PhD Social Sciences

Our PhD programme is characterised by a strong focus on research training leading to theoretically-informed research that advances academic and policy debates.

There are different options of study:

The School of Social Sciences has the following research themes that represent the School’s main areas of expertise. There is also the opportunity for interdisciplinary research. We encourage applications in all these areas:

Research students join a vibrant academic and research environment with supervision by leading experts in their field.

We are committed to theoretically informed research with a clear policy focus; and offer research opportunities for postgraduate study in sociology, social policy, criminology, science and technology studies, social work and education (see full list below). We welcome students who wish to pursue their studies in an interdisciplinary way. We collaborate with major universities and international agencies around the world, as well as with local policy makers and practitioners.

Our research environment includes a wide range of active research groupings, seminar series, and informal study groups. Our PGR Café - a student-led initiative - provides a unique intellectual forum and support network for those pursuing doctoral studies.

We are delighted to be part of the Wales Doctoral Training Partnership (Wales DTP), funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).

The programme offers students the opportunity to undertake a sustained and independent research project, pursued at the highest level, as MPhil or Doctoral candidates. The attainment of a research degree provides an entry to a variety of career paths, including (as for many of our students) a career in academia.