PhD Social Work at University of Hull

Programme overview

The PhD in Social Work involves researching and writing a thesis of up to 100,000 words on a topic for which Hull can offer supervision. Recent research covers safeguarding and suicide prevention in the internet age, child protection, domestic abuse and coercive control, trauma-informed approaches, experience of illness, palliative and end-of-life care, and social inequality.

Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences | Department: Hull York Medical School | Duration: 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time, plus up to 12 months (24 months part-time) of writing-up | Intake: February, May and September 2027; January and May 2028 | Study mode: full-time | Location: Hull, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Alongside the thesis, students complete research training modules (minimum 60 credits) from the PGR Development Programme run by the Doctoral College. The department has working relationships with local social services providers, service users and carers.

Career pathways

Career support for professional success is available.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

At least a 2:1 Honours degree (or international equivalent) in a related subject area. Applications include a 2,000 word research proposal setting out the research topic, significance, gap in knowledge and proposed methodology. Applications are considered only where a primary supervisor has already agreed in advance to support the application. International applicants: academic IELTS 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in each skill.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,238 a year (2026/27). Full-time standard fee per year; part-time £2,619 a year; annual increases may apply for courses longer than one year. Source

International applicants: GBP 20,600 a year (2026/27). Full-time per year; part-time £10,300 a year; annual increases may apply. Source

Intake: 2027 entry; 2028 entry

Duration: 3 years

Apply through the official page: https://evision.hull.ac.uk/pg-pre-pick.html?course=RPSOCWX

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