Social and Policy Sciences PhD at University of Bath

University of Bath

United Kingdom, Bath

University Rank:#132

The Social and Policy Sciences PhD is a PhD degree offered by University of Bath across its University of Bath - Claverton Down - Bath BA2 7AY and University of Bath Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY campuses in United Kingdom. The program is delivered on campus as a Full Time course in English and requires approximately 4 years to complete. Students study across its University of Bath - Claverton Down - Bath BA2 7AY and University of Bath Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY campuses while gaining the knowledge and practical experience expected for this area of study. The tuition fee is USD 32,873 / year(s), and the next intake is available from September 1, 2026.

About Social and Policy Sciences PhD

Deepen your knowledge and research skills for an academic or professional career that focuses on social and public policy.

This course is delivered by the Department of Social & Policy Sciences. Our department is internationally recognised with a strong focus on policy and practice, and a commitment to contribute to social wellbeing and social justice.

We offer supervisory expertise in four disciplines:

International Development
Social Policy
Sociology
Social work

Our PhDs are not formally assigned a discipline and successful candidates can describe their PhD to reflect its main research area (e.g. PhD in Social Policy; PhD in International Development).

The programme will enable you to contribute a significant piece of research to the academic community through a written thesis (typically up to 90,000 words).

Find out what our research graduates go on to do

Department of Social & Policy Sciences

Disciplines

Department of Social & Policy Sciences

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Social and Policy Sciences PhD at University of Bath

Entry Requirements

A first or 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate subject, from a recognised university.

A Masters degree or appropriate research training is also normally required. We consider applicants without Masters or appropriate research training on a case by case basis. We might require applicants to satisfactorily complete one of our Masters programmes, or to attend some/all of the units of our MRes programmes while undertaking the PhD programme.

English Requirements

PTEMin 69
IELTSMin 7
TOEFLMin 100

English Program Requirements

English Language requirements

You will normally need one of the following:

IELTS: 7.0 overall with no less than 6.5 in all components

The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 69 with no less than 62 in any element

TOEFL IBT: 100 overall with a minimum 24 in all 4 components

You will need to get your English language qualification within 24 months prior to starting your course.

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Career Opportunities after Completing Social and Policy Sciences PhD

Find out what our research graduates go on to do

Fee Information

Fees and funding

Fees and funding information for Social and Policy Sciences PhD

Fees

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.

Learn how we decide fee status

Tuition fees are liable to increase annually for all University of Bath students. If you aren't paying your fees in British pounds, you should also budget for possible fluctuations in your own currency.

Find out more about student fees

How to pay

Funding options

Find funding for Doctoral research

Payment options

You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition Fee

32,873 / year(s)

Social and Policy Sciences PhD at University of Bath

University of Bath

United Kingdom, Bath