Social Intervention

Social Intervention at the University of Oxford is a comprehensive and interdisciplinary program designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience necessary to understand and address complex social issues. This programme offers a unique opportunity to explore the theoretical frameworks and empirical research related to social intervention, social policy, community development, and social justice. Students will engage with a diverse curriculum that combines coursework, research projects, and fieldwork, allowing them to develop a nuanced understanding of social systems and the ways in which targeted interventions can promote positive change. The programme emphasizes critical thinking, ethical considerations, and evidence-based practice, preparing graduates to work effectively with various populations and in different settings, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community groups. Students will have access to expert faculty from various disciplines, including sociology, public policy, psychology, and social work, ensuring a multidisciplinary perspective. Throughout the course, there is a strong focus on practical application, with opportunities for internships, placements, and collaborative projects that enhance real-world skills and professional development. The programme also encourages international perspectives, fostering an understanding of social intervention strategies across different cultural and socio-economic contexts. Graduates of the Social Intervention programme will be well-equipped to contribute to policy development, program evaluation, advocacy, and direct service provision aimed at improving societal well-being. Overall, this programme at Oxford is committed to developing socially responsible leaders who are capable of designing, implementing, and evaluating intervention strategies that promote social cohesion, mitigate inequality, and enhance community resilience worldwide.

The department welcomes DPhil candidates who are interested in a wide range of areas of social intervention research, such as evaluation methodology in social intervention, child mental health, antisocial behaviour in children and youth, parenting and family interventions, HIV prevention, AIDS affected children, HIV positive children, sleep problems and cross-cultural adaptation of interventions.

The department's approach to graduate study emphasises your ability to work independently to explore a new line of research under an academic supervisor. Each member of academic staff has expertise in a particular area of social intervention and you will only be accepted for a DPhil if there is an appropriate supervisor available. 

As a doctoral student you will be offered a unique graduate programme tailored to your individual needs. In addition to individual supervision, the department offers a large and diverse range of seminars, workshops and advanced training opportunities in order to further enhance graduate research experience.

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in demography, economics, political science, psychology, social policy, social work and sociology, or closely related fields. 

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.7 out of 4.0.

A previous master's degree is a requirement.

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 and personal statement: Proposal of up to 2,000 words and statement of up to 1,000 words
• Written work:Two essays of 2,500 words each
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

• Global Education
• Hill Foundation Scholarships
• A number of Research Council awards are available each year from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), and Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).

The MSc in Social Intervention at the University of Oxford is a specialized postgraduate program designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and practical skills necessary for effective social intervention strategies. The course aims to prepare graduates to address various complex social issues through evidence-based approaches, policy development, and community engagement. Students enrolled in this program engage with a diverse curriculum that covers the theoretical foundations of social sciences, including sociology, psychology, and public policy, alongside practical training in intervention techniques, program evaluation, and implementation strategies. The program emphasizes multidisciplinary learning, allowing students to understand the societal factors influencing social challenges and to develop innovative solutions tailored to specific community needs.

The MSc in Social Intervention typically involves a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and fieldwork, fostering a participatory learning environment that encourages critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving. Students are often required to undertake a research project or dissertation, applying their acquired skills to real-world social intervention scenarios. The program is suitable for those seeking careers in social work, community development, policy advising, or non-governmental organizations, providing them with a robust foundation to make meaningful contributions to social change.

The course duration usually spans one year for full-time students, although part-time options may also be available, allowing flexibility for working professionals. Admission requirements include a relevant undergraduate degree, such as social sciences, humanities, or related fields, along with a demonstrated interest in social intervention and community work. The faculty involved comprises leading experts in social policy, behavior sciences, and community engagement, ensuring that students receive mentorship from distinguished academics and practitioners.

Graduates of this program benefit from Oxford’s extensive network of alumni and collaborations with local and international organizations, providing valuable opportunities for internships, placements, and collaborative projects. The program’s curriculum is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect emerging social issues and policy trends, ensuring that students are prepared to meet contemporary challenges effectively. Overall, the MSc in Social Intervention at the University of Oxford offers a comprehensive, rigorous, and practice-oriented education for those committed to fostering positive social change and improving the well-being of diverse communities worldwide.