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Social Policy PhD at the University of Edinburgh – September 2027 Entry University of Edinburgh in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Sociology
Funding
Funding is not guaranteed by the programme. Students may combine loans, borrowing, family support, savings, employment, employer sponsorship, and scholarships to cover tuition and living costs. Featured funding includes School of Social and Political Science Scholarships and UK Research Council Awards. Tuition fees are charged by award and duration. Estimated living costs in Edinburgh for 2026–2027 are £18,504 per year (£1,542 per month). University of Edinburgh graduates may be eligible for a 1
Deadline
Jun 29, 2027
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Edinburgh
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About this position
PhD in Social Policy at the University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh is inviting applications for its Social Policy PhD programme, beginning in September 2027. The programme is available full-time over three years or part-time over six years and is based in the School of Social and Political Science, College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, in Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
Doctoral researchers develop an extended, focused project that makes an original contribution to knowledge. Research may address social problems and policy or practice responses at local, national, or global levels. Areas of expertise include social security, labour market policy, health policy, children and young people, education policy, comparative and international social policy, knowledge and policy, and governance of welfare states.
The programme offers supervision across the social policy field, research-skills training, graduate seminars, research groups, academic networks, and access to extensive library and archive facilities. Students are encouraged to consider the real-world impact of their research and may benefit from links with policymakers, practitioners, scholars, the Scottish Parliament, and other public, voluntary, and private organisations.
Applicants normally need a UK 2:1 honours degree or equivalent and a master's degree with an overall mark of 65% or equivalent. Applications should include a personal statement, research proposal, two references, academic certificates and transcripts, and evidence of English-language proficiency. Applicants should contact potential supervisors before applying to discuss their proposal and confirm suitable supervision. There is no application fee. The application deadline is 29 June 2027, although applications may close earlier if demand is exceptionally high.
Funding is not automatically provided. Prospective students should explore School of Social and Political Science Scholarships, UK Research Council Awards, and other funding sources. Tuition fees and living costs are separate; estimated Edinburgh living costs for 2026–2027 are £18,504 per year.
Funding details
Funding is not guaranteed by the programme. Students may combine loans, borrowing, family support, savings, employment, employer sponsorship, and scholarships to cover tuition and living costs. Featured funding includes School of Social and Political Science Scholarships and UK Research Council Awards. Tuition fees are charged by award and duration. Estimated living costs in Edinburgh for 2026–2027 are £18,504 per year (£1,542 per month). University of Edinburgh graduates may be eligible for a 1
What's required
Applicants need a UK 2:1 honours degree or international equivalent and a UK master's degree with an overall mark of 65% or international equivalent. Applicants must submit a personal statement, relevant knowledge or training skills, a research proposal of no more than four A4 pages, two references, degree certificates and transcripts, evidence of English-language proficiency, and certified translations where required. Applicants are encouraged or required to contact potential supervisors before applying and should provide a proposed research topic and details of published work if applicable. English requirements can be met through approved tests or eligible degrees taught and assessed in English; IELTS Academic requires an overall 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component, subject to the stated validity rules.
How to apply
Review the programme and application guidance, identify and contact potential supervisors to discuss your research proposal, then apply online through the University of Edinburgh application portal. Select the PhD Social Policy award, duration, delivery mode, and September 2027 start date, and upload all required documents by 29 June 2027.
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Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
ApplyKite TwinLearns as you applyMake your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.