Social Policy, Ph.D. / MSc by Research / M.Phil.

Start dates: 1st October, 1st January, 1st April, 1st July. What human beings need and how societies meet those needs is at the heart of social policy. Our research addresses key contemporary social issues from national and international perspectives, examining themes such as social justice, equality, fairness, and citizenship.

Studying for a PhD in Social Policy gives you the opportunity to pursue in-depth your own personal or professional research interests in this wide-ranging field, which encompasses such diverse policy areas as health, education, housing, disability, crime, poverty, and the family. Offering flexibility through a wholly research-based mode of study, our MSc by Research in Social Policy course is perfect for those looking to balance work, life and study commitments. Over the course of your studies, you will develop and enhance transferable skills such as problem-solving, project management, and critical thinking that are valued in any professional setting.

We have a strong record in providing postgraduate research provision and welcome proposals on topics across the field. As a student at our School of Social Sciences, you will benefit from a dynamic and supportive research environment with many opportunities to make connections across disciplines and develop links with organisations and policymakers both in the UK and abroad. As such, you can be confident that your research will inform and be informed by the wider health and social care environment.

According to the most recent Research Excellence Framework in 2021, over 81% of the research in Education, Sociology and social policy was of international or world-leading quality. We have a wide range of expertise, and we invite applications for research degrees in the following areas: Childhood, the family and social justice Co-production Social welfare in theory and policy Welsh devolution