Social Policy

The research degree programme aims to provide students with an outstanding learning experience in a supportive community of learning. The Social Policy subject area is known nationally and internationally for excellence in research and teaching and all staff are engaged in conducting their own research. Information on staff research interests and achievements can be found on the Departmental web pages below. As a PhD student with us you will be a part of a vibrant active group of researchers of all ages in the centre for workforce development. Students come from a wide range of professional backgrounds in the public, voluntary and private sector including healthcare, education, childhood studies, social work and social care. As a doctoral student you can enjoy your learning through participating in departmental fortnightly research events, expert seminars, a student forum held monthly and a quarterly student research summit. This is in addition to University wide activity. Our students are supported to build their research profiles in order to present at conferences and to write journal articles as they proceed with their doctoral studies.

The main aims of the programme are: a) the creation and interpretation of new knowledge through original research or other advanced scholarship, or of a quality to satisfy peer review, extend the forefront of the discipline and merit publication; b) a systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge which is at the forefront of the academic discipline; c) the general ability to conceptualise, design and implement a project for the generation of new knowledge, applications or understanding at the forefront of the discipline, and to adjust the project design in the light of unforeseen problems; d) a detailed understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced academic enquiry appropriate to the discipline.

Having successfully completed this programme you: have demonstrated a systematic understanding of a field of study and mastery of the skills and methods of research associated with that field; have demonstrated the ability to conceive, design, implement and adapt a substantial process of research with scholarly integrity; have made a contribution through original research that extends the frontier of knowledge by developing a substantial body of work, some of which merits national or international refereed publication; are capable of critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis of new and complex ideas; can communicate with your peers, the larger scholarly community and with society in general about your areas of expertise; can be expected to be able to promote, within academic and professional contexts, technological, social or cultural advancement in a knowledge-based society.

Assessment methods The award of MPhil or PhD is assessed through submission of a written thesis or equivalent for practice based disciplines and an oral examination with a panel of examiners (viva voce). The viva is compulsory for PhD and for MPhil.