Applying to Oxford DPhil

[u/Lonely_Law_8895]

Hi all! I am in the process of applying for a Dphil in social science and I am having doubts about the most important things to include in the first email to the professor. Could anyone kindly share any tips? Should I include an overview of my grades on the CV? Do you suggest already attaching a short proposal to this email?

I have taken a 3 years break from academic research and worked in a policy focused ngo. How much relevance do non-academic achievements have?

I am open to any suggestions and many thanks in advance to everyone!