Fully Funded Social Work PhD Studentships

The School of Social Work at UEA ranks 4^th in the UK for overall research, with 90% of its research ranked as ‘world-leading' or ‘internationally excellent' in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021). The School achieves this by treating its postgraduate research students as junior academics, giving them the opportunity to research at the core of active teams and make discoveries that affect the real world.

Internationally renowned, UEA is a World Top 300 university (THE World University Rankings 2024), based in Norwich, one of the UK's most historic, cultural and vibrant cities. The UEA Doctoral College supports postgrad students from the School of Social Work and beyond to create a nurturing environment that researchers can thrive in.

Studentships

The School of Social Work accepts research students to start on 1 October, 1 February and 1 June.

• Deadlines for application are listed on our information pages, where you will also find details of fees and funding

Research themes

We are a top tier, research-led university and are committed to making a substantial impact on the global challenges facing society. Our postgraduate researchers have opportunities to work at the heart of active research teams, challenging boundaries and making real advances.

Staff research interests in Social Work include:

• Child protection
• Safeguarding
• Children and families in adoption
• Children in care
• Reunification (returning home from care)
• Social work decision making
• Social work supervision
• Social work with people with mental health problems
• Support for vulnerable families
• Father engagement/inclusion
• Young people and crime
• Gender, victimisation and/or offending

Working closely with an academic supervisor gives you the support to carry out your own independent research and make your own mark. We have a wealth of remarkable academics, but how do you know which team will be right for you?

We suggest you look at the School's website, check out some academics and read up on some of their publications. We recommend that you identify at least one member of staff at UEA who might be your supervisor and that you contact them, to express your interest and discuss your research proposal.

You will need to submit a research proposal of no more than 2000 words with your application.

Find out more on the Social Work web pages.

To discuss the application process, please contact the UEA PGR Office - email: pgr.enquiries.admiss@uea.ac.uk - tel: (01603) 591709 or to access the online application form to apply for a PhD.

For further information, visit the SENSS ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership webpages.

Funding Notes

The Studentships cover tuition fees (UK/EU rates), a tax-free maintenance grant and a research training support grant. International students are welcome to apply for the Faculty studentships; a small number of studentships will be available to cover full international fees. SENSS DTP studentships are open to who meet the residency requirements set out in Annex 1 of the RCUK Training Grant Guide. Applications for all studentships are invited from suitably qualified graduates.

We welcome applications from students with their own funding all year - please enquire for further information. We are members of the ESRC/SENSS Doctoral Training Partnership and potential PhD candidates in Social Work can apply for fully funded studentships for 2025 entry (under the SENSS themes of Health, Wellbeing and Social Care; and of Justice, Institutions Social Change. SENSS studentships are awarded on a competitive basis and are available as fractional awards from 3.5 to 4.5 years. SENSS studentships are open to students with or without a prior Master's degree, and to Home or International Candidates. Deadlines for application are listed on our information pages, where you will also find details of fees and funding.