University of Oxford
Department of Social Policy and Intervention
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Our mission

Our work aims to engage in teaching and research that contributes to social reform across the globe, reducing inequalities and bringing positive change to people’s lives.

We are passionate about research excellence and committed to making our society a better and fairer place.  

Explore our courses

Through world-leading graduate study programmes, we teach the brightest minds in the field.                             

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Discover our research

Through pioneering research, we are at the centre of contemporary social policy theory, analysis and critique. 

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Meet our people

Through investigating policy and programmatic interventions, we are at the forefront of social reform.

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A globally-minded and intellectually curious community

Studying at DSPI
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Our people

DSPI undergraduate students in a lecture, with the tutor standing at the front

Academic and teaching staff

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Researchers

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Students

Our programmes

Pursue a DPhil at DSPI

Follow your path into doctoral study at DSPI by joining one of our world-renowned DPhil programmes.  

We offer Doctoral study programmes in Social Policy and in Social Intervention and Policy Evaluation.

Study on your programme within one the University’s colleges and enjoy the archetypal Oxford experience, while being a part of the DSPI's unique intellectual environment. 

Doctoral admissions pages

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Our news

Jane Barlow is wearing a black top and jacket, with short gray hair, smiling for the camera.

"Giving babies a voice" can improve early identification and support

09 July 2026
DSPI and iHV study recommends innovative observational health visiting tool to be rolled out across UK.
The Awards logo has a dark blue background with words '2026 Teaching Excellence Awards' in yellow, green, red and pink

Two DSPI associate professors receive University of Oxford teaching award

06 July 2026
Dr Bhatia and Dr Naczyk recognised for their outstanding teaching by University’s Social Science Division.
Chloe Brimicomb has shoulder-length brown hair and is wearing a blue jacket, standing in front of a green background

Learning to cope with the heat in UK summers

23 June 2026
Dr Chloe Brimicombe explains how people can stay safe during heatwaves and why policies must go further to prepare for rising temperatures.
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Dr Bridget Steele wins 2026 Vice-Chancellor's Breakthrough Researcher Award

08 June 2026
How DSPI is leading research on sexual violence in higher education on national and international scale.
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Discover our research themes and projects

Our research

Upcoming events

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