As a research-only department within the University of Warwick, the work of the Institute for Employment Research is diverse and interdisciplinary and provides wide-ranging opportunities for prospective doctoral candidates to engage in high quality social science doctoral-level research which is policy-relevant, as well as being academically rigorous.

The IER’s doctoral programme aims to train independent social science researchers who can develop and deploy theory effectively, assess the relative merits of different methodological approaches, choose appropriate empirical methods, manage well their time and other research resources effectively. Being located in a specialist research environment will provide a wider understanding of the research process (including dissemination, funding, relationships with sponsors, and different organisational models for research).

Our extensive research portfolio has meant that we have fostered and maintained links with national and international research centres; UK government departments and agencies; European Commission and other international bodies; local authorities and sectoral organisations, as well as extensive academic networks.

Supervision for IER doctoral students will be provided by academic researchers with significant experience of undertaking research across a range of topics in employment research. We supervise a wide range of students from a variety of different countries and backgrounds and welcome this diversity among our student body.

Former students have gone on to work in a variety of areas in different countries, including academia, government, the private sector or third sector organisations.

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Research proposal guidance

We also offer a joint PhD in Employment Research with our partner institution Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.

Areas for PhD supervision and examples of current research interests of the IER's academic researchers include:

• Job quality
• Careers guidance and labour market transitions
• Higher Education and the graduate labour market
• Gender, ethnicity, age and the labour market
• Employment relations and employer behaviour
• Work, welfare and public policy
• Apprenticeships, work-based learning and training
• Intersectionality, equity, diversity and inclusion in the labour market
• Future of work, digitalisation and automation
• Labour market assessment and forecasting

Supervision for IER doctoral students will be provided by academic researchers with significant experience of undertaking research across a range of topics in employment research. During their first year of PhD study, students will normally be expected to undertake training in both quantitative and qualitative research methods.

Entry requirements 2:i undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject and a good Master’s degree (or equivalent) in the social sciences. Previous studies should have included training in social science methodology. Application should be supported by a good research proposal.

English language requirements Band B

IELTS overall score of 7.0, minimum component scores of two at 6.0/6.5 and the rest at 7.0 or above

International Students
We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications. For more information please visit the international entry requirements page.

For up-to-date information concerning fees, funding and scholarships for Home, EU and Overseas students please visit Warwick's Fees and Funding webpage.