Course location
This course is run by the School for Business and Society.
You will be based in the School for Business and Society which is based on Campus West. Most of your training and supervision meetings will take place here, though your research may take you further afield.
You should live in or near York during your PhD programme, whether part-time or full-time. We do not offer distance learning arrangements.
Entry requirements
You should have (or expect to obtain) a minimum of a 60% average on a Masters-level programme, with a good mark on your dissertation. However if you have other relevant experience you may still be considered.
If you wish to pursue research on a social work topic, you should also have a good background in social work theory and practice. Likewise, if you wish to do research in social policy, you should have a firm background in the subject.
Applicants are expected to have a good grounding in research methods. If you haven't completed a Masters degree or appropriate research training, you may wish to consider our MA Social Research.
English requirements
If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence of your ability.
English language requirements
Applying
Our PhD course can be completed either full-time or part-time, although some overseas students maybe required to undertake full-time study.
Apply for the PhD in Social Policy and Social Work
Take a look at the supporting documents you may need for your application.
Find out more about how to apply.
Research proposal
In order to assess your application, you must submit a proposal of 3,000 words, using the headings indicated below.
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Required headings
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Comments
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Working title
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Provide a working title for the proposal.
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Introduction
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Indicate the general topic area and the main aim of the study and indicate what your study would contribute. For example, would it address a gap in knowledge or develop theory?
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Research questions
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Provide one or more research questions that your research will answer.
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Literature review
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Give a brief literature review, demonstrating your familiarity with this research area including theoretical perspectives.
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Research design
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Outline your research design and include reference and, where relevant, describe data collection methods, sampling and methods of analysis. Consider what risks there may be to your research design and whether your timetable is feasible.
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Ethical implications
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Does your proposed research carry any ethical implications? See, for example, Guidelines on Research Ethics (social-policy.org.uk). How will you resolve these?
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Interview
If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to attend an online interview. It is important that you can demonstrate an understanding of your topic area, its supporting theories and knowledge around current research.
