Projects in the Applied Social and Policy Sciences

Summary

The School of Applied Social and Policy Sciences has a vibrant and multi-disciplinary research environment, which is home to a wide range of research projects that tackle important questions in the social sciences. We have an excellent international reputation for producing high quality research which has global impact. If you are interested in pursuing doctoral research at the School of Applied Social and Policy Sciences, you’ll be joining a community of academics who focus on documenting, illuminating and theorising some of the most difficult social and political problems we face.

Our research takes place across a number of disciplines, including social policy, social work, sociology, criminology and criminal justice , youth and community studies, and politics and public policy.

We welcome interest from prospective PhD candidates in any of these areas.

For more information on the type of research that is happening in each of this disciplines, and further information on the research profile of each staff member at the School of Applied Social and Policy Science, please visit the School’s website.

Research and Staff profile: Social Policy

Research and Staff profile: Social Work

Research and Staff profile: Sociology

Research and Staff profile: Criminology and Criminal Justice

Research and Staff profile: Politics and Public Policy

Research and Staff profile: Youth and Community Studies

For more information on how to prepare an application, including how to draft a research proposal, please visit our School’s webpage that describes the variety of PhD Opportunities.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years* (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period (individual project advertisements will note where part time options apply).

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.