Program Overview

PhD Postgraduate research in Social Sciences

Overview

This PhD in Social Sciences at the University of Wolverhampton provides an opportunity to undertake original research under the guidance of experienced academics, within a supportive and well-resourced research environment.

Award

• PhD

Start date(s)

• Variable start date

UCAS Code

• Not specified

Course specifications

• View course spec

Course length

• Full-time (4 years)
• Part-time (8 years)

Campus location

• University: City Campus

School

• School of Social Science and Humanities

UCAS points calculator

• Open Points Calculator

Why choose this course?

• PhD students are supervised by academics who are leading experts across a range of areas in which they have researched, worked and published.
• SSIPP prides itself on the levels of support provided to postgraduate research students in the course of their PhD journey.
• The University of Wolverhampton provides a collegiate research environment and first-class facilities to its PhD students.
• Postgraduate research students are encouraged to present their research to University academics and fellow PhD students through hosting research seminars.

What's unique about this course?

• Expert Supervision – PhD students are guided by leading academics with extensive research, industry, and publication experience.
• Strong Research Support – The University offers a highly supportive research environment, with regular one-to-one supervision meetings and mentoring throughout the PhD journey.
• Access to Research Facilities – Students benefit from dedicated postgraduate research spaces, access to the Harrison Learning Centre, and key Social Science databases and journals.
• Opportunities for Research Dissemination – PhD students are encouraged to present their work at research seminars, conferences, and the University Research Conference.
• Training and Skills Development – The Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Sciences and the Doctoral College offer research training to enhance students’ skills.
• Teaching Experience – Postgraduate researchers have the opportunity to develop their teaching skills and gain experience delivering undergraduate modules.
• Career Progression – A PhD in Social Sciences opens doors to careers in higher education, government, commercial organisations, and the voluntary sector.

What happens on the course?

The PhD programme in the School has the following three milestones:

• Registration
• Progression
• Examination

Registration

Applicants who satisfy the entry requirements are encouraged to complete the online 'Expression of Interest' form. If the initial application is satisfactory, a conditional offer will be issued and a potential supervisor will be allocated who will provide guidance on the research proposal development.

Progression

All students who wish to study for a PhD are required to complete a progression within 18 months (for full-time students) or 36 months (for part-time students).

Examination

Towards the end of the research programme, the student will be examined on the basis of a thesis and an oral examination (viva voce). Normally two qualified examiners are appointed, at least one of whom is external to the institution.

PhD Supervisors - Social Sciences

• Dr Christopher Stone
• Professor Laura Caulfield
• Dr James Rees
• Dr Clare Williams
• Sam Pryke
• Dr Benjamin Halligan
• Dr David J. Cox
• Dr Kate Williams
• Dr Steve Iafrati
• Dr Jane Booth
• Dr Mary-Rose Puttick

Potential Career Paths

Successful completion of your PhD opens up a range of career opportunities and demonstrates your proven skills as a researcher. Within the social sciences, having a PhD is becoming an increasingly essential element for those looking to develop a career in lecturing or research within higher education.

Additional Information

• Why Wolverhampton? The University of Wolverhampton (UoW) is home to approximate 23,000 students.
• What skills will you gain? In addition to the regular supervision provided by supervisors, our PhD students will also be provided with training opportunities by the Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Sciences and the University’s Doctoral College.

Course Fees and Finance

Entry Requirements

• Applicants for a research degree shall normally hold either:
  • a first or upper second class honours degree, or
  • a master’s degree, or
  • evidence of prior practice or learning that is accepted by the Dean of Research.
• Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English at least to the level of an IELTS score (or equivalent) of 7.0, with no individual element less than 6.0.

Funding

• Financial support for research study: Before applying, you should consider carefully how you will finance your studies for the duration of your programme, including tuition fees, research support fees and living costs.
• Government loans (Home Fee Status): Government loans are available for postgraduate research students of up to £30,301, to cover fees and living expenses.
• Self-funded: We are able to take payments in instalments, to spread out the cost of your studies, and it is possible to switch between full-time and part-time modes of study.
• Postgraduate Research Loyalty Discount: To students progressing from an undergraduate programme and/or a taught postgraduate programme to a postgraduate research programme, where both courses are University of Wolverhampton Awards.
• Research councils: The UK Research and Innovation funds postgraduate study in all subject areas on a discretionary basis.
• University Research Studentships: The University offers a very limited number of research stipends, formerly known as bursaries, to research students.