PhD Studentship: Social Policy/Social Care Pathway

Funding providers: ESRC WGSSS 50%; Swansea University 50%

Subject areas: WGSSS ESRC studentship Social Policy/Social Care pathway

Project start date: 

• 1 October 2025 (Enrolment open from mid-September)

Supervisors:

This studentship is an ‘open’ award. Applicants should approach a potential supervisor before submitting their application to confirm that there is appropriate supervisory capacity within the University and to discuss their draft application. Information on the research interests of our staff can be found on the Swansea University web pages. Short descriptions of each accredited pathway are available on the ESRC Wales DTP website. The Swansea-based representative for the pathway, Dr Christala Sophocleous, might be able to advise you.

Aligned programme of study: PhD in Social Work and Social Care

Mode of study: Full or Part-time study is possible.

Please note that full-time ESRC studentship award holders cannot hold either a full-time job, permanent part-time job or temporary role for an extended period of time, during the period of their award. Part-time ESRC studentship award holders cannot hold a full-time job. 

Project description: 

The Social Policy and Social Work teams are interested in supervising PhD work across the domains of the subjects. Areas of research expertise include:

• inequalities and social justice
• poverty
• the politics of social welfare
• relations between the state and civil society
• advocacy
• ageing
• disability studies
• devolution
• ethical issues in social policy
• children and children’s right
• the family
• communities and social care
• the social policy roles of the third sector
• co-production · service outcomes for children, young people and families
• the rights of excluded groups (e.g. asylum seekers, Romani and Traveller families)
• inclusive practices in social care research
• experiences of the care system
• experiences of care-leavers
• sexuality and social care
• safeguarding and child protection
• older people

Students following a ‘1+3’ route will undertake the MSc Social Research Methods course that develops a breadth of methodological capacity as well as having specialist modules and a supervised dissertation that is more subject-specific. Students will predominately be based at Swansea University, although will be invited to attend Wales DTP events at other locations in Wales. Throughout the PhD, all Wales DTP students come together for joint workshops, residential courses, and annual conferences. In these, and other events, students may work and present alongside established researchers.

Duration of study: 

Duration of study may vary from 3.5-4.5 years, full-time (or part-time equivalent) dependent on your prior research experience. Swansea University, in conjunction with colleagues in the WGSS, will undertake an assessment of the successful applicant’s training needs and work with them to tailor the training they are offered to meet their research needs. This might take the form a full master's course, or might be comprised of individual courses designed to enhance skills required for their chosen area of study.

Research in practice placement:  All WGSSS funded students are required to complete a funded Research in Practice placement of 3-months in total (or part-time equivalent). All students will have the opportunity to complete a placement in academia, policy, business or civil society organisations.  

Funding Details

Funding Comment

The studentship funded by the ESRC covers tuition fees and an annual tax-free living stipend in line with UKRI minimum rates (currently £19,237 for 2024/25).

Students also have access to a Research Training Support Grant, worth up to £940 per year.

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