What postgraduate courses can you study at Oxford?
Talimat Academic Team
Education Specialist · 19 May 2026
Oxford offers postgraduate study in almost every subject area, from humanities and social sciences to STEM, law, medicine, and business.
The most common research degree at Oxford is the DPhil (Doctor of Philosophy). This is Oxford's equivalent of a PhD. Students work independently on original research, supervised by a faculty expert, and submit a thesis at the end.
Taught Master's degrees are also widely available. These include the MSt, MSc, MPhil, and MBA, depending on the subject. Most last one or two years and combine coursework with independent research.
Oxford also offers professional degrees, including the BCL (Bachelor of Civil Law) for graduate law students, the MBChB for medicine, and the MBA through the Saïd Business School.
One defining feature of Oxford postgraduate study is academic autonomy. Research students manage their own schedules, direct their own inquiry, and meet their supervisors regularly but infrequently. This suits students who are self-motivated and comfortable with independent work.
The university provides support structures too, including disability services, counselling, and provisions for students with chronic illness or mitigating circumstances. These are handled at college and departmental level.
Oxford postgraduate programmes are competitive. Most require a strong undergraduate degree, a research proposal (for DPhil applicants), and often an interview.
The following table shows some of the main postgraduate qualification types at Oxford.
| Qualification | Type | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| DPhil | Research degree | 3 to 4 years |
| MPhil | Research or taught | 1 to 2 years |
| MSc | Taught | 1 year |
| MSt | Taught, part-time option | 1 to 2 years |
| MBA | Professional | 1 year |
| BCL | Graduate law | 1 year |
The qualification you pursue depends on your subject and your goals. Research degrees suit those aiming for academic or specialist careers. Taught programmes are often preferred by students moving into professional fields.
If you are preparing for competitive university applications, including Oxbridge, building a strong academic foundation early matters. Students following the British curriculum through Cambridge A-Levels develop the independent study habits and subject depth that postgraduate admissions panels look for. For more guidance on routes to top universities, visit our FAQ or contact us directly.