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

Three people are standing together at an award ceremony. Prof Daly is in the centre with short grey hair and wearing a dark checked jacket.

Professor Mary Daly awarded honorary doctorate by Roskilde University, Denmark

05 October 2026
The honorary doctorate recognises Professor Daly’s internationally recognised research in the fields of care, family policy and welfare state research.
Graphic titled 'Living systematic review to prevent childhood sexual violence' featuring Safe Futures Hub, DSPI and University of Oxford logos, with an image indicating research and data analysis and a cityscape image along the bottom.

DSPI and Safe Futures Hub launch first living dashboard on solutions to prevent childhood sexual violence

05 October 2026
The global review evaluates interventions, laws and policies aimed at preventing childhood sexual violence victimisation and perpetration.
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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.
Hands colouring the Ukrainian flag blue and yellow on white paper, with coloured pencils nearby.

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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Discover our research themes and projects

Our research
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