60 monthsProgramme duration
01 Jun, 2027Application Deadline
OctStarting Month
Programme overview
Main Subject
Social Policy and Administration
Degree
Other
Study Level
PhD
Study Mode
On Campus
The professional doctorate is aimed at managers and a wide range of practitioners who are experienced and who are working at senior and middle levels of their professions and organisations. It offers the opportunity to examine contemporary leading theories and research evidence, and to apply these within the professional context.
If you’re a passionate professional working in any field related to social and public policy and are looking to elevate your practice and advance your career through research, theory and practice, our Doctor of Social and Public Policy offers an ideal pathway.
You’ll join a dynamic community of scholar-practitioners committed to making a difference and be part of a doctorate programme that is established on academic excellence and professional relevance.
As a student on our Doctor of Social and Public Policy programme, you’ll join a vibrant cohort of professionals from across a range of sectors. We offer a rich, inter-professional learning experience where you’ll be joined by professionals from health, social work, social policy, criminology, and education. The taught modules will facilitate collaboratively learning with senior practitioners from different fields allowing you to: exchange insights and explore solutions from an interdisciplinary approach; share experiences and perspectives; challenge ideas; and grow together as researching professionals.
The programme provides an opportunity for transformative professional development. As a graduate of this programme, you’ll not only earn the title of Doctor, but you’ll develop the skills to be a ‘researching professional’. By engaging deeply with theory, research and practice, you’ll enhance your ability to analyse and build upon social science knowledge and policy research skills in your professional context.
You’ll learn how to manage evidence-informed change and drive improvement initiatives with confidence. Our curriculum challenges you to consider issues of power, equity, leadership and governance, supporting your development as a reflective practitioner or leader who can advocate for positive change. Doctors of Social and Public Policy often advance to senior leadership roles, contribute to national policy, or spearhead new programmes and research in their organisations.
Whether you aim to become a senior manager, practitioner, advisor, researcher or simply a more effective agent of change in your current role, this programme will place you ahead of the field. You’ll also become part of Cardiff University’s network of doctoral alumni – a community of scholars and practitioners making an impact around the world.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Social Policy and Administration
Degree
Other
Study Level
PhD
Study Mode
On Campus
The professional doctorate is aimed at managers and a wide range of practitioners who are experienced and who are working at senior and middle levels of their professions and organisations. It offers the opportunity to examine contemporary leading theories and research evidence, and to apply these within the professional context.
If you’re a passionate professional working in any field related to social and public policy and are looking to elevate your practice and advance your career through research, theory and practice, our Doctor of Social and Public Policy offers an ideal pathway.
You’ll join a dynamic community of scholar-practitioners committed to making a difference and be part of a doctorate programme that is established on academic excellence and professional relevance.
As a student on our Doctor of Social and Public Policy programme, you’ll join a vibrant cohort of professionals from across a range of sectors. We offer a rich, inter-professional learning experience where you’ll be joined by professionals from health, social work, social policy, criminology, and education. The taught modules will facilitate collaboratively learning with senior practitioners from different fields allowing you to: exchange insights and explore solutions from an interdisciplinary approach; share experiences and perspectives; challenge ideas; and grow together as researching professionals.
The programme provides an opportunity for transformative professional development. As a graduate of this programme, you’ll not only earn the title of Doctor, but you’ll develop the skills to be a ‘researching professional’. By engaging deeply with theory, research and practice, you’ll enhance your ability to analyse and build upon social science knowledge and policy research skills in your professional context.
You’ll learn how to manage evidence-informed change and drive improvement initiatives with confidence. Our curriculum challenges you to consider issues of power, equity, leadership and governance, supporting your development as a reflective practitioner or leader who can advocate for positive change. Doctors of Social and Public Policy often advance to senior leadership roles, contribute to national policy, or spearhead new programmes and research in their organisations.
Whether you aim to become a senior manager, practitioner, advisor, researcher or simply a more effective agent of change in your current role, this programme will place you ahead of the field. You’ll also become part of Cardiff University’s network of doctoral alumni – a community of scholars and practitioners making an impact around the world.
Admission Requirements
You should have two or more years’ professional experience in a social or public policy related field. Much of the taught modules and subsequent thesis stage focus on engagement with issues affecting, or relevant to, research and professional practice. As such, you are expected to have experience of - or current access to - professional settings in a policy-related field.
English language requirements
A valid IELTS with an overall score of 7.0 with at least 6.5 in all other subskills, or an accepted equivalent for those who have not had a substantial part of their education taught in the English language.
- Candidates are required to submit references or letter(s) of recommendation for acceptance
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
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