Research at Oxford Lifelong Learning

Interdisciplinary research community

Discover more about our past and current research projects, research staff and doctoral students

Oxford Lifelong Learning has an active interdisciplinary research community, with a strong focus on the humanities and social sciences. Many colleagues are also involved in public engagement and practitioner-based research initiatives which build on the research interests of our academic staff and circa 100 doctoral research students.

Research projects are undertaken independently or in collaboration with others, both elsewhere in the University and with academics and professionals external to Oxford. Research programmes extend across the disciplines and are supported by a departmental research culture that encourages interdisciplinary initiatives. These are supported by a wide range of external funders.

Discover more about our research community and using the links below.

An overview of all our current DPhil research projects will be added here soon.

RESEARCH AREAS

PART-TIME DPHIL PROGRAMMES

Closed

DPhil in Archaeology

Start date: 01/10/2026

Tutor: Professor David Griffiths

Pursue advanced, original research in archaeology at the University of Oxford. This flexible, research-intensive...

Opening Soon

DPhil in Architectural History

Start date: 01/10/2026

Tutor: Dr David Lewis

Turn your advanced knowledge of architectural history into original research with Oxford University. This fascinating...

Closed

DPhil in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Start date: 01/10/2026

Undertake original research that contributes to the development of CBT theory and practice The part-time DPhil in...

Closed

DPhil in English Local History

Start date: 01/10/2026

Tutor: Dr Philippa Byrne

Turn your advanced knowledge of English history into original research with Oxford University. Local history is one of...

Closed

DPhil in Evidence-Based Health Care

Start date: 01/10/2026

Tutor: Carl Heneghan

Explore Oxford’s DPhil in Evidence-Based Health Care, a flexible part-time doctoral programme combining independent...

Applications open

DPhil in Literature and Arts

Start date: 01/10/2026

Tutor: Professor Yasmin Khan

The DPhil in Literature and Arts is a part-time, interdisciplinary research degree that enables students to undertake...

Apply now

DPhil in Sustainable Urban Development

Start date: 01/10/2026

Tutor: Dr Idalina Baptista

Overview The Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) in Sustainable Urban Development is a part-time doctoral programme that...

Find out more about our part-time DPhil programmes

STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS

The Clarendon Scholarship has made it possible for Deland Chan to further her research into emerging bottom-up, neighbourhood-based approaches to urban sustainability.

The Undergraduate Certificate in Archaeology opened the door to an exciting academic journey in archaeology for Neil, culminating with a Clarendon Scholarship to further his research…

Rosemary had a varied career before studying for a DPhil in Architectural History, where the Department’s staff encouraged her for six years.

The MSt in the History of Design programme allowed student Bior Elliott to pursue a critical and academic approach to the subject of design while still…

After a career in IT for more than 40 years, Peter turned a lifelong passion for history into an academic journey at Oxford Lifelong Learning.…

Dona completed the MSt in Literature and Arts while working full-time in the United States. To continue her research she has since progressed to the DPhil in…

THE GRADUATE SCHOOL AT OXFORD LIFELONG LEARNING

Short courses and training for graduates and postgraduate researchers

Oxford Lifelong Learning’s Graduate School facilitates a stimulating and enriching learning and research environment for both internal and external graduate students and postgraduate researchers.

The programme of training and development activities is designed to help students conduct their research whilst facilitating them to become independent researchers.

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