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Research degrees in Social Sciences PhD

  • Level(s) of Study: Postgraduate research
  • Start Date(s): All year round depending on project
  • Duration: 4 / 8 year(s)
  • Study Mode(s): Full-time / Part-time
  • Campus: City Campus
  • Entry Requirements:
    More information

Introduction:

Undertaking a PhD

The School of Social Sciences offers opportunities to study for a PhD by research. Supervision is available by full-time or part-time study and can sometimes be provided by distance learning. Please find further details of who to contact here.

Supporting your studies

Carrying out research for a PhD, DPsych or ProfD requires different skills from undergraduate or taught postgraduate study. You will mostly work on your own research project, but we also emphasise the importance of regular meetings with your supervisory team.

The team consists of a director of studies (who will usually have expertise in your subject area) and at least one other supervisor selected for their complementary expertise such as relevant research methods.

The Doctoral School Team will support you from your initial enquiry, through the application process and the various stages of your degree, until your viva voce examination and subsequent graduation. Once you begin your studies, you will have induction sessions to introduce you to the University, help you settle in and meet other researchers.

Researcher training

In addition to studying for a research degree, students undertaking traditional route PhDs will participate in researcher training. This combines general research training with specific topics associated with your discipline. The training focuses on the requirements of external research funding bodies and government requirements.

We also provide a structured programme of transferable skills training and career development. This is informed by the work of Vitae, the national organisation which supports researchers throughout their careers.

What you’ll study

The School of Social Sciences has a strong focus on both applied and theoretically informed research on contemporary social issues and policy. Research is grounded in the disciplines of:

  • Politics and International Relations
  • Psychology
  • Social Work and Health, including Social Policy
  • Sociology including Criminology.

Both cross-School and discipline specific research is flourishing and is supported by School-wide research conferences and events, bursary competitions, and multidisciplinary research groups.

Carrying out research for a PhD (or DPsych or ProfD) is very different from being an undergraduate. You will work on a unique project in a field of your own choice or one that has been developed by colleagues within the School of Social Sciences. We will provide you with the support you need, through expert supervision from experienced researchers, a well-chosen programme of research training and the support of the University's Doctoral School.

You will need to carefully assess the research opportunities available in your chosen area, and we suggest that you seek the advice of the University's Doctoral School and our disciplinary research leads in the School of Social Sciences. They will be able to put you in touch with a potential supervisor, and will also provide advice about the most appropriate course of supporting studies for you.

Research students are supervised by nationally and internationally recognised researchers in the School of Social Sciences.

External links and collaborations

The Schools of Social Sciences has developed extensive links with a wide range of external organisations and are actively involved in collaborations with other universities, both in the UK and abroad. These links ensure the business, policy and professional relevance of our research degrees and our postgraduate and professional courses. They have also contributed strongly to NTU's sustained track record in scoring very highly for graduate employability in national league tables. In recent years, researchers have been especially successful in responding to the needs of our external partners. We have been awarded grants from:

  • ESRC (Economic and Social Research Council)
  • British Academy
  • Joseph Rowntree Foundation
  • European Commission
  • Leverhulme Trust
  • Nottingham Probation Service
  • Nuffield Foundation
  • Home Office
  • Cabinet Office
  • Department for Education and Science
  • National charities
  • A wide variety of public services in the East Midlands and beyond

Most of our part-time research students, including a high proportion of our international research students, come to us from the public services (including health, policing and local government), the professions (e.g., social work and social care, forensic psychology) and business organisations, to work on research projects directly related to their work. Some PhD projects are designed and managed collaboratively with external organisations. Such projects enable their employing organisations to benefit from contact with leading-edge research. We therefore particularly welcome applications from people wishing to work on projects directly related to business, professional or public services practice or policy.

Staff Profiles

Matt Henn - Professor

School of Social Sciences

Matt Henn is Professor of Social Research and Research Director for the Department of Social and Political Sciences at Nottingham Trent University.

Careers and employability

Whether you want to work in academia or industry, the university will support you with free, personalised training, expert careers advice and more. As well regular workshops, you can book one-to-one appointments with our specialist Doctoral Careers Consultant and access tailored doctoral employability resources

Re:searchers re:vealed

Here at NTU, our researchers come from a variety of backgrounds and they all have a powerful story to tell. Find out about our researchers and the impact their work is making.

Campus and facilities

As a Social Sciences student you will have easy access to the fantastic facilities in the Chaucer and Taylor buildings including:

  • Lecture theatres and teaching classrooms;
  • Open access PCs and secure wireless points;
  • Study areas and social spaces;
  • Chaucer cafe serving drinks and light snacks;
  • Our brand new School of Social Sciences reception, providing you with easy access to our helpful and friendly support staff.

Entry requirements

You should normally hold:

  • a first or upper second class honours degree from a UK university or an equivalent qualification.
  • If you don’t hold the above, we can accept a lower second class honours degree with a Masters degree at Merit level from a UK university or an equivalent qualification.

English language qualifications

If English isn't your first language, you will need:

  • an overall IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 6.5 with minimum sub-scores of 6.0 in all component sections (writing, reading, listening and speaking).

Find out more about the English language requirements for undertaking research at NTU.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form

Fees and funding

Fees

Our tuition fees are set and reviewed on an annual basis. Find out the current fees for a PhD.

Doctoral loans

Student Finance England and Student Finance Wales provide a non-means-tested Doctoral loan to help with course fees and living costs for a postgraduate research course. Use the links to check to see if you are eligible.

Studentships

Every year we provide fully-funded PhD studentships, with opportunities across all our academic disciplines. These are open to UK and International students and applications usually open in October.

Sign up for emails and we’ll let you know when the next NTU studentships are released.

Funded projects

We advertise funded PhD projects throughout the year. See what is currently available.

Find out more

Find out how much a research degree will cost and explore different types of research funding.

How to apply

You can apply for one of our advertised projects or submit your own proposal. Find out about our PhD opportunities and how to begin your research journey.

If you have any application queries, email doctoralschool@ntu.ac.uk