PhD Social Work (4 years) / Overview

Year of entry: 2025

Degree awarded
Doctor of Philosophy
Duration
48 months F/T
Entry requirements
We require:
  • An honours degree (minimum Upper Second (2:1)) or the overseas equivalent in a relevant subject
  • AND a very good MSc/MPhil/MRes degree from a recognised institution
  • OR satisfactory work at postgraduate level (which must include some research training) undertaken for the equivalent of at least one year full-time.

NB In exceptional circumstances, we may consider an application from a student without both an undergraduate and post-graduate degree. For example, if they have a first/distinction and research experience. 

The four-year programme is strongly recommended for anyone who:

  • has not studied in the UK before;
  • has not completed specific research methods training at master's level and received 'very good' grades;
  • has not completed a research dissertation at master's level and received 'very good' grades;
  • has not scored at least 6.5 in all areas of the IELTS (or equivalent) if English is not their first language.
For students who which to study via distance learning there are additional criteria to support effective communication, for more information please see entry requirements section.

Full entry requirements

How to apply

Before applying you must:

  • or you want to apply for and check you’re eligible.
  • Speak to the listed supervisor about your suitability for their project or programme.
  • Understand how your project is funded and, if it is self-funded, consider how you plan on funding it.
  • to find out more and ensure you include all required supporting documents at the time of submission.

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Programme options

Full-time Part-time Full-time distance learning Part-time distance learning
PhD Y N Y N

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Programme overview

  • Undertake research in a field you’re passionate about and join a project addressing leading challenges in the area while working with some of Europe's leading researchers and academics.
  • Choose to research at a university ranked and 6th in the UK (QS World University Rankings, 2025) and 2nd in the world for social and environmental impact (THE Impact Rankings, 2024), where 93% of research activity is ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ (Research Impact Framework, 2021)
  • Access some of the best research facilities in the world at the University, through our industry partners, and at hospitals around Greater 51¸£ÀûÉç.
  • Benefit from dedicated support throughout your PhD journey, from pre-application to graduation and everything in between, through our Doctoral Academy
  • Undergo training in transferable skills critical to developing early-stage researchers and professionals through the Doctoral Academy's training programme and progress into a career in research, academia or industry.

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Open days

Visit our to find out about upcoming open days and events.

Fees

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2025, the tuition fees are as follows:

  • PhD (full-time)
    UK students (per annum): Standard £TBC, Low £11,500, Medium £17,500, High £23,500
    International, including EU, students (per annum): Standard £27,000, Low £29,500, Medium £35,000, High £41,500
  • PhD (full-time distance learning)
    UK students (per annum): Standard £TBC, Low £11,500, Medium £17,500, High £23,500
    International, including EU, students (per annum): Standard £27,000, Low £29,500, Medium £35,000, High £41,500

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

Contact details

School/Faculty
Contact name
Doctoral Academy Admissions Team
Telephone
+44 (0)161 275 5608
Email
Website
School/Faculty
Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health

Programmes in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

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