Program Overview

PhD - Social Sciences and Humanities

The School of Law and Social Sciences welcomes applications for the doctoral programme in any of the research areas covered by the School. This includes: Law, English (language, literature, applied linguistics, forensic linguistics), History, European Integration in comparative political, security, social and economic contexts, International Relations, Politics, Sociology and Policy.

Research Environment

We have an exciting and vibrant research environment in the School of Law and Social Sciences that enables our PhD students to be engaged in various research events and seminars. Our PhDs have a dedicated research society which organises various social and academic related events throughout the year, including the BSS Annual Doctoral Conference.

Programme Structure

• Year 1: Undertake three ESRC approved taught Research Methods modules.
• Year 2: Concentrate on obtaining ethical approval for research, focusing on data collection and analysis.
• Year 3: Typically a writing-up year, where most time is spent developing the thesis.

Entry Requirements

• Qualifications: A Masters degree in business, management, or the social sciences (or related disciplines) with a Merit overall (or equivalent) with a dissertation/research element, PLUS a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree (or an equivalent qualification from an overseas institution).
• Language proficiency: For applicants who are not from majority English-speaking countries, it is necessary to meet our English language requirements.

Fees

• UK students (2025/6): Annual full-time fees: ｣5,006
• Overseas students (2025/6): Annual full-time fees: ｣15,800
• Part-time students pay a pro-rata version of full-time fees.

Scholarships

• ESRC funded PhD Studentships: Open Competition
• BSS PhD Studentships: Each year the College of Business and Social Sciences advertises a number of PhD studentships.

How to Apply

The PhD programme recruits students to start in October and applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible to avoid delays.

1. Complete the online application form, uploading the necessary documents.
2. We'll review your application and contact you if we require any additional information/documents.
3. If you have applied for one of our research projects, and your application is successful, the supervisor will contact you to arrange an interview.
4. If you have submitted your own project, and your application is successful, a supervisor who is interested in your project will contact to arrange an interview.

Application Guidance Notes

• Making your online application: Use the hyperlinks/buttons at the bottom of each page and not your web browser back and forward buttons.
• Existing Aston Students: Please note, you will need to Create a New Account to start a new application, please do not log in with your student username and password.
• When creating your new account, please ensure that you provide us with a valid and accurate email address as most of the correspondence from Aston will be sent via email.
• You can elect to 'Save and Return Later' at any point of the process, at which point you will be emailed details on how to return to your application later.