Organic Chemistry DPhil

This is a research degree leading to the DPhil in Organic Chemistry. Many training opportunities are available throughout the course, but the focus of the course is the research project. Students will be admitted as a Probationary Research Student and will join a research group supervised by one or more members of the Department of Chemistry, sometimes in collaboration with other departments. During the first year, in addition to starting work on your research, you will be encouraged to follow training courses chosen from the vast number offered by the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences (MPLS) Division Graduate School, and it is recommended that you attend at least three of these. At the end of the first year you will undergo a Transfer of Status assessment, which is to ensure that you have the potential to gain a doctorate. This assessment will be made on the basis of a report and oral examination. Research proceeds with termly reporting throughout the next two years, and there is the opportunity to follow further courses during this period. By the end of the third year you must pass Confirmation of Status, which is to ensure that you are on track to complete the thesis within a reasonable time. The degree is examined by thesis and oral examination by two examiners, one of whom is normally from Oxford and one from elsewhere.

Most students who have studied the DPhil in Organic Chemistry remain in chemistry, some in the educational sector, and some go into industry, particularly the health-related industries such as pharmaceuticals. There is a wide variety of other destinations, including scientific writers, patent attorneys, government and the civil service; and a few go into financial services. The department runs an annual careers conference for graduate students and the careers service offers a side variety of support, including CV workshops. The department also hosts a large number of visits from prospective employers, where students can find out more information. There is an alumni officer, who keeps in touch with graduates, and the department runs a number of social and scientific events for them.