Doctor of Social and Public Policy (SPPD) at Cardiff University

Programme overview

A part-time professional doctorate for practitioners in social and public policy, building social science and policy research skills in the professional context. Students join a cohort of professionals from health, social work, social policy, criminology and education.

Department: School of Social Sciences | Duration: SPPD 5-7 years part-time (no full-time study) | Study mode: part-time | Location: Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom

What you will study

Taught modules on managing evidence-informed change, power, equity, leadership and governance, followed by a thesis connected to the student's professional context.

Career pathways

Graduates often advance to senior leadership roles, contribute to national policy or lead new programmes and research in their organisations.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A good first degree (normally 2:1 or above) or acceptable international degree, and usually a master's degree; either should be subject-relevant (e.g. social sciences or humanities) or other studies must show substantive subject knowledge. At least two years' professional experience in a social or public policy related field, with access to professional settings. English: IELTS overall 7.0 with at least 6.5 in all other subskills, or accepted equivalent. Application deadline 1 June each year (later applications considered only if places remain).

Duration: 5-7 years part-time

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