PhD Social Work and Social Care at Manchester Metropolitan University

Programme overview

PhD Social Work and Social Care is a doctoral research degree in Social Care and Social Work at Manchester Metropolitan University. Discover your research degree study options, including areas of expertise for our academic supervisors.

Faculty: Faculty of Health and Education | Duration: three years full-time, six years part-time | Study mode: full-time, part-time | Intake: Most of our students enrol in October. You can also join us in January and April. | Location: Manchester, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Supervised original research leading to a doctoral thesis. Research areas include: Care (paid and informal) and parenting across the life course, Community and wellbeing, Critical professional practice, Dementia, Disability, especially learning disability and autism, Marginalised communities, Mental health, Safeguarding of adults and children, Sexual and gender-based violence and domestic violence, Sexual and reproductive health, relationships and intimate lives, Social aspects of ageing, Social work education and practice.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

To apply, you’ll need a first or 2.1 honours degree, or an equivalent qualification. International students must have strong English language skills. We welcome applicants from non-standard backgrounds. We’ll take subject knowledge, personal and professional experience, publications, or other relevant achievements into consideration.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,238 a year (2026/27). Full-time home fee for PhD/MPhil (UKRI rate); part-time £2,619 per year; additional project costs may apply Source

International applicants: GBP 22,500 a year (2026/27). Full-time international fee per year for this subject band; part-time is 50% Source

Intake: Most of our students enrol in October. You can also join us in January and April.

Duration: three years full-time, six years part-time

Apply through the official page: https://www.mmu.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research-study/subject/apply-research-degree

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