Oxford 2016/17 Postgraduate

Does anyone have guidelines/advice for writing to potential MPhil thesis supervisors? My department states that contacting potential supervisors is not necessary but I'm unsure as to whether my research interests can be catered for and don't want to put a lot of effort into my application and then be rejected (especially since I'll have to write custom writing samples).

So far I was thinking a short email (like 5-7 lines) with a brief description of my research interest and how it would fit into the person's own interests, but I don't know if maybe I should add a CV/research proposal/etc...???

Any help appreciated

I'd say emailing them is the best way to go! I don't think you need to add a CV at this stage, but don't quote me on that. I've emailed a few people from various places in a relatively informal manner. Annoyingly the person I most wanted to hear back from never replied, but generally I've had some really helpful responses!

What scholarships etc. are people applying for? As a Medievalist trying to conduct research that breaks down traditional barriers between humanities departments, the Ertegun is my absolute dream, but I know the chances of actually receiving it are infinitesimal so I'm trying not to think about it too much.

Does anyone have guidelines/advice for writing to potential MPhil thesis supervisors? My department states that contacting potential supervisors is not necessary but I'm unsure as to whether my research interests can be catered for and don't want to put a lot of effort into my application and then be rejected (especially since I'll have to write custom writing samples).

So far I was thinking a short email (like 5-7 lines) with a brief description of my research interest and how it would fit into the person's own interests, but I don't know if maybe I should add a CV/research proposal/etc...???

Any help appreciated

Woo! Me too! Isn't that exciting?

1st paragraph: present yourself. Good student, uni of XX, worked with Dr Y and Z, whom s-he knows, etc.

2nd paragraph: describe your project. Briefly tell you sources, historiography and methodology. By using this stuff, I would like to continue the work of Pr W in this field, etc.
Tell that you will send a draft of your research proposal soon.

3rd paragraph: ask if they want to meet, or indicate who would be a good match for your thesis if they can't supervise you.

Thank you for your reply!!

Just wondering - I can see doing this for a PhD but should I really go this much into detail for an MPhil? Given that our application itself doesn't require a research proposal (just a personal statement of 1000 words in which we talk about who we are, what we want to research and how) I don't want to come off too strong....

In that case, just mention your field. Perhaps you could read one of their books or say that one of your current lecturers has recommended them.

Hey Charu,

This is one of the programs I am considering as well. However, I am a bit worried about my chances for admission. Do you mind sharing your background? =)

I'm considering applying for a PhD at Oxford next year. Not sure how to read their entry criteria though. Says a minimum of a first class law degree (as in, in the absence of a master's) which I don't have. It then says if you don't have a law degree you need a distinction in your master's.

If I have a 2.1 but then get a distinction in my master's does that mean it's worth applying? I know people do go and do a PhD without a master's which is what I think they mean by 'a minimum of' but then if you can apply without a law degree as long as you have a distinction in master's, does that mean I could apply still?

Confusing!

If you have a distinction, it's worth applying. Relevant work experience is also important.

It's confusing because I've seen a lot of advice on here for undergrad Oxbridge applicants that extra curriculars aren't important so I kind of assumed that work experience would also not be important. How would you mention that? Just in your CV?

There is a difference between charity work at 16yo and working for a law firm.

You have to upload a CV, and relevant professional experience is appreciated. You can also mention it in your personal statement.

I don't actually work in a law firm. I worked in the NHS for a year doing HR and then moved into the Health Research Authority so I'm not sure that would help unless I wanted to do clinical research ethics (which I am very interested in naturally and would be happy to do my PhD on this if I could get some kind of funding, but I might feel differently after my MA)

You should definitively mention it in your statement, eg. 'I would like to continue your studies into clinical research ethics as I am currently working at the Health Research Authority of the NHS...'. That will be impressive.

I hope so. I'm trying to build up as strong a case as o can. So far I'm doing undergrad medicine teaching, student clinical ethics committee, giving training on the human tissue act to colleagues at work, an extra module for credit (clin research ethics so I have to do it really) so il have an MA + 15 credits, in the process of applying to volunteer for a clinical negligence helpline helping people who have medical problems and I've been offered a mini pupillage at a chambers doing clinical negligence work. Is there anything else you would recommend I do (getting a distinction aside) that would help strengthen my applications? I know having a 2.1 will hold me back -_-

Publications maybe, but your case seems already strong.