Doctorate in Social Work - Keele University
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Postgraduate Research

Professional Doctorate in Social Work

The part-time Professional Doctorate in Social Work, DSW builds on the established and very successful BA (Hons) Social Work and MA Social Work to provide a specialist route for social work or social policy professionals who wish to embark on doctoral study located within their own professional discipline. It will sit alongside the successful EdD programme and the DBA both of which are located within the School of Public Policy and Professional Practice.  The broad aims of this programme are:

  • To  develop in depth and systematic understanding of knowledge, skills and values  at the forefront of contemporary  social work policy and practice
  • To develop a critical awareness of the context in which contemporary social work policy and practice takes place
  • To develop critical awareness and application of  research evidence, methodologies and methods  at the forefront of contemporary social work policy and practice
  • To enable participants to undertake a doctoral research study of relevance to social work policy or practice
  • To  provide opportunities for interdisciplinary learning and collaboration through shared learning with colleagues from a range of public professions

The programme comprises four taught modules (2 single, 2 double) in Year 1 and Year 2, followed by the undertaking of an independent, supervised research study and production of a thesis in Year 3 and Year 4. 

The taught modules in Years 1 and 2 are delivered by a combination of seminars, presentations and workshops in residential 1 or 2 day block sessions, (1 block for 20 credit modules and two blocks for 40 credit modules). Starting with an introductory module, participants will be provided with opportunities to reflect on their previous experience and current learning needs, test out their knowledge and skills and prepare for summative assessments. Each subsequent module then builds on the critical knowledge, understanding and skills developed in previous modules. 

Additional individual and group tutorials are also provided for students to discuss their work with tutors. Further tutor and supervisor support is provided via email and web-based support.

Entry requirements

Normally candidates would be expected to:

Hold a relevant Masters Degree obtained from a UK university or an overseas equivalent. In exceptional cases candidates without a Master's degree, but with a good, undergraduate degree classification, may be admitted to the programme, on demonstration of written professional work of good Master's level equivalence.   

And

  • Have an accredited social work qualification (GSCC or equivalent)

And

  • Evidence of experience relating to social work practice or social work policy