PhD; MRes SOCIAL SCIENCES

The PhD and MRes programmes are closely linked to our growing and dynamic research culture. You'll benefit from engaging with highly qualified academic staff, working alongside a portfolio of dynamic and popular masters programmes.

Academic supervision

A member of staff, expert in the chosen field, is directly responsible for guiding and supporting your research programme. As a research student you'll become part of our thriving academic community. Explore the staff, facilities and more in the Division of Social Sciences.

Research areas

• Parliaments and legislatures
• Political institutions
• Engagement and participation
• Representation
• Theories of democracy
• Political narratives and storytelling
• Elections and voting
• Civil society
• The voluntary sector
• Charities
• NGOs
• Gender
• Sexuality
• Race
• Race, Disproportionality and Social Justice
• Globalisation
• International relations
• Migration
• Human rights
• Genocide
• Crimes against humanity
• Social movements
• Women's movements
• Elites and networks
• Agency
• Development studies
• Youth crime and desistance
• Youth Safety
• Young people and justice
• Youth work/youth policy
• Prostitution
• Human trafficking
• Violence against women and girls
• Policing
• Education for sustainability
• Politics of sustainability
• Politics and climate change
• Social science research methods
• Twentieth century Britain
• Welfare and social policy
• Social history
• Political violence and state harms
• State violence, harm and international justice
• Criminalisation of dissent
• Prison and prison experiences
• Penal theories and policies
• Experiences of the criminal justice system, imprisonment, violence and trauma
• Peacebuilding
• Transitional justice
• Aesthetics
• The Holocaust
• Empire and contemporary imperialism
• Fascism/contemporary right wing extremism/populism
• China and the world system
• Contemporary China

Research culture

Research students who study at LSBU become a vital part of our dynamic research culture and are one of the essential elements which make LSBU an exciting intellectual environment.

All research students are enrolled in the LSBU’s postgraduate Key Skills programme. In addition, you can undertake research methods training from relevant MA and MSc courses, as well as taking part in specialist events and activities, which ensure an inclusive and thriving research culture.

MRes programme

An MRes is distinct from a taught Masters in that your final output will be an extended dissertation (30,000 words) rather than module-based coursework and exams.

PhD programme

A PhD, by definition, is an original contribution to knowledge. A research degree is different from a taught course. Research students are expected to self-direct their learning with support from a supervisory team.

To find out more about what to include in your proposal download ourLaw and Social Sciences PhD Proposal Guidelines (PDF File 97 KB) presentation.

Research Excellence Framework (REF)

In the 2014 REF 75% of our research into Social Work and Social Policy was awarded the quality rating of 3* out of 4* for 'environment' - quality that is defined as conducive to producing research of internationally excellent quality, in terms of its vitality and sustainability. We receive a wide range of external funding from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the Department for International Development (DfID), the British Academy, charities, government departments and local authorities.

When applying for a Research Degree Programme at LSBU you are expected to have a 2.1 honours degree, and a relevant Postgraduate qualification at Masters level would be beneficial.

If you have the equivalent of lower second class honours you would also need a Postgraduate qualification at Masters level.

You will also be required to show proof of all of your qualifications. If English is not your first language you will be expected to prove your competency in English, showing an IELTS score of at least 7.0 at postgraduate level.

At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:

• Free employability workshop and events for student all year round, more details can be found on our event section.
• Online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
• LSBU Careers Hub offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and support, guidance on future careers, as well as loads of career resources, connecting you with employers, exciting events, 1-1 support and relevant workshops.

Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.

Research skills development

All research students are required to participate in a Key Skills Development programme aimed at developing transferable skills in addition to those employed in carrying out research. Training in research methods is available through frequent research seminars.

When necessary the research student can follow, in part, relevant Masters courses available within the School and in particular units on research methodology. In some cases, research students are encouraged to follow other courses available within the University or externally aimed at improving their general expertise in their chosen areas.

In addition, they may be encouraged to follow language courses aimed at improving their oral and written skills - both essential in their future careers.