Fully Funded PhD in Social Work in UK
Social work is an important field, especially in the support of effective and healthy living and coexistence. It focuses on helping individuals and groups of people overcome challenges and related difficulties in society. The course teaches students human behaviors, social systems, and ethical values required to lead, make decisions, and peacefully coexist. These are very important and useful skills that are much needed to succeed in the demanding world we live in today.
This course prepares students for leadership roles, where they can successfully manage and maintain human behaviors in society. It is seen as a service to humanity that can be fulfilling and rewarding. Holding a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work would provide you with these skills and more.
A PhD in Social Work would position you for career excellence and give you the required platform you need to grow and excel in leadership and managerial roles. However, getting this degree can be tough as the financial and academic resources needed to achieve it can be overwhelming for many students.
Fortunately, there are institutions and universities in the UK that offer support for those who don’t necessarily have the resources to take their education to the next level. These institutions provide fully funded Social Work PhD programs that cover tuition, stipends, and even other extra expenses for the duration of your doctorate program.
1. University of Oxford
The University of Oxford is one of the world’s best academic institutions, known for its excellence in research, teaching, and academic rigor. Located in Oxford, England, the university has a long-standing reputation for producing influential scholars and leaders across various disciplines, including social sciences and social work.
Oxford’s unique collegiate system offers students a rich academic experience, combining individualized supervision with access to world-class libraries, research centers, and interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities. The university fosters an environment where students can explore social challenges and develop solutions that have real-world impact.
The University of Oxford offers a variety of fully funded PhD in Social Work through the Department of Social Policy and Intervention, which you can check out here. The program is designed for students interested in high-level research in areas such as social justice, public policy, child welfare, and community development. Research topics may include social inequalities, mental health interventions, and policy analysis.
Awarded students benefit from a comprehensive funding package that includes full tuition coverage, a generous stipend, and additional research grants. The university also provides opportunities to collaborate with global organizations, policymakers, and practitioners to ensure research findings contribute meaningfully to societal well-being.
Application Deadline: early January each year.
2. University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh is a globally renowned research institution located in Scotland’s capital city. Established in 1583, it has a strong tradition of academic excellence and is recognized for its impactful research in social sciences, public policy, and community development. The university offers a diverse and vibrant academic environment, attracting students from across the world.
Edinburgh’s campus combines historic architecture with modern research facilities, creating a stimulating environment for learning and discovery. The university emphasizes real-world applications of research, ensuring that students can engage with social work challenges at both local and international levels.
The University of Edinburgh offers a fully funded PhD in Social Work through the School of Social and Political Science, which you can check out here. This program provides students with advanced research training in areas such as child and family welfare, social justice, healthcare policy, and community intervention strategies.
The curriculum is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to influence policy and practice in social work. Students receive full financial support, including tuition waivers, a competitive stipend, and dedicated research funding. The university also offers strong connections to government agencies, NGOs, and social service organizations, enabling students to engage in hands-on research that impacts communities directly.
Application Deadline: early December each year.
3. London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is one of the world’s leading social science universities, specializing in research and education that address global social and economic challenges. Located in London, LSE provides students with access to a dynamic academic community and influential policymakers, making it an ideal place for research in social work and related disciplines.
LSE’s central London location places students at the heart of policy development and social change, with direct access to leading government institutions, international organizations, and nonprofits. The university encourages interdisciplinary research and fosters collaborations that drive meaningful societal impact.
LSE offers a fully funded PhD in Social Policy, which includes a specialization in Social Work. You can check out the status and eligibility for the program here. This program is designed to train students in evidence-based social work research, focusing on issues such as poverty, social inclusion, welfare systems, and healthcare access.
The program equips students with both theoretical and practical insights to address complex social problems effectively. PhD students benefit from a fully funded scholarship package, which includes tuition coverage, a living stipend, and additional research funding. The university also provides access to exclusive research centers, social policy think tanks and international conferences to enhance students’ academic and professional development.
Application Deadline: early January each year.
Disclaimer:
The term “fully funded” is used to address a financial aid package where a student’s educational expenses are being taken care of. This may include;
- Full tuition payment: The total cost of tuition has been waived.
- Stipend/ Salary: A pre-agreed allowance is given to the student to cover living costs and other expenses during the program.
However, It is important to note that this is totally dependent on several factors such as lifestyle, cost of living, location, and other financial needs. Sometimes, the term “fully funded” is used by some programs even though they don’t provide for all your financial needs, expecting that you see them through part-time work, intensional, or personal savings.
These programs usually expect students with fully funded offers to teach and conduct research while studying as part of the funding arrangement. It is also important to note that all universities offer full funding, and students should, therefore, explore financial aid opportunities from various schools (including less popular and well-known ones) in order to find the one that perfectly meets their financial needs.
