Program Overview

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Doctor of Applied Social Research

Overview

Our Doctor of Applied Social Research is designed to transform the way you think as a professional and ensure you can make a powerful impact in your field.

Key Facts

• Award: DASR
• Start date: September 2025, January 2026
• Application notes: The pathways for this course are delivered either on campus or blended. Please see the course details below for further information.
• Duration: Full-time: 36 to 48 months, Part-time: 48 to 96 months
• Mode of study: full time, part time
• Delivery: blended, on campus

Accreditations

• ESRC Scottish Doctoral Training Centre

Top Reasons to Study with Us

• We’re part of the Scottish Graduate School of Social Sciences and our research training is accredited as part of the ESRC Scottish Doctoral Training Centre
• Work while you study and put your new expertise into practice
• Study large components of the course online for maximum flexibility

Course Objectives

This course is designed to enhance the way you think as a professional and give you the research skills you need to make a genuine impact on your working environment. We’ll bring you up to date with the latest ideas, findings and methods in your field, challenging assumptions and changing how you think about the relationship between research, scholarship and expertise.

Professional Accreditation

We’re part of the Scottish Graduate School of Social Sciences and our research training is accredited as part of the ESRC Scottish Doctoral Training Centre.

Study Abroad

You can choose to take part in the Turing Scheme – which offers placements abroad. Course staff will support your application process.

Flexible Learning

The Doctor of Applied Social Research has access to training provided by the University’s Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS), as well as the Scottish Graduate School of Social Sciences (SGSSS).

Research Overview

When you study Applied Professional Studies at the University of Stirling, you’ll be introduced to pioneering empirical and theoretical research in a vibrant, multi-disciplinary environment.

Entry Requirements

Academic Requirements

The Doctor of Applied Social Research is intended for experienced professionals, and you’ll normally need the equivalent of a minimum of two years' appropriate professional experience and an honours or masters degree in a relevant social science from a UK university or equivalent.

International Entry Requirements

View the entry requirements for your country.

English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:

• IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each sub-skill.
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) 62 overall with 60 in each sub-skill.
• IBT TOEFL 80 overall with 18 in reading, 23 in writing, 19 in listening and 21 in speaking.

Course Details

The core modules give you the opportunity to build high quality research skills and learn from each other’s experiences as professionals. Each professional pathway then offers a choice of modules from which two may be selected to tailor your own course.

Applied Social Science

The Applied Social Science pathway includes a choice of specialist modules in Nature of Social Enquiry; Social Network Analysis; Policy Analysis and Evaluation Research; Advanced Quantitative Data Analysis; Theory and Method of Digital Social Research.

Criminal Justice

Our Criminal Justice pathway includes a choice of specialist modules in Criminological Perspectives; Criminalisation, Social Control and Human Rights; Rehabilitation and Criminal Justice Work; Research Methods in Criminology and Socio-Legal Studies.

Dementia Studies

This pathway includes a choice of specialist modules in Evaluation and Assessment in Dementia Care and Researching Dementia.

Family Therapy

As the only doctorate of its kind in Scotland, the Doctorate of Applied Social Research (Family Therapy) is for family therapists and systemic practitioners who want to develop as a researcher, complementing existing clinical skills and knowledge.

Housing

This pathway includes a choice of specialist modules in Providing Housing Services; Sustainable Communities; Organisational Behaviour; Delivering Affordable Housing; Housing Governance; Healthy Housing.

Social Work

Our Social Work pathway includes a choice of specialist modules in Understanding Children and Young People's needs; Understanding Children and Young People's Needs; Improving Outcomes for Children and Young People; and several others.

Substance Use

Our Substance Use pathway includes a choice of specialist modules in Understanding Addiction: Society, Policy and Practice and Understanding Addiction: Treatment and Recovery.

Modules

The module information below provides an example of the types of course module you may study. The details listed are for the academic year that starts in September 2025. Modules and start dates are regularly reviewed and may be subject to change in future years.

Teaching

Teaching methods are adapted to suit the aims of each module, and include lectures, seminars, computer-based workshops and group work. There are many opportunities for discussion and feedback from peers and teaching staff.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed through a variety of different methods, including coursework essays, critical review essays, book reviews, research proposals, research papers, conference posters, group project reports and oral presentations.

Course Director

Dr Marty Chamberlain, Course Director

Fees and Funding

Fees and Costs

University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our Stirling Alumni Scholarship.

Applicants from the UK or Republic of Ireland who hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent will automatically be awarded a £2,000 scholarship through our Postgraduate Merit Scholarship.

Funding

Eligible students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000-£7,000. See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students.

Payment Options

We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments.

After You Graduate

As both a professional and a research student, you’ll find a supportive environment within the University for putting research into practice and having a direct impact on people’s lives. As a Doctor of Applied Social Research student you’ll also frequently find yourself at the forefront of cutting-edge developments and initiatives in your organisation. This can help you to develop your career to a new level or open up interesting consultancy opportunities. You may also choose to carry out further research and build an academic career.

• Develop and advance in your profession as you study for your Doctor of Applied Social Research.
• Open up opportunities in consultancy, academia or your current job role.
• Grow your network of professional contacts.

Related Courses

• MSc Applied Professional Studies
• MSc Applied Social Research
• MSc Gerontology and Global Ageing (Online)
• MSc / PG Dip Housing Studies (part-time)
• MSc / PG Dip Housing Studies (with internship)
• MSc Social Statistics and Social Research
• MSc Social Work Studies
• MSc Substance Use (Online)