Study a PhD in Humanities and Social Sciences subjects at the University of Bath

In the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences we understand the importance of Social Sciences. We understand how Social Scientists are involved in solving the world’s biggest problems, and how Social Sciences can improve the societies we live in.

As a PhD student in one of the top universities in the UK you’ll be welcomed into a multi-disciplinary community of research, collaboration and support. Studying at Bath provides you with a strong environment in which to pursue your research and contribute to socially significant research at a world-class level.

Not only this, but you'll benefit from spending time in the beautiful city of Bath, and have access to strong links to industry and business.

Funding opportunities

Funding opportunities exist through University studentships, and studentships through the ESRC-accredited South West Doctoral Training Partnership (SWDTP) and the AHRC-funded South West and Wales Doctoral Training Partnership (SWWDTP).

Applicants can apply for a studentship in one of two ways. Applicants may either develop their own research proposal by working closely with a potential supervisor, or, apply for an academic-led project which has a studentship allocated to it (projects to be announced mid-December 2016).

Application deadlines:

Application deadlines are the 12 January and 2 February 2017; please visit the Graduate School funding page for full details.

Watch our film on How to apply for a PhD

Research programmes

We provide the opportunity for you to pursue research in a wide range of social sciences and humanities that's unique, purposeful and your own.

Our students focus their research on:

• Economics
• Education
• Health
• Politics, Languages & International Studies
• Psychology
• Social & Policy Sciences

In addition, and in collaboration with the SWDTC, we also offer the following interdisciplinary PhD programmes:

• Environment, Energy & Resilience
• Global Political Economy: Transformations & Policy Analysis
• Health & Wellbeing
• Security, Conflict & Justice

Our community

The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences has a strong international research reputation with much of our research interdisciplinary and often focused on policy development or contemporary problem-orientation.

Across our six departments we have a lively PhD community actively engaged in research, supported by the Faculty's Graduate School which offers support through research skills training, administrative assistance, and faculty-wide competitions, research events and social activities, allowing you to interact with postgraduate students across other Departments. You'll join a talented, vibrant and diverse community of like-minded students.

To find out more about the experiences of our current research students, take a look online.

We're also part of Doctorial Training Centres and Partnerships, extending our community of researchers.

Our campus is award winning and safe. Postgraduates are encouraged to take advantage of all the sports, arts, and Students' Union facilities available across the University.

Masters programmes

The Faculty also offers a wide range of postgraduate Taught Masters and Master of Research (MRes) programmes - visit our website for details.

Apply now and allow us to help you realise your research aspirations.