This four-year PhD programme is designed for individuals wishing to develop advanced knowledge and skills in social science research design and methods through a mixture of coursework and independent research with supervisory support. The programme is particularly suited to PhD applicants who require the masters-level social science research training that is necessary in order to undertake independent PhD study. Year one is devoted to coursework to build generic social science research skills that are then applied in years two-four through independent research with supervisory support and complementary research training.

The training enables graduates to develop advanced skills in designing and conducting research, in ways that are applicable to a variety of careers in academia, business, government and non-profit organizations.