Doctor of Social Work

Overview

The Doctor of Social Work course from University of Birmingham is a professional doctorate for both UK based as well as International (EU and wider Overseas) students. Its purpose is to enable those working in professional contexts to make a difference by carrying out applied or action orientated research in a variety of areas. It also facilitates organisational input on agreed research areas and can enhance organisational research capacity.

The Doctor of Social Work is designed for those who are involved in aspects of social work, social policy and practice in a wide range of settings, including government, voluntary organisations, community-based projects, management, education, social care, health care, probation and user groups, as paid workers or volunteers.

It aims to develop critical reflection within participants' policy, practice and organisational contexts, enhance applied social research skills, and develop ability to carry out and apply original research. 

The programme comprises research training, work orientated assignments and a 50,000-word thesis demonstrating original work.

If I gain a postgraduate research degree in this area, what are my career prospects? 

The University of Birmingham has recently been ranked 9th in the UK, and 55th in the world, for post-qualification employability in a global survey of universities commissioned by the International Herald Tribune.

Over the last five years 98.6% of postgraduates from the School of Social Policy have been in work and/or further study six months after graduation.

The skills you’ll gain from studying in the School are highly sought after in most jobs or professions, as you will develop analytical skills and the ability to gather, assess and interpret data, all of which require clear and logical thinking.

Birmingham’s School of Social Policy postgraduates enter a wide range of occupational sectors: the majority in the public sector in areas such as youth work but others including events, sales, administration and education. Graduates also opt to continue in academia.