- Schools & departments
Social Work PhD
Awards: PhD
Study modes: Full-time, Part-time
Funding opportunities
Programme website: Social Work
Upcoming live online events
Postgraduate Discovery Day
(29 March, 09:00 - 18:00 BST)
- Book your place for Postgraduate Discovery Day
Research profile
Our social work researchers lead the field in a range of key social work research domains including mental health, children and their families, forced migration and refugees, and criminal justice. We have excellent links with leading professional bodies, policy-making organisations and professional and social work services in statutory and voluntary sectors throughout Scotland, the UK and internationally.
Specifically, we also have a number of partnerships with agencies and organisations providing social work in the Global South.
The research interests of staff cover the full range of applied service specialisms, theoretical issues and research methods. This includes expertise in:
longitudinal research
documentary analysis
discourse analysis
narrative and biographical methods
qualitative enquiry
evaluation approaches.
Our work is enriched by the perspective of both international students and UK/EU students, including individuals who are experienced professionals studying part-time while working.
Programme structure
Social work research offers a wide variety of methods and topics, often geared at understanding the experiences of those who are disadvantaged, alongside exploring challenges in social work practice, or contemporary social problems.
While many of our students are qualified social workers, we also have a large number of students who are not social workers, but study issues relevant to society, and policy and practice related to social work.
Many research students collaborate with practitioners or policy-makers in the development or undertaking of their research, embedding their work in the realities of professional practice.
The potential to undertake cutting-edge research on contemporary real-world problems makes this programme an exciting opportunity to generate knowledge that may offer solutions to the challenges faced by individuals, families and communities.
Find out more about compulsory and optional courses
We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.
Training and support
Together with students in all disciplines across the School, you will undertake research methods courses in first year (and second year if part-time) before proceeding with your thesis.
Each student has two supervisors with the possibility of the second supervisor coming from an outside discipline.
There are weekly group seminars for our PhD community which include staff, students and visiting scholars. Students are also invited to take park in method workshops and have opportunities to link into special interest groups in the wider School of Social and Political Science (see for example the RaceED and GenderEd). Staff also play leadership roles in a range of innovate research hubs and Centres (see for example the Binks Hub and the ACRC), bringing opportunities for PhD students to be involved in other research projects and knowledge exchange initiatives.
During the year you will also have the opportunity to participate in the annual University of Edinburgh Social Work Research Conference.
For more information about the range of courses on offer to our PhD students, go to:
- Postgraduate research courses
You can take advantage of our world-class library resources and can also access the National Library collections.
There are shared working spaces for PhD students within the School of Social and Political Science.
We promote the work of our students on social media.
You can follow our department on Twitter, and read about some current research projects on our subject area blog.
- University of Edinburgh Social Work Twitter account
- Social Work at the University of Edinburgh blog
PhD Social Work student story: Making a difference
Entry requirements.
These entry requirements are for the 2023/24 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2024/25 academic year will be published on 2 October 2023.
A UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent, and a UK masters degree with an overall mark of 65% or its international equivalent.
International qualifications
Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:
- Entry requirements by country
- English language requirements
You must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies, regardless of your nationality or country of residence.
English language tests
We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:
- IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
- C1 Advanced ( CAE ) / C2 Proficiency ( CPE ): total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
- Trinity ISE : ISE III with passes in all four components.
- PTE Academic: total 70 with at least 59 in each component.
Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS , TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE , in which case it must be no more than two years old.
Degrees taught and assessed in English
We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:
- UKVI list of majority English speaking countries
We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).
- Approved universities in non-MESC
If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than three and a half years old at the beginning of your programme of study.
Find out more about our language requirements:
Fees and costs
Tuition fees, scholarships and funding, featured funding.
- School of Social and Political Science Scholarships
- Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Awards
- Research scholarships for international students
- Principal's Career Development PhD Scholarships
For specialised guidance on submitting a competitive scholarship application, we strongly recommend you contact the Postgraduate Advisor for your subject area.
- Postgraduate Advisor
You should advise which scholarships you intend to apply for and send your draft research proposal. The Postgraduate Advisor will then contact you with guidance.
UK government postgraduate loans
If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments.
The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on:
- your programme
- the duration of your studies
- your tuition fee status
Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.
- UK government and other external funding
Other funding opportunities
Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:
- Search for funding
Further information
- Postgraduate Admissions Team
- Phone: +44 (0)131 651 3064/1560
- Contact: [email protected]
- Programme Advisor, Dr Robin Sen
- Contact: [email protected]
- Graduate School of Social & Political Science
- Chrystal Macmillan Building
- 15A George Square
- Central Campus
- Programme: Social Work
- School: Social & Political Science
- College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.
PhD Social Work - 3 Years (Full-time)
Phd social work - 6 years (part-time), application deadlines.
We encourage you to apply at least one month prior to entry so that we have enough time to process your application. If you are also applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible.
- How to apply
You must submit two references with your application.
You must submit a research proposal demonstrating your knowledge of your field of research, which will be closely scrutinised as part of the decision-making process. We request that PhD research proposals are no more than four A4 typed pages in Times New Roman, 12pt font. This includes charts and figures but does not include references or a bibliography.
We require PhD applicants in particular to contact potential supervisors before applying to discuss their research proposal so we can ensure there is adequate supervision.
Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:
Study Postgraduate
Phd in social work (2023 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 Work research PhD.
The PhD in Social Work allows you to select a topic of your choice linked to our expertise within the broad field of 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. Our faculty has a range of expertise. 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:i undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject; a Masters level degree in Social Work, Social Policy, Sociology or other cognate 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:
- Social work training and education
- Men/masculinity
- Childbirth/fatherhood
- Health and social work
- Inequalities in health
- Children and families
- Relationship-based social work
- Social work and structure
- Emotion and social work
- Violence towards children
- Neoliberalism and contemporary social work
Research proposal guidance
Find a supervisor
A wide range of related PhD projects are supervised within CLL. Please visit our website for a current list of available projects.
We have four PhD routes available in our department of which this is one. There is some flexibility in choice of route and applicants are encouraged to discuss this with their potential supervisor. The most important aspect is the nature of your project and its potential for supervision in our department
Information about each route is available on our web pages. Within each route, you will find links to potential supervisors' profiles. 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.
Taught course fees 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, however we are awaiting guidance from the UK government regarding fee status for EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals and their family members living in the UK for academic year 2021/22 onwards. We are not able to confirm the fee status for these students until the relevant eligibility criteria have been confirmed. Once we have received further information from the UK government, we will provide you with an update on your fee status and let you know if any additional information is required. 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
As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad. Information about department specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below, such as:
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 and Counselling (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)
- 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
Taught course applications
Here is our checklist on how to apply for taught postgraduate courses at Warwick.
Research course applications
Here is our checklist on how to apply for research postgraduate degrees at the University of Warwick.
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.
Postgraduate Open Day
Postgraduate fairs.
Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in the UK. These events give you the chance to learn about our Master's and PhD study routes, and the wider context of postgraduate study.
Find out more
Every week, you can connect directly with representatives from Warwick, who will be answering your questions on applying to and studying postgraduate studies at Warwick.
Sign up for Live Chats
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
Connect with us
Want to hear more about postgraduate study at Warwick? Register your interest and find out more.
Learn more about Postgraduate study at the University of Warwick.
Why Warwick
Discover why Warwick is one of the best universities in the UK and renowned globally.
6th in the UK (The Guardian University Guide 2022) Link opens in a new window
64th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2023) 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 2022, High Fliers Research Ltd. Link opens in a new window )
About the information on this page
This information is applicable for 2023 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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Course type
Qualification, university name, doctorate degrees in social work.
37 degrees at 31 universities in the UK.
Customise your search
Select the start date, qualification, and how you want to study
Related subjects:
- Doctorate Social Work
- Doctorate Addiction Counselling
- Doctorate Applied Social Work
- Doctorate Caring Skills
- Doctorate Childcare Skills
- Doctorate Children and Youth Social Work
- Doctorate Counselling
- Doctorate Counselling Skills
- Doctorate People with Learning Difficulties: Social Work
- Doctorate People with Mental Health Problems: Social Work
- Doctorate Social Policy and Administration
- Doctorate Social Work Administration
- Doctorate Social Work Specialisms
- Doctorate Social Work, Community Work and Counselling Skills
- Doctorate Social and Community Work
- Doctorate Specialist Counselling Skills
- Doctorate Youth Work
- Course title (A-Z)
- Course title (Z-A)
- Price: high - low
- Price: low - high
PhD Postgraduate Research in Social Work
University of east anglia uea.
- 3 years Full time degree
- 6 years Part time degree
PhD/ MPhil Social Work & Social Policy
University of strathclyde.
- variable - to suit the learner Full time degree: 4,596 per year (UK)
MPhil/PhD Health and Social Care
University of chester.
- 3 years Full time degree: 4,500 per year (UK)
- 4 years Part time degree: 2,250 per year (UK)
PhD Social Work and Social Care
University of birmingham.
- 3 years Full time degree: 4,620 per year (UK)
- 6 years Part time degree: 2,310 per year (UK)
Social Work and Social Care PhD
University of gloucestershire.
- 4 years Distance without attendance degree: 5,100 per year (UK)
- 6 years Distance without attendance degree: 3,400 per year (UK)
- 4 years Full time degree: 5,100 per year (UK)
- 6 years Part time degree: 3,400 per year (UK)
Social Work PhD
Faculty of arts, humanities and social sciences, queen's university belfast.
- 3 years Full time degree: 4,596 per year (UK)
- 6 years Part time degree: 2,298 per year (UK)
PhD Social Work
University of hertfordshire.
- 3 years Full time degree: 5,590 per year (UK)
- 6 years Part time degree: 2,795 per year (UK)
Prof Doc Social Work
University of east london.
- 5 years Part time degree: 3,070 per year (UK)
- Integrating theory, research and ethical practice ? Moving towards Registration- Core
- Research methodology ? perspectives on research- Core
- Thesis- Core
- Critically engaging with the literature- Core
- Philosophy and practice of research- Core
- View all modules
Social Work - PhD
University of kent.
- 5 years Part time degree: 2,298 per year (UK)
Brunel University London
- 6 years Part time degree: 2,295 per year (UK)
PhD Postgraduate Research in Social Work and Social Care
University of wolverhampton.
- 4 years Full time degree: 4,596 per year (UK)
- 8 years Part time degree: 2,298 per year (UK)
Social Work Doctorate(DSW)
Liverpool hope university.
- 4 years Part time degree: 2,160 per year (UK)
- Engaging with Research - Knowledge, Truth and Values in Research
- Engaging with Research - Research, Policy and Practice
- Yourself as Researcher - Practitioner Research in Context
- Research Proposal
- Research Skills and Methods
Professional Doctorate in Social Work
University of portsmouth.
- 4 years Part time degree: 3,200 per year (UK)
- Professional Review and Development
- Proposal for Professional Research and Development
- Publication and Dissemination
- Advanced Research Techniques
- Research and Professional Development
Social Work and Social Care, PhD
Swansea university, doctor of social work.
- Introduction to Social Science Research
- Social Research Methods (I)
- Social Research Methods (II)
- Research Design
MPhil/PhD Social Work
Goldsmiths, university of london.
- 4 years Part time degree: 2,298 per year (UK)
Royal Holloway, University of London
- 3 years Full time degree: 4,682 per year (UK)
Professional Doctorate Social Care Education
University of essex.
- 6 years Part time degree: 3,500 per year (UK)
- Postgraduate Research Methods (30 Credits) - Core
- Professional Portfolio 1 (30 Credits) - Core
- Professional Portfolio 2 (30 Credits) - Core
- Theory and Method in Health Research (15 Credits) - Core
- HS927-7-SP Statistical Analysis (15 Credits) - Core
Social Work and Social Policy (PhD)
University of huddersfield.
- 3 years Full time degree: 4,647 per year (UK)
- 6 years Part time degree: 2,362 per year (UK)
University of Hull
1-20 of 37 courses
Course type:
- Distance learning Doctorate
- Full time Doctorate
- Part time Doctorate
Qualification:
Universities:.
- Tavistock & Portman NHS Foundation Trust and Tavistock Consulting
- University of Sussex
- University of Worcester
- University of Warwick
- The University of Edinburgh
- Cardiff University
- University of York
- Ulster University
- University of Dundee
- University of Bristol
- Keele University
- University of Manchester
Related Subjects:
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
46 Social Work PhDs in United Kingdom. This page shows a selection of the available PhDs in United Kingdom. If you're interested in studying a Social Work degree in United Kingdom you can view all 46 PhDs. You can also read more about Social Work degrees in general, or about studying in United Kingdom. Many universities and colleges in United ...
Study PhD in Social Work at the University of Edinburgh. Our postgraduate doctorate degree programme covers research from a range of specialisms and theoretical issues in social work, from the justice system, to vulnerable children and adults, to community care. Find out more here.
The PhD in Social Work allows you to select a topic of your choice linked to our expertise within the broad field of social work. Warwick's Centre for Lifelong Learning provides a rich, transdisciplinary academic environment supported by a dedicated team including supervision and personal tutoring.
PhD Postgraduate Research in Social Work and Social Care University of Wolverhampton (3.8) 4 years Full time degree: 4,596 per year (UK) 8 years Part time degree: 2,298 per year (UK) Apply now Visit website Request info Book event Compare Social Work and Social Care PhD University of Gloucestershire (4.3)
46 PhD programmes in Social Work in United Kingdom - PhDportal All disciplines Applied Sciences & Professions 74 Emergency & Disaster Management1 Family & Consumer Science4 Fashion, Textiles and Luxury Goods3 Food Sciences6 Forensic Science9 Library Science3 Military Science2 Museum Studies3 Real Estate & Property Management0 Social Work46
Doctorate Degrees in Social Work. 37 degrees at 31 universities in the UK. NEW SEARCH. Doctorate Social Work, Community Work and Counselling Skills Social Work. COURSE LOCATION UNIVERSITY CLEAR.