Key information
Duration
- Full-time: 36 months
- Part-time: 72 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting October 2027
- Apply before Jun 2027, International This is an estimated deadline. The deadline is applicable to students from outside the European Economic Area who want to study within the EEA, or to students who want to study outside the EEA but are not nationals of that country.
Language
English
English requirements
- TOEFL® IBT: 93 TOEFL iBT® is accepted by more than 13,000 universities and other institutions in over 160 countries. The test can be taken at a test center or at home. The test measures your English-language abilities in an academic setting. The score refers to the total score of 4 subjects (writing, listening, speaking, and reading), each subject has a range of 0 - 30. OR 4.5 New TOEFL iBT 1-6 score (CEFR-aligned). Equivalent to the 0-120 score.
- PTE Academic: 67 PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English) is a language test that enables students to demonstrate their writing, listening, speaking, and reading skills when applying to study in English. The score refers to a total score which ranges between 10 and 90.
- IELTS: 6.5 The International English Language Test System (IELTS) tests your English-language proficiency on a scale of 1 – 9. The score refers to the combined average score of 4 subjects (writing, listening, speaking, and reading).
Delivered
On Campus
Campus Location
Birmingham, United Kingdom
Disciplines
- Sociology
- Liberal Arts
- Social Policy
- View 55 other PhDs in Social Policy in United Kingdom
Overview
Researchers in the Social Sciences and Humanities programme at Aston University are a multi-lingual, multi- and interdisciplinary community, working across the humanities, arts and social sciences, and bringing together a unique blend of internationally well-connected scholars.
Features
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.
Visit the programme website for more information
Programme Structure
Curriculum
- In the first year you will undertake three ESRC approved taught Research Methods modules. These modules are designed to provide you with the necessary skills to both successfully complete your PhD, and to develop as a well-rounded researcher.
- During the second year you will typically concentrate on obtaining ethical approval for your research, before focusing on data collection and analysis. For some students this will involve travel to external research sites where data is collected. Towards the end of Year 2, you are required to communicate and defend your research progress.
- Year three is typically a writing up year, where you will spend most of your time developing your thesis.
Admission requirements
Academic requirements
- GPA: Upper Second Class
English requirements
- TOEFL® IBT: 93 OR 4.5
- PTE Academic: 67
- IELTS: 6.5
Other requirements
General requirements
- A First or Upper Second Class Honours undergraduate degree, and a Masters degree with Merit or Distinction, both in relevant subjects.
- Qualifications from overseas institutions will be considered, but performance must be equivalent to that described above, and the University reserves the right to ascertain this equivalence according to its own criteria.
Make sure you meet all requirements
Fees and funding
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
- International (Non-residents): 31,600 AUD / year (≈ 16,590 GBP / year)
- Domestic (Citizens or residents): 9,977 AUD / year (≈ 5,238 GBP / year)
Living costs
Birmingham, United Kingdom: 1,457-2,160 AUD / month
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
Scholarships
Scholarships Information
Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Social Sciences and Humanities.
You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.
Available Scholarships
- Fulbright U.S. Student Program — Grant: Various benefits, Deadline: 07 Oct 2026
- ServiceScape Scholarship — Grant: 1000 USD, Deadline: 30 Nov 2026
- ACES Scholarships — Grant: 3500 USD, Deadline: 15 Nov 2026
- Erasmus+ — Grants for study mobility — Grant: Various benefits, Deadline: Not specified
- Scholarships for PhD Students — Grant: 19000 GBP, Deadline: Not specified
- Boustany Astronomy PhD Scholarship — Grant: Various benefits, Deadline: 28 Feb 2027
- $1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship — Grant: 1000 USD, Deadline: 31 Oct 2026
- Voice Talent Online Scholarship — Grant: 1000 USD, Deadline: 01 Mar 2027
- Women Scholarship for International Students — Grant: 5000 USD, Deadline: 28 Aug 2026
- The PhD Prep Fellowship — Grant: 10000 USD, Deadline: 01 Sep 2026
- Dream Chaser Scholarship — Grant: 1000 USD, Deadline: 13 Jan 2027
- Scholarship for students with disabilities — Grant: 3000 USD, Deadline: 31 Dec 2026
- Commonwealth Shared Scholarship — University Bids — Grant: 22500 GBP, Deadline: Not specified
- Grants of the Leopold Figl Foundation for students with residence in Lower Austria — Grant: Various benefits, Deadline: 31 Dec 2026
- The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship — Grant: 1500 USD, Deadline: Not specified
- Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme — Grant: 12000 USD, Deadline: 11 Jan 2027