PhD - School of Social Sciences and Humanities

Program Overview

The PhD program in Social Sciences and Humanities at SSH equips students with research skills and expertise in their chosen field. Through a combination of coursework, research, and supervision, students develop critical thinking, analytical abilities, and the ability to conduct independent research. Graduates are prepared for careers in academia, research, and various professional fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The School of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) welcomes applications for the doctoral programme in any of the research areas covered by the School. This includes:

• English (language, literature, applied linguistics)
• History
• European Integration in comparative political, security, social and economic contexts
• International Relations
• Politics
• Sociology and Policy

Objectives:

The PhD program aims to:

• Equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to conduct independent research.
• Foster critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Develop expertise in a chosen field of study.
• Prepare students for careers in academia, research, or other professional fields.

Program Description:

The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in research methods and theory, followed by the opportunity to specialize in their chosen field of study. Students will work closely with faculty advisors to develop their research proposals and conduct their dissertation research.

Outline:

Year 1:

• Students complete four ESRC approved research methods modules.
• These modules cover topics such as philosophy of social science research, research design, ethics, quantitative and qualitative research methods.
• Students develop their research project and submit a qualifying report.
• The qualifying report is an extended research proposal that details research aims, objectives, contributions to current knowledge, and research strategy.
• Students defend their qualifying report through a viva voce oral examination.

Year 2:

• Students typically focus on obtaining ethical approval for their research.
• They then concentrate on data collection and analysis.
• Some students may travel to external research sites for data collection.
• Towards the end of Year 2, students communicate and defend their research progress.

Year 3:

• Students focus on writing their thesis.
• They are encouraged to submit their work to academic conferences and for publication.
• Students defend their finished thesis in a final viva voce examination.

Assessment:

• Assessment methods vary depending on the individual modules and research project.
• They may include:
• Essays
• Presentations
• Research reports
• Dissertations
• Viva voce examinations

Teaching:

• Teaching is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and individual supervision.
• The program is taught by a team of experienced researchers who are active in their fields.
• Students have access to a dedicated research society which organizes social and academic events throughout the year.

Careers:

• Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in academia, research, government, NGOs, and the private sector.
• Many graduates go on to pursue postdoctoral research positions or teaching roles at universities.
• Others find employment in government agencies, research institutes, or private companies.

Other:

• The program has an exciting and vibrant research environment.
• Students have access to a range of research facilities and resources.
• The program is committed to providing students with a supportive and stimulating learning environment.
• Entry requirements
• Fees
• How to apply
• Making your application
• Application form

UK students (2024/5) Annual full-time fees: £4,786 Overseas students (2024/5) Annual full-time fees: £15,800

• Part-time students pay a pro-rata version of full-time fees.
Home students, including EU students with settled or pre-settled status, living in England may be eligible for a non-means tested, low interest, loan towards tuition costs and living expenses. Find out more about the Doctoral Loan Scheme. Tuition fees for students are reviewed annually and may increase in subsequent years in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) to take account of the University’s increased costs of delivering the Programme. Any such increase shall always be in accordance with the law. When undertaking a placement year, a placement year fee applies. PhD Scholarships ESRC funded PhD Studentships: Open Competition Fully funded studentships from the Economic and Social Research Council as part of the Midlands Graduate School Doctoral Training Partnership. Applications for Aston University's pathways are now closed. Midlands Graduate School ESRC DTP PhD studentship competition BSS PhD Studentships Each year the College of Business and Social Sciences advertises a number of PhD studentships. Funded Studentships