A research degree is a period of intensive, supervised, research work in your chosen area. It builds on your previous academic or professional experience and allows you to develop an original area of expertise. You work closely with a director of studies and a supervisor who are specialists in your chosen field or methodological approach to produce an extended thesis of up to 80,000 words in the case of doctoral research. Whilst completing your thesis you can take advantage of a range of training opportunities to improve your employability and personal skills. This includes developing your knowledge and understanding of research methods and methodology. You can take modules from the MRes Social Sciences Programme and supplementary on-line courses to develop your research skills. The work you complete on these courses can be included as part of a PHD. Our staff members take part in a range of research-related activities, including • writing books and articles for journals. • delivering papers at national and international conferences. • involvement in practical research projects, collaborative research and consultancy. Reviewing journal papers, book proposals and research applications. We conduct research projects in areas such as • law • social policy • sociology • politics • public health • education psychology. Our teaching and research is supported by leading facilities such as the Law Clinic and Community Justice Portal.

Our research is often applied, which prepares you to tackle issues of immediate relevance to voluntary or statutory agencies. You can go on to find an academic or other research career. Many people take part-time degrees in collaboration with their current employer.