Higher Doctorates

Applications for the degree of DCL (Doctor of Civil Law) in 2018 must be made between 1 August 2018 and Friday 31 August 2018

Following the completion of a University review of higher degrees which commenced in 2015, higher degrees will be reintroduced in 2018-19 academic year as higher doctorates.

Higher doctorates are earned awards of the University whose fundamental purpose is to recognise excellence in academic scholarship. The higher doctorates offered by the University are: Doctor of Divinity (DD), Doctor of Civil Law (DCL), Doctor of Letters (DLitt), Doctor of Science (DSc), and Doctor of Music (DMus).

The degree of DCL is intended to recognise excellence in legal scholarship, broadly defined. In evaluating a DCL application, the judges will be asked to consider whether the evidence submitted by the candidate demonstrates excellence in academic scholarship and is:

a. of the absolute highest quality;

b. substantial in scale and in the contribution it has made to knowledge;

c. sustained over time and showing current and continued contribution to scholarship;

d. authoritative, being able to demonstrate impact on the work of others;

e. of global reach and international importance within the field; and

f. of such breadth or covering such branches of knowledge appropriate to the field and in line with disciplinary norms and expectations.

The regulations and administration of higher doctorates have been comprehensively reformed and applications for 2018-19 are open from 1 August 2018 until Friday 31 August 2018. Further information, including specific guidance for the DCL, as well as the application process, stages and timeline, can be found on the Academic Matters page of the University website.

Should you have any further queries, please email higherdoctorates@admin.ox.ac.uk.

Applications are particularly welcome from women and black and ethnic minority candidates, who are under-represented among past recipients of the degree of DCL.