Doctor of Social Work
University of Birmingham
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( 4.2) View reviews

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Qualification

DSW - Doctorate in Social work

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Location

University of Birmingham

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

SEP-25

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Duration

3 years

Course info

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Qualification

DSW - Doctorate in Social work

Location

University of Birmingham

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

3 years

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Qualification

DSW - Doctorate in Social work

Location

University of Birmingham

Study mode

Part Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

6 years

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Social Work
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Course info

The Doctor of Social Work is designed for social workers and for those wanting to undertake a professional doctorate in the field of Social Work and Social Care.The Doctor of Social work is a professional doctorate for both UK based as well as International (EU and wider Overseas) students. Its purpose is to enable those working in professional contexts to make a difference by carrying out applied or action orientated research in a variety of areas. It also facilitates organisational input on ...Read more

The Doctor of Social Work is designed for social workers and for those wanting to undertake a professional doctorate in the field of Social Work and Social Care.

The Doctor of Social work is a professional doctorate for both UK based as well as International (EU and wider Overseas) students. Its purpose is to enable those working in professional contexts to make a difference by carrying out applied or action orientated research in a variety of areas. It also facilitates organisational input on agreed research areas and can enhance organisational research capacity.

The Doctor of Social Work is designed for those who are involved in aspects of social work, social policy and practice in a wide range of settings, including government, voluntary organisations, community-based projects, management, education, social care, health care, probation and user groups, as paid workers or volunteers.

It aims to develop critical reflection within participants' policy, practice and organisational contexts, enhance applied social research skills, and develop ability to carry out and apply original research.

The programme comprises research training, work orientated assignments and a 50,000-word thesis demonstrating original work.

Employability

If I gain a postgraduate research degree in this area, what are my career prospects?

The University of Birmingham has recently been ranked 9th in the UK, and 55th in the world, for post-qualification employability in a global survey of universities commissioned by the International Herald Tribune.

Over the last five years 98.6% of postgraduates from the School of Social Policy have been in work and/or further study six months after graduation.

The skills you’ll gain from studying in the School are highly sought after in most jobs or professions, as you will develop analytical skills and the ability to gather, assess and interpret data, all of which require clear and logical thinking.

Birmingham’s School of Social Policy postgraduates enter a wide range of occupational sectors: the majority in the public sector in areas such as youth work but others including events, sales, administration and education. Graduates also opt to continue in academia.

What type of career assistance is available to doctoral researchers in this department?

The College of Social Sciences, to which the School of Social Policy belongs, has specially designated careers advisors and careers consultants who can provide guidance for doctoral researchers on career paths, CVs, training opportunities, application and interviews. The University’s central Careers’ Service also runs workshops and offers personally tailored advice and guidance including 1-1 careers advice, 1-1 CV advice. The Career’s Service also runs CV writing workshops especially for postgraduates in the College of Social Sciences, giving advice on how to compile CVs for both employment and for academic roles.

The University also has dedicated careers advisors for International students who run workshops and networking opportunities with potential employers. These are especially popular with International postgraduate researchers.

Key stats

WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
44/101
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
21st
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
13th
What students say
M
Melinda
31 Jan 24

Everyone is friendly and welcoming..Read more

B
Brianca
31 Jan 24

Very good and supporting..Read more

Modules

Module Options
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

Normally a first-class or upper second-class Honours degree in social work or a relevant social science, or the successful completion of an appropriate postgraduate programme is required. Doctor of Social Work applicants would usually also have a relevant professional qualification and experience.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£4,778 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

£21,360 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

£21,360 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Social Work reviews

Social Work
Social Work
M
Melinda
31 Jan 24
Social Work BA (Hons)
Everyone is friendly and welcoming...
Read more
B
Brianca
31 Jan 24
Social Work BA (Hons)
Very good and supporting...
Read more
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How Social Work students rated:

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40%
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( 4.2) 1,403 reviews
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Uni info

University of Birmingham
University of Birmingham , Birmingham

The University of Birmingham - part of the prestigious Russell Group of universities in the UK – has been helping to develop the...

Student rating
( 4.2) View reviews
CUG ranking
13th
University of Birmingham
Edgbaston, Birmingham Birmingham B15 2TT United Kingdom
Nearest train station: University   0.2 miles away
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