The School of Social Sciences has an exceptionally strong and interdisciplinary research culture, and offers expert supervision across a wide range of research topics.

Programme aims

The programme offers students the opportunity to undertake a sustained and independent research project, pursued at the highest level, as 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.

Distinctive features

• The School of Social Sciences is home to a large, flourishing and interdisciplinary postgraduate community of over 100 research students.
• The School offers a range of PhD awards suitable to the stage of your career and background.
• Each year the School is successful in obtaining many funded study awards from public, private and third sector organisations that provide financial and other support to PhD students
• PhD students have access to a large study space within the School containing personal storage, computing facilities with university-wide connection to email, internet and up-to-the minute, disciplinary-specific, research applications and resources.
• PhD students are invited to participate in the School’s research community and attend research groups, seminar series and informal study groups to introduce them to - and with opportunities to act as leaders in - contemporary debate and expert opinion in their field.
• PhD students have access to a suite of excellent training opportunities (including research skills and methods) to support their studies and prepare them for the next stage of their career.
• There are opportunities for PhD students to contribute to teaching in the School’s undergraduate courses, and with additional training and mentoring, students may work towards HEA Associate/Fellow status.