social work phd europe

Faculty of Social Sciences | Lund University

Lund University

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Doctoral programme

PhD studies at the School of Social Work

The doctoral programme consists of four years of full-time study. The programme leading to a doctoral degree comprises a total of 240 credits divided into a course component of 75 credits and an academic thesis of 165 credits. The education is completed with the public defense of the doctoral thesis.

A doctoral student is employed to fulfill the requirements of the doctoral programme, and is also expected to contribute and take active part in the research environment at the School of Social Work. Doctoral students may teach or do administrative work up to 20% of the employment, also depending on the department’s requirements. Swedish as well as English are used as languages in the programme, during courses, seminars and meetings.

Admission of doctoral students takes place every other year and, in individual cases, after announcement of a vacancy for a doctoral position in a specific research project. Applications are accepted only following a vacancy announcement. All admitted doctoral students receive a salary so there is no need to apply for scholarships. There is no need to contact potential supervisors in advance. All doctoral position vacancies are announced on the university website. We recommend that you visit this site regularly if you are interested in the doctoral programme.

At present, about 20 doctoral students are actively involved in research studies and each year around four or five students obtain their doctoral degrees.

Reading courses

These are reading courses specially designed for the doctoral programme:

• SASA007 Theories on the construction of social problems (reading course; third cycle) 7.5 credits (PDF, 60 kB)
• SASA009 Ethnography (reading course; third cycle) 7.5 credits (PDF, 60 kB)
• SASA016 An introduction to social work research and practice (reading course; third cycle) 7.5 credits (PDF, 64 kB)
• SASA017 Phenomenology, ethics and social work (reading course, third cycle) 7.5 credits (PDF, 64 kB)
• SASA018 Care theories in social work (reading course; third cycle) 7.5 credits PDF, 64 kB)
• SASA019, SASA020, SASA021 Research in the History of Social Work (reading course, third cycle) 2.5, 5, 7.5 credits (PDF, 224 kB)

Reading courses, in Swedish.

Kristina Göransson Director of doctoral studies

Handbook for Research Studies

Download the Handbook for Research Studies (PDF, 2,81 MB)

General Syllabi

Here you can find general syllabuses for the third-cycle study programmes at the Faculty of Social Sciences.

Quick guide to PhD seminars

A quick guide for supervisor and doctoral student on planning seminars. Note that other routines apply to the final seminar, see the Handbook for Research Studies.

Quick guide to PhD seminars (PDF, 140 kB)

• Schools & departments

Social Work PhD

Awards: PhD

Study modes: Full-time, Part-time

Funding opportunities

Programme website: Social Work

Upcoming Introduction to Postgraduate Study and Research events

Join us online on the 19th June or 26th June to learn more about studying and researching at Edinburgh.

Choose your event and register

Research profile

Our social work researchers lead the field in a range of key social work research domains including mental health, children and their families, forced migration and refugees, and criminal justice. We have excellent links with leading professional bodies, policy-making organisations and professional and social work services in statutory and voluntary sectors throughout Scotland, the UK and internationally.

Specifically, we also have a number of partnerships with agencies and organisations providing social work in the Global South.

The research interests of staff cover the full range of applied service specialisms, theoretical issues and research methods. This includes expertise in:

longitudinal research

documentary analysis

discourse analysis

narrative and biographical methods

qualitative enquiry

evaluation approaches.

Our work is enriched by the perspective of both international students and UK/EU students, including individuals who are experienced professionals studying part-time while working.

Programme structure

Social work research offers a wide variety of methods and topics, often geared at understanding the experiences of those who are disadvantaged, alongside exploring challenges in social work practice, or contemporary social problems.

While many of our students are qualified social workers, we also have a large number of students who are not social workers, but study issues relevant to society, and policy and practice related to social work.

Many research students collaborate with practitioners or policy-makers in the development or undertaking of their research, embedding their work in the realities of professional practice.

The potential to undertake cutting-edge research on contemporary real-world problems makes this programme an exciting opportunity to generate knowledge that may offer solutions to the challenges faced by individuals, families and communities.

Find out more about compulsory and optional courses

We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Training and support

Together with students in all disciplines across the School, you will undertake research methods courses in first year (and second year if part-time) before proceeding with your thesis.

Each student has two supervisors with the possibility of the second supervisor coming from an outside discipline.

There are weekly group seminars for our PhD community which include staff, students and visiting scholars. Students are also invited to take park in method workshops and have opportunities to link into special interest groups in the wider School of Social and Political Science (see for example the RaceED and GenderEd). Staff also play leadership roles in a range of innovate research hubs and Centres (see for example the Binks Hub and the ACRC), bringing opportunities for PhD students to be involved in other research projects and knowledge exchange initiatives.

During the year you will also have the opportunity to participate in the annual University of Edinburgh Social Work Research Conference.

For more information about the range of courses on offer to our PhD students, go to:

• Postgraduate research courses

You can take advantage of our world-class library resources and can also access the National Library collections.

There are shared working spaces for PhD students within the School of Social and Political Science.

We promote the work of our students on social media.

You can follow our department on Twitter, and read about some current research projects on our subject area blog.

• University of Edinburgh Social Work Twitter account
• Social Work at the University of Edinburgh blog

PhD Social Work student story: Making a difference

Entry requirements.

These entry requirements are for the 2024/25 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2025/26 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2024.

A UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent, and a UK masters degree with an overall mark of 65% or its international equivalent.

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country
• English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced ( CAE ) / C2 Proficiency ( CPE ): total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
• Trinity ISE : ISE III with passes in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 70 with at least 59 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS , TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE , in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old* at the beginning of your programme of study. (*Revised 05 March 2024 to extend degree validity to five years.)

Find out more about our language requirements:

Fees and costs

Tuition fees, scholarships and funding, featured funding.

School of Social and Political Science Scholarships

UK Research Council Awards

For specialised guidance on submitting a competitive scholarship application, please follow the requirements and recommendations and how to contact relevant academic staff as advised here:

• Important information and recommendations

(Revised 10 November 2023 to update featured funding opportunities)

UK government postgraduate loans

If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments.

The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on:

• your programme
• the duration of your studies
• your tuition fee status

Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.

• UK government and other external funding

Other funding opportunities

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

• Search for funding

Further information

• Postgraduate Admissions Team
• Phone: +44 (0)131 650 4086
• Contact: [email protected]
• Programme Advisor, Dr Robin Sen
• Contact: [email protected]
• Graduate School of Social & Political Science
• Chrystal Macmillan Building
• 15A George Square
• Central Campus
• Programme: Social Work
• School: Social & Political Science
• College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.

PhD Social Work - 3 Years (Full-time)

Phd social work - 6 years (part-time), application deadlines.

We encourage you to apply at least one month prior to entry so that we have enough time to process your application. If you are also applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible.

• How to apply

You must submit two references with your application.

You must submit a research proposal demonstrating your knowledge of your field of research, which will be closely scrutinised as part of the decision-making process. We request that PhD research proposals are no more than four A4 typed pages in Times New Roman, 12pt font. This includes charts and figures but does not include references or a bibliography.

We require PhD applicants in particular to contact potential supervisors before applying to discuss their research proposal so we can ensure there is adequate supervision.

Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:

Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

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School of Social Work and Social Policy

You are here Courses > Postgraduate > Structured PhD programme

Postgraduate Research Programme

Doing a PhD at the School of Social Work and Social Policy

Welcome to Trinity College Dublin and to the School of Social Work and Social Policy. Postgraduate research is both challenging and rewarding. It is a chance to make new discoveries about the world - and about yourself. The outcome of postgraduate research is not just the product (the thesis that is produced); it is also about the process of research training that you undergo. Postgraduate research will equip you with the skills, creativity and rigour that are essential to make a contribution to knowledge. We hope that this learning will enrich your life, enhance your intellectual growth, contribute to scholarship in your field and lead you to further opportunities. 

Why Trinity for Your Doctoral Research?

1. our reputation.

As the oldest university in Ireland, dating from 1592, Trinity has upheld a reputation of tradition and quality in education. Trinity’s excellence in research attracts students, scientists and artists from all over the world.

The doctoral programme of the School of Social Work & Social Policy focuses on educating and training outstanding postgraduate students. Our structured Ph.D. programme has a sustained enrolment of students of high capability, exceptional success in winning scholarships, and a structured approach to advanced research. Over the past five years, some 40 students have graduated with a PhD from our programme. The quality of these theses can be gauged by the significant number of high quality publications stemming from these theses, and by the career trajectories of our PhD graduates.

We will provide you with teaching, supervision and exceptional resources to support your doctoral studies. Working closely with your academic supervisor, you will focus on a specific research project to produce a thesis that represents a significant contribution to knowledge.

Click here to see some of our recent PhD students’ research interests and publications .

2. International Standing

Trinity College Dublin is Ireland’s premier university. We are consistently ranked in the top 100 universities in the world by QS World University Rankings, and in the top 25 oldest universities globally in the Times Higher Education ranking. Our students and staff represent leading talent from all over the world.  

3. Located at the Heart of Dublin

Dublin is a city with a one thousand year history, steeped in heritage and with a genuine spirit of friendliness. In the QS ranking for Best Student Cities, Dublin ranks 32nd in the world overall, and 2nd for Student Mix. Small enough to walk around, yet hosting the European headquarters of companies such as Google, eBay, Microsoft, PayPal, LinkedIn and Facebook, Dublin is an ideal place to study and connect in. Our campus exists right in the heart of this and you can take full advantage of the opportunities that this closeness affords through access to employers and networking events.

4. Individual Focus

5. Resources

Trinity's Library is the largest in Ireland and as a Legal Deposit library receives copies of all material published in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It is a research library of international repute and in addition to its extensive collection of over 6 million printed volumes, provides access to an extensive range of academic databases and other services, pioneering modern methods of resource discovery.

For more information please visit Trinity College Dublin website or come and see us for yourself.

Study Postgraduate

Phd in social work (2021 entry).

• Department website
• How to apply
• Course Code
• Course Type
• Postgraduate Research
• Qualification
• Full-time: 3-4 years
• Part-time: up to 7 years
• Department of Study
• Centre for Lifelong Learning

Tailor your PhD in Social Work to your interests, choosing from a diverse range of areas. The University of Warwick's Centre for Lifelong Learning provides a rich and supportive transdisciplinary academic environment for PhD study.

Course Overview

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
• Gender and policy
• Men, masculinity, health

Find a Supervisor

Research proposal guidance

Research Themes

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)

Teaching and Learning

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

Entry requirements 2:i undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject; a Masters level degree in Social Work, 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 .

Fees, Funding and Scholarships

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

Related Research Courses

PhD in Adult Education and Lifelong Learning

PhD in Social Policy and Social Work

Doctoral Programme in Social Sciences

The doctoral programme offers high-quality doctoral training in the areas of media and communication studies, social and cultural anthropology, social psychology, social and public policy, social work, sociology, social data science and criminology.

50 new doctoral students are admitted each year. We're an international community, and the programme is multilingual: you can complete a degree in either Finnish, Swedish or English.

Want to know more? Visit our profile & activities page to learn more about the key research areas and activities in the programme.

• Université de Neuchâtel
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•  Transdisciplinary Institute of Social Work
•  PhD in Social Work

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PhD in Social Work

Institutes and research.

• One of a kind programme in Switzerland
• Open to students with a master degree in Social Work from a Swiss university of Applied Sciences or a master degree in Social Sciences, Law or Economics from a Swiss university

Information session - PhD Programme in Social Work

Thursday march 21st, 12h-14h.

• Rue A.-L. Breguet 2, room 2.310
• Information and registration : click here

Thursday 30 November 2023

Click here to see the presentation

Presentation

In partnership with the Universities of Applied Sciences and Arts (HES) this programme: 

• Contributes to the interdisciplinary study of social problems, their developments and dynamics. 
• Focuses on affected individuals, families, groups and communities and provides knowledge about their experiences, their constructions of meaning and their ways of dealing with disadvantage and exclusion. 
• Engages in analysis and reflection on social action and creates - through evaluation and systematic intervention research - a scientific basis for evidence-based professional intervention and the development and innovation of social work offerings. 
• Produces knowledge about social work organisations and contextualises them within the landscape of available services and in relation to the social security system. 

Cohort 2023-2024

Cohort 2022-2023

Registration as doctoral candidate in Social Work

• The doctoral candidate contacts ITTS management (Prof. Barbara Waldis) and sends his/her master's transcripts, his/her experience (courses, teaching, research projects, etc.) to be used for possible equivalences for 30 ECTS, a description of the thesis topic (one page maximum) as well as a potential indication of the choice of two thesis co-directors (UniNE + HES).
• He/she obtains a letter from the thesis co-directors confirming that they agree to supervise the thesis.
• The doctoral candidate sends to the Registration Office (Bureau des immatriculations) his/her registration file with the requested documents as mentioned on the page  Registration and Conditions → Doctorate .
• The doctoral candidate commits to signing the doctoral charter with both thesis co-directors. A copy is sent to ITTS management.
• A pedagogical contract is established after discussion with ITTS management. The parties signing the contract are: the dean of the FSE, ITTS management and both thesis co-directors. This pedagogical contract is signed no later than September 1st.

Doctoral programme and course descriptions

Doctoral programme

Course descriptions 2023-2024

• Starting a PhD thesis, entering the PhD process, scientific writing
• Social work research methods: developping a PhD project
• Social work theories: epistemologies, classics and current issues
• Social work theories: decolonizing social work
• Research design in social sciences: a question of coherence
• Qualitative and mixed methods in social work & social sciences
• Quantitative research methodologies in social work & social sciences

Course descriptions 2022-2023

• Starting a PhD, entering the PhD process, scientific writing
• Social work research methods: developing a PhD project
• Research design for social work research
• Quantitative Methods Research for Social Work and Social Sciences (Block 1)
• Quantitative Methods Research for Social Work and Social Sciences (Block 2)

PhD programme at the ITTS

• Flyer PhD Programme ITTS
• General information for PhD students
• PhD admission directive

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• Faculty and university calendars
• Study plans and directives
• Regulations and directives

Partnership

Universities of Applied Sciences and Arts (HES)

• Social Work  
• Doctorat (BADOC)   In French
• How to get here
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Social Work

We offer research supervision across a broad range of topics. We are especially interested in applications that include proposals to investigate the social dimensions of environmental issues in the countries in which we have area expertise, and topics in environmental politics and environmental movements.

Key information

• Duration 3 years full-time
• Start date September, January
• Location Canterbury

Research programmes involve writing a thesis on a particular topic with specialist supervision. You are given research training, which is tailored to the particular needs of your research and takes into account any training you have previously received. You also have opportunities to attend modules on relevant subjects on a non-assessed basis to fill any gaps in your background.

About the School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research (SSPSSR)

Our School has a long and distinguished history and is one of the largest and most successful social science research communities in Europe. In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, 100% of our Social Work and Social Policy research was classified as ‘world-leading’ or 'internationally excellent' for impact and environment

The School supports a large and thriving postgraduate community and in 2010 distributed in excess of £100,000 in Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) quota awards, and in University and SSPSSR bursaries and scholarships to new students.

Academic staff specialise in research of international, comparative and theoretical significance, and we have collective strengths in the following areas: civil society, NGOs and the third sector; cross-national and European social policy; health, social care and health studies; work, employment and economic life; risk, ‘risk society’ and risk management; race, ethnicity and religion; social and public policy; sociology and the body; crime, culture and control; sociological theory and the culture of modernity.

Everything you need to know.

Entry requirements, study support.

A good honours degree in the social sciences, an interest in the chosen topic area and a clear idea of your proposed thesis topic. In the case of research in health services and personal social services, we will also consider candidates with professional qualifications alone and/or relevant experience in the health service.

All applicants are considered on an individual basis and additional qualifications, professional qualifications and relevant experience may also be taken into account when considering applications. 

Please see our International Student website for entry requirements by country  and other relevant information. Due to visa restrictions, students who require a student visa to study cannot study part-time unless undertaking a distance or blended-learning programme with no on-campus provision.

English language entry requirements

This course requires an Excellent level of English language, equivalent to C1 on CEFR.  

Details on how to meet this requirement can be found on our English Language requirements webpage . 

Examples:  

IELTS 7.0 with a minimum of 7.0 in each component 

PTE Academic 76 with a minimum of 76 in each sub-test 

A degree from the UK 

A degree from a Majority English Speaking Country 

Postgraduate research is a fantastic opportunity and significant investment in your future, enabling you to expand your knowledge, skills and career options – all while making a meaningful impact and contribution to an area you are passionate about.

At Kent, we also recognise the significant financial investment that comes with postgraduate study, and we offer a range of scholarships for our postgraduate researchers, to help keep your mind on your studies, and off your finances.

Scholarships can be broad, or specific to your situation, background or even country – so please do use our scholarships finder to discover the options available to you.

We also have research partnership funding with research councils and government schemes in specific areas of interest that can help you take your research to the next level with additional financial support.

Find out more on our fees and funding page and discover what option is right for you.

Postgraduate resources

The atmosphere in the School is informal and friendly and has at its centre a lively and diverse postgraduate community. The weekly staff/postgraduate seminar series is designed to introduce you to the work of major scholars from the UK and abroad, and there is also a wide range of other seminar and workshop series each academic year.

Our postgraduate students have access to dedicated office space within the department and are able to take advantage of excellent library and computing facilities. Where appropriate, research students are encouraged to expand their experience by teaching part-time in the School.

Dynamic publishing culture

Staff publish regularly and widely in journals, conference proceedings and books. Among others, they have recently contributed to: Journal of Social Policy ; Journal of European Social Policy ; Voluntas ; Social Policy and Administration ; and Social Policy and Society .

Researcher Development Programme

Kent's Graduate School co-ordinates the Researcher Development Programme for research students, which includes workshops focused on research, specialist and transferable skills. The programme is mapped to the national Researcher Development Framework and covers a diverse range of topics, including subject-specific research skills, research management, personal effectiveness, communication skills, networking and teamworking, and career management skills.

Academic staff at Kent share a number of interests, grouped here for your guidance. However, there is often a degree of overlap between groups and your research project does not have to fall neatly within any one of them. The School also has several research centres that bring together experts in the field, co-ordinate research, organise talks and offer opportunities for postgraduate students to get involved in discussions and research projects.

Globalisation

At Kent, research in this area includes the role of global civil society, critical analysis of terrorism and responses to it, globalisation and everyday life, migration, the role of communication technologies, and the global expansion of capitalism and responses to it in social movements.

The Individual and the Social

Within this area, staff have worked on the ‘culture of anxiety’ and the ‘therapy culture’, the impact on individual lives and experiences of masculinity, gender, race and ethnicity, parenthood and nationality. Other interests include the social context in which attributions of mental illness are made and managed, the meaning and construction of pain in late modernity, and the sociology of crime and deviance.

Risk and Society

The critical analysis of risk and perceptions of risk have become central issues in the sociology of the ‘risk society’ and this is a major focus of research activity in the School. Staff research includes work on health risks and their management, the implications of attitudes and behaviour concerning risk for the welfare state, the development of a culture of risk and anxiety, moral panics, risk and crime, risk and the life course, suffering and the perceptions of new communications technology.

Race, Ethnicity and Migration

The School has strong expertise in the area of race and ethnicity, and in the area of migration. Our work includes projects on mixed race, immigrant communities and refugees. Research at Kent has also addressed diasporas, undocumented migrants and the links between marriage and migration.

The Analysis of Social Movements

Social and political changes have stimulated new forms of political participation and mobilisation, including waves of protest, new social movement organisations focused on old as well as new issues, new political parties and global social movements. Staff interests include environmental movements, humanitarian NGOs, elite networks, and the ‘postmodern’ politics of anti-communist movements in Eastern Europe.

Philanthropy, Humanitarianism and Social Justice

Staff in this research cluster seek to understand the social forces and cultural interests that move people to take moral responsibility for responding to/caring for the needs of others; document and explain the institutional organisation of charitable behaviour and its social impacts; the socio-cultural dynamics of philanthropic behaviour and its effects on society; contemporary humanitarianism and its powers of influence over social policy and political process; and to understand the character of the social ties and cultural values that structure the interrelationships between humanitarian action, charitable endeavour and philanthropic intervention; as well as the bearing of government policies and governmental processes upon the charitable sector and philanthropic activity.

Sociology of the Body

In this research cluster, staff seek to understand the complex relationships between embodied subjects, and the social and cultural forms, relationships, institutions and structures that shape and are shaped by these actors. This includes research on clothing and fashion, the embodiment of age, and the body in health and social care. Thesis topics within this cluster have included female binge drinking, female body builders, tattooing and piercing, and the embodied sociology of private spaces.

Crime, Control and Culture

Members of the crime, control and culture research cluster are primarily involved in projects and research-centred activities connected with cultural criminology, for example in the areas of subcultures, drug use and intoxication, the night-time economy, the surveillance society, the photographic representation of crime, young people and crime, and the carnival of crime. In addition, work of a more traditional nature is also being undertaken, for example in the fields of international drug policy, the history of crime and punishment, and violence.

Sociological Theory and the Culture of Modernity

Staff working in this cluster study issues such as classical social theory, the impact on social theory of the fall of communism, and the theoretical implications of the changing boundaries of social life. This has further entailed work on the integrity of auto/biography as a form of social information and its impact on diverse disciplines of feminist perspectives.

Research at Kent addresses how gender is constructed and how it operates in a variety of social realms. Some of our recent projects have focused on gender in prisons, on women working as door staff in nightclubs and on how women are addressed in advice on pregnancy. Our research on social policy also includes a focus on gender, examining how men, women and families are affected by legislation and service provision.

Staff share a research interest in the social role of the media, how media are used and how they are changing. Research at Kent has included work on the role of the media in constructing social problems and moral panics, media and crime, new media, media and subcultures, and the role of media in representing space and identity.

Visual Sociology

Staff share an interest in the visual dimension of social life. How is life seen, how are images created, stored and used? In various research projects, we also explore the use of images in innovative forms of research design and in sharing our findings.

Work, Employment and Economic Life

This research cluster represents a long-standing interest within SSPSSR at Kent. Currently, ten members of the School are researching and teaching in this broad field, representing staff in sociology, social policy, criminology and cultural studies. Themes studied include: age, generation and employment; deindustrialisation; gender, ethnicity and class at work; historiography of work sociology; moral economy; organisational sociology; policy effects on formal and informal labour; visual representation of work; work identity and meaning; work/life balance; workplace ethnography and oral histories.

Cross-national and European Social Policy

Cross-national study, both among staff and postgraduate students, is widespread throughout the School and relevant to all research clusters. However, some of our research also takes cross-national comparison as its major focus. This includes analysing policy formation and its impact on individuals, families and social groups within different states and within a global context.

Using the framework of different welfare regimes, academic staff research a wide range of topics, while postgraduate students conduct research projects in every part of the world. Many of these projects involve overseas students comparing their own country and European or UK services. Recent cross-national work has included projects examining home care services for older people, formal and informal social care systems, institutional change and the future of welfare reform, gender and family, globalisation, housing, and community activism.

Centre for Health Services Studies (CHSS)

The Centre for Health Services Studies has a strong record in attracting research grants from the National Institute for Health Research, European Union Framework Programme, ESRC, Department of Health, as well as local health authorities and trusts. It is a designated NIHR Research Design Support Service. Particular areas of expertise include pragmatic trials, risk assessment and management, care of vulnerable adults including older people, and public health.

Centre for the Study of Social and Political Movements

The Centre was established in 1992 in order to consolidate Kent’s leading position in the study in Britain of social and political movements. The Centre is actively involved in international networks of social movement researchers through its participation in the Erasmus network on ‘Social movements, conflict and political action’ and through its members’ activity in the relevant research committees of the International Sociological Association, the European Sociological Association, and the European Consortium for Political Research.

Kent Crime and Justice Centre (KCJC)

KCJC is a collaboration of senior researchers at the University of Kent, based in the School, the Personal Social Services Research Unit and Kent Law School. It works in partnership with Kent Youth Offending Service and other criminal justice and non-governmental organisations. The core members have a multidisciplinary background, which includes sociology, economics, law and statistics, and expertise in sophisticated quantitative techniques, economic modelling and qualitative methods.

Centre for Child Protection

The team at the Centre for Child Protection is leading the way in developing new and innovative ways to deliver training and opportunities for simulated role play for professional development. The serious game concept offers a safe medium to explore and reflect upon child protection assessment. It offers professionals, at all stages of their careers, a unique way to evaluate real-life situations.

The first in the series of games, Rosie 2 promotes the theme of inter-professional practice by exploring the boundaries and challenges of a joint visit to the family by a health visitor and social worker. Rosie 2 was followed by Visiting Elliot which explores a visit to a sex offender in the community. Zak, the third game in the series, focuses on an aspect of internet grooming.

The Centre for Child Protection’s series of serious game simulations provide research-based case studies and the opportunities to explore the complex dynamics involved in making professional assessments and decisions in these contexts.

Personal Social Services Research Unit

The PSSRU is the largest social services research unit in the UK, and operates at three sites: the University of Kent, the London School of Economics and the University of Manchester. Facilities include the Griffiths Library of Community Care, a reference library of more than 10,000 books, journals and other literature linked to the Unit’s field of study. Research focuses on needs, resources and outcomes in health and social care: major concerns are resourcing, equity and efficiency from the perspective of users, agencies and others. The Unit has developed a distinctive analytical framework called the ‘production of welfare approach’ to illuminate this research.

Tizard Centre

The Tizard Centre runs an annual seminar series where staff or guest lecturers present the results of research or highlight recent developments in the field of social care. The Jim Mansell Memorial Lecture invites public figures or distinguished academics to discuss topics that could interest a wider audience. The Centre also publishes the Tizard Learning Disability Review (in conjunction with Emerald Publishing) to provide a source of up-to-date information for professionals and carers.

The Tizard Centre provides consultancy to organisations in the statutory and independent sectors, both nationally and internationally, in diversified areas such as service assessment, person-centred approaches, active support and adult protection. The Centre also teaches a range of short courses, often in conjunction with other organisations.

Centre for Philanthropy

Dedicated to an understanding of the social processes and cultural experiences by which people acquire moral dispositions to care for others, the Centre for Philanthropy offers a focal point for much of this work. Research is conducted into the ways in which our capacity for feelings are socially cultivated, corporately structured, politically mediated and economically expressed. The School is also linked to the Third Sector Research Centre (TSRC), collaborating with the University of Birmingham on third sector theory and policy analysis.

Staff research interests

Kent’s world-class academics provide research students with excellent supervision. The academic staff in this school and their research interests are shown below. You are strongly encouraged to contact the school to discuss your proposed research and potential supervision prior to making an application. Please note, it is possible for students to be supervised by a member of academic staff from any of Kent’s schools, providing their expertise matches your research interests. Use our ‘ find a supervisor ’ search to search by staff member or keyword.

Full details of staff research interests can be found on the School's website .

Building on Kent’s success as the region’s leading institution for student employability, we place considerable emphasis on you gaining specialist knowledge in your chosen subject alongside core transferable skills. We ensure that you develop the skills and competences that employers are looking for including: research and analysis; policy development and interpretation; independent thought; writing and presentation, as well as time management and leadership skills. You also become fully involved in the professional research culture of the School.

A postgraduate degree in the area of social and public policy is a particularly flexible and valuable qualification that can lead to many exciting opportunities and professions. Recent graduates have pursued careers in academia, journalism, local and central government, charities and NGOs.

The 2024/25 annual tuition fees for this course are:

For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide .

For students continuing on this programme fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.* If you are uncertain about your fee status please contact [email protected] .

Your fee status

The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from  UKCISA  before applying.

General information

For students continuing on this programme, fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.* 

Additional costs

General additional costs.

Find out more about  general additional costs  that you may pay when studying at Kent. 

Search our scholarships finder for possible funding opportunities. You may find it helpful to look at both:

• University and external funds
• Scholarships specific to the academic school delivering this programme.

We have a range of subject-specific awards and scholarships for academic, sporting and musical achievement.

Ready to apply?

Learn more about the  application process  or begin your application by clicking on a link below.

You will be able to choose your preferred year of entry once you have started your application. You can also save and return to your application at any time.

Need help deciding?

Our friendly team is on hand to help you with any queries you have.

Find the right supervisor for your and your research project.

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Supporting your success

We are here to support your postgraduate journey.

Kent ranked top 50 in The Complete University Guide 2024 .

Support for funding so you can focus on your studies.

Research excellence.

Kent has risen 11 places in THE’s REF 2021 ranking, confirming us as a leading research university.

It’s easy to study on or off campus at Kent – discover what is right for you.

Social Work

PhD Social Work

A PhD in Social Work equips students with the skills and experience to apply social research methods and tools to critically examine some of the most pressing contemporary issues in social work practice, policy and education. Students are encouraged to develop a topic of interest that directly relates to their own practice experiences or is of wider interest and relevance to the delivery of social work services and support to disadvantaged individuals and groups, either in the UK or overseas.

Students will be supported to develop research questions and design a study that enables them to rigorously research their topic of interest and make an original contribution to the knowledge base of social work. Topics may directly explore practice issues or contribute more broadly to social work knowledge, working with specific groups and communities and addressing systems of inequality and social disadvantage. Where appropriate, students are encouraged to work in collaboration with relevant organisations and user and interest groups to ensure their research outputs and key findings can directly inform social work practice and service delivery.

We are a multidisciplinary, research-intensive school which brings together theory, policy and practice. Our research engages with and influences national and international policy. Our policy experts come from a wide variety of backgrounds in social policy research, social work, sociology, gender violence, childhood studies, disability studies, health and social care, history, human geography, economics, psychology, physical activity, nutrition and health sciences, urban studies, and poverty, based within seven specialist research centres.

Supervisors in social work bring diverse interests across child and family social work (for example, looked after children; adoption and fostering; supporting parents with substance misuse or learning disabilities; domestic violence responses and interventions) and adult social care (for example, disabled adults' social care needs; housing and homelessness; mental health social work; social work with older people and carers; inclusive service provision for LGBTQ+ individuals).

The school is an exciting environment for postgraduate studies; we welcome students from the UK and abroad to join our diverse and highly-rated research team. We particularly welcome applications on topics with direct relevance to national and international social work and policy concerns.

World-leading research

The University of Bristol is ranked fifth for research in the UK ( Times Higher Education ).

94% of our research assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent.

Entry requirements

An upper second-class honours degree and a pass at MSc/MA level (or equivalent experience/qualification).

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.

If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our  profile level C.

Further information about  English language requirements and profile levels .

Fees and funding

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.

More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support .

Alumni discount

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study.  Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.

Funding for 2024/25

The Faculty of Social Sciences and Law has an allocation of 1+3 and +3 ESRC SWDTP scholarships . Applicants may also be interested in applying for funding from the University of Bristol scholarship fund and the alumni PhD scholarship fund.

For details and deadlines of ESRC PhD studentship applications, please visit the SWDTP website .

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.

Career prospects

Studying social work will equip you with a wide range of skills across a broad spectrum of interests and fields. The skills in analysis and research you will develop are relevant to vocational or non-vocational work in many different settings.

Previous graduates have gone on to have careers in higher education, policy-related fields, local government, other public sector bodies and third sector organisations. Careers have included those related to health and welfare, social work practice, academic posts, community work, the criminal justice system, management and research consultancy.

Meet our supervisors

The following list shows potential supervisors for this programme. Visit their profiles for details of their research and expertise.

Research groups

The school houses seven specialist research centres:

• Centre for Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences Staff in the Centre for Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences conduct research focusing on physical activity and nutrition, and their associations with health across the lifespan. The primary areas of focus include biomedical, psychosocial and socio-environmental aspects of physical activity, sedentary behaviour and nutrition.
• Children and Families Research Centre This centre is a hub for research and training in child welfare, family policy, social work and young people's relationships. Our members have backgrounds in social policy, social work, psychology and sociology. We have strong national and international links with child welfare academics, policy makers, practitioners and service users.
• Centre for Gender and Violence Research The centre is a leading site for the study of gender-based violence. Members have a long history of researching violence against women and gender-based violence in different contexts. This includes theoretical and empirical studies and evaluations of policy and practice locally, nationally and internationally. Our research covers victims/survivors, perpetrators, children, agency approaches and international comparisons using a gendered analysis.
• Centre for Research in Health and Social Care This centre focuses on both applied and theoretical research into key health issues at national and international level. There are currently around 30 staff and postgraduate students working across a wide spectrum of research areas: inter-professional and inter-agency work, evidence-based care, health inequality, mental health and health issues relating to ageing, children and gender.
• Centre for the Study of Poverty and Social Justice (including the Townsend Centre for International Poverty Research ) The centre was formed in 1998 to provide a more integrative perspective on existing scholarships in criminal justice, socio-legal studies, poverty and social exclusion. Our members come from a wide range of disciplines and have expertise in a number of policy areas, with particular strengths in data analysis and social statistics. We aim to promote a supportive arena for critical national and international analysis and research into monitoring the nature and extent of poverty, social exclusion and injustice.
• Centre for Urban and Public Policy Research Research at the Centre for Urban and Public Policy Research is concerned with governance, housing, citizenship, globalisation and the transformation of social and economic life in cities. Centre members come from the disciplines of economics, social policy, history, geography, social economics and social work. We combine interests in theoretical approaches to social and urban theory with practical involvement in current issues of policy in the UK and across the world. Our staff members have active research links with institutions in east and south-east Asia, the European Union and Europe, particularly the Balkan countries. This results in work with a strong international and comparative dimension, which we see as one of our key strengths.
• Norah Fry Research Centre The Norah Fry Research Centre is a leading international centre specialising in research with and for disabled adults, children and their families. The centre is known for its work to include people with learning disabilities in the research process, as well as the development of accessible, easy-to-understand information and the dissemination of research findings in multiple formats to different audiences.

How to apply

Apply today via our online application system. For further information, please see the guidance for how to apply on our webpages.

We welcome applications at any time of year; early application is advised.

For China Scholarship Commission funding, the programme application deadline is 4 December 2023. For SWDTP (South West Doctoral Training Partnership) funding, the programme application deadline is 4 December 2023. For University of Bristol studentship funding, the programme application deadline is 19 February 2024.

Senior Postgraduate Admissions Administrator

Faculty of Social Sciences and Law

School for Policy Studies

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PhD/MPhil Social Work / Overview

Year of entry: 2024

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We require:

• An honours degree (minimum Upper Second (2:1)) or the overseas equivalent in a relevant subject
• AND a very good MSc/MPhil/MRes degree from a recognised institution
• OR satisfactory work at postgraduate level (which must include some research training) undertaken for the equivalent of at least one year full-time.

NB In exceptional circumstances, we may consider an application from a student without both an undergraduate and post-graduate degree. For example, if they have a first/distinction and research experience. 

The  four-year programme is strongly recommended for anyone who:

• has not studied in the UK before;
• has not completed specific research methods training at master's level and received 'very good' grades;
• has not completed a research dissertation at master's level and received 'very good' grades;
• has not scored at least 6.5 in all areas of the IELTS (or equivalent) if English is not their first language.

For students who which to study via distance learning there are additional criteria to support effective communication, for more information please see entry requirements section.

Full entry requirements

See full guidance on how to choose a project and submit an application on our websi te . You should then complete the online admissions application form to apply for this programme. Ensure you include all required supporting documents at the time of submission, or this may delay the processing of your application.

Application deadlines

You must submit your application for a postgraduate research programme before the relevant deadline to be considered. You will not be able to apply after these deadlines have passed.

• January entry: 15 October (of the year prior entry)
• April entry: 15 January (year of entry)
• September entry: 15 June (year of entry)

Programme options

Programme overview.

• Learn from some of Europe's leading researchers while undertaking your own project.
• Access some of the best research facilities in the world at both the University and in hospitals around Greater Manchester.
• Undergo training in transferable skills critical to developing early-stage researchers and professionals through the Doctoral Academy's training programme.
• Conduct research at a university ranked 6th in the UK (QS World University Rankings 2023).

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2024, the tuition fees are as follows:

• PhD (full-time) UK students (per annum): Standard £4,786, Low £11,000, Medium £17,500, High £23,000 International, including EU, students (per annum): Standard £27,000, Low £28,500, Medium £34,500, High £40,500
• PhD (part-time) UK students (per annum): Standard £2393, Low £5,500, Medium £8,750, High £11,500 International, including EU, students (per annum): Standard £13,500, Low £14,250, Medium £17,250, High £20,250
• PhD (full-time distance learning) UK students (per annum): Standard £4,786, Low £11,000, Medium £17,500, High £23,000 International, including EU, students (per annum): Standard £27,000, Low £28,500, Medium £34,500, High £40,500
• PhD (part-time distance learning) UK students (per annum): Standard £2393, Low £5,500, Medium £8,750, High £11,500 International, including EU, students (per annum): Standard £13,500, Low £14,250, Medium £17,250, High £20,250

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

Contact details

Programmes in related subject areas.

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

• Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work

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You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website .

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What do you want to do?

Find out about the research we do in social work.

• Social Work PhD

Find a supervisor

Mode of study

3 years full-time

6 years part-time

International   £23,615

UK   £4,786

Entry requirements

Research profile.

Social Work at Brunel University is aligned with  grand challenges for social work research  including focus on individual and family well-being, creating a stronger social fabric, and developing a just society. The Social Work team has expertise in many current issues with which social work engages, such as ageing, children and families, LGBT identities, mental health, migration, health, loss/grief and environmental concerns.  The team holds strengths in social policy and interdisciplinary practice as well as planning for and adapting to current societal shifts. Brunel is one of the leading providers of social work and social policy research in London, funded by high-profile organisations like the ESRC, the AHRC, Nuffield Foundation, the Rowntree Trust, the European Union, the Department for Education and Skills and the NHS.

Find out about the exciting research we do in this area. Browse profiles of our experts, discover the research groups and their inspirational research activities you too could be part of. We’ve also made available extensive reading materials published by our academics and PhD students.  

Learn more about research in this area.

Brunel Experts by Experience has a long and proud history at Brunel whereby service-users help the delivery of Social Work training to students and staff.

 In the Division of Social Work we have members of staff who are:

• Editor of Ageing and Society, the leading social gerontology journal in the UK
• Fellows of the Gerontological Society of America (GSA)
• Fellow of the Faculty of Public Health
• Academician of the Academy of Social Sciences
• University of Auckland Ralph & Eve Seelye Charitable Trust Award Fellowship holder
• Serve on many editorial boards and have won many teaching awards

Other activities include:

• Health Research Authority Social Care Research Ethics Committee.
• National Institute for Health Research-Health Services and Delivery Research panel
• Welfare, Health and Wellbeing theme at the Institute of Environment, Health and Societies.

The Division of Social Work has:

• specialism in gerontology and children and families
• commitment to anti-oppressive practice
• service user perspectives and experiences
• specialist researchers in gender and sexualities

You can explore our campus and facilities for yourself by taking our virtual tour .

Our researchers create knowledge and advance understanding, and equip versatile doctoral researchers with the confidence to apply what they have learnt for the benefit of society. Find out more about working with the Supervisory Team .

You are welcome to approach your potential supervisor directly to discuss your research interests. Search for expert supervisors for your chosen field of research.

Potential research students are encouraged to contact members of staff in the area of interest to receive guidance on how to focus the research proposal and to discuss their research areas.  

Applicants are welcome to contact us about their own specialist topics and projects.  We particularly welcome proposals on

• Ageing and LGBT identities
• Ageing and spiritual and emotional well-being
• Positive ageing and resilience
• Ageing and virtues, especially wisdom, courage, and beauty
• Anti-oppressive practice and the development of resilient practitioners
• Religious minorities
• Masculine identities
• Mixed couples
• End-of-life, palliative care, and hospice
• Loss and grief; death and dying
• Mental health
• Public policy and personal life
• Risk and its perception
• Spirituality and health
• Spirituality, religion, existentialism and meaning systems in social work.

While we welcome applications from student with a clear direction for their research, we are providing you with some ideas for your chosen field of research:

Research journey

This course can be studied 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time, starting in January. Or this course can be studied 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time, starting in October. Or this course can be studied 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time, starting in April.

Find out about what progress might look like at each stage of study here:  Research degree progress structure.

Research support

Excellent research support and training

The Graduate School provides a range of personal, professional and career development opportunities. This includes workshops, online training, coaching and events, to enable you to enhance your professional profile, refine your skills, and plan your next career steps as part of the Researcher Development Programme . The researcher development programme (RDP) offers workshops and seminars in a range of areas including progression, research management, research dissemination, and careers and personal development. You will also be offered a number of online, self-study courses on BBL, including Research Integrity, Research Skills Toolkit, Research Methods in Literature Review and Principles of Research Methods.

Library services

Brunel's Library is open 24 hours a day, has 400,000 books and 250,000 ebooks, and an annual budget of almost £2m. Subject information Specialists train students in the latest technology, digital literacy, and digital dissemination of scholarly outputs. As well as the physical resources available in the Library, we also provide access to a wealth of electronic resources. These include databases, journals and e-books. Access to these resources has been bought by the Library through subscription and is limited to current staff and students.

Dedicated research support staff provide guidance and training on open access, research data management, copyright and other research integrity issues.

Find out more: Brunel Library

Careers and your future

You will receive tailored careers support during your PhD and for up to three years after you complete your research at Brunel. We encourage you to actively engage in career planning and managing your personal development right from the start of your research, even (or perhaps especially) if you don't yet have a career path in mind. Our careers provision includes online information and advice, one-to-one consultations and a range of events and workshops. The Professional Development Centre runs a varied programme of careers events throughout the academic year. These include industry insight sessions, recruitment fairs, employer pop-ups and skills workshops.

In addition, where available, you may be able to undertake some paid work as we recognise that teaching and learning support duties represent an important professional and career development opportunity.

Find out more.

Social Work is an evidence-based profession. Research on the efficacy of social work interventions and on service user perspectives and experiences of services are crucial to it. This research is highly valued by the profession. PhDs in Social Work are respected in the field and set an academic research-active practitioner apart from practitioners in general. University departments that deliver social work education expect most staff to have PhDs.

UK entry requirements

The general University entrance requirement for registration for a research degree is normally a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree (1st or 2:1). 

An interview will be required as part of the admissions process and will be conducted by at least two academic staff members remotely via MS Teams, Zoom, or face to face.

Applicants will be required to submit a personal statement  and a research statement. Please contact your proposed supervisor, where possible, to receive feedback and guidance on your research statement before submitting it. Learn how to prepare a research statement  here .   

EU and International entry requirements

If you require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK, you must prove knowledge of the English language so that we can issue you a Certificate of Acceptance for Study (CAS). To do this, you will need an IELTS for UKVI or Trinity SELT test pass gained from a test centre approved by  UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and on the Secure English Language Testing (SELT) list . This must have been taken and passed within two years from the date the CAS is made.

English language requirements

• IELTS: 7 (min 6.5 in all areas)
• Pearson: 64 (59 in all subscores)
• BrunELT : 68% (63% in all areas)
• TOEFL: 98 (min 23 in all areas)

You can find out more about the qualifications we accept on our  English Language Requirements  page.

Should you wish to take a pre-sessional English course to improve your English prior to starting your degree course, you must sit the test at an approved SELT provider for the same reason. We offer our own BrunELT English test and have pre-sessional English language courses for students who do not meet requirements or who wish to improve their English. You can find out more information on English courses and test options through our  Brunel Language Centre .

Please check our Admissions  pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants. This information is for guidance only and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Entry requirements are subject to review, and may change.

Fees and funding

2024/5 entry, international.

£23,615 full-time

£11,805 part-time

£4,786 full-time

£2,393 part-time

Fees quoted are per year and are subject to an annual increase.

Some courses incur  additional course related costs . You can also check our  on-campus accommodation costs  for more information on living expenses.

Brunel offers a number of funding options to research students that help cover the cost of their tuition fees, contribute to living expenses or both. Recently the UK Government made available the Doctoral Student Loans of up to £25,000 for UK and EU students and there is some funding available through the Research Councils. Many of our international students benefit from funding provided by their governments or employers. Brunel alumni enjoy tuition fee discounts of 15%.

Scholarships and bursaries

• Brunel Graduate Discount
• Dean’s International PhD Scholarship for Doctoral Researchers in Health and Life Sciences Terms and Conditions 2024

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European Research Institute for Social Work

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UO > About > Organizational Structure > Faculties & Institutes > Faculty of Social Studies > About > Organizational Structure > Departments & Centres > European Research Institute for Social Work

Welcome to the ERIS website

The European Research Institute for Social Work (ERIS) is a scientific-research center of the Faculty of Social Studies involved in formal cooperation agreements with eight European universities in Finland, France, Germany, Britain and Slovakia and other associated member universities across Europe.

We, the directors of ERIS, would like to invite you to visit our homepage in order to learn more about our mission and aims as well as our projects and publications. If you would like to contribute to  our work, please do not hesitate to contact us!

With very best wishes Kateřina Mikulcová, Brian Littlechild, Jelena Petrucijova

Updated: 12. 09. 2023

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Postgraduate Courses in Social Work in Europe - 413 Courses

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• Child protection
• Rehabilitation
• Residential care
• Social problems
• Social work management

Bangor University School of Social Sciences

• Social Work MA

Bangor University School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences

• Exercise Rehabilitation MSc Postgraduate Diploma - PgDip

University of Bath Social and Policy Sciences

• Social Work Masters in Research (MRes)

University of Birmingham School of Social Policy

• Advanced Child Protection Studies MSc Postgraduate Certificate - PgCert Postgraduate Diploma - PgDip
• Doctor of Social Work Professional Doctorate
• Social Research (Social Work and Professional Practice) MA Postgraduate Diploma - PgDip
• Social Work and Social Care Doctoral Programme MPhil (Res)

University of Birmingham School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences

• Spinal Pain Master of Research - MRes

Bournemouth University Department of Social Sciences and Social Work

Bournemouth University Faculty of Health and Social Sciences

• MRes - Health & Social Sciences Master of Research - MRes
• PhD - Faculty of Health & Social Sciences Doctor of Philosophy - PhD

University of Bradford School of Biomedical and Electronics Engineering

• Advanced Biomedical Engineering Master of Science - MSc (PG)

University of Brighton School of Humanities and Social Science

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Social Work Education in Europe

Traditions and Transformations

• © 2021
• Marion Laging 0 ,
• Nino Žganec 1

Faculty of Social Work, Health Care, and Nursing Sciences, Esslingen University of Applied Sciences, Esslingen, Germany

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Faculty of Law, Department of Social Work, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia

• Presents comprehensive analyses of current social and socio-political transformations and their effects on social work and its educational structures
• Identifies points of orientation for enhanced international cooperation and exchanges in social work education
• Brings to light common ground and differences between European social work education systems

Part of the book series: European Social Work Education and Practice (ESWEP)

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Table of contents (12 chapters)

Front matter, introduction: current developments and challenges facing social work education in europe.

• Walter Lorenz

Development of Social Work Practice and Education in Cyprus

• Christos Panagiotopoulos, Agamemnonas Zachariades

Research-Based Social Work Profession in the Finnish Welfare State

• Sanna Lähteinen, Aila-Leena Matthies

Social Work Education and Training in France: A Long History of Being Energised by an Academic Discipline and International Social Work

• Robert Bergougnan, Florence Fondeville

Social Work and Social Work Education in Germany: Development and Challenges in a Scientific and Practice-Based Profession and Its Education

• Marion Laging, Peter Schäfer, Miriam Lorenz

Social Work Education in Italy: Backwards and Forwards in the Establishment of the Social Work Discipline

• Teresa Bertotti

Challenges for Social Work Education in Croatia: Lessons from a Post-socialist Context

• Ana Opačić, Nino Žganec

Social Work Education in Latvia: Post-crisis Impact and Development Perspectives

• Lolita Vilka, Marika Lotko

Reconstruction of Social Work Education in the Netherlands

• Raymond Kloppenburg, Peter Hendriks

The Revival of Romanian Social Work Education and Its Prospects

• Florin Lazăr
• Social Work Education in the United Kingdom
• Steven Lucas, Hakan Acar

Correction to: Social Work and Social Work Education in Germany: Development and Challenges in a Scientific and Practice-Based Profession and Its Education

• Social Work Education (SWE) in Europe
• European model of education for social work
• social work educational structures and models
• Current Developments of Social Work
• Development of a New Socio-Economic Policy
• social work practice
• Social Policy Development and International Standards
• social and socio-political transformations
• Historical Context of Social Work Activities
• Social Work Education in Cyprus
• Research-Bases Profession of the Finnish Welfare State
• Higher Education and Research in France
• History of Social Work in Germany
• Social Work Discipline in Italy
• Social Work Education in Croatia
• Social Work Education in the Netherlands
• Social Work Education in Latvia
• Social Work Education in Romania

About this book

• United Kingdom
• The Netherlands

Editors and Affiliations

Marion Laging

Nino Žganec

About the editors

Bibliographic information.

Book Title : Social Work Education in Europe

Book Subtitle : Traditions and Transformations

Editors : Marion Laging, Nino Žganec

Series Title : European Social Work Education and Practice

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-69701-3

Publisher : Springer Cham

eBook Packages : Social Sciences , Social Sciences (R0)

Copyright Information : Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021

Hardcover ISBN : 978-3-030-69700-6 Published: 08 May 2021

Softcover ISBN : 978-3-030-69703-7 Published: 08 May 2022

eBook ISBN : 978-3-030-69701-3 Published: 07 May 2021

Series ISSN : 2662-2440

Series E-ISSN : 2662-2459

Edition Number : 1

Number of Pages : XVI, 231

Number of Illustrations : 4 b/w illustrations, 5 illustrations in colour

Topics : Ethics and Values in Social Work , Social Work , Education Policy , Education, general

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‘Behind the Blue’: UK grad finds passion for global social work through Explore First

• Published May 3, 2024
• College News , Featured News , Student Spotlight

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LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 3, 2024) —  Cierra Couch, a representative of the University of Kentucky May Class of 2024, is a first-generation college student who came to UK in 2020 with a strong sense of determination, but without a clear roadmap.

As a Robinson Scholar from Hyden, Kentucky, Couch instantly found community through like-minded peers who were also from Eastern Kentucky. As time went on, she began to curate her college journey through resources like UK’s Stuckert Career Center, Student Support Services and her first-generation advisor. These services helped Couch first learn about the multitude of opportunities in the field of social work.

But it was later in her academic journey when Couch stepped into a UK student involvement fair, where, by chance, she learned about Alternative Spring Breaks (ASB), a program that connects UK students to service and learning opportunities across the U.S. and around the world. After becoming involved in ASB, Couch discovered a passion for social work and working with immigrant and refugee populations.

But perhaps Couch’s most transformative experience happened through  Explore First  —  an education abroad program designed and implemented intentionally to equip and empower first-generation students at UK, like Couch. She was part of the inaugural cohort of students to take part in this trailblazing program, which launched in the summer of 2023. Students traveled to London and Dublin for a three-week course, which emphasized career readiness within a global context. Couch says this experience helped her solidify her career goal to work in global social work.

On this episode of “Behind the Blue,” Couch reflects on her time at UK, her experience with the Explore First program and what’s next after she walks across the Commencement stage this Friday with her degree from the  UK College of Social Work . 

“Behind the Blue” is available on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher and Spotify. Become a subscriber to receive new episodes of “Behind the Blue” each week. UK’s latest medical breakthroughs, research, artists and writers will be featured, along with the most important news impacting the university.

For questions or comments about this or any other episode of “Behind the Blue,” email  [email protected]  or tweet your question with #BehindTheBlue. Transcripts for this or other episodes of “Behind the Blue” can be downloaded from the show’s  blog page .

To discover what’s wildly possible at the University of Kentucky,  click here .

As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It’s all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.   

In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University  for  Kentucky.   

For 85 years, the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) has been a leader in social work education. As a college, we promote community and individual well-being through translational research and scholarship, exemplary teaching, and vital community engagement. We are committed to the people and social institutions throughout Kentucky, the nation, and the world. Like the University, CoSW is an organization that cultivates a diverse academic community characterized by interpersonal fairness and social justice. We are fiercely committed to developing outstanding social work professionals — leaders who will serve individuals, families, and communities through innovative and effective practices that are guided by cultural competency, systematic ethical analysis, and a keen and pragmatic understanding of the human condition.  

UK College of Social Work honors 2024 graduating class on Friday

S.C.O.T.T foundation president and CEO graduates with Doctorate of Social Work

The College of Social Work Honors National Foster Care Month this May

• May 3, 2024

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School of social work honors change makers at 2024 homecoming.

April 29, 2024

In a vibrant celebration of innovation, advocacy, and compassionate service, the University of Maryland School of Social Work celebrated its distinguished alumni at the annual Alumni Association Awards Ceremony during the school’s 2024 Homecoming on March 8. The event showcased an impressive assembly of social work professionals whose transformative efforts are reshaping communities and healing lives.

Read more about the alumni honorees.

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MSMU Social Work students advocate for social welfare bills at NASW-Legislative Lobby Days

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Six students from the Department of Social Work at Mount Saint Mary's recently made their mark at the National Association of Social Workers Legislative Lobby Days. Held over two days, this event serves as a pivotal platform for educating over 1,200 students and professionals on crucial legislation impacting clients and the social work field.

Accompanied by associate professors Amanda Romero, EdD, and Michelle Melendres, EdD, the students traveled to Sacramento to advocate for a range of social welfare issues and policies.

Romero, who is also the chair of the Department, emphasizes the significance of policy advocacy in shaping social work practice. "Policy informs practice in social work," she affirms. "Through initiatives like this, our students witness firsthand the profound impact policy advocacy can have on our daily lives. It's a direct pathway to effecting positive change in California."

This year marked the third participation of Mount Saint Mary's Department of Social Work in the conference. The agenda was comprehensive: on day one, participants delved into the lobbying process directly from the professionals who researched and authored the bills in which they advocated for, gearing up for their legislative appointments. Day two saw students engaging directly with legislators at the California State Capitol, putting their advocacy skills into action.

Evelyn Barba ’26, one of the students involved, reflects on the experience with enthusiasm. "As aspiring social workers, our goal is to drive policy through social action," she shares. “This experience will continue to be significant in my academic journey because I got to experience lobbying, engage with individuals, gain practical experience, and be exposed to many diverse populations. I have gained a broader understanding and perspective and look forward to doing this again.”

For Sarah Zepeda ‘25, the experience reaffirmed her career choice: "The highlight of this experience was being able to advocate for myself and my future clients. This opportunity has reassured me that I picked the right career path."

“During the NAWS-CA Legislative Lobby Days, I had the opportunity to explore what macro-level social work is and work together with my colleagues to lobby on bills that we believe align with our mission and values,” says Siouxsie Luna ’24. 

Their advocacy efforts focused on a variety of bills crucial to the welfare of Californians:

• AB 2250 (Weber-D): Social Determinants of Health This bill aimed to ensure insurance plans cover Primary Care Physicians (PCPs) in consultation with social workers to screen patients for socioeconomic and cultural stressors in assessing their mental health needs.
• AB 1970 (Jackson-D): Black Mental Health Navigator Certification This bill sought to create a certification program to identify culturally sensitive mental health resources in the African-American community.
• AB 1810 (Bryan/Bonta-D): Incarcerated Persons Menstrual Products Advocating for the provision of menstrual products to incarcerated individuals without the need for prior request.
• AB 1799 (Jackson-D): Annual State of Public Health in California This bill aimed to include the impact of racism in the annual California State of Mental Health Report.
• SB 26 (Umberg-D): CARE Scholarship Program Advocating for the creation of a scholarship fund for mental health providers, including social workers, in exchange for a commitment to work in a county behavioral health agency for three years.
• SB 953 (Menjivar-D): Medi-Cal Menstrual Products Seeking to add menstrual products to the mandatory Medi-Cal formulary list.

Through initiatives like the National Association of Social Workers Legislative Lobby Days, Mount Saint Mary's Department of Social Work continues to empower students to become advocates for change, equipping them with the skills and passion needed to effect real-world impact in their communities.

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Class of 2024 School of Social Work Awards

Keith Alford Diversity and Inclusion Award

The Keith Anthony Alford Diversity and Inclusion award named in honor of Dr. Keith Alford, formerly Syracuse University Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer (2018-2021), the MSW Program Director (2016-2018), the BSSW Program Director (2008-2012), and the Director of the School of Social Work (2016-2019).

Recipient: Molly Thompson, Undergraduate

In Molly’s final year at Syracuse University, she had the privilege of interning at Huntington Observation and Parental Education also known as HOPE, where she learned the ins and outs of supervised visitations, fueling her passion for working with foster youth. Post-graduation, she plans to attend the University of Maryland, Baltimore for their Advanced Standing MSW program, where she hopes to continue to work within the foster care system. Molly’s ultimate aspiration is to bridge the gap between vulnerable youth and the legal system by becoming a Law Guardian.

Recipient: Antonio Triana, Graduate

Antonio is a second-year graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in clinical social work. He graduated from SUNY Oswego in 2019 with a BA in Philosophy-Psychology and a Graduate Certificate in Trauma Studies in 2020. He is currently placed at the Family and Children’s Counseling Services of Cortland agency, an integrated behavioral health facility, where he carries a caseload of, and provide one on one psychotherapy to, about 10-12 clients. After graduating from Syracuse, he will stay with FCS working at their office in Binghamton, while working towards obtaining an LMSW and eventually an LCSW.

Elizabeth Brown Thoreck Undergraduate Student Achievement Award

This award is presented to a non-traditional aged undergraduate student who is in good academic standing in the academic arena and the field placement setting.

Recipient: Megeno “Raheem” Abdi

Megeno “Raheem” Abdi was born in Kenya but lived in Syracuse most of their life. Raheem is currently placed at Resident Support Services within Syracuse Housing Authority, where its mission is to passionately work to address housing challenges and improve the community. With a heartfelt commitment to making a difference, Raheem plans to transition into serving their community by working directly with youth facing challenges, aiming to provide support, guidance, and opportunities.

Bachelor of Science in Social Work Award

This award is given to a Social Work graduating senior in good academic standing, involved in social work activities, community, and University contributions.

Recipient: Elliana Hershman

Elliana is a social work major and a human development and family sciences minor. She has been placed this year at Smith Road Elementary School in the North Syracuse School District. After graduation, she will be attending Boston College to pursue a clinical MSW degree in the advanced standing program with a health concentration. Elliana will be interning at Mass General Hospital on the Med/ Surg floor, eager to learn more about the interplay of medical conditions and mental health.

Scholastic Excellence Award, Undergraduate

This award is given to the student with the highest cumulative GPA among graduating seniors.

Recipient: Grace Sacco

Grace has enjoyed spending her senior year interning at Helio Health’s outpatient clinic for patients with coinciding mental health and substance use disorders. Throughout the year, her passion for health care equity and crisis intervention services has grown immensely. Following her graduation from Syracuse University, Grace will pursue Columbia University’s Advanced Standing MSW program and begin her field placement at Mount Sinai West Hospital working with adults admitted to their inpatient unit.

Catherine Mary Esposito Achievement Award

The Catherine Mary Esposito award is given to an outstanding student who has demonstrated a commitment to clients with developmental disabilities and is in good academic standing, but more importantly has a solid success with people who have developmental disabilities.

Recipient: Reva Goldberg, Undergraduate

Reva is a transfer student from Marion Military Institute who joined Syracuse University her junior year. This past school year, she spent her field placement at Jowonio which is a special integrated preschool. Throughout her time at Jowonio, she has worked heavily with OPWDD as she helps her clients gain provisional eligibility and ensures they receive support and services. Upon Graduating, Reva plans to take a gap year to finish her military training and apply for the advanced standing MSW program.

Recipient: Jake Handanyan, Graduate

Jacob is currently completing his graduate field placement at the Arc of Onondaga where he assists in improving agency function through assessment, grant writing, and implementation of various programs and procedures. Jacob is currently looking for a full-time position in his home state of Rhode Island working with the I/DD, or aging population.

Rhonda B Cohen Prize in Gerontology Award

The Rhonda B. Cohen Prize in Gerontology is named in honor of Rhonda Cohen, who graduated from the MSW program in 1983 and passed away at a young age. She was an advocate for the elderly. The award criteria include cumulative GPA, community service, and an interest in working with older adults.

Recipient: Alaysha Moore, Undergraduate

Alysha was born in the Bronx, NY and came to Syracuse to study social work hoping to make a real change in the community and strengthen her relationships with others. She currently has an internship at Syracuse Jewish Family Services at Menorah Park, working with the elderly population. She plans to continue her education by obtaining her master’s in social work in NYC after graduation.

Recipient: Elena Rector, Graduate

Elena has always had a passion for working with older adults, specifically those living with dementia. She is currently an intern at University Geriatricians, the outpatient geriatric clinic at SUNY Upstate. Elena plans to pursue licensure in Massachusetts and a job in long-term care or another setting working with older adults.

Virginia Insley Award, Graduate

This award is given to an outstanding Social Work MSW Health Care Concentration student who is interested in Maternal and Child Health.

Recipient: Jamie Boeheim

Jamie is currently a Clinical Social Work Intern at the SUNY Upstate Medical University Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic. She has grown tremendously at the interdisciplinary, outpatient training facility and has garnered unparalleled experience in diagnostic evaluation and treatment services. She looks forward to graduating in May 2024 and continuing to work clinically with children, adolescents, and their families in New York State.

Carrie Jefferson Smith Social Justice Award, Graduate

This award is given to a student who has demonstrated a commitment to social justice, particularly in the area of improving the lives of victims impacted by the continuum of domestic violence.

Recipient: Kate Gannon

Kate assisted a victim affected by domestic violence to reclaim her sense of safety and empowerment in the world. Her growth during their time together is a testament to the boundless possibilities of the human spirit and the importance of this work. Her future plans in social work include conducting research to discover what we can do to create communities that prevent the precursors for domestic violence.

Mary Pat Cotter Remembrance Award 2nd Year Graduate Student

This award is given to a graduate Social Work student for contributions to Substance abuse, HIV/AIDS

Recipient: Savannah Pidkaminy

Savannah has been a dedicated professional and student in the substance use field for the past 3.5 years, through Helio Health, and is honored to have the opportunity to be earning her master’s in social work from SU to further her education and skill set. She is currently completing her internship through Helio’s Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, where she has sharpened her skills as both a mental health and substance use provider. Her passion for trauma-informed care underscores her commitment to empowering individuals on their journey towards recovery. She intends to remain steadfast in her mission to provide comprehensive care to those struggling with mental health and substance use disorders by advocating for and supporting individuals, families, and communities alike.

Kenneth J. Marfilius Student Veteran Award

The Kenneth J. Marfilius Student Veteran Award is given to a graduate student in good academic standing, who is a military veteran. The award is based on GPA, community, and University contributions.

Recipient: Jennifer Carter

Jennifer is a United States Air Force veteran, mother of three school-age children, and Department of Defense (DOD) spouse, pursuing an MSW while living in Germany in hopes of supporting others in her current military community. Her previous field placement was at Balanced Learning Center (BLC) which allowed her to provide therapeutic services to guide and support several youths and young adults. This opportunity highlighted a need for increased behavioral and mental health services for children and adolescents in her current military community. She hopes to pursue employment with Child, Adolescent, Family Behavioral Health Service (CAFBHS) in her location after graduation and Licensure.

2024/25 UEFA Champions League: Italy and Germany secure next season's European Performance Spots

Friday, May 3, 2024

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Italy and Germany will both earn an extra league phase place for next season having secured the two new European Performance Spots.

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Canada to introduce new rules around off-campus work hours for international students

From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

News release

International students enrich Canada’s social, cultural and economic fabric. That is why, in recent months, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has introduced reforms to the International Students Program, to ensure system integrity while protecting students from fraud and financial vulnerability.

April 29, 2024—Ottawa— International students enrich Canada’s social, cultural and economic fabric. That is why, in recent months, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has introduced reforms to the International Student Program, to ensure system integrity while protecting students from fraud and financial vulnerability.

The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced today that the temporary policy allowing students to work more than 20 hours per week off campus will come to an end on April 30, 2024, and it will not be extended. This fall, we intend to change the number of hours students may work off campus per week to 24 hours.

Students who come to Canada must be here to study. As such, allowing students to work up to 24 hours per week will ensure they focus primarily on their studies, while having the option to work, if necessary.

As we head into the summer session, students who have a scheduled academic break can continue working unlimited hours.

In developing this change, we looked at the needs of students, policies in other countries, as well as research that has shown that academic outcomes suffer the more a student works while studying. It also strikes the appropriate balance so students have the option to work without compromising academic outcomes. More details will be shared in due course.

We also continue to develop the new Recognized Institutions Framework to reward post­secondary institutions that set high standards for selecting, supporting and retaining international students. We will continue to support and protect international students from financial vulnerability and keep protecting the integrity of the International Student Program.

“Working off campus helps international students gain work experience and offset some of their expenses. As international students arrive in Canada, we want them to be prepared for life here and have the support they need to succeed. However, first and foremost, people coming to Canada as students must be here to study, not work. We will continue working to protect the integrity of our student program.” – The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Quick facts

Recent studies conducted in the US and Canada have shown that there is a considerable decline in academic performance for students working more than 28 hours per week, and that working more than 24 hours per week increases the chances that a student will drop out of their program.

Most countries that welcome international students set limits on the number of hours they may work while they study. Australia recently changed its policy to allow a student to work 48 hours every 2 weeks. In the US, students must meet additional criteria before being permitted to work off campus at all.

In December 2023, the Government of Canada raised the cost-of-living threshold that students must meet to be approved for a study permit so they are financially prepared for life in Canada and are not as dependent on working.

International students who begin a college program delivered through a public-private curriculum licensing arrangement on or after May 15, 2024, will not be eligible for a post-graduation work permit when they graduate. Those who already started this type of program prior to May 15, 2024, will still be able to access a post-graduation work permit, provided they meet all other criteria .

The new letter of acceptance (LOA) verification process has been a success. Since its launch on December 1, 2023, through April 1, 2024, IRCC has

•  received almost 162,000 LOAs for verification
• confirmed nearly 142,000 LOAs as valid directly with designated learning institutions (DLIs)
• identified almost 9,000 LOAs that didn’t match any LOA issued by a DLI or that the DLI had already cancelled before the foreign national applied for a study permit

Associated links

• Statement: Minister Miller issues statement on international student allocations for provinces and territories
• Notice: Update on public-private college partnership programs for international students
• Notice: Additional information about International Student Program reforms
• News release: Canada to stabilize growth and decrease number of new study permits issued
• News release: Revised requirements to better protect international students
• News release: Changes to International Student Program aim to protect students
• Website: Work off campus as an international student

Aissa Diop Director of Communications Minister’s Office Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada [email protected]

Media Relations Communications Sector Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada 613-952-1650 [email protected]

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