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Social Work PhD Research Programme at the University of Edinburgh University of Edinburgh in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Sociology
Funding
Funding is not included with the programme. Students are expected to combine sources such as loans, 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. Estimated living costs in Edinburgh for 2026-2027 are £18,504 per year (£1,542 per month). University of Edinburgh graduates may receive a 10% tuition-fee discount.
Deadline
Jun 29, 2027
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Edinburgh
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About this position
The University of Edinburgh invites applications for its Social Work PhD programme, offered full-time over three years or part-time over six years, with a September 2027 start. The programme is based in the School of Social and Political Science within the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.
Students undertake a substantial, independent research project in social work and related social issues, policy and practice. Research may focus on mental health, children and families, forced migration and refugees, criminal justice, disadvantaged populations, contemporary social problems, or other applied social work specialisms. Interdisciplinary supervision is supported, normally involving two or three academics.
The research environment includes weekly PhD seminars, reading groups, research-methods training, method workshops and links to groups such as RaceED and GenderED. Students may also engage with research hubs including the Binks Hub and Advanced Care Research Centre, as well as professional, policy and social-work organisations in Scotland, the UK and internationally.
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 where available. IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with at least 6.0 in each component is one accepted standard, alongside other approved qualifications.
Potential applicants are required to contact relevant supervisors before applying. The application deadline is 29 June 2027, although applications may close earlier if demand is exceptionally high. There is no application fee. Funding is not guaranteed; students should investigate scholarships, including School of Social and Political Science Scholarships and UK Research Council Awards, and budget for tuition and living costs in Edinburgh.
Funding details
Funding is not included with the programme. Students are expected to combine sources such as loans, 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. Estimated living costs in Edinburgh for 2026-2027 are £18,504 per year (£1,542 per month). University of Edinburgh graduates may receive a 10% tuition-fee discount.
What's required
Applicants require 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, a proposal title, two references, degree certificates and academic transcripts, evidence of English-language proficiency, and certified translations where applicable. Applicants should contact potential supervisors before applying. English proficiency can be demonstrated through approved tests, an eligible degree taught and assessed in English, or certain professional qualifications. Accepted examples include IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with at least 6.0 in each component, TOEFL-iBT with the stated component scores, C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency, Oxford ELLT, or Oxford Test of English Advanced.
How to apply
Review the application guidance, identify and contact potential supervisors, prepare a research proposal and supporting documents, then apply online through the programme page by 29 June 2027. Select the preferred award, duration and delivery mode; there is no application fee.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.