A novel catalyst, nikel ferrite (NiFe2O4), was prepared via hydrothermal synthesis method, and successfully used to activate peroxymonosulfate for degradation of oxcarbazepine (OXC). The catalyst was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), and magnetic hysteresis loops.The effects of NiFe2O4 dosage, peroxymonosulfate dosage, and initial pH on the OXC degradation were investigated.The experimental results indicated that high NiFe2O4 and peroxymonosulfate dosages, neutral initial pH enhanced the degradation efficiency. Furthermore, by adding different radical scavengers (TBA and MeOH), hydroxyl radical (OH·) and sulfate radical (SO4-·) were identified to be responsible for OXC degradation and SO4-·made the predominant contribution. Besides, NiFe2O4 could retain high degradation efficiency around 88% even after being reused for six times. The catalytic oxidation of OXC in filtrate and raw water with PMS/ NiFe2O4 system was also effective. All results suggest that oxidation of PPCPs such as OXC using PMS/ NiFe2O4 system has a promising application potential.