Why choose this course?

• PhD students at the Department of Social Sciences, Inclusion and Public Protection (SSIPP) are supervised by academics who are leading experts across a range of areas in which they have researched, worked and published. At least one academic in each supervisory team will have a track record of successful supervisions and all supervisors will have taken part in the university’s PhD supervision training.
• SSIPP prides itself on the levels of support provided to postgraduate research students in the course of their PhD journey. Our academics are committed to their subject areas and meet regularly with their supervisees to work closely with them at all stages of the project, from inception to completion.
• The University of Wolverhampton provides a collegiate research environment and first-class facilities to its PhD students, including a dedicated postgraduate research room, use of the University’s Harrison Learning Centre and access to key Social Science databases and journals. Where necessary, staff will also support PhD students with gaining access to other sources of information necessary for their doctoral studies.
• Postgraduate research students are encouraged to present their research to University academics and fellow PhD students through hosting research seminars. Again, this is an area where our supportive and knowledgeable PhD supervisors are happy to support and advise where needed.

Our postgraduate research students are afforded the opportunity to develop their research skills through participation in training events organised by the Faculty of Social Sciences and the University’s Doctoral College.

Career Paths

Successful completion of your PhD opens up a range of career opportunities and demonstrates your proven skills as a researcher. Within the social sciences, having a PhD is becoming an increasingly essential element for those looking to develop a career in lecturing or research within higher education. As well as higher education, a PhD will assist in accessing research opportunities within government, commercial and voluntary sector organisations. As well as demonstration of your research skills, a PhD shows your extensive knowledge of a particular field in an applied and rigorous manner that is attractive to employers.