Postgraduate Prospectus

The School undertakes cutting-edge local, national, international and cross-national research through its unique combination of staff that work within and across the disciplines of sociology, cultural studies, social and public policy and social work. By bringing together and synthesising these disciplines around common interests and issues the School produces theoretically innovative and empirically robust knowledge that is valued by the academic community, policy-makers, professionals and service providers.

Research in the School is organised and delivered within four distinct and complementary Research Centres. The School is also host to three unique centres for both postgraduate teaching and research, whilst also having external links with centres and institutions across the University and the wider academic community in the UK and globally. Current research in the School focuses on the following areas: Health and Social Care, Work and the Professions, Public Policy, Children and Families, Culture, Citizenship and Evidence and Policy. However, while these are our main areas of research, we do have expertise in other related areas. If you are interested in studying for an MPhil or PhD in these or other areas then please get in touch.

Applications and entry requirements

All applications should be made online

Applicants must have at least an upper second class (2:1) degree or equivalent.

International students must also have one of the following English language tests:

• IELTS 7.0 (no less than 6.0 in any element)
• TOEFL iBT (100 with no less than 21 in listening and writing, 22 in reading, 23 in speaking)
• CELE pre-sessional course final assessment of "Pass with Distinction"

 

4-8 years part-time only

This is a part-time PhD for practising professionals which aims to provide critical reflection on public sector reforms, including evidence-based policy and practice. It thus supports creating greater capacity within the UK public sector to conduct, commission and evaluate research as a contribution to the achievement of public goals. Students are supervised in cohorts with tutorial and peer-group support at regular two-three day events. Research will usually be in the form of three linked, but discrete, twelve-eighteen month projects. Participants may carry out complementary projects in order to maximise data collection and produce valid findings and learning among professionals.