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.  

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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

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Dr Miranda Simon joins DSPI as Associate Professor of Causal and Experimental Methods

17 September 2026
She brings expertise in causal and experimental methods to research on migration and social policy.
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DSPI trial finds support groups for parents halved violence against children in wartime Ukraine

14 September 2026
Parents’ depression and anxiety more than halved in one of the first randomised trials of family support run during an active war
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DSPI features in two BBC Ideas videos

10 September 2026
Listen to DSPI’s Professor Jamie Lachman and Dr Isang Awah give practical advice for parents.
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First longitudinal study of children entering care in England finds rise is not due to asylum-seeking children

17 August 2026
Study reveals growing numbers of children entering care since mid-2000s is mainly due to abuse and neglect.
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Discover our research themes and projects

Our research

Upcoming events

View upcoming events using the listing below, or alternatively on Oxford Events.

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