimum for GRE scores. However, typically, in the past, successful applications had scores no lower than the following marks: Verbal 600; Quant 790; Analytical 4.5 (test taken prior to 1 August 2011), or Verbal 160; Quant 164; Analytical 4.5 (test taken after 1 August 2011).
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Can I submit a GMAT instead of a GRE?
We do not accept GMAT instead of GRE.
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What English Language Qualification Do I Need?
Higher level - TOEFL minimum score 630 (or 267 in the new computer-based test) or IELTS minimum score 7.5)). See: http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/postgraduate_courses/apply/internat_students.html.
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What Are The Tuition Fees?
See http://www.ox.ac.uk/feesandfunding/fees/calculator/terms/.
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Where Do I Find Out About Funding?
Many of our students have their fees and maintenance paid by scholarships (Economic Social Research Council (ESRC), Commonwealth, Clarendon, Rhodes, Marshall, Soros, Chevening, etc.). A number of Colleges also provide scholarships for outstanding students wishing to study at them. More information on funding can be found on the following websites: University Funding: http://www.ox.ac.uk/feesandfunding/. Departmental Funding: http://www.economics.ox.ac.uk/index.php/information/graduate_funding_prospective_prs_dphil_students.
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Will I be Offered A College Place?
All applicants accepted by the Department will be offered a place at a college. You may indicate on your application form which college you would like to be considered for; if you have no preference Graduate Admissions will make a selection for you. Students do not necessarily get accepted by their first choice.
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How Do I Know Which College To Choose?
Although both lectures and classes are run by the Department, the choice of a college can still be significant. One distinction is between colleges that cater only for graduates, and colleges that have a mix of graduates and undergraduates. Among the graduate colleges, Nuffield and St.Antony's specialise in the social sciences, but there are also Department members and economics graduate students at many other Colleges. Points to look for in a college are: provision of accommodation for graduates, financial help or scholarships for graduates, facilities specifically for graduates, the total number of graduate students, and the Department members who are also fellows of the college. If you need further information about a particular college, write to the Tutor for Graduates of the college concerned.
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Where Could I Get Employment After I Graduate?
Although both lectures and classes are run by the Department, the choice of a college can still be significant. One distinction is between colleges that cater only for graduates, and colleges that have a mix of graduates and undergraduates. Among the graduate colleges, Nuffield and St.Antony's specialise in the social sciences, but there are also Department members and economics graduate students at many other Colleges. Points to look for in a college are: provision of accommodation for graduates, financial help or scholarships for graduates, facilities specifically for graduates, the total number of graduate students, and the Department members who are also fellows of the college. If you need further information about a particular college, write to the Tutor for Graduates of the college concerned.
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Where Can I Find Further Information?
For questions on the course, please contact the Administrator of DPhil Admissions, Julie Minns .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), tel: +44 (0)1865 281162. For questions on the admissions procedure, please contact Graduate Admissions .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), tel : +44 (0)1865 270059.