Researching Social Work: Studying research methods and developing a PhD proposal

Social workers interested in acquiring research knowledge and skills and undertaking doctoral studies can be uncertain about how to take this forward.

The University of Birmingham has designed a workshop to support social workers practitioners and managers at all levels who are interested in applying to do post-graduate research and possibly doctoral study. The workshop is open to all-comers whether they decide to apply to Birmingham or another university. Attendees can be from anywhere in the region, and at any level in their career. This workshop is supported by the West Midlands Teaching Partnership and is provided as part of University of Birmingham’s provision for local authorities to support and improve research capacity and the regional social work workforce.

The free event will include lunch, during which you can meet some of the prospective supervisors in the Department of Social Work and Social Care.

The workshop will cover these topics:

• The purpose of doctoral study
• How to construct a successful application
• How to write a good PhD proposal
• The differences between a PhD and a Professional Doctorate (DSW)
• The challenges of professionals from practice undertaking doctorates
• Post-graduate research training opportunities: The MA in Social Research