University of Salford
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We have 53 Public Policy PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships
Public Policy PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships
We have 53 Public Policy PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships
A PhD in Public Policy focuses on areas such as applied econometrics, political psychology, management and public budgeting. Whether you are interested in local governance, applying life-cycle thinking to public policy or environmental protection, you’ll be empowering policy makers to make informed decisions and improve the lives of millions of people.
What's it like to study a PhD in Public Policy?
Doing a PhD in Public Policy, you will become proficient in the skills necessary to contribute to a research portfolio which spans economics, decision-making, politics and institutions, and science, technology and policy studies.
Some typical research topics in Public Policy include:
- applied microeconomics
- behavioural economics and decision science
- environmental economics
- international trade
- economic development
Typical Public Policy PhD research projects take between three and four years to complete. As well as undertaking research training within your department, you will also attend external meetings and conferences and may be submitting research posters as your research develops.
To be awarded your PhD, you must submit a thesis of about 60,000 words and defend it during your viva exam.
PhD in Public Policy entry requirements
The entry requirements for a typical PhD in Public Policy usually involves a Masters degree with at least a merit. You will also need to submit a compelling research proposal detailing your study plans.
PhD in Public Policy funding options
In the UK, PhDs in Public Policy are funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) who provide a tuition fee waiver and a living cost stipend. Depending on the programme, you may submit your own research proposal before being considered for funding or apply for a project that already has funding attached.
It is also possible to apply for a PhD loan to help with the costs of a doctorate in Public Policy (although this cannot be combined with Research Council funding). Other options for financial support include university scholarships, graduate teaching assistantships and charities.
If you are considering a part-time PhD in Public Policy, it may also be worth asking your employer if they are happy to sponsor you.
PhD in Public Policy careers
A PhD in Public Policy could lead you down a number of different routes. You may choose to stay in academia and carry out more research and teach the next generation of policy makers. Or you may want to venture outside of academia and make a name for yourself in think tanks, multinational organisations, NGOs or the private sector.
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Net Zero and Fuel Poverty: Socio-technical research at the interface of social justice and environmental sustainability
Summary. The focus of the research will be developed in collaboration with the student. We envisage a piece of work that pushes the boundaries of socio-technical research on fuel poverty and energy transitions by utilising the expertise and facilities available at University of Salford and across partners in the region. Read more
Nature based solutions to design multifunctional landscapes for people and nature
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), among other national and international commitments, demand transformative changes to design multifunctional landscapes that show resilience to climate change and guarantee the procurement of provisioning, regulating, supporting, and cultural ecosystem services to people and wildlife in a changing world [1]. Read more
Exploring the Role of Digital Technology (Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability) in Promoting Sustainable Urban Development
This project is part of a 4 year Dual PhD degree programme between the National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) in Taiwan and the University of Liverpool in England. Read more
Examining cooling energy poverty in an era of rising extreme heat
The School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford and Centre for Research into Energy Demand Solutions (CREDS) are pleased to announce the availability of a fully funded doctoral studentship from October 2023. Read more
Harnessing the value of data in the public sector: an exploration of data governance models
It is commonly agreed that big data could enormously benefit the public sector by enhancing the decision-making processes of policymakers and innovating the delivery of public services (Wirtz et al., 2020). Read more
Last chance to apply
Data-intensive Technologies in Corporate Human Rights Due Diligence: Current Regulatory Challenges and Future Prospects
In the past few years, data-intensive technologies have come to play a critical role in corporate strategy and decision-making processes, such as customer insight and marketing, recruitment, risk management and predictive analytics. Read more
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Datafied Policing Technologies, Racial Justice and Human Rights Compliance
The proliferation of AI-propelled, datafied technologies in policing is generating significant scholarly and public concerns over their impact on human rights, and their intersection with racial justice. Read more
Last chance to apply
An evaluation of the Scottish Government’s 1+2 language policy and its relation to uptake of languages in national exams.
The University of Stirling and Scotland’s National Centre for Languages (SCILT) are pleased to announce the availability of a fully funded Collaborative Doctoral Award studentship from 1 October 2023 under the AHRC’s Collaborative Doctoral Award Scheme. Read more
Sustainability and Ocean Science in the Global Sailing Sector
Applications are invited for a fully-funded three-year PhD to commence in October 2023. . The PhD will be based in the Faculty of Business and Law, and will be supervised by. Read more
System dynamics modelling and simulation of sufficiency policies in complex supply chains
Short Description. This PhD project aims to model and simulate the potential rebound effects of sufficiency policies in complex production and consumption systems using a system dynamics approach. Read more
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Rethinking Human Rights Implementation in the Era of Data-Intensive Technologies: Machine-Learning Based Decision Making and the Duties of Public Authorities.
Key words. digital data; law; human rights; machine learning; algorithm; public authorities; public policy. Digital data is an increasingly important asset in UK public governance, with public authorities turning to the exploitation of large-scale databases to provide more effective and efficient service delivery. Read more
Reducing the psychosocial and mental health impacts of menstruation on adolescents in Nepal
Research Group:
Centre for Development Studies
The Project. Read more
The Jurisprudence of AI – Towards a natural law approach
A core aspect of understanding the law is jurisprudence. The rise of AI, automation and machine learning has dramatically changed everyday practices in the legal system and the common law as well as parliamentary legislation. Read more
Understanding R&D and innovation through experimental approaches
The project. Research and development (R&D) and innovation are widely recognised as the drivers of economic growth. Read more
The Role of Emotions in Economics and Politics
The Project. As polarisation is on the rise in a number of (especially European) countries, the role of emotions becomes central in the debate about economy and democracy. Read more