social policy phd bristol

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Social Policy PhD University of Bristol

Course options

Qualification.

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

University of Bristol

SEP-24, JAN-25

• TUITION FEES
• ENTRY REQUIREMENT
• UNIVERSITY INFO

Course summary

• research centres

Our research examines policy areas that affect us all in day-to-day life, influences and challenges policies implemented by governments and institutions, and investigates the issues, factors and attitudes underlying the social concerns that make the headlines every day.

The school is an exciting environment for graduate studies; we welcome graduate students from the UK and around the world to join our diverse and highly-rated research team. We particularly welcome applications on topics with direct relevance to national and international policy concerns.

Tuition fees

• Afghanistan
• Antigua & Barbuda
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Burkina Faso
• Central African Republic
• Congo (Democratic Republic)
• Czech Republic
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Equatorial Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Ivory Coast
• Korea DPR (North Korea)
• Liechtenstein
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• Netherlands
• New Zealand
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• Western Samoa

£ 20,700 per year

Tuition fees shown are for indicative purposes and may vary. Please check with the institution for most up to date details.

University information

University League Table

Campus address.

University of Bristol, Beacon House, Queen’s Road, Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1QU, England

Subject rankings

Subject ranking.

6th out of 42 3

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Social Policy PhD

Want to know what it's like to study this course at uni? We've got all the key info, from entry requirements to the modules on offer. If that all sounds good, why not check out reviews from real students or even book onto an upcoming open days ?

Different course options

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

University of Bristol

SEP-24, JAN-25

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SEP-24, J..

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Course info

Entry requirements, tuition fees, latest reviews.

• research centres

Our research examines policy areas that affect us all in day-to-day life, influences and challenges policies implemented by governments and institutions, and investigates the issues, factors and attitudes underlying the social concerns that make the headlines every day.

The school is an exciting environment for graduate studies; we welcome graduate students from the UK and around the world to join our diverse and highly-rated research team. We particularly welcome applications on topics with direct relevance to national and international policy concerns.

What students say

I like the University of Bristol because the support it provides to students in terms of their courses, but also mental health... Read more

Decent.. Read more

An upper second-class honours degree and a pass at MSc/MA level (or equivalent experience/qualification).

Students living in

£4,758 per year

Students from Domestic

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to a 8% increase in fees each year.

£20,700 per year

Students from EU

Students from International

Latest Social Policy / Administration reviews

Review breakdown, how all students rated:.

Beacon House Queen’s Road Bristol BS8 1QU

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Faculty of Social Sciences and Law

• Website http://www.bristol.ac.uk/fssl/

United Kingdom

Organisation profile

Our researchers are internationally recognised leaders in their fields producing world-class research across the social sciences and law. The faculty’s innovative and collaborative research addresses the most pressing social concerns of our globalised society, contributing to significant policy change in many areas.

Recognised globally for our research excellence across the social sciences and law, our reputation is founded on strengths in many areas including poverty and social exclusion, markets and public organisation, human rights, global insecurity, life-styles and wellbeing, educational quality, and quantitative social science methods.

Our academics work in a wide range of research centres and groupings across economics, education, human geography, law, policy studies, sociology, politics and international studies and are committed to conducting world-leading research that matters to society.

Outstanding results in the UK's Research Assessment Exercise 2008 confirmed that 87% of the faculty’s research was of international quality. World-leading and internationally excellent research made up over half of the submission with exceptional performances for Geography (1st), Sports-related Studies (3rd), Accounting and Finance (4th), Education (5th), Economics (6th), and Social Work and Social Policy (14th).

The faculty attracts a wide range of funding from research councils, charities and government departments around the world. Supported by funders such as UK and European Research Councils, the Leverhulme Trust and the Department for International Development, our researchers are working at the heart of issues that surround social concerns advancing social innovation and delivering evidence for policymakers.

Publications

Our high-quality research outputs are published in internationally-ranked journals and prestigious academic presses across social sciences and law. The faculty also hosts and edits a number of internationally recognised social science journals, including Policy and Politics, Ethnicities, Antipode: a journal of radical geography, Journal of Common Market Studies, British Accounting Review and Contemporary Political Theory.

Fingerprint

• UK Social Sciences 100%
• Research Social Sciences 72%
• Analysis Social Sciences 50%
• Policy Social Sciences 45%
• Students Social Sciences 40%
• Understanding Social Sciences 36%
• Process Social Sciences 34%
• Organizations Social Sciences 32%

Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years

Dive into details.

Select a country/territory to view shared publications and projects

Mrs Nura Aabe

• School for Policy Studies
• Bristol Doctoral College
• Migration Mobilities Bristol

Person: Member, Member, Doctor of Philosophy

Mrs Margaret Abazie-Humphrey

• School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies

Person: Member, Doctor of Philosophy

Professor David W F Abbott

• Bristol Poverty Institute
• School for Policy Studies - Professor of Social Policy
• Cabot Institute for the Environment

Person: Academic , Member

Research output

• 18475 Article (Academic Journal)
• 6053 Chapter in a book
• 3469 Conference Contribution (Conference Proceeding)
• 1715 Authored book
• 1432 Commissioned report
• 1048 Other contribution
• 809 Edited book
• 470 Conference Paper
• 392 Book/Film/Article review (Academic Journal)
• 303 Web publication/site
• 269 Working paper
• 195 Editorial (Academic Journal)
• 194 Comment/debate (Academic Journal)
• 185 Article (Specialist Publication)
• 159 Review article (Academic Journal)
• 132 Other report
• 101 Performance
• 99 Conference Abstract
• 87 Scholarly edition
• 63 Special issue (Academic Journal)
• 54 Other Conference Contribution
• 46 Digital or Visual Products
• 42 Entry for encyclopedia/dictionary
• 41 Letter (Academic Journal)
• 41 Discussion paper
• 30 PhD thesis (not Bristol)
• 28 Conference Poster
• 24 Exhibition
• 13 Other chapter contribution
• 13 Preprint
• 12 Foreword/postscript to book
• 12 Chapter in a report
• 12 Featured article (Specialist Publication)
• 12 Software
• 7 Literature review (Academic Journal)
• 6 Confidential report for external body
• 4 Short survey (Academic Journal)
• 4 Editorial (Specialist Publication)
• 3 Book/Film/Article review (Specialist Publication)
• 1 Special issue (Specialist Publication)

Research output per year

Accelerometer-measured 24-hour movement behaviours over 7 days in Malaysian children and adolescents: a cross-sectional study

Research output : Contribution to journal › Article (Academic Journal) › peer-review

• Cross Sectional Study 100%
• Adolescent 100%
• Accelerometer 100%
• Cross-Sectional Study 100%

Accessing Meals on Wheels: a qualitative study exploring the experiences of service users and people who refer them to the service

• Qualitative Study 100%
• Semistructured Interview 100%
• Stereotype 100%
• Thematic Analysis 100%
• Lived Experience 100%

Access to work for those seeking asylum: concerns arising from british and swedish legal strategies

• Swedish 100%
• Asylum 100%
• Asylum Seeker 50%
• Conceptualization 25%
• Contribution 25%
• 1 Curtailed
• 41 Not started
• 1581 Finished

Projects per year

Innovation Launchpad Network+ Researchers in Residence Scheme

1/04/24 → 31/03/25

Project : Research

Innovation and Knowledge Centre: Transforming Net Zero with Ultrawide Bandgap Semiconductor Device Technology (REWIRE)

Smart, P. K.

1/04/24 → 31/03/29

Innovation Fellowship - Roles, perceptions, and behaviours of local non-academic venture builders in academic entrepreneurship and regional innovation ecosystem

31/03/24 → 30/03/25

Student theses

(re)defining sustainability: belo monte, são luiz do tapajós and storylines of resistance.

Supervisor: Flint, A. (Supervisor) & Tucker, K. (Supervisor)

Student thesis : Doctoral Thesis › Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

(Un)healthy prison masculinities : theorising men's health in prison

Supervisor: Payne, S. (Supervisor) & Doyal, L. (Supervisor)

A case study on learners' 'skills o discovery and interaction' in instant messenger-mediated intercultural dialogue between university students in Taiwan and in UK

+3 esrc phd scholarship.

Ismail, Nasrul (Recipient), 1 Oct 2017

Prize : Prizes, Medals, Awards and Grants

• Scholarships 100%
• Tuition Fee 100%
• Higher Education Finance 100%
• Universities 50%

10 year Special Contribution Award

Fornes, Gaston E (Recipient), 2014

Prize : National/international honour

14th Springer Prize for best paper by an early career scholar

Wang, Yiming (Recipient), Feb 2010

Replication Data for: Do institutional investors process and act upon information? Evidence from M targets

Kim, K. (Creator), Luu, E. (Creator), Xu, F. (Creator), Kim, K. D. (Contributor), Luu, E. (Contributor) & Xu, F. (Contributor), Harvard Dataverse, 2024

DOI : 10.7910/dvn/okb6fj , https://dataverse.harvard.edu/citation?persistentId=doi:10.7910/DVN/OKB6FJ

Replication Data for: What are the impacts of counter-SOC awareness raising strategies?

Peiffer, C. (Creator), Harvard Dataverse, 2024

DOI : 10.7910/dvn/xbf6jw , https://dataverse.harvard.edu/citation?persistentId=doi:10.7910/DVN/XBF6JW

British Departmental Documents and Legislation 2000 -- 2020

Gupta, A. (Creator), Zenodo, 30 Jul 2023

DOI : 10.5281/zenodo.8196971 , https://zenodo.org/record/8196971

• 618 Participation in conference
• 439 Editorial activity
• 354 Invited talk
• 320 Participation in workshop, seminar, course
• 132 Publication peer-review
• 114 Public talk, debate, discussion
• 85 Advisory work for/on national or international committee or working group
• 72 Media coverage or participation
• 66 Visiting an external academic institution
• 53 External Examination and Supervision
• 49 Fellowship awarded competitively
• 46 Membership or peer review panel or committee
• 37 Membership of external research organisation
• 37 Membership of public/government advisory/policy group or panel
• 28 - Research and Teaching at External Organisation
• 24 Festival, exhibition, performance
• 23 Stakeholder engagement
• 19 Hosting an academic visitor
• 13 Consultancy
• 9 Collaboration
• 7 Advisory work for/on panel for social community or cultural engagement Advisory work for/on
• 6 Community engagement, including convening focus/advisory groups
• 6 Schools engagement
• 5 Advisory work for/on panel to industry
• 3 Appointments or secondments with industry or commerce
• 2 Partnerships and collaboration/co-production
• 1 CPD delivery/organisation of courses for externals
• 1 Hosting a non-academic visitor

Activities per year

Islamophobia and academic freedom: An interview with Professor Steven Greer

Steven C Greer (Advisor)

Activity : Talk or presentation types › Public talk, debate, discussion

Bristol mayor asks university to help tackle knife crime

Jade Levell (Speaker)

Activity : Other activity types › Media coverage or participation

Transformational Learning: - Why developing young innovators requires a different approach

Mark Neild (Advisor)

Activity : Talk or presentation types › Partnerships and collaboration/co-production

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Social Policy

University of Bristol

Discover more 👀

Learn more about this course.

Course Overview - Social Policy

The School for Policy Studies links theory, policy and practice in a multidisciplinary, research-intensive environment. Our research engages with and influences national and international policy. Our policy experts come from a wide variety of backgrounds in social policy research, social work, sociology, poverty, gender violence, disability studies, childhood studies, health and social care, urban studies, economics, psychology, physical activity, nutrition and health sciences, based within seven specialist research centres. Our research examines policy areas that affect us... Read more

The School for Policy Studies links theory, policy and practice in a multidisciplinary, research-intensive environment. Our research engages with and influences national and international policy. Our policy experts come from a wide variety of backgrounds in social policy research, social work, sociology, poverty, gender violence, disability studies, childhood studies, health and social care, urban studies, economics, psychology, physical activity, nutrition and health sciences, based within seven specialist research centres.<br/><br/>Our research examines policy areas that affect us all in day-to-day life, influences and challenges policies implemented by governments and institutions, and investigates the issues, factors and attitudes underlying the social concerns that make the headlines every day.<br/><br/>The school is an exciting environment for graduate studies; we welcome graduate students from the UK and around the world to join our diverse and highly-rated research team. We particularly welcome applications on topics with direct relevance to national and international policy concerns.<br/><br/>We welcome new PhD students all year round. However, the largest intake is in September each year with a secondary intake in January. We strongly recommend applicants to consider either a September or January start.

Course Information

2 option s available.

Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.

Course Details

Information

Clifton Campus

Course Address

Tyndall Park Road to Park Row, Bristol, BS8 1TH

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Social Policy PhD University of Bristol

• On campus - h Clifton Campus
• Sep 1, 2023 Full-time - 4 years
• Jan 1, 2024 Full-time - 4 years
• Sep 1, 2023 Part-time - 8 years
• Jan 1, 2024 Part-time - 8 years

Key Course Facts

Student reviews.

Below you can see course specific reviews for 10 graduates of Social Policy PhD at University of Bristol for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in Anthropology.

Salary of Graduates in sociology, social policy and anthropology

Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of Anthropology at the university. Due to data collection methodology, salary data is mainly based on data related to undergraduate students .

Salary of all UK Graduates of sociology, social policy and anthropology

Course description.

The School for Policy Studies links theory, policy and practice in a multidisciplinary, research-intensive environment. Our research engages with and influences national and international policy. Our policy experts come from a wide variety of backgrounds in social policy research, social work, sociology, poverty, gender violence, disability studies, childhood studies, health and social care, urban studies history, human geography, economics, psychology, physical activity nutrition and health sciences, and family and child welfare, based within seven specialist research centres.

Our research examines policy areas that affect us all in day-to-day life, influences and challenges policies implemented by governments and institutions, and investigates the issues, factors and attitudes underlying the social concerns that make the headlines every day.

The school is an exciting environment for graduate studies; we welcome graduate students from the UK and around the world to join our diverse and highly-rated research team. We particularly welcome applications on topics with direct relevance to national and international policy concerns.

Accreditation by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) , working in partnership with University Archaeology UK (UAUK) , recognises academic programmes which provide students with appropriate workplace skills relevant to both a career in the historic environment and CIfA membership at Practitioner grade.

Jobs & Career Perspectives

15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.

What graduates are doing after 15 months

Current jobs, job in line with future plans, utilise skills from studies, work is meaningful, required skill level of job after 15 months, % skilled jobs, jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation).

Example below based on all graduates of Social Policy PhD at University of Bristol

Assessment Methods

Entry requirements / admissions, ucas tariff of accepted students for this course, requirements for international students / english requirements.

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

• Graduate Degrees
• Graduate Degrees Law, Econ, Medicine, English
• Undergraduate Degrees
• Undergraduate Degrees Law, Econ, Medicine, English

UCAS International Information

Tuition fees social policy phd, average student cost of living in the uk.

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

University Rankings

Positions of university of bristol in top uk and global rankings., rankings of university of bristol in related subject specific rankings., social studies & humanities, about university of bristol.

The University of Bristol is a traditional red brick research university located in Bristol, England. This university does not have a campus that it designates as its main campus, but instead has a group of buildings in the city centre which is referred to as the “University precinct”. With six different faculties and 29 distinct schools, there is sure to be something of interest for almost any student at Bristol.

List of 408 Bachelor and Master Courses from University of Bristol - Course Catalogue

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Ranking publishers, shanghairanking consultancy, gras global ranking of academic subjects - shanghairanking  (published: 19 july, 2022).

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Ntu rankings by subject  (published: 11 july, 2023).

BSc Social Policy and Sociology (LL43)

2024 entry | view 2025 entry.

Social Policy and Sociology (LL43)

Course summary

This joint honours degree explores different ways of developing an understanding of key issues within public and social life. It combines the focus of Social Policy on wellbeing with Sociology's insight into how contemporary societies operate.

In your Sociology studies, you will explore the structures of societies and how they constitute social patterns. This might be through ideas and values, identity categories associated with characteristics such as gender, class, or ethnicity, or through areas such as the labour market or education. This is crucial to our understanding of how different groups in society experience wellbeing, as well as the dynamics needed to change patterns of inequality.

The study of Social Policy provides an exciting opportunity to critically analyse contemporary social issues related to human wellbeing, inequality, disadvantage and crime. You will explore real-world challenges in a global context, drawing on social, political, public policy and economic theories.

Both departments encourage strong synergy between research and teaching, resulting in a vibrant learning environment as staff respond in their teaching to new research.

You will also have the opportunity to apply to spend half a year studying abroad at a partner university. To find out more about studying abroad, visit Global Opportunities .

Course structure

Entry requirements.

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

A-level standard offer

A-level contextual offer, international baccalaureate diploma, international baccalaureate diploma contextual offer, european baccalaureate, scottish qualifications authority, access to he diploma, welsh baccalaureate, cambridge pre-u, international qualifications, selection process.

• Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement are found in the University admissions policies and procedures.
• If applying with extenuating circumstances please see our policy.
• Full information about our selection processes for Social Policy and Sociology can be found in the Admissions Statement: Admissions statement
• The admissions statement above relates to 2024 entry. The statement for 2025 entry will be available in summer 2024.

Related courses

Bsc social policy, bsc social policy and politics, bsc social policy with study abroad, related subjects, politics and international relations, visit us on an open day, find out how to apply, download a prospectus, make an enquiry.

South West Doctoral Training Partnership

Social Policy

Start date: October 2017

Research topic: Corporate crime punishment

1) Are current sanctions effective for the control of safety crime?

2) Are community sentence orders or equity fines better suited to punish and deter corporate offenders?

To answer these questions I look at the regulation and punishment of health and safety nationally and internationally.

Research supervisors: Ms Christina Pantazis, Dr Demi Patsios

Email: [email protected]

Becky White

Start date: October 2020

Research topic: Victim as Participant: Exploring the relationship between victim participation, legally represented within the court space, and retributive justice outcomes at the International Criminal Court

Research supervisors: Professor Christina Pantazis, Dr Natasha Mulvihill

Professional memberships/Positions held: SWDTP Student Rep

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/becky-white-644bb853

Catriona Brickel

Start date: October 2023

Research topic: Exploring the expectations and experiences of bereaved people who create digital memorials via charitable giving.

By adopting a participatory methodology and co-creating this research with charities, I plan to maximise the utility of this research project, enabling better outcomes for charities and bereaved donors alike.

Research supervisors: Dr. Kate Woodthorpe, Prof. Helen Manchester

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catriona-brickel-ab9561157/

Twitter: @CatrionaBrickel

Daniel Lombard

Research topic: “Using discourse analysis to explore personalisation in long-term care”

I hope the findings will both further academic understanding in this area of social science and have a positive impact on the lives of older/disabled people and their families through practical application in the care sector.

Research supervisors: Professor Liz Lloyd, Professor Val Williams

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellombard/

David Lawes

Start date: September 2015

Research topic: Housing Policy

Research supervisors: Dr Alex Marsh, Dr Miza Izuhara

Professional memberships/Positions held: CFA Institute

Email: [email protected]

Emily Rickard

Start date: September 2018

Research topic: Knowledge brokers or third-party influencers: The role of Think-Tanks in relation to Pharmaceutical and Food and Beverage policy

Research supervisors: Anna Gilmore, Piotr Ozieranski, Dr Jordan Tchilingirian

Email: [email protected]

Giulia Ferranti

Start date: September 2021

Research topic: Zemiology, Migration and Criminal Justice

Research supervisors: Victoria Canning, Natasha Carver

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giulia-ferranti-7891821b3/

Kate Bowen-Viner

Research topic: Menstruation Messages and Young People

My research involves understanding the messages young people receive about menstruation from different sources, including: advertisements, Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and families. The project will explore how young people position themselves, and menstruation, in relation to dominant menstruation discourses.

Findings from this research will provide insights into stigmatising menstruation discourses and how young people respond to them. I hope findings will help education policy-makers and practitioners to structure and deliver menstruation education in RSE.

Research supervisors: Professor Debbie Watson, Dr Jon Symonds

Professional memberships/Positions held: Student Representative, School for Policy Studies Research Ethics Committee

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/kate-bowen-viner-60a4a0140

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KateBV

Kayleigh Charlton

Research topic: Creating ‘healthy’ prisons for women: incorporating gender-sensitive thinking into penal design, policy and planning.

Research supervisors: Professor Yvonne Jewkes (Bath), Dr. Frances Amery (Bath)

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleigh-charlton-88a41b140/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/charlton_k

Michelle James

Research topic: Can Community-based Social Protection Interventions Improve the Wellbeing of Asylum Seekers and Refugees in the United Kingdom?

Research supervisors: Professor Rachel Forester-Jones, Professor James Copestake

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-james-9704438b

Mónica Sánchez Hernández

Research topic: Fatherhood, Breadwinning, and Search for Respect: The Mandates of Manhood within and without prison

My present research examines understandings of manhood within and without prison of those accused of Intimate Partner Violence using art-based methods and decolonising methodologies in Oaxaca, Mexico.

My interests include anti, decolonial and communitarian feminism, anti-punitivism, restorative justice, manhood studies and decolonial praxis.

Research supervisors: Prof Christina Pantazis, Dr Jade Levell

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicasanchezhernandez/

Twitter: @monicabrsh

Polly Baynes

Start date: September 2022

Research topic: Women's work? Social work practice in protecting children from male violence from 1889 to 2010

Research supervisors: Aisha Gill, Josie McLellan

Email: [email protected]

Research topic: How feasible is caring for the deceased at home in the UK, and to what extent does this help bereaved families?

Research supervisors: Dr Kate Woodthorpe, Dr John Troyer

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-hooker-231065101

Twitter: https://twitter.com/samantha_may9

Sarah Brown

Research topic: Creativity and wellbeing in developing countries: beyond the separation of ‘making’ and ‘thinking’

Research supervisors: Professor Sarah White, Dr Cassandra Phoenix

Email: [email protected]

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Social Work PhD

University of bristol, different course options.

• Key information

Course Summary

Tuition fees, entry requirements, similar courses at different universities, key information data source : idp connect, qualification type.

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Subject areas

Social Work

Course type

A PhD in Social Work equips students with the skills and experience to apply social research methods and tools to critically examine some of the most pressing contemporary issues in social work practice, policy and education. Students are encouraged to develop a topic of interest that directly relates to their own practice experiences or is of wider interest and relevance to the delivery of social work services and support to disadvantaged individuals and groups, either in the UK or overseas.

Students will be supported to develop research questions and design a study that enables them to rigorously research their topic of interest and make an original contribution to the knowledge base of social work. Topics may directly explore practice issues or contribute more broadly to social work knowledge, working with specific groups and communities and addressing systems of inequality and social disadvantage. Where appropriate, students are encouraged to work in collaboration with relevant organisations and user and interest groups to ensure their research outputs and key findings can directly inform social work practice and service delivery.

We are a multidisciplinary, research-intensive school which brings together theory, policy and practice. Our research engages with and influences national and international policy. Our policy experts come from a wide variety of backgrounds in social policy research, social work, sociology, gender violence, childhood studies, disability studies, health and social care, history, human geography, economics, psychology, physical activity, nutrition and health sciences, urban studies, and poverty, based within seven specialist research centres.

Supervisors in social work bring diverse interests across child and family social work (for example, looked after children; adoption and fostering; supporting parents with substance misuse or learning disabilities; domestic violence responses and interventions) and adult social care (for example, disabled adults' social care needs; housing and homelessness; mental health social work; social work with older people and carers; inclusive service provision for LGBTQ+ individuals).

The school is an exciting environment for postgraduate studies; we welcome students from the UK and abroad to join our diverse and highly-rated research team. We particularly welcome applications on topics with direct relevance to national and international social work and policy concerns.

UK fees Course fees for UK students

For this course (per year)

International fees Course fees for EU and international students

An upper second-class honours degree and a pass at MSc/MA level (or equivalent experience/qualification).

Social Work MSc

University of bedfordshire, applied social work practice: children and families ma, applied social work practice: leadership and management ma, applied social work: practice education ma, professional social work practice pgdip.

Careers Service Blog

Helping you get to where you want to be when you graduate

How to get into Social Policy

Last month the faculty of social sciences and law hosted a panel event on how to get into social policy, as part of the ‘how to get into’ event series. .

Here we bring you an overview of the sector and the panellists’ top tips for getting into social policy.

What is social policy?

Social policy is all about addressing human needs for security, social justice and welfare, and it considers how states and societies deal with such issues.

There are many different routes into policy work and a wide range of roles to pursue if you’re interested in this area – both in the private and public spheres.

A common entry route into the sector is as a research associate for independent think tanks. You could also work in project delivery or as a policy adviser in a government department. If you’re interested in more local issues, you might consider applying for the National Graduate Development Programme which is run through local governments.

Meet the panel – click their names to check out their LinkedIn profiles!

• Rosie Fortune is Senior Participation Officer – Policy and Campaigns – at NSPCC . Rosie graduated with a BSc in Social Policy from the University of Bristol in 2022, and is now pursuing an MSc in Social Work Research.
• Hannah Shackleford is Senior Public Policy & Political Engagement Manager at TPXimpact . Hannah has a BSc in Psychology from the University of Bristol, and an MSc in Social Policy and Social Research from UCL.
• Sara Soliman Riaño is Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer at Toynbee Hall . Sara graduated in 2022 with a Social Policy BSc from the University of Bristol.
• Patty Miranda is Gender Legal Advisor at The Asia Foundation . Patty has an LLM in Health, Law and Society from the University of Bristol.

Top tips from the panellists:

1. work on your communication style.

Working in social policy, it is important to be able to communicate well, for example by translating complicated policy into clear and simple briefs.

Make sure you show potential employers that this is a skill you possess. Check out this article on mycareer on how to improve your communication skills .

In addition, here are a couple of articles on how to write effective policy briefs from the UK Parliament and from the University of North Carolina .

2. Build your CV

Use your time at university to build your CV and develop new skills. Employers tend to recognise that most graduates don’t have years of work experience.  However, having a part-time job, doing an internship, or engaging in a leadership role within a society or student organisation allows you to develop skills that will be extremely useful when applying for graduate positions. Check out the opportunities page on mycareer to find work experience and internships!

3. Develop your skill set

One of the speakers recommended engaging with various online modules that teach more practical, hands-on skills, such as management.  Forage offers free virtual work experience programs within areas like social impact, law, and consulting. Coursera offers free and paid-for courses on a range of topics including project management and policy implementation.

Employers generally expect employees to have a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, so using your time at university to work on these skills will be really useful for when you start applying for graduate roles. Take a look at Microsoft 365 Training , Excel video training – Microsoft Support and Microsoft Excel Online Training Courses by LinkedIn Learning.

4. Recognise your strengths and areas to improve your skills

Do a skills assessment. Assess your strengths and capabilities to sort out what your skills and passions are.

A self-assessment could help you discover what role you’re best suited for and what skills you might need to build on.

If you find public speaking or interviews challenging, make sure to practise! Try the mycareer strengths assessment and other Career Service resources to practise and grow in your self-confidence, for example, the Get interview-ready pathway .

5. Utilise LinkedIn

LinkedIn allows you to connect with other students, alumni, potential employers, and professionals working in social policy. Do not be afraid to reach out to people working in specific roles you might be interested in (for example the speakers from this event), and ask whether they would be willing to have a conversation with you about your future career. LinkedIn can also be a source of inspiration , by allowing you to see what other students and professionals have done to gain work experience and increase their competency.

Find out more:

• Explore our Policy Sector Guide for more info on the Policy sector and other related areas of work.
• Article from Prospects on careers in Public Services and Administration, an umbrella sector term which covers social policy
• Have a look at the Social Policy Association ’s website – a professional association for lecturers, researchers and students of social policy in the UK and internationally.
• Attend more events like this one – Explore more Career Service events .
• Explore work opportunities and internships on mycareer .

Blog written by Henrietta Skareng , a 3rd year BSc Politics and International Relations student, Student Engagement Team Worker and Career Peer Support Assistant.

PhD in Social Policy

In this section.

• Current Students
• PhD Student Life
• Degree Requirements
• What We Look For

The joint PhD Programs in Social Policy combine the disciplinary depth of a PhD in political science or sociology with multidisciplinary perspectives and problem-driven research on questions of social policy.

As a joint venture between the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences'  Government and Sociology departments and Harvard Kennedy School, the program is designed for students like you who have broad interests in social policy problems and solutions, spanning topics such as:

• Economic inequality
• Wealth distribution (including high-end wealth accumulation)
• Race and ethnicity
• Poverty and social mobility
• Family dynamics
• Workplace inequities
• Health disparities
• Crime and criminal punishment
• Immigration
• Local politics, neighborhoods, and segregation
• Educational access and inequality
• Political participation and political inequality  

The “discipline-plus” model

The PhD Programs in Social Policy are grounded by a “discipline-plus” structure. You will build a strong foundation in either political science or sociology before embarking on a sequence of multidisciplinary seminars and advanced research in social policy—all of which will focus primarily on the United States and Western Europe.

Research at the core

The joint PhD Programs in Social Policy are targeted toward producing scholars whose research puts them at the forefront of studying key problems in social policy. The skills and cross-disciplinary insights you develop will allow you to identify important unanswered questions and create research strategies that improve our understanding of social problems.

Graduates of the joint PhD Programs in Social Policy leave the program well equipped to pursue careers in leading political science or sociology departments, public policy schools, law schools, think tanks, nonprofit organizations, and in the public sector. 

Study Postgraduate

Phd in social policy and social work (2024 entry).

Course code

October, January and April

3-4 years full-time; Up to 7 years part-time

Qualification

Centre for Lifelong Learning

University of Warwick

Find out more about this Social Policy and Social Work research PhD.

The PhD in Social Policy and Social Work allows you to select a topic of your choice linked to our expertise within the broad field of social policy and social work. Warwick's Centre for Lifelong Learning provides a rich, transdisciplinary academic environment supported by a dedicated team including supervision and personal tutoring.

Course overview

This PhD provides an opportunity to undertake in-depth research linked to our expertise in social work and social policy. It spans a diverse range of areas reflecting the multi-disciplinary strengths of our faculty. We support interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research projects linked to one or more of our main research themes.

Teaching and learning

We provide a pleasant PhD study room and dedicated personal tutor support in addition to the supervisory team. A combined staff and student seminar programme provides a collegiate forum for sharing and discussing current topics and ideas.

General entry requirements

Minimum requirements.

2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject or a good Master's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject.

English language requirements

You can find out more about our English language requirements Link opens in a new window . This course requires the following:

• IELTS overall score of 7.0, minimum component scores of two at 6.0/6.5 and the rest at 7.0 or above.

International qualifications

We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.

For more information, please visit the international entry requirements page Link opens in a new window .

Additional requirements

There are no additional entry requirements for this course.

Our research

Research themes can include:

• Men, masculinity, and health
• Inequalities in health
• Developing knowledgeable and resilient ‘social actors’ through professional training and CPD
• The impact of neo-liberal policies on organisational behaviour, structure, and culture
• The formation of professional identity and professionalism within the context of neo-liberalism
• Social policy
• Comparative welfare state studies
• Labour markets
• Unemployment policy
• Childbirth/fatherhood
• Health and social work
• Mental Health
• Work and practice related to the Mental Health Act 1983 (2007) and Mental Capacity Act (2005)
• International and European approaches and perspectives in mental health practice

Find a supervisor

Please visit our website for a current list of supervisors and their available projects.

Applicants are encouraged to contact their potential supervisor. The most important aspect is the nature of your project and its potential for supervision in our department

You are asked to view your intended supervisor's profile and read their work. Please think about what might make your proposed PhD attractive to your supervisor, and customise the proposal accordingly.

• How does your project relate to your intended supervisor's work?
• How might your project enhance, advance, or develop it?
• Could you take it in a different direction?
• What kind of methods and approaches are likely to appeal to your potential supervisor?

We receive a large number of proposals every year and only have capacity for proposals that are carefully tailored to our specific areas of expertise.

Find a supervisor guidance

Visit our website to explore our PhD routes and areas of expertise. Link opens in a new window

Tuition fees

Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.

Find your research course fees

Fee Status Guidance

The University carries out an initial fee status assessment based on information provided in the application and according to the guidance published by UKCISA. Students are classified as either Home or Overseas Fee status and this can determine the tuition fee and eligibility of certain scholarships and financial support.

If you receive an offer, your fee status will be stated with the tuition fee information. If you believe your fee status has been incorrectly classified you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire (follow the instructions in your offer) and provide the required documentation for this to be reassessed.

The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides guidance to UK universities on fees status criteria, you can find the latest guidance on the impact of Brexit on fees and student support on the UKCISA website .

Additional course costs

Please contact your academic department for information about department specific costs, which should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below, such as:

• Core text books
• Printer credits
• Dissertation binding
• Robe hire for your degree ceremony

Scholarships and bursaries

Scholarships and financial support

Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.

Living costs

Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.

Centre for Lifelong Learning (CLL)

For more than 30 years, the Centre for Lifelong Learning has been a centre of expertise in the education of lifelong learners in different contexts. It has a focus on enabling adult learners to achieve their personal and professional goals by accessing a Warwick education, irrespective of background.

Our departmental research strategy focuses on four interconnected themes: concepts of lifelong learning; people-focused professions; wellbeing and identity; participation and collaboration. We seek to enthuse staff, students, and the wider community with this vision. More information is available on our website.

Find out more about us by visiting our website. Link opens in a new window

Our Postgraduate Taught courses

• Career Coaching (PGA)
• Career Development and Coaching Studies (MA)
• Career Development and Coaching Studies (PGCert)
• Career Development and Coaching Studies (PGDip)
• Career Development Theories (PGA)
• Career Education, Information and Guidance in HE (MA)
• Career Education, Information and Guidance in HE (PGCert)
• Career Education, Information and Guidance in HE (PGDip)
• Challenges of Careers Work in Higher Education (PGA)
• Coaching (MA)
• Coaching (PGCert)
• Coaching (PGDip)
• Leadership and Team Coaching (PGA)
• Psychotherapy and Counselling (MSc)

Our Postgraduate Research courses

• PhD in Adult Education and Lifelong Learning
• PhD in Social Policy and Social Work
• PhD in Social Work

How to apply

The application process for courses that start in September and October 2024 will open on 2 October 2023.

For research courses that start in September and October 2024 the application deadline for students who require a visa to study in the UK is 2 August 2024. This should allow sufficient time to complete the admissions process and to obtain a visa to study in the UK.

How to apply for a postgraduate research course  

After you’ve applied

Find out how we process your application.

Applicant Portal

Track your application and update your details.

Admissions statement

See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.

Join a live chat

Ask questions and engage with Warwick.

Warwick Hosted Events Link opens in a new window

Postgraduate fairs.

Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in-person around the UK. These events give you the chance to explore our range of postgraduate courses, and find out what it’s like studying at Warwick. You’ll also be able to speak directly with our student recruitment team, who will be able to help answer your questions.

Join a live chat with our staff and students, who are here to answer your questions and help you learn more about postgraduate life at Warwick. You can join our general drop-in sessions or talk to your prospective department and student services.

Departmental events

Some academic departments hold events for specific postgraduate programmes, these are fantastic opportunities to learn more about Warwick and your chosen department and course.

See our online departmental events

Warwick Talk and Tours

A Warwick talk and tour lasts around two hours and consists of an overview presentation from one of our Recruitment Officers covering the key features, facilities and activities that make Warwick a leading institution. The talk is followed by a campus tour which is the perfect way to view campus, with a current student guiding you around the key areas on campus.

Connect with us

Learn more about Postgraduate study at the University of Warwick.

Page updates

We may have revised the information on this page since publication. See the edits we have made and content history .

Why Warwick

Discover why Warwick is one of the best universities in the UK and renowned globally.

9th in the UK (The Guardian University Guide 2024) Link opens in a new window

67th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2024) Link opens in a new window

6th most targeted university by the UK's top 100 graduate employers Link opens in a new window

(The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers Research Ltd. Link opens in a new window )

About the information on this page

This information is applicable for 2024 entry. Given the interval between the publication of courses and enrolment, some of the information may change. It is important to check our website before you apply. Please read our terms and conditions to find out more.

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Health Spending Growth Has Slowed: Will the Curve Continue?

Department & Center Events

2024 Sam Shapiro Lecture featuring Joesph P. Newhouse, PhD, John D. MacArthur Research Professor of Health Policy and Management, Harvard University

Join the Center for Health Services and Outcomes Research for the 2024 Sam Shapiro Lecture "Health Care Spending Growth has Slowed: Will the Curve Continue?" The event will feature Joseph P. Newhouse, PhD, John D. MacArthur Research Professor of Health Policy and Management at Harvard University delivering the keynote address. 

Other panelists include Aditi Sen, PhD, MA, Chief of Health Policy Studies Unit, Congressional Budget Office; Matthew Eisenberg, PhD, Associate Professor of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health; and Eva Dugoff, PhD, MPP, Senior Health Advisor, US Senate Committee on Finance. 

Albert Wu, MD, MPh, Fred and Juliet Soper Professor and Director, Center for Health Services and Outcomes Research, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, will moderate the event. 

Lunch will be provided and begins at 11:30 a.m., with the lecture and panel to follow at noon. 

Contact Info

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HPM Faculty Member Jeromie Ballreich, PhD, MHS, testifies before House Ways and Means Committee