Step 1: Why undertake your higher degree studies at Oxford Brookes

The following subsections outline why Oxford and in particular Oxford Brookes University is a great place to study, what you can expect from the research degree programme in the Faculty, and further information on our thriving research community.

Welcome from Dave Ellis

Welcome to the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Research degree application pages!

My name is Dr Dave Ellis and I am the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.

I am very pleased that you are considering an application to undertake postgraduate research with us. We have a substantial, lively and growing postgraduate community in the Faculty across a range of disciplines and our students are leading the way in cutting-edge research. We are passionate about fostering the careers of our researchers and ensure that they gain research skills training, leadership experience and teaching practice as part of the doctoral programmes we offer. Bespoke careers advice is also embedded into our programme as we think this is a key element of your personal and professional development during your time with us.

We look forward to receiving your application!

What you can expect from the research degree programmes

• Close supervision from experts in the relevant discipline, including joint supervision across departments for interdisciplinary projects. You will be assigned at least two but not more than three supervisors (except those undertaking a PhD by Published Work who may have just one supervisor). Their responsibilities include: guiding and advising you on the suitability of particular lines of research inquiry and training, monitoring your progress on the programme, providing constructive feedback on your work, and providing pastoral support. You also have access to the Postgraduate Research Tutor for personal or professional matters which you are unable to discuss with your supervisory team. Support is also provided at Faculty-level by a Postgraduate Research Tutor and Research Administrator, and at University level by the Graduate Office.
• Research expertise in your chosen research area .
• Each research student in the Faculty will be allocated £500 towards the costs associated with specific research activities during their research programme.
• Access to the University’s library and email facilities and to shared hot-desking computer areas.
• Plentiful opportunities to present your work and thereby participate in our vibrant research culture. Depending on your chosen subject you may have the opportunity to attend: a rich programme of research seminars with presentations from high profile external guest speakers as well as specialist seminars organised by individual research groups and clusters, and methodology workshops that feature presentations from researchers at Brookes on various research methods. You will also be encouraged to submit publications to leading research journals.
• You may have the opportunity to develop your teaching, mentoring and demonstrating skills by undertaking paid teaching activities for up to six hours a week. You may also be required to attend the Associate Teachers course which is run by the University’s Oxford Centre for Staff and Learning Development .