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PhD in Social Policy and Social Work (2021 Entry)



  • Course Code
  • P-L4PA
  • Course Type
  • Postgraduate Research
  • Qualification
  • PhD
  • Duration
  • Full-time: 3-4 years
  • Part-time: up to 7 years


Expertly designed, the PhD in Social Policy and Social Work is best suited to those who are interested in gaining specialist understanding of social policy and social work concerning violence, race and gender. Study at the University of Warwick's Centre for Lifelong Learning in a supportive transdisciplinary academic environment.


This PhD spans a diverse range of areas reflecting the multi-disciplinary strengths of our staff. We welcome applications to study in the following areas:

  • Gender violence, child abuse, safety and well-being
  • Domestic violence
  • Violence against women and ‘race’/ethnicity
  • Disability and violence
  • Children and violence
  • Child abuse and feminist perspectives on child abuse and child protection
  • Working with parents and children in public care
  • Child contact and post-separation violence
  • Child homicide in the context of domestic violence
  • Images of child abuse and new information and communication technologies
  • ‘Race’, ethnicity, gender, and migration
  • Migrant communities in Europe
  • Diversity and multicultural politics in Europe
  • Political participation, civic Engagement, policy
  • Gender, political participation and civic engagement
  • Young people, political participation, civic engagement, social cohesion
  • Gender and policy
  • Men, masculinity, health

Find a Supervisor

Research proposal guidance


Social policy and social work (with a focus on domestic violence, child abuse, safety and well-being; men, masculinity and health; migration, race and ethnicity; political and civic engagement)


We provide a pleasant PhD study room and dedicated personal tutor support in addition to the supervisory team. A combined staff and student seminar programme provides a collegiate forum for sharing and discussing current topics and ideas.


Entry requirements 2:i undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject; a Master’s level degree in Social Policy, Sociology or other cognate subject

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.