Social Sciences
Entry requirements
Candidates for MPhil and PhD programmes should have a good first degree (2:1 and above) and/or a master’s degree. Candidates who do not have a master’s degree in Social Science Research Methods (SSRM) may be required to undertake some or all of the SSRM programme on the advice of their prospective supervisors.
For overseas candidates, the minimum qualifications will include a good first degree equivalent to a 2:1 degree at a UK university, and a certificate of competence in English. Work experience will also be taken into consideration when assessing an application.
Months of entry
January, April, July, October
Course content
The School of Social Sciences has the following research themes that represent the School’s main areas of expertise. There is also the opportunity for interdisciplinary research. We encourage applications in all these areas:
- Science, technology and risk
- Crime, security and justice
- Education and education policy
- Health and social care
- Inequality, labour and the future of work
- People, place and policy
Research students join a vibrant academic and research environment with supervision by leading experts in their field.
We are committed to theoretically informed research with a clear policy focus; and offer research opportunities for postgraduate study in sociology, social policy, criminology, science and technology studies, social work and education (see full list below). We welcome students who wish to pursue their studies in an interdisciplinary way. We collaborate with major universities and international agencies around the world, as well as with local policy makers and practitioners.
Our research environment includes a wide range of active research groupings, seminar series, and informal study groups. Our PGR Café - a student-led initiative - provides a unique intellectual forum and support network for those pursuing doctoral studies.
We are delighted to be part of the Wales Doctoral Training Partnership (Wales DTP), funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).
Information for international students
English language requirements
A score of 600 on TOEFL (250 on computer-based marking) or band 7.0 on IELTS is required where English is not a first language, or for those who have not had a substantial part of their education taught in the English language.
Qualification, course duration and attendance options
- PhD
- part time60-84 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
- full time36 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
- MPhil
- part time24-36 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
- full time12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
Course contact details
- Name
- Course Enquiries
- graduateoffice@cardiff.ac.uk
- Phone
- +44 (0)29 2087 4972