Research degrees in Social Sciences, PhD, MPhil

The School of Social Sciences offers opportunities to study for an MPhil or PhD by research. Supervision is available by full-time or part-time study and can sometimes be provided by distance learning.

Undertaking an MPhil or PhD
Nottingham Trent University offers opportunities to study for an MPhil or PhD by research in all its academic schools. Supervision is available by full-time or part-time study and can sometimes be provided by distance learning.

Supporting your studies
Carrying out research for a PhD, MPhil or ProfD requires different skills from undergraduate or taught postgraduate study. You will mostly work on your own research project, but we also emphasise the importance of regular meetings with your supervisory team.

The team consists of a director of studies (who will usually have expertise in your subject area) and at least one other supervisor selected for their complementary expertise such as relevant research methods.

The Graduate School Team will support you from your initial enquiry, through the application process and the various stages of your degree, until your viva voce examination and subsequent graduation. Once you begin your studies, you will have induction sessions to introduce you to the University, help you settle in and meet other researchers.

Researcher training
In addition to studying for a research degree, students undertaking traditional route PhDs will participate in researcher training. This combines general research training with specific topics associated with your discipline. The training focuses on the requirements of external research funding bodies and government requirements.

We also provide a structured programme of transferable skills training and career development. This is informed by the work of Vitae, the national organisation which support researchers throughout their careers.

Application form
To download an application form, click Order Literature above.

The School of Social Sciences has a strong focus on both applied and theoretically informed research on contemporary social issues and policy. Research is grounded in the disciplines of:

• Politics and Public Policy
• Psychology
• Social Work, Health and Social Policy
• Sociology including Criminology.

Both cross-School and discipline specific research is flourishing and is supported by School-wide research conferences and events, bursary competitions, and multidisciplinary research groups.

Many staff are actively involved in collaborations with other universities, both in the UK and abroad. We are especially successful in responding to the needs of external partners. We have been awarded grants from:

• the ESRC
• British Academy
• Joseph Rowntree Foundation
• European Commission
• Home Office
• Cabinet Office
• Department for Education and Science
• national charities
• a wide variety of public services in the East Midlands and beyond.

Carrying out research for a PhD or MPhil is very different from being an undergraduate. You will work on a unique project in a field of your own choice. We will provide you with the support you need, through expert supervision from experienced researchers, a well-chosen programme of research training and the support of the University's Graduate School.

You will need to carefully assess the research opportunities available in your chosen area, and we suggest that you seek the advice of the University's Graduate School. They will be able to put you in touch with a potential supervisor, and will also provide advice about the most appropriate course of supporting studies for you. Please contact the relevant School at the addresses shown above.

Research students are supervised by nationally and internationally recognised researchers in the School of Social Sciences.

External links and collaborations
The Schools of Business, Law and Social Sciences have developed extensive links with a wide range of external organisations. These links ensure the business, policy and professional relevance of our research degrees and our postgraduate and professional courses. They have also contributed strongly to NTU's sustained track record in scoring very highly for graduate employability in national league tables. In recent years, researchers in these three Schools have collaborated with, or undertaken research contracts for, a wide variety of organisations including:

• British Academy
• CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants)
• East Midlands Development Agency (EMDA)
• ESRC (Economic and Social Research Council)
• European Commission
• Home Office
• Leverhulme Trust
• Nottingham Probation Service
• Nuffield Foundation
• World Trade Organisation.

Most of our part-time research students, including a high proportion of our international research students, come to us from the public services (including health, policing and local government), the professions (especially law, accounting and social work) and business organisations, to work on research projects directly related to their work. Some PhD projects are designed and managed collaboratively with external organisations. Such projects enable their employing organisations to benefit from contact with leading-edge research. We therefore particularly welcome applications from people wishing to work on projects directly related to business, professional or public services practice or policy.