The Applied Social Research doctorate is designed for those who are involved in the practical aspects of social policy and practice in a wide range of settings including government, voluntary organisations, community-based projects, education, social care, health care, probation and user groups, as paid workers or volunteers.
It is of interest to policy-makers, social workers, probation officers, nurses, occupational therapists, clergy, police and others. It aims to develop critical reflection on participants' policy, practice and organisational contexts, applied social research skills, and an ability to carry out and apply original research.
The programme comprises research training, a 40,000-word thesis demonstrating original work, and a critical reflection on the outcomes of the research.