Oxford MPG
A Ph.D. Program in a Class of its Own
The Oxford-Max-Planck Doctoral Program is a collaborative venture between Oxford University and the Max Planck Society, offering students the opportunity to pursue a joint doctorate in computer science under the supervision of faculty from Oxford University’s Computer Science Department and from one of the four Max Planck Institutes specialising in computer science. Students are co-advised, perform collaborative research, take advantage of the expertise, resources, and culture of both institutions, and have the opportunity to spend time in both countries.
About
What We Offer
What We Expect
Research Excellence
World-renowned UK University and Europe’s Premier Research Institution.
Collaborative Research and Diverse Expertise
Joint Supervision, International Teams, Wide Breadth of Knowledge, Abundance of Resources.
Comprehensive Support
Guaranteed Funding, Travel support, English-language environment.
Talent
Strong academic record and demonstrated potential for independent research. Creativity, sharpness, and an aptitude for learning from and collaborating with a world-class global team.
Curiosity
To work on some of the most compelling problems in computing, in a dynamic, multicultural, global team of world-renowned experts.
Drive
To excel among the best in the world. To establish a global presence as a leading scientist.
How it works
The program is set up in a highly flexible manner, requiring each student to spend a minimum of 22 weeks at each institution over any 18-month period. Over this period, they define a collaborative research project with their supervisors and in subsequent years schedule their residency to suit their research needs. Admitted students receive full financial support throughout the program. Funding is also available for travel and equipment. Upon successful completion of the program, students are awarded a Ph.D. from Oxford University and a certificate of doctoral research from an MPI.
Candidates must have a scholarship covering the Oxford University tuition fees to be eligible to join the program.
Program Partners
Oxford University
Established in 1957, the Department of Computer Science of Oxford University is one of the oldest Computer Science departments in the UK. Formerly known as the Oxford University Computing Laboratory, it is home to a community of world-class research and teaching. Research activities encompass core Computer Science, as well as computational biology, quantum computing, computational linguistics, information systems, software verification and software engineering. The department is home to undergraduates, full-time and part-time Master’s students, and has a strong doctoral program.
UK Program Contact
jbw@cs.ox.ac.uk
The Max Planck Society
The Max Planck Society (MPG) is a world-leading scientific research organisation, with 39 Nobel Prizes awarded to its scientists. Its 84 Max Planck Institutes conduct fundamental research in the sciences, technology, arts, and humanities. The society employs some 6700 scientists, plus about 3500 doctoral students. The MPG has a budget of about €2.1 billion provided by the German federal and state governments, plus substantial external research funding.
Germany Program Contact
joel@mpi-sws.org
Frequently Asked Questions
Which four Max Planck Institutes are involved?
MPI for Software Systems in Saarbrücken and Kaiserslautern, Germany
MPI for Informatics in Saarbrücken, Germany
MPI for Intelligent Systems in Tübingen and Stuttgart, Germany
MPI for Cyber Security and Privacy in Bochum, Germany
- Can I change advisors or area?
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Yes, of course. Your initial advisors are assigned based on your initial interests, and you can certainly change one or both advisors as your interests evolve. In order to remain in the joint program, you will need to remain co-advised by at least one faculty member at Oxford and one at an MPI.
- Who will cover my travel between the UK and Germany?
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All travel required as part of the program will be covered by the program.
- Do I need to be able to speak or understand German?
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No. All instruction and work, at all institutions, is conducted in English. However, some German can be useful to expand your social circle beyond the university community. Free language courses are available should you be interested.
- Will I need to get extra health or travel insurance?
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No. Your health insurance will be fully covered, both in Germany and in the UK, whilst you are part of the joint program.
- Will I need to maintain two residences?
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No. Often, students swap flats as they go between Oxford and Germany.
- Am I funded over the summer?
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Yes. You are always fully funded via the joint programme, including summers.
- Will I have to pay double taxes In Germany and in the UK?
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Most likely not, as existing tax laws in Germany and the UK won’t tax you twice for the same income.
- Will I have access to my accounts, data, and resources while I am in the UK/Germany?
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Yes. You will retain full access to all resources and privileges for both institutions, electronic or otherwise, regardless of where you are physically located.
- What research areas are covered under the joint program?
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The CS faculty at the Max Planck Society and at Oxford University cover all major areas in Computer Science. For more information about the research interests of individual faculty, please visit: https://cis.mpg.de and https://www.cs.ox.ac.uk
- Can I join the joint program after I have been admitted to Oxford? Or to an MPI?
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This should be possible; please get in touch with one of the Program Contacts in the first instance.
- How often do I need to travel to the UK/Germany?
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You are required to spend a minimum of 22 weeks at each institution over any 18-month period (22 weeks being roughly one third of 18 months, taking account of holiday time). For example, an OMP student might spend their first three terms in Oxford, during which they can attend lecture courses and prepare for their transfer of status examination, and spend the summer at an MPI in Germany.
- Where in Germany will I be? Which MPI?
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Look at https://cis.mpg.de for faculty at various MPIs working in Computer Science. You will be based at the MPI where your co-advisor is located.
- Your question wasn’t answered here?
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Sorry about that. Please email us for clarification or with new questions at grad-office@mpi-sws.org.
