PhD Social Sciences

The School of Social Sciences supports a growing and vibrant community of PhD students. The PhD is an advanced postgraduate qualification, involving three or more years in which you work through the issues associated with solving a particular problem. Each research student is supported by a team of supervisors appointed for the particular study.

The School welcomes enquiries relating to the fields of psychology, criminology and sociology.

What's covered in the course?

In the School of Social Sciences, staff have recognised standing, nationally and internationally, in the following broad areas:

understanding crime and punishment;
the study of all aspects of psychology;
the exploration of social structures and change.

Our PhD students benefit from regular supervision meetings with academics who are experts in their field. They have the opportunity to become members of our proactive research community made up of academics, postgraduate researchers and external partners.

Research in the School of Social Sciences has strong real world applications. Researchers within the School have close links with the local communities, NGOs and organisations such as the Police and Prison Service. They work in collaboration with such groups to inform and drive policy to change the society in which we live.

In Criminology, staff research includes subjects such as Crime Culture & Contemporary Media, Extremism Security Studies & Terrorism, Positive Criminology, Sports Criminology and Birmingham Urban Studies.

In Sociology, staff explore aspects of the African diasporic communities, popular culture, higher education and society and health, housing, domestic abuse and politics.

In Psychology, staff research explores three main areas: cognitive, developmental and disorders; forensic psychology; and individuals, society and health.

Employment Opportunities

The PhD award is a well established and valued professional qualification within the sector and will enhance career prospects. For those wanting to follow a career in teaching and researching in higher Education, a PhD is highly desirable.

The value of a PhD to employability

The PhD is recognised worldwide and is often an essential requirement for those wishing to follow an academic research career. However, it is increasingly recognised as useful in industry, commerce and the Third Sector.