Social and Policy Sciences at University of Bath - UCAS

Course options

There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

Deepen your knowledge and research skills for an academic or professional career that focuses on social and public policy. This course is delivered by the Department of Social & Policy Sciences. Our department is internationally recognised with a strong focus on policy and practice, and a commitment to contribute to social wellbeing and social justice. We offer supervisory expertise in four disciplines:

  • International Development
  • Social Policy
  • Sociology
  • Social work
Our PhDs are not formally assigned a discipline and successful candidates can describe their PhD to reflect its main research area (e.g. PhD in Social Policy; PhD in International Development). The programme will enable you to contribute a significant piece of research to the academic community through a written thesis (typically up to 90,000 words). You may start this programme at any time. Most students start in September. Programme content Learning
  • Doctoral skills online
  • Doctoral skills workshop
  • Research project
  • Supervisory team
Research content Students carry out a supervised programme of research at the leading edge of their chosen subject. From an initial proposal, students design and conduct a research programme under the direction of one or two members of our academic staff. The PhD research is written up as a substantial thesis and assessed in an extensive oral examination. You can choose to study any topic in which we have research expertise. Details of research staff expertise and interests are available on individual staff pages. We have particular strengths in international and comparative research across the globe in all our disciplines. Our staff have published research on the UK, Europe, South and South-East Asia, East and West Africa, and Latin America, among others. Our staff, and research students, conduct research across disciplinary boundaries, and frequently work with colleagues from other disciplines in the department, as well as with colleagues in politics, psychology, economics. Professional Development Professional development is a crucial element of doctoral study, not only in supporting your research but also as part of your longer term career development. Our DoctoralSkills workshops and courses will help you build your skills and help you succeed in your doctorate.

Modules

Please check the University of Bath website for the most recently published course detail.

Assessment method

  • Thesis
  • Viva Voce
Assessment description Most research students who ‘do a PhD’ register in the first instance as probationer for the programme of PhD. Confirmation of PhD registration is subject to your passing an assessment process, which normally involves submission of written work and an oral examination. Candidates are expected to carry out supervised research at the leading edge of their chosen subject, which must then be written up as a substantial thesis. The final stage of the PhD programme is the oral or viva voce examination, in which students are required to defend the thesis to a Board of Examiners.


Entry requirements

- A first or 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate subject, from a recognised university. - A Masters degree or appropriate research training is also normally required. We consider applicants without Masters or appropriate research training on a case by case basis. We might require applicants to satisfactorily complete one of our Masters programmes, or to attend some/all of the units of our MRes programmes while undertaking the MPhil or PhD programme. English Language requirements You will normally need one of the following: - IELTS: 7.0 overall with no less than 6.5 in all components - The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 69 with no less than 62 in any element - TOEFL IBT: 100 overall with a minimum 24 in all 4 components You will need to get your English language qualification within 24 months prior to starting your course. If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.


Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

For the most up-to-date information on tuition fees, please visit: http://www.bath.ac.uk/topics/tuition-fees/
Social and Policy Sciences at University of Bath - UCAS