Social Work

Entry requirements

We require:

An honours degree (minimum Upper Second (2:1)) or the overseas equivalent in a relevant subject

AND a very good MSc/MPhil/MRes degree from a recognised institution

OR satisfactory work at postgraduate level (which must include some research training) undertaken for the equivalent of at least one year full-time.

NB In exceptional circumstances, we may consider an application from a student without both an undergraduate and post-graduate degree. For example, if they have a first/distinction and research experience.

Months of entry

January, April, September

Course content

Our PhD/MPhil Social Work programme enables you to undertake a research project that will improve understanding of Social Work.

This postgraduate research programme in social work gives students the opportunity to work with internationally renowned scholars engaged in innovative research that will make a difference in people's lives and in health and social care.

We particularly welcome students from all health and social care disciplines who have an interest in exploring related subject areas.

3-year PhD (FT, PT, FT Distance Learning, PT Distance Learning options)

The PhD programme of study consists of:

high-quality supervision by two members of staff with appropriate expertise to guide the PhD applicant throughout the study ensuring academic objectives are met and suitable training is provided;

research and transferable skills training and support;

taught course units in core research methods;

independent study;

an advisor to offer pastoral support.

In addition to the support and guidance of the supervision team, students will have access to a comprehensive, tailored training programme.

Students will meet with their supervisors during induction week (and the beginning of each subsequent year) to undertake a skills audit to identify their learning needs and devise an individualised training programme.

A mandatory transferable skills unit is offered that includes:

managing literature and searching;

project management;

research governance;

involving patients and the public in research;

ethics and academic writing.

There is also the option of additional training in research methods, completing taught master's-level units.

Information for international students

For applicants whose first language is not English, or if you have not studied recently in the UK, you must provide evidence of how you meet the English Language requirement.

We mainly accept IELTS or TOEFL tests. Please note IELTS and TOEFL are only valid for two years.

We require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall or TOEFL iBT 90. For each of the components of the English test you should meet the minimum requirement of 6.0 (IELTS) or 22 (iBT).

English language requirements for our distance learning programme are:

IELTS 7.0, with a score of 6.5 or above in each component

TOEFL 100 internet based (with a minimum score of 25 in each component)