PhD Studentship: Adult Social Care Doctoral Research

The School of Social Policy and Society at the University of Birmingham is awarding a PhD studentship on any adult social care topic covered under the NIHR School for Social Care Research (SSCR)’s priorities. https://www.sscr.nihr.ac.uk/about-sscr/

The PhD is funded by the NIHR School for Social Care Research and will begin in late September 2025.

The PhD comes with a full scholarship covering Home fees (£4,786) plus a living allowance (stipend) of £19,237 per annum for three years, subject to satisfactory progress. Additional support (for travel, conference attendance, general research expenses) will also be available. The PhD can be completed full or part-time. International students can apply but the studentship only covers fees up to the home fee level.

The scholarship will be awarded to a candidate of high academic calibre and/or an experienced practitioner who wishes to conduct doctoral level study on a topic within the research areas of the SSCR. We encourage applications from women and those of diverse backgrounds, including Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, as these groups are underrepresented across the University of Birmingham. Applicants working in practice are also encouraged to apply.

Applications will be assessed on (a) the quality of their academic/practice achievements and preparedness for doctoral level study; (b) the quality of the research proposal; (c) the potential to contribute to cutting edge research; and (d) the match of the proposal to areas of research strength within the School. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed.

Potential candidates should first make contact with Professor Catherine Needham who will be able to link you to potential supervisors. You will need to develop a research proposal with supervisors prior to applying through the University portal for a PhD in Social Work and Social Care. 

Funding notes:

The studentship will be funded by the National Institute for Health Research's School for Social Care Research (NIHR SSCR). The successful applicant will be expected to participate in activities organised by NIHR SSCR, particularly activities that involve other PhD students funded under this programme at other universities, and as appropriate, other National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) and NIHR Academy activities.

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