Program Overview

Program Overview

The Doctor of Social Work programme is designed for social workers and those wanting to undertake a professional doctorate in the field of Social Work and Social Care. The course's purpose is to enable those working in professional contexts to make a difference by carrying out applied or action-orientated research in a variety of areas.

Course Highlights

• The Doctor of Social work is a professional doctorate for both UK-based as well as International (EU and wider Overseas) students.
• It facilitates organisational input on agreed research areas and can enhance organisational research capacity.
• The Doctor of Social Work is designed for those who are involved in aspects of social work, social policy and practice in a wide range of settings, including government, voluntary organisations, community-based projects, management, education, social care, health care, probation and user groups, as paid workers or volunteers.
• It aims to develop critical reflection within participants' policy, practice and organisational contexts, enhance applied social research skills, and develop ability to carry out and apply original research.

Course Delivery

This course will run over 3 years in full-time mode and 6 years in part-time mode. The programme comprises research training, work-orientated assignments and a 50,000-word thesis demonstrating original work.

Module Information

The following must be taken:

• LM Introduction to Social Science Research (20 credits, Semester 1)
• LM Issues and Debates in Social Work (20 credits, Semester 2)
• LM Research Design (20 credits, Semester 1)
• LM Social Research Methods I (20 credits, Semester 2)
• LM Social Research Methods II (20 credits, Semester 2) Students can choose one of the following:
• LM Development and Evaluation Project (40 credits, Full Term)
• LM Dissertation (Social Work and Social Care) (60 credits, Full Term)

Research Projects

You can apply directly through the University to an advertised PhD project, or by proposing your own PhD idea. We welcome applications to work in a wide variety of areas. Joint supervision, both between staff within the Department, and with staff in other departments is possible.

Research Proposal

If you are proposing your own research topic, you will need to submit a research proposal. It’s a key part of your application, so take your time. Your potential supervisors will use it to decide if your research is something they can support.

Entry Requirements

• First-class or upper second-class Honours degree in social work or a relevant social science
• Applicants would usually also have a relevant professional qualification and experience.

English Language Requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.

Fees and Scholarships

• £5,181 (full-time)
• £2,591 (part-time)

Application Process

To apply for a postgraduate research programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.

Career Opportunities

Birmingham’s School of Social Policy and Society postgraduates enter a wide range of occupational sectors: the majority in the public sector in areas such as youth work but others including events, sales, administration and education. Graduates also opt to continue in academia.