PhD Social Work (4 years) / Application and selection

Year of entry: 2021

Coronavirus information for applicants and offer-holders

We understand that prospective students and offer-holders may have concerns about the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. The University is following the advice from Universities UK, Public Health England and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Read our latest coronavirus information

How to apply

You should complete the online application form to apply for this programme. On the form select PhD Nursing (4yr) and indicate in your supporting documents if you are interested in undertaking the programme via the Distance Learning route. Ensure you include all required supporting documents at the time of submission, or this may delay the processing of your application.

Early application is advisable. We cannot accept late applications without prior agreement via the Doctoral Academy.

Application deadlines

Home applicants - apply by 15 July

Overseas (including EU nationals) applicants - apply by 1 st week of June

Advice to applicants

In addition to the formal online application, candidates should send:
  • two academic references on official headed paper;
  • a research proposal (see below for more details);
  • personal statement (see below for more details);
  • evidence of assurances about study leave where appropriate;
  • formal confirmation of funding status, e.g. a letter from your sponsor or documentary evidence of your ability to meet all fees and living costs;
  • a current CV;
  • transcripts of your academic qualifications, including the marks obtained for individual modules, as well as the overall grade.

Candidates will be required to attend an interview. If it is not possible for you to attend in person, we will attempt to interview by Skype/video conferencing or telephone.

We are not able to process applications until we receive the required documentation.

About the research proposal

Your proposal should be 2,500 words (+/- 10%) long and include the following sections.

  • Title.
  • Background (previous research in the area and own interest in the topic).
  • Research problem and study aims/research questions.
  • Relevance of the proposed study to Manchester's research priorities and strengths in midwifery.
  • Proposed study design, with justification for choice.
  • Overview of proposed data collection methods and analysis techniques, with justification for choice.
  • Unique contribution of the study to knowledge (what new knowledge might your study provide).
  • Brief consideration of practical and ethical issues.
  • References (these are not included in the word limit).

About the personal statement  

Your personal statement should be approx. 1,000 words in length and must provide details on your:

  • career development to date and why you wish to apply for PhD study;
  • future career plans;
  • research experience (emphasis on best project);
  • research interests (area and methods);
  • other supporting information: recent publications if any (indicate best publication) or other research training and experience.

Interview requirements

Candidates will be required to attend an interview with their prospective supervisor as well as a Postgraduate Tutor. If it is not possible for you to attend in person, we are able to interview by Skype/video conferencing.

Disclosure and Barring Service check

Depending on the project you undertake, you may be required to undertake DBS screening. We will notify of you this requirement if appropriate.

Re-applications

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry. In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved. We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.