Oxford MPG
A Ph.D Programme in a Class of its Own
The Oxford-Max-Planck Doctoral Programme 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 the Oxford University for Computer Science 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 at the 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 programme is set up in a highly flexible manner, requiring each student to spend a minimum of 22 weeks at each institute 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 successfully completing 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 apply.
Program Partners
The Oxford University
Established in 1957, the Department of Computer Science at Oxford University has one of the longest established 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 programme.
UK Program Contact
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The Max Planck Society
The Max Planck Society (MPS) is a world-leading scientific research organization, with 18 Nobel Prizes awarded to its scientists since 1948. Its 83 Max Planck Institutes conduct fundamental research in the sciences, technology, arts, and humanities. The society employs some 5,600 scientists, plus about 9,000 doctoral students, post-docs, and visiting researchers. The MPS has a budget of about €1.7 billion provided by the German federal and state governments, plus external research funding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which four Max Planck Institutes are involved?
MPI for Software Systems in Saarbrücken, Germany
MPI for Informatics in Saarbrücken, Germany
MPI for Intelligent Systems in Tübingen, 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 interest, and you can certainly add or completely 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, while 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 The UK?
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Most likely not. While you will be paid by both a German and a US institution, your tax situation will depend on your citizenship, and the laws covering income from multiple countries. If you are a UK or EU citizen, then existing tax laws 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.
- Can I Leave The Program If I Don’t Like It?
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- What Research Areas Are Covered Under The Joint Program?
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The CS faculty at the Max Planck Society and at Oxford cover all major areas in Computer Science. For more information about the research interests of individual faculty, please visit:
- Can I Join The Joint Program After I Have Been Admitted To Oxford? Or To A MPI?
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- 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 situated at the MPI where your co-advisor is located.
- Was your question answered here?
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No.
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