Social Work & Social Policy MPhil/PhD

We welcome applications to undertake research towards MPhil and PhD degrees in Social Work and Social Policy.

Research at Worcester has grown significantly in the last 10 years as the University itself has expanded. As a research student you will join a vibrant student community in our Research School and become part of our dynamic research environment.

School of Allied Health and Community

The School of Allied Health and Community has a strong mix of academics with a high degree of professional and personal experience, enabling you to get the most out of your programme. Our staff have expertise in social policy, social justice, race and identity, public health, foster care, safeguarding, social work, and coproduction.

Where could it take you?

All research students must engage with the Researcher Development Programme (RDP), a core curriculum of training and development which provides them with the general and subject-specific knowledge, skills and behaviours to support them in the completion of their research degree. At the beginning of an MPhil/PhD degree, you will be allocated to one of two pathways depending on your experience and knowledge as a researcher. This will determine which elements of the programme are core and which are optional. At the beginning of the programme you will be required to complete a Training Needs Analysis (TNA) in conjunction with your Director of Studies. This identifies the training that you will need to undertake, in addition to the mandatory elements of RDP, in order to complete the programme and to become an effective researcher. This TNA is revisited at the beginning of each subsequent academic year. All students are offered a wide range of optional training workshops throughout the programme focused around the following themes:

• Developing and Managing Your Research
• Dissemination, Impact, Engagement
• Completing Your Research Degree
• Research Methodology Master classes
• Data Analysis
• Research Funding
• Wellbeing and Personal Effectiveness
• Careers and Employability
• Enterprise and Entrepreneurship

For MPhil: First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree or an approved equivalent award or Research or professional experience which has resulted in appropriate evidence of achievement. For PhD Postgraduate Masters Degree in a discipline which is appropriate to the proposed programme of study or First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree or equivalent award in an appropriate discipline or Research or professional experience at postgraduate level which has resulted in published work, written reports or other appropriate evidence of achievement.