Key Information
- Duration: Full-time, 36 months
- Start dates & application deadlines: Starting September 2026. Apply anytime.
- Language: English
- Delivered: On Campus
- Campus Location: York, United Kingdom
Overview
Troughout the Social Policy and Social Work PhD programme is offered at the University of York. You will belong to the White Rose Social Sciences Doctoral Training Centre (DTC) with its extended networks and training events.
- Students are given access to desk space and computing facilities at the Research Centre for the Social Sciences (RCSS), which is a hub for interdisciplinary research and postgraduate life in the social sciences at York.
- Social Policy and Social Work students at the University of York may be eligible to apply for a scholarship or bursary: the Department is often successful in securing ESRC scholarships for our PhD applicants.
- There are opporunities for paid teaching in the Department and the University: Graduate Teaching Assistants receive support to gain accredited teaching qualifications.
Visit the programme website for more information
Programme Structure
Modules include:
- Childhood, youth and family
- Housing
- Welfare and poverty
- Mental health
- Comparative and global social policy
- Health and social care
- Crime
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
GPA: Upper Second Class
English Requirements
TOEFL iBT: 96 OR IELTS: 7
Other Requirements
- You will be normally expected to hold an Upper Second or First Class Honours degree, although if you have other relevant experience, you can discuss your options with Professor Christine Skinner.
- If you wish to pursue research on a social work topic, you should also have a good background in social work theory and practice. Likewise, if you wish to do research in social policy, you should have a firm background in the subject.
- Applicants are expected to have a good grounding in research methods.
- In addition to the materials set out by postgraduate admissions you will be required to submit a research proposal of up to 3,000 words.
- Please note that potential supervisors are unable to comment on proposals prior to submission.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
- International: 47,894 AUD / year (≈ 25,350 GBP / year)
- Domestic: 9,896 AUD / year (≈ 5,238 GBP / year)
Living Costs
York, United Kingdom: 1,221-2,124 AUD / month
