Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) at Liverpool Hope University

Programme overview

The Doctor of Social Work (DSW) is designed for experienced social work professionals who wish to enhance practice, leadership and service development through doctoral-level research. It is intended for qualified social workers, managers, leaders and practitioners working across statutory, voluntary and independent sectors who wish to generate original knowledge capable of informing practice, policy and organisational change.

Faculty: School of Education and Social Sciences | Duration: 5-8 Years (Part-time) | Study mode: part-time | Intake: September 2026 and January 2027 | Location: Liverpool, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Modules include Critical and Contemporary Issues, Introduction to Research in Practice, Literature Review in Your Specialism, Research Methods, Methodology and Methods in Your Specialism, Research Proposal.

Career pathways

The Doctor of Social Work is intended for experienced social work professionals seeking to deepen their professional expertise and enhance their influence within social work, social care and related sectors. Graduates develop advanced capabilities in research, critical reflection, leadership and evidence-informed decision-making.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold a minimum of a Second-Class Honours degree in a relevant discipline awarded by a UK university, or an equivalent higher education qualification. Applicants should also normally demonstrate a minimum of three years of sustained professional experience relevant to the proposed field of doctoral study. For the Doctor of Social Work, applicants would typically have substantial experience within social work, social care, safeguarding, community services, criminal justice, health and social care, or related professional contexts. Applicants whose first language is not English will normally be required to achieve IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0, or an equivalent recognised qualification.

Domestic applicants: GBP 2,750 a year (2026/27). Professional Doctorate (PRDP) home fee per year Source

International applicants: GBP 7,500 a year (2026/27). Professional Doctorate (PRDP) EU/international fee per year Source

Intake: September 2026 and January 2027

Duration: 5-8 Years (Part-time)

Apply through the official page: https://www.hope.ac.uk/postgraduateresearch/howtoapply/applyonline/

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