PhD Social Work at University of Kent

Programme overview

The PhD in Social Work is a research degree in the School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research at Canterbury. Students work on a thesis under supervision within a large social science research community with strengths in health, social care and social policy.

Department: School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research | Duration: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time | Intake: September, January | Study mode: full-time or part-time (Canterbury) | Location: Canterbury, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Independent doctoral research on a thesis topic, supported by the School's Researcher Development Programme, seminar series and supervision.

Career pathways

Graduates have pursued careers in academia, journalism, local and central government, charities and NGOs.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Typical offer: 2.2 or above. A good honours degree in the social sciences, an interest in the chosen topic area and a clear idea of the proposed thesis topic. For research in health services and personal social services, candidates with professional qualifications alone and/or relevant health service experience are also considered. English language (international applicants): C1 on CEFR, for example IELTS 7.0 with at least 7.0 in each component, or PTE Academic 76 with at least 76 in each sub-test; a UK degree or a degree from a majority English-speaking country may also satisfy the requirement. All applicants are considered individually and additional qualifications, professional qualifications and relevant experience may be taken into account.

International applicants: GBP 21,950 a year (2027/28). Full-time annual tuition fee from the 2027/28 fee table Source

Intake: September, January

Duration: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time

Apply through the official page: https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/apply

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