PhD Social Sciences at Cardiff University

Programme overview

The PhD in Social Sciences in the School of Social and Spatial Sciences focuses on research training and theoretically informed research with a policy focus in sociology, social policy, criminology, science and technology studies, social work and education. The School has over 100 research students and is part of the Wales Doctoral Training Partnership.

Department: School of Social and Spatial Sciences | Duration: PhD 3 years (3-4 years stated in overview) full-time; 5-7 years part-time | Intake: January, April, July, October | Study mode: full-time, part-time | Location: Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom

What you will study

Doctoral research within themes including children and young people; crime, security and justice; culture and everyday life; education, skills and labour markets; inequalities and diversity; knowledge, learning and pedagogy; and science, technology and risk.

Career pathways

Entry to a variety of career paths, including academia.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A good first degree (2:1 and above) and/or a master's degree. Candidates without a master's in Social Science Research Methods may be required to undertake some or all of that programme. Overseas candidates need a first degree equivalent to a UK 2:1 and evidence of English. Applicants normally have an average of at least 60 in their Master's with 60 or more in the dissertation, or relevant professional experience. English language: TOEFL 600 (250 computer-based) or IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 7.0 in writing and no less than 6.0 in other sections. Complete applications (certificates and transcripts, English evidence, research proposal, personal statement) are welcomed until: October entry 9 June; January entry 15 October; April entry 14 January; July entry 8 April.

Intake: January, April, July, October

Duration: PhD 3 years

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