PhD and MPhil in Social Policy and Social Work
Our programmes are supported by a commitment to an international standard of research.
Start date
October 2022
January, April, July 2023
(term dates)
Department
Meet us
Meet us online or on campus and find out more about postgraduate study at York.
Find out moreJoin a vibrant community which emphasises theoretically-rich and empirically-grounded research that directly influences policy and practice.
The city of York has a long tradition as a leading voice for social reform. At York, you'll join doctoral students from across the globe pushing conceptual, methodological and theoretical dimensions of social policy and social work.
You will belong to the White Rose Social Sciences Doctoral Training Centre (DTC) with its extended networks and training events. You'll have access to desk space and computing facilities at the Research Centre for the Social Sciences (RCSS), which is a hub for interdisciplinary research and postgraduate life in the social sciences at York.
Supervision
We are able to offer supervision in a wide range of areas, largely focused around the following topics:
- Childhood, youth and family
- Housing
- Welfare and poverty
- Mental health
- Comparative and global social policy
- Health and social care
- Crime
Consider how your research interests complement our expertise and knowledge. Find out more about our supervisors, our research and current doctoral students.
Before you apply you may find it useful to contact Dr Julie Rugg for an informal discussion about your topic and potential supervisors.
Entry requirements
You will be normally expected to hold an Upper Second or First Class Honours degree. 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're a non-native English speaking applicant you must provide evidence of your English language ability. Find out more about our English language requirements.
Application process
Achieving a PhD in Social Policy and Social Work at the University of York will require you to undertake an independent research project collecting new material or offering new analysis of existing data. Conceptual and theoretical approaches may also be considered, but must contribute more than a synthesis of existing literature.
The PhD is awarded on production of a written thesis of a minimum of 70,000 words and no longer than 100,000 including references but excluding appendices, and subject to an oral examination (viva).
In order to assess your application, you must submit a proposal of 3,000 words, using the headings indicated below.
|
Required headings |
Comments |
|---|---|
|
Working title |
Provide a working title for the proposal. |
|
Introduction |
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? |
|
Research questions |
Provide one or more research questions that your research will answer. |
|
Literature review |
Give a brief literature review, demonstrating your familiarity with this research area including theoretical perspectives. |
|
Research design |
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. |
|
Ethical implications |
Does your proposed research carry any ethical implications? See, for example, Guidelines on Research Ethics (social-policy.org.uk). How will you resolve these? |
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.
Further information
Both our PhD and MPhil courses can be completed either full time or part time although some overseas students maybe required to undertake full-time study.
Discover York
Accommodation
We offer a range of campus accommodation to suit you and your budget, from economy to deluxe.
Why York
Discover more about our researchers, facilities and why York is the perfect choice for your research degree.
Graduate Research School
Connect with researchers across all disciplines to get the most out of your research project.