Research Progression and Examinations
Nadine Moustafa is the main contact for student administration at the Centre. Most applications are submitted through Student Self Service. If a form cannot be submitted electronically, please contact Nadine for guidance.
For detailed guidance on regulations, deadlines and procedures, please refer to the following University resources:
Transfer of Status (Qualifying Test)
Students undertaking a doctorate are initially registered as Probationer Research Students (PRS). The first year of study is used to refine the research topic, build familiarity with the literature, and begin developing the skills and methods needed for the project. The Transfer of Status process is designed to check that the research is progressing satisfactorily, that the project is suitable for a DPhil, and that the methodology is appropriate and practicable.
When to apply
Full-time PRS students are normally expected to apply for Transfer of Status in their third term and must normally complete it by their fourth term. Part-time students are expected to transfer later, in line with the part-time timetable. Students should normally submit their application by the end of Week 6 of the term in which Transfer is due. In exceptional circumstances, it may be possible to apply for a deferral.
How to apply
Applications should be made online through Student Self Service via the My Student Record tab. Students will also need to upload supporting material about their research and professional development, indicate whether research ethics approval is required, and provide evidence of completion of the University’s online researcher integrity training. If you have not yet completed the compulsory Course in Legal Research Methods (CLRM), this must be completed before your Transfer can be approved.
Your application should include:
Part A
A research proposal of no more than 2,000 words, including:
- thesis title
- thesis outline
- research proposal
- timetable for completion
Part B
A sample of written work of up to 10,000 words for DPhil students.
A bibliography should also be included where applicable, together with any required research ethics forms.
What the assessors look for
Part A should show that the project is substantial, realistic, and capable of making an important contribution to the field. It should set out the research question clearly, identify the relevant literature, and explain the methodology and timetable for completion.
Part B should demonstrate that you can develop a sustained, well-structured academic argument and write in a clear and scholarly style. The assessors will look for evidence of good judgment, critical analysis, and the ability to produce work suitable for doctoral study.
Assessment process
Two assessors, appointed by the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies – Research, will review the submitted material and interview the candidate. The assessors will normally be academic staff at Oxford, although external assessors may be appointed in exceptional circumstances. The same assessor may be used for both Transfer and Confirmation of Status, and may also later serve as the internal examiner for the DPhil viva.
The interview is normally held within six weeks of submission, though it may take longer during vacation periods. It is a formal requirement, but it is not an official examination, and sub fusc is not worn. Students should normally receive the outcome within four weeks of the interview.
Possible outcomes
The assessors may recommend one of the following:
- successful Transfer of Status
- revision of some part of the application and resubmission
- referral for a second attempt at Transfer
- Transfer to the MLitt
- rejection of the application, normally only after a second attempt.
Deferral of Transfer
If you are unable to apply for Transfer on time, you should apply for a deferral through Student Self Service. In some cases, the Faculty may require an academic review meeting in order to agree a revised timetable. Deferrals are limited, and students should seek advice early if they think they may need one. Extensions to PRS status do not change the overall time allowed for the degree.
Confirmation of Status
The Confirmation of Status process is a formal review of your progress towards completing your DPhil. It enables two independent assessors to evaluate your work and determine whether you are on track to submit a thesis of the required standard within the permitted timeframe. It also provides an opportunity to receive constructive feedback on your research before the final stages of the degree.
When to apply
Students should normally achieve Confirmation of Status within nine terms of admission as a graduate student (or the equivalent part-time period). Confirmation should also normally be completed at least three months before submission of the thesis. If you are unable to apply within the required timeframe, you may apply for a deferral.
How to apply
Applications should be submitted online through Student Self Service via the My Student Record tab.
Your application should include:
- A statement of the thesis, including:
- the approved thesis title
- a summary of each chapter (approximately 100 words per chapter)
- An overview of the thesis (approximately 1,000 words) explaining:
- the overall project
- progress made to date
- work remaining
- an estimated completion date
- A substantial piece of written work, normally 20,000–30,000 words, intended to form part of the thesis
- A bibliography
- Evidence of completion of the University's Research Integrity Training (if not already submitted at Transfer)
- Research ethics information, where applicable.
Assessment process
Following consultation with you, your supervisor will suggest two assessors. The assessors are normally members of academic staff at the University of Oxford, although an external assessor may be appointed in exceptional circumstances. The same assessor may be used for both Transfer and Confirmation of Status and may also serve as the internal examiner for the DPhil viva.
The assessment consists of a review of your submitted work and a viva-style interview. The interview normally takes place within four to six weeks of submission, although this may be longer during vacation periods. It is a formal requirement, but is not an official examination and sub fusc is not worn.
Following the interview, the assessors submit a report to the Graduate Studies Committee. The report provides feedback on your progress and recommendations for the next stage of your research.
Possible outcomes
The assessors may recommend one of the following outcomes:
- Successful Confirmation of Status, with feedback and recommendations for future progress.
- Minor revisions to the application before a recommendation is made.
- Referral for a second Confirmation assessment, with clear guidance on the work required before resubmission.
- Transfer to MLitt, where the work is not considered suitable for the DPhil but is of an appropriate standard for the lower award.
- Rejection of the application, which is only considered in exceptional circumstances following a second attempt.
Deferral of Confirmation of Status
If you are unable to apply for Confirmation of Status within the required timeframe, you should apply for a deferral through Student Self Service.
Students may normally apply for a deferral for up to three additional terms, provided the total period from admission does not exceed twelve terms. Applications beyond this limit require approval from the University's Education Committee. Students considering a deferral are encouraged to discuss their circumstances with their supervisor or Graduate Administrator at an early stage.
Final Submission
DPhil
DPhil students should normally submit their thesis within four years (twelve terms) of admission to DPhil status (or the equivalent part-time period).
Before submitting your thesis, you must apply for the appointment of examiners through Student Self Service. Following discussion with you, your supervisor will normally consult potential examiners before your application is submitted.
Once your examiners have been approved, your thesis should be submitted electronically via the University's Research Theses Digital Examination system. Submission requirements, including formatting and declarations, are available on the University's Research Examinations webpages.
Your examiners will arrange a viva voce examination, which is normally held at least four weeks after submission of the thesis.
Further guidance on preparing your thesis, the examination process, possible outcomes, corrections and deposit of the final thesis can be found on the University's Research Examinations webpages and in the Notes of Guidance for Research Examinations.
If you are unable to submit your thesis within the permitted timeframe, you may apply for an extension of time through Student Self Service. Extensions of up to six terms may be approved by the Faculty. Applications beyond this limit require approval from the University's Education Committee.
MPhil
The MPhil thesis must normally be submitted within three terms of admission.
Students should apply for the appointment of examiners through Student Self Service before submitting their thesis electronically via Student Self Service under the My Research Degrees tab. The thesis must be submitted before 11:59 pm on the maximum submission date.
Extensions of time for MPhil students can only be approved by the University's Education Committee.