All new DPhil students begin as Probationer Research Students (PRS). During your first year you take research methods courses (unless you have already got a recognized research training Masters qualification), and work with your supervisors on your literature review and study design. All DPhil. students are given opportunities to present their work at a variety of seminars and sessions in the department.
more details at http://www.education.ox.ac.uk/courses/d-phil/
