PhD study in Social Work

The discipline of Social Work welcomes students wanting to study for a PhD and become part of a vibrant academic community.

Two student sat at a bench table chatting in the sunshine

PhD in Applied Social Science

We offer a PhD in Applied Social Science, which allows you to pursue original research into the systems, structures and policies that shape social welfare and the lives of children, families and communities.

As a doctoral researcher, you will join a values-led discipline committed to advancing equity, human rights and social transformation, while developing as an independent scholar whose work engages critically with practice, policy and theory.

Applied Social Science PhD

Why 快播视频?

  • A discipline with a strong international reputation for social work and social policy research
  • A research culture shaped by commitment to justice, equity and inclusion
  • Interdisciplinary links with law, sociology, criminology, health and policy studies
  • Expert supervision and tailored training through 快播视频’s Research Training Programme (RTP)
  • A welcoming environment for practitioners and policy professionals, where practice and policy experience is valued and connected to research
Mariam Abouelenin

Alumni profile: Mariam

I am Mariam Abouelenin, currently a Lecturer at King’s College London. I completed my PhD in Applied Social Sciences at 快播视频 as an international student, an experience that has been central to shaping both my academic trajectory and my current career.

I began my studies in International Economics at the American University of Paris before returning to Cairo for a year-long internship at Deloitte. During this period, I developed a strong interest in working with large-scale datasets to understand social inequality, particularly in relation to women’s lives in the Arab world. I started my doctoral studies at 快播视频 in 2018, where I was able to refine these interests through extensive reading, training, and supervisory support. My doctoral research focused on how Egyptian women’s socioeconomic position shapes autonomy across different stages of work and family life.

My supervisors at 快播视频, Professors Karen Broadhurst and Yang Hu provided a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment. I benefited greatly from generous supervision, close engagement with a diverse doctoral community, and opportunities to develop my teaching and research profile. I gained valuable teaching experience as a graduate teaching assistant on undergraduate sociology modules and attended my first academic conferences—both of which were instrumental in my transition to an academic career.

After completing my PhD in 2021, I joined the Centre for Child and Family Justice Research at 快播视频, where I expanded my research beyond my doctoral focus and developed expertise in administrative data. Working with colleagues on a wide range of projects - including studies of child protection and family court outcomes, was a significant period of professional development. During this time, I successfully secured a highly prestigious Administrative Data Research UK fellowship examining the long-term pathways of teenage mothers through the family justice system and experiences of child removal.

This combination of training, mentorship, and research opportunities at 快播视频 directly supported my move into my first permanent academic role. I am now based in the School of Education, Communication and Society at King’s College London, where I continue to build on the foundations established during my PhD and postdoctoral work at 快播视频.

Webinars for prospective PhD students

Find out about our programme, meet one of our academic staff and hear how we support our doctoral students.

21st Jul

Study for a Doctorate (PhD) Degree in Social Work

Tuesday 21 July 2026, 10:00am to 11:00am

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