History of Science and Medicine and Economic and Social History

Programme Summary:

The History of Science and Medicine and Economic and Social History at the University of Oxford offers an intellectually rigorous and interdisciplinary approach to understanding the historical development of science, medicine, and economic and social structures. This programme is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the historical contexts that shaped scientific ideas, medical practices, and economic systems from antiquity to the modern era. Students will explore key themes such as the evolution of scientific theories, the impact of medical innovations on societies, and the transformation of economies and social relations over time. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, and research projects, participants will develop critical analytical skills and in-depth knowledge of how historical processes influence contemporary issues. The programme encourages engagement with primary sources, archival research, and the examination of historical debates within these fields. Students will also gain insights into the methodological approaches used by historians, including historiography and comparative analysis. The curriculum is designed to foster a multidisciplinary perspective, drawing on fields such as history, philosophy, sociology, and history of science. Graduates of this programme will be well-equipped for careers in academia, research, cultural heritage, or policy analysis, benefiting from the university’s extensive resources and expert faculty. Overall, the programme aims to cultivate a nuanced understanding of the interconnected developments in science, medicine, and socio-economic realms, emphasizing their relevance to understanding contemporary global challenges.

Full-time DPhil students are expected to submit their thesis three, or at most four, years from the date of admission. Part-time DPhil students are expected to submit their thesis six, or at most eight, years from the date of admission.

You will be supported by a supervisor or supervisors who will help you develop a programme of research and writing.  You will also benefit from the advice and support of other members of the faculty who will be involved in the progression of students through the transfer and confirmation stages of the degree, and can draw on the expertise of scholars and colleagues throughout the faculty and University.

You will be expected to attend and to contribute to the wide range of research seminars, conferences and workshops organised by the faculty. You will also have access to specialist training courses offered by the Bodleian Library and IT Services.

Part-time DPhil

The faculty is able to offer the programme in full-time as well as part-time mode of attendance. Please note that any published statistics as regards acceptance rates are not an indication of applicants having a better chance of acceptance in part-time mode. All DPhil applications are assessed together and compared with each other, irrespective of the mode of study.

The faculty's research degrees are not available by distance learning. Although there will be no requirement to reside in Oxford, part-time research students must attend the University on a regular basis (particularly in term-time: October and November, mid-January to mid-March, and late April to mid-June) for supervision, study, research seminars and skills training.

The faculty appreciates that part-time research students will have non-standard attendance and work patterns. To ensure a comprehensive integration into the faculty's and University's research culture and with their full-time peer groups a pattern of attendance at training events and research seminars would form part of the general part-time study agreement as well as the individualised arrangements between supervisor and student. If you need a visa to study in the UK you cannot register for the part-time course.

Applicants are expected to be predicted or have completed a master's course at a distinction or high pass level before starting the DPhil. When assessors judge that a formally qualified and otherwise promising applicant requires strictly limited further training to embark on a doctoral programme, a doctoral place may be offered but only on the stipulation that the student successfully complete relevant elements of one of the faculty's master's courses before attempting 'transfer' to full doctoral status, meaning that the student may be asked to attend seminars or classes intended for master’s students.

Professional experience in research, such as holding a research assistantship with an individual researcher or on a research project, may be an appropriate substitute for a master's degree.

Applicants are also normally expected to have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in history or cognate disciplines.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.75 out of 4.0.

However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a cumulative GPA of 3.8, a first-class degree or the equivalent.

Applicants without a prior degree in history or history of art should be aware that competition for a place on the DPhil is extremely tough and that even some of Oxford's own master's students are not able to secure a place on the DPhil. You should consider that most of your competitors will have a solid background in the discipline and the appropriate training for academic research in a historical context, with a first class or distinction grade. If you decide to apply without a prior master's degree in history, please ensure that you link your proposed thesis topic with your previous expertise when you present it in your application. You should also show that you have already done a considerable amount of background research into the topic. Your submitted written work should show your writing and research skills in their best light as it will be important to show that you have the necessary skills for historical research and writing. 

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Research proposal: 500 to 1,000 words, typically two to four pages double spaced
• Written work:Two essays of 2,000 words each or one essay of 4,000 to 5,000 words
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

• Global Education
• Hill Foundation Scholarships
• Ertegun Scholarship Programme 

The History of Science and Medicine program at the University of Oxford is a distinguished graduate course designed for students interested in exploring the development and impact of scientific knowledge and medical practices throughout history. This program provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of science and medicine from ancient civilizations to the modern era, emphasizing the social, cultural, and intellectual contexts that have shaped scientific and medical progress. Students engage with a wide range of historical periods, geographical regions, and thematic issues, including the history of natural philosophy, technological innovations, clinical practices, medical ethics, and public health. The curriculum typically combines rigorous academic lectures, research seminars, and specialized coursework, allowing students to develop critical analytical skills and a deeper understanding of how scientific ideas influence societal change and vice versa.

Research projects and dissertations form a core component of the program, encouraging independent scholarship and original contributions to the field. The program also offers access to extensive archives, libraries, and digital resources through the university's esteemed facilities, fostering an environment conducive to detailed historical research. Professors and tutors involved in the course are renowned scholars specializing in various aspects of the history of science and medicine, ensuring students receive expert guidance and mentorship.

Graduates of this program often pursue careers in academia, museums, archives, healthcare policy, science communication, and public history. The program also provides a strong foundation for students wishing to continue further research at the doctoral level. Overall, the History of Science and Medicine at Oxford aims to cultivate a nuanced understanding of the complex relationships between scientific developments and societal transformations, equip students with advanced research skills, and foster critical thinking about the role of science and medicine in shaping the modern world.