The Department of Politics and International Relations (DPIR) is one of the world’s largest departments working in Politics and International Relations.
With over 100 academic staff, 300 graduate students and 900 undergraduates, it is world class in international and national research and teaching.
The Guardian UK ranked us the Number One University in the UK for Politics in 2024. We pride ourselves on the theoretical pluralism and intellectual breadth of our large faculty of world-class academics.
Anchored in an exceptional research and educational environment, DPIR consists of researchers who are at the forefront of efforts to address the biggest political questions of our time.
We are home to a prize-winning faculty, major research projects, an exceptional group of post-doctoral researchers supported by highly competitive research fellowships, a vibrant doctoral student community, and a global group of academic visitors.
We are responsible for the Philosophy, Politics and Economics curriculum as well as training one of the largest groups of political scientists in the world. Many of our students go on to positions of leadership in business, government, and civil society.
How You Can Be Part of DPIR
All gifts to DPIR make a real difference. Your donations, combined with those of others, make a significant and immediate impact upon the quality of the Oxford experience for our students.
Gifts to DPIR will be directed towards the department’s area of greatest need, which is currently graduate student support to ensure the very best students can accept their places without financial burden.
“The funding provided by the DPIR has been profoundly important to both my academic and personal development. In this respect, it has opened up opportunities for my future career that would otherwise have been out of reach. More than anything, it represents a vote of confidence in the value of my project, which seeks to draw attention to some of the most vulnerable beings on the planet: non-human animals. For that, I’m incredibly grateful.”
Daniel White, DPhil student in Political Theory
Our 25-Year Anniversary Campaign
In 2025, DPIR celebrates its 25th anniversary. Help us mark this memorable milestone by contributing to our 25-Year Anniversary Scholarship Fund.
Your donation will enable the department to remain at the forefront of international research, by helping to ensure that the best students can apply to and accept their place at Oxford without financial concern.