Book an Open DayRegister your interest
Explore specialist areas including politics, international relations, migration, human rights, social justice, crime, policing, sustainability and social policy.
Work directly with an academic specialist in your chosen field while becoming part of LSBU’s thriving research community.
Develop your skills through LSBU’s postgraduate Key Skills programme, research methods training and specialist academic events and activities.
Overview
Leading centre for research
The PhD programme is closely linked to our growing and dynamic research culture. You'll benefit from engaging with highly qualified academic staff, working alongside a portfolio of dynamic and popular masters programmes.
Academic supervision
A member of staff, expert in the chosen field, is directly responsible for guiding and supporting your research programme. As a research student you'll become part of our thriving academic community. Explore the staff, facilities and more in the Division of Social Sciences.
Research areas
- Parliaments and legislatures
- Political institutions
- Engagement and participation
- Representation
- Theories of democracy
- Political narratives and storytelling
- Elections and voting
- Civil society
- The voluntary sector
- Charities
- NGOs
- Gender
- Sexuality
- Race
- Race, Disproportionality and Social Justice
- Globalisation
- International relations
- Migration
- Human rights
- Genocide
- Crimes against humanity
- Social movements
- Women's movements
- Elites and networks
- Agency
- Development studies
- Youth crime and desistance
- Youth Safety
- Young people and justice
- Youth work/youth policy
- Prostitution
- Human trafficking
- Violence against women and girls
- Policing
- Education for sustainability
- Politics of sustainability
- Politics and climate change
- Social science research methods
- Twentieth century Britain
- Welfare and social policy
- Social history
- Political violence and state harms
- State violence, harm and international justice
- Criminalisation of dissent
- Prison and prison experiences
- Penal theories and policies
- Experiences of the criminal justice system, imprisonment, violence and trauma
- Peacebuilding
- Transitional justice
- Aesthetics
- The Holocaust
- Empire and contemporary imperialism
- Fascism/contemporary right wing extremism/populism
- China and the world system
- Contemporary China
Research culture
Research students who study at LSBU become a vital part of our dynamic research culture and are one of the essential elements which make LSBU an exciting intellectual environment.
All research students are enrolled in the LSBU’s postgraduate Key Skills programme. In addition, you can undertake research methods training from relevant MA and MSc courses, as well as taking part in specialist events and activities, which ensure an inclusive and thriving research culture.
PhD programme
A PhD, by definition, is an original contribution to knowledge. A research degree is different from a taught course. Research students are expected to self-direct their learning with support from a supervisory team.
To find out more about what to include in your proposal download ourLaw and Social Sciences PhD Proposal Guidelines (PDF File 97 KB) presentation.
Research Excellence Framework (REF)
In the 2014 REF 75% of our research into Social Work and Social Policy was awarded the quality rating of 3* out of 4* for 'environment' - quality that is defined as conducive to producing research of internationally excellent quality, in terms of its vitality and sustainability. We receive a wide range of external funding from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the Department for International Development (DfID), the British Academy, charities, government departments and local authorities.
Careers
Employability Service
At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:
- Free employability workshop and events for student all year round, more details can be found on our event section.
- Online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
- LSBU Careers Hub offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and support, guidance on future careers, as well as loads of career resources, connecting you with employers, exciting events, 1-1 support and relevant workshops.
Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.
Research skills development
All research students are required to participate in a Key Skills Development programme aimed at developing transferable skills in addition to those employed in carrying out research. Training in research methods is available through frequent research seminars.
When necessary the research student can follow, in part, relevant Masters courses available within the School and in particular units on research methodology. In some cases, research students are encouraged to follow other courses available within the University or externally aimed at improving their general expertise in their chosen areas.
In addition, they may be encouraged to follow language courses aimed at improving their oral and written skills - both essential in their future careers.
Transferable skills
A research degree will equip you with many transferable skills. The self-discipline, the demand for clear analytical thinking, and the ability to turn criticism of others work into something constructive of your own, all constitute a unique training for almost any kind of career. The excitement and satisfaction of finding new facts, a new idea, or a new way of looking at something can be highly rewarding.
Attending conferences
Research students are often sponsored to attend national and international conferences and to meet leading scientists in their fields and to present their research findings. The progress of all research students is formally monitored by the University's Research Degree Committee.
LSBU CareerSmart is your ultimate gateway to career success. Our innovative programme is designed to ensure you graduate with more than just a degree, providing the support you need to stand out in a competitive job market. We've got all the tools you need, including:
- AI Powered Career Sets - Get instant personalised feedback on your CV and cover letter by submitting it via our AI powered career tool.
- Gamification Interviews - Get ready to pass those interviews with unlimited training access to our gamification interviews and psychometric tests!
- Personalised Career Development Dashboard - Keep up with your skills progression with free access to practical assessments, LinkedIn learning, mentoring, and industry-standard facilities.
We understand that you’re in the driver’s seat of your career, which is why we’re committed to matching your passion and energy every step of the way.
Entry Level Requirements
The entry requirements below are for 2027 entry. Want to start your course this September? Call 0800 923 8888 for entry requirements.
When applying for a Research Degree Programme at LSBU you are expected to have a 2.1 honours degree, and a relevant Postgraduate qualification at Masters level would be beneficial.
If you have the equivalent of lower second class honours you would also need a Postgraduate qualification at Masters level.
You will also be required to show proof of all of your qualifications. If English is not your first language you will be expected to prove your competency in English, showing an IELTS score of at least 7.0 at postgraduate level.
Choose your country
- Afghanistan
- Albania
- Algeria
- Angola
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Barbados
- Belgium
- Botswana
- Brazil
- British Council Women in STEM Scholarships
- Bulgaria
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Canada
- Chile
- China
- Colombia
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Dominican Republic
- Egypt
- Estonia
- Ethiopia
- Finland
- France
- Gambia
- Georgia
- Germany
- Ghana
- Greece
- Hungary
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Iraq
- Ireland
- Italy
- Jamaica
- Japan
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kenya
- Kuwait
- Latvia
- Lebanon
- Libya
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Mongolia
- Morocco
- Myanmar
- Nepal
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Nigeria
- Norway
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Romania
- Russian Federation
- Saudi Arabia
- Senegal
- Serbia
- Sierra Leone
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Somalia
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sri Lanka
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Thailand
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tunisia
- Turkiye
- Uganda
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- United States of America
- Uzbekistan
- Venezuela
- Vietnam
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Apply
Course delivery modes and application methods
| Mode | Duration | Start date | Application code | Application method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PhD Full-time | 3 years | January; April; September | 9019 | Direct to LSBU |
| PhD Part-time | 5 years | January; April; September | 9039 | Direct to LSBU |
Home/EU postgraduate students and research students should apply through our dedicated application system.
Full details of how to do this are supplied on our How to apply section for postgraduate students and our How to apply section for research students.
International applicants should use our international application system. Full details can be found on our How to apply section for international students.
See our admissions policy (PDF File 1,043 KB) and complaints policy (PDF File 516 KB).
Considering your application
Your application will be circulated to a number of potential supervisors who will look at your academic qualifications, experience and the research proposal to decide whether your research interest is something that could be supervised at LSBU.
There will also be an interview either by telephone or at the University. If you are successful you will be offered a place on a course and informed of the next enrolment date. The whole process normally takes between six to eight weeks, from receipt of your application to a decision being made about your application at the School.
Research proposal
The Director of Postgraduate Research Studies for the School of Law and Social Sciences (LSS) is Dr Helen Young but you should contact an appropriate potential supervisor in the first instance.
Before applying formally, we would strongly recommend that you discuss your draft proposal with a potential supervisor whose profile indicates that their research area is similar to yours. See the list of supervisors below.
If you are a PhD applicant, please attach an outline of your research proposal (up to 1,000 words).
To find out more about what to include in your proposal download ourLaw and Social Sciences PhD Proposal Guidelines (PDF File 97 KB) presentation.
Prepare to start
We help our students prepare for university even before the semester starts. To find out when you should apply for your LSBU accommodation or student finance read the How to apply tab for this course.
Enrolment
Before you start your course we’ll send you information on what you’ll need to do before you arrive and during your first few days on campus. You can read about the process on our Enrolment pages.
How to apply
Read more about how to apply for undergraduate courses.
International students
International applicants can apply directly to LSBU and should consult our international how to apply guide for further information on the application process and key dates.
Accommodation
Read more about applying for accommodation at LSBU.
Prepare to start
Applicant events
After you’ve received your offer we’ll send you emails about events we run to help you prepare for your course. You’ll also be invited to our Applicant Taster Day so keep your eyes peeled!
Enrolment
Before you start your course, we’ll send you information on what you’ll need to do before you arrive and during your first few days on campus. You can read about the process on our enrolment pages.
Fees
United Kingdom
£5190
Tuition fees for home students
International
£18200
Tuition fees for international students
Tuition fees are subject to annual inflationary increases. Find out more about tuition fees for Undergraduate or Postgraduate courses.
full-time
Full-time Year 1 - All Available Courses
PhD Social Sciences (FT) - Year 1 FT Southwark SEPT FULL YEAR
| UK fee: £5190 | International fee: £18200 |
| AOS/LSBU code: 9019 | Session code: 1FS00 |
|
Total course fee for this location/stream: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
| UK: £15570 |
| International: £54600 |
PhD Social Sciences (FT) - Year 1 FT Southwark JAN FULL YEAR
| UK fee: £5190 | International fee: £18200 |
| AOS/LSBU code: 9019 | Session code: 1FS10 |
|
Total course fee for this location/stream: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
| UK: £15570 |
| International: £54600 |
PhD Social Sciences (FT) - Year 1 FT Southwark APR FULL YEAR
| UK fee: £5190 | International fee: £18200 |
| AOS/LSBU code: 9019 | Session code: 1FS20 |
|
Total course fee for this location/stream: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
| UK: £15570 |
| International: £54600 |
Full-time Year 2 - All Available Courses
PhD Social Sciences (FT) - Year 2 FT Southwark SEPT FULL YEAR
| UK fee: £5190 | International fee: £18200 |
| AOS/LSBU code: 9019 | Session code: 2FS00 |
|
Total course fee for this location/stream: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
| UK: £15570 |
| International: £54600 |
PhD Social Sciences (FT) - Year 2 FT Southwark JAN FULL YEAR
| UK fee: £5190 | International fee: £18200 |
| AOS/LSBU code: 9019 | Session code: 2FS10 |
|
Total course fee for this location/stream: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
| UK: £15570 |
| International: £54600 |
PhD Social Sciences (FT) - Year 2 FT Southwark APR FULL YEAR
| UK fee: £5190 | International fee: £18200 |
| AOS/LSBU code: 9019 | Session code: 2FS20 |
|
Total course fee for this location/stream: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
| UK: £15570 |
| International: £54600 |
Full-time Year 3 - All Available Courses
PhD Social Sciences (FT) - Year 3 FT Southwark SEPT FULL YEAR
| UK fee: £5190 | International fee: £18200 |
| AOS/LSBU code: 9019 | Session code: 3FS00 |
|
Total course fee for this location/stream: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
| UK: £15570 |
| International: £54600 |
PhD Social Sciences (FT) - Year 3 FT Southwark JAN FULL YEAR
| UK fee: £5190 | International fee: £18200 |
| AOS/LSBU code: 9019 | Session code: 3FS10 |
|
Total course fee for this location/stream: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
| UK: £15570 |
| International: £54600 |
PhD Social Sciences (FT) - Year 3 FT Southwark APR FULL YEAR
| UK fee: £5190 | International fee: £18200 |
| AOS/LSBU code: 9019 | Session code: 3FS20 |
|
Total course fee for this location/stream: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
| UK: £15570 |
| International: £54600 |
Full-time Year 4 - All Available Courses
PhD Social Sciences (FT) - Year 4 FT Southwark SEPT (Extension - Writing Up)
| UK fee: £1280 | International fee: £1280 |
| AOS/LSBU code: 9019 | Session code: WUS00 |
|
Total course fee for this location/stream: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
| UK: £1280 |
| International: £1280 |
PhD Social Sciences (FT) - Year 1 FT Southwark JAN FULL YEAR (Extension - Writing Up)
| UK fee: £1280 | International fee: £1280 |
| AOS/LSBU code: 9019 | Session code: WUS10 |
|
Total course fee for this location/stream: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
| UK: £1280 |
| International: £1280 |
PhD Social Sciences (FT) - Year 1 FT Southwark APR FULL YEAR (Extension - Writing Up)
| UK fee: £1280 | International fee: £1280 |
| AOS/LSBU code: 9019 | Session code: WUS20 |
|
Total course fee for this location/stream: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
| UK: £1280 |
| International: £1280 |
part-time
Part-time Year 1 - All Available Courses
PhD Social Sciences (PT) - Year 1 PT Southwark SEPT FULL YEAR
| UK fee: £3114 | International fee: £10920 |
| AOS/LSBU code: 9039 | Session code: 1PS00 |
|
Total course fee for this location/stream: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
| UK: £15570 |
| International: £54600 |
PhD Social Sciences (PT) - Year 1 PT Southwark JAN FULL YEAR
| UK fee: £3114 | International fee: £10920 |
| AOS/LSBU code: 9039 | Session code: 1PS10 |
|
Total course fee for this location/stream: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
| UK: £15570 |
| International: £54600 |
PhD Social Sciences (PT) - Year 1 PT Southwark APR FULL YEAR
| UK fee: £3114 | International fee: £10920 |
| AOS/LSBU code: 9039 | Session code: 1PS20 |
|
Total course fee for this location/stream: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
| UK: £15570 |
| International: £54600 |
Part-time Year 2 - All Available Courses
PhD Social Sciences (PT) - Year 2 PT Southwark SEPT FULL YEAR
| UK fee: £3114 | International fee: £10920 |
| AOS/LSBU code: 9039 | Session code: 2PS00 |
|
Total course fee for this location/stream: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
| UK: £15570 |
| International: £54600 |
PhD Social Sciences (PT) - Year 2 PT Southwark JAN FULL YEAR
| UK fee: £3114 | International fee: £10920 |
| AOS/LSBU code: 9039 | Session code: 2PS10 |
|
Total course fee for this location/stream: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
| UK: £15570 |
| International: £54600 |
PhD Social Sciences (PT) - Year 2 PT Southwark APR FULL YEAR
| UK fee: £3114 | International fee: £10920 |
| AOS/LSBU code: 9039 | Session code: 2PS20 |
|
Total course fee for this location/stream: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
| UK: £15570 |
| International: £54600 |
Part-time Year 3 - All Available Courses
PhD Social Sciences (PT) - Year 3 PT Southwark SEPT FULL YEAR
| UK fee: £3114 | International fee: £10920 |
| AOS/LSBU code: 9039 | Session code: 3PS00 |
|
Total course fee for this location/stream: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
| UK: £15570 |
| International: £54600 |
PhD Social Sciences (PT) - Year 3 PT Southwark JAN FULL YEAR
| UK fee: £3114 | International fee: £10920 |
| AOS/LSBU code: 9039 | Session code: 3PS10 |
|
Total course fee for this location/stream: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
| UK: £15570 |
| International: £54600 |
PhD Social Sciences (PT) - Year 3 PT Southwark APR FULL YEAR
| UK fee: £3114 | International fee: £10920 |
| AOS/LSBU code: 9039 | Session code: 3PS20 |
|
Total course fee for this location/stream: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
| UK: £15570 |
| International: £54600 |
Part-time Year 4 - All Available Courses
PhD Social Sciences (PT) - Year 4 PT Southwark SEPT FULL YEAR
| UK fee: £3114 | International fee: £10920 |
| AOS/LSBU code: 9039 | Session code: 4PS00 |
|
Total course fee for this location/stream: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
| UK: £15570 |
| International: £54600 |
PhD Social Sciences (PT) - Year 4 PT Southwark JAN FULL YEAR
| UK fee: £3114 | International fee: £10920 |
| AOS/LSBU code: 9039 | Session code: 4PS10 |
|
Total course fee for this location/stream: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
| UK: £15570 |
| International: £54600 |
PhD Social Sciences (PT) - Year 4 PT Southwark APR FULL YEAR
| UK fee: £3114 | International fee: £10920 |
| AOS/LSBU code: 9039 | Session code: 4PS20 |
|
Total course fee for this location/stream: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
| UK: £15570 |
| International: £54600 |
Part-time Year 5 - All Available Courses
PhD Social Sciences (PT) - Year 5 PT Southwark SEPT FULL YEAR
| UK fee: £3114 | International fee: £10920 |
| AOS/LSBU code: 9039 | Session code: 5PS00 |
|
Total course fee for this location/stream: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
| UK: £15570 |
| International: £54600 |
PhD Social Sciences (PT) - Year 5 PT Southwark JAN FULL YEAR
| UK fee: £3114 | International fee: £10920 |
| AOS/LSBU code: 9039 | Session code: 5PS10 |
|
Total course fee for this location/stream: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
| UK: £15570 |
| International: £54600 |
PhD Social Sciences (PT) - Year 5 PT Southwark APR FULL YEAR
| UK fee: £3114 | International fee: £10920 |
| AOS/LSBU code: 9039 | Session code: 5PS20 |
|
Total course fee for this location/stream: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
| UK: £15570 |
| International: £54600 |
Part-time Year 6 - All Available Courses
PhD Social Sciences (PT) - Year 6 PT Southwark SEPT (Extension - Writing Up)
| UK fee: £1280 | International fee: £1280 |
| AOS/LSBU code: 9039 | Session code: WUS00 |
|
Total course fee for this location/stream: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
| UK: £1280 |
| International: £1280 |
PhD Social Sciences (PT) - Year 1 PT Southwark JAN FULL YEAR (Extension - Writing Up)
| UK fee: £1280 | International fee: £1280 |
| AOS/LSBU code: 9039 | Session code: WUS10 |
|
Total course fee for this location/stream: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
| UK: £1280 |
| International: £1280 |
PhD Social Sciences (PT) - Year 1 PT Southwark APR FULL YEAR (Extension - Writing Up)
| UK fee: £1280 | International fee: £1280 |
| AOS/LSBU code: 9039 | Session code: WUS20 |
|
Total course fee for this location/stream: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
| UK: £1280 |
| International: £1280 |
For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for postgraduate students.
At the LSBU Doctoral College we are committed to supporting and developing professional researchers who are driven to make a difference. We have a range of PhD Scholarships available in partnership with businesses and organisations - and when they're available we'll publish notices on the LSBU Doctoral College site.
