Why make a gift to DPIR?
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 2026. We pride ourselves on the theoretical pluralism and intellectual breadth of our large faculty of world-class academics.
Our Impact
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.
Please consider donating towards our graduate scholarship or teaching fund, so that we may continue to attract and develop talented new political scientists and provide unparalleled teaching to both our graduate and undergraduate students.
If you would like to support a more specific project or philanthropic partnership within the Department, please contact our Research Facilitation Team.
Student stories
DPIR’s funding has opened opportunities for my future academic career that would otherwise have been out of reach.
DPIR’s funding has opened opportunities for my future academic career that would otherwise have been out of reach.
Daniel White, DPhil student in Political Theory
I have always wanted to study at Oxford. When I was accepted and received my scholarship, it was my dream come true. DPIR is not just about knowledge; it is a valuable and formative experience.
I have always wanted to study at Oxford. When I was accepted and received my scholarship, it was my dream come true. DPIR is not just about knowledge; it is a valuable and formative experience.
Martina Vass, MPhil International Relations (alumni, 2010)
The DPIR studentship changed everything—it made it possible for me to begin my academic career and carry out important research on wartime sexual violence. Without this support, I simply wouldn’t be here.
The DPIR studentship changed everything—it made it possible for me to begin my academic career and carry out important research on wartime sexual violence. Without this support, I simply wouldn’t be here.
Leonardo Steinfeld, DPhil student in International Relations
25 Years of DPIR
In 2025, DPIR celebrates its 25th anniversary. Help us celebrate this memorable milestone by contributing to our 25 year Anniversary Appeal.
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.
Join us as we celebrate the successes of staff and students - past and present - and connect with our alumni from across the world.
Other ways to give
Donate to Politics and International Relations Department General Support.
[Your donation will be directed towards the area of greatest need.]
Donate to the Reuters Institute Journalist Fellowship Programme.
[The fund aims to bring journalists to Oxford to join the Journalist Fellowship Programme, to step away from the daily newsroom pressures, strengthen their global support networks, and gain insights into international media trends and developments]
Donate via via Americans For Oxford (AFO).
[Donors in the US can give tax-effectively via Americans For Oxford (AFO).]