Explore some of the most important social issues through a strong social justice lens as a UWS Social Work Researcher.
Rooted in values of human rights, inclusiveness, co-production, anti-racist practice and radical social work, the programme is designed to help influence real change across social policy, law, and everyday professional practice.
Areas of Social Work Research Expertise
Our research community based within the Division of Psychology and Social Work in the School of Education and Social Science, produces internationally recognised work. Graduates go into impactful roles across academia, government, social work leadership, and the third sector.
As a doctoral student, you’ll be part of an active, supportive team with strong links to social work organisations locally, nationally and internationally - giving your research meaningful impact.
Our current themes and areas of expertise include:
Current Research Themes & Areas of Expertise
Our broad-based research themes and areas of expertise include:
- Honour based abuse
- Primary, secondary, and tertiary socialisation of professional groups
- Criminal justice policy and practice in Scotland and Europe
- Professional development of newly qualified social workers
- Mental health law and policy
- Forced migration and refugee studies
- Transitional justice
- Peace development in conflict-post conflict regions
We welcome applications from anyone whose research ambitions links, however broadly, with these areas, and members of the Unit are happy to discuss the possibility of developing studentships and funding applications.
United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
We can confidently state that our research activities in social work directly map to 5 UN SDGs:
SDG 3 - Good Health & Wellbeing; SDG 5 - Gender Equality; SDG 8 - Decent Work & Economic Growth; SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities; SDG 16 - Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions
UWS aims to be among the global leaders of excellent, relevant and purposeful research aligned with the United Nations SDGs by placing them at the heart of our Strategy 2025.
In the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024, UWS was officially recognised in the top 400 universities worldwide as assessed against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UWS was recognised as the 2nd most impactful university in Scotland, and 16th globally, for 'reducing inequalities' (UN SDG 10).
Social Work Research Degrees
- Qualifications: Doctor of Philosophy degree (PhD)
- School: School of Education and Social Sciences
- Campus(es): Paisley
- Start dates: October, February, April, or June
- Admissions Deadlines: September, January, March, or May
- Durations: Minimum of 36 months full-time or 72 months part-time
- Fees: Tuition Fees for Research Degrees
Entry Requirements
MRes / MPhil / MPhil-PhD
The minimum requirements for an applicant for registration for the degree of MRes or MPhil or for the degree of MRes/MPhil with the intention of transfer to PhD shall be a first or second class honours degree of a university in the United Kingdom, or of an equivalent qualification.
Applicants holding qualifications other than those specified in (above) shall be considered on their merits and in relation to the nature and scope of the programme of work proposed.
PhD - direct application
Direct registration for the degree of PhD may also be approved, at the discretion of the University if the applicant holds an MRes/MPhil degree of a United Kingdom University, or an MRes/MPhil degree of equivalent standard of a non-UK University, provided that the MRes/MPhil degree is in a subject area which is appropriate to the proposed programme of work.
Exceptionally, direct registration for the degree of PhD may also be approved, at the discretion of the University, even if the applicant is not the holder of an MRes/MPhil degree, but does hold an exceptionally high-quality honours degree or taught master’s degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline, AND has appropriate research experience at postgraduate level which has resulted in significant peer-reviewed publications, and where verifiable evidence of accomplishment is supplied.
English Language Requirements
For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. The qualifications below must have been gained within two years of the start of your course.
General English language requirements at UWS: International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)
For our research degrees (MRes, MPhil, PhD, DBA, DProf), applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
- Overall score of 6.5
- No sub-test less than 6.0
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
HOW TO APPLY
Applying for postgraduate research study at UWS has never been simpler. Click the link below to find more information about:
- Postgraduate Research step-by-step guide with everything you need to know to submit a successful application
- Link to our online application system
Last updated: 14/10/2024
Search Research System
PURE is the University's research information management system and provides a single source of research information for UWS. It is used to record and manage research activity with details of research outputs, funding applications, conference contributions, external impact and staff profiles.