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Applied Social Sciences Doctoral Training Programme

What is the Applied Social Sciences Doctoral Training Programme?

The Applied Social Sciences Doctoral Training Programme (DTP) provides the route by which you will pursue your PhD studies and develop the skills which will enable you to undertake your research. If your PhD topic falls broadly into one of the four identified pathways, then you will be placed onto this pathway. This will shape the work you undertake and the opportunities you have during your time as a PhD student at De Montfort University.

What is the purpose of the Doctoral Training Programme?

The purpose of the DTP is to provide you with an excellent programme of training, opportunities and support whilst undertaking your PhD in order to ensure that you have a high quality and satisfying experience at DMU. You will undertake a demanding programme of research methods study to develop your skills and conceptual understanding as a researcher, including advanced training workshops on specialist topics. You will be integrated into the academic life of the university, which will include joining one of the existing research groups within the faculty, and will have access to a range of development opportunities to enhance your expertise as a researcher and your future employability. The DTP will enable you to engage with other research and postgraduate students to facilitate peer support.

What does the Doctoral Training Programme consist of?

There are several elements to the Applied Social Sciences DTP:

The first is a programme of research methods training involving classroom-based and/or online learning and including assessment. Your PhD supervisor will help you with decide while undertaking a Training Needs Analysis (TNA) to confirm which research methods training modules you will need to do.

The second is integration into the academic life of the community primarily through membership of a Faculty Research Group, access to Faculty news and association with a teaching team. Your supervisor will advise you as to what these will be.

The third is the provision of opportunities to develop wider professional skills through participation in teaching where you wish to undertake this and links to relevant networks, organisations and employers where this is possible.

The ASS DTP consists of four pathways:

  • Applied Health
  • Crime and Justice
  • Ethnicity and Diversity
  • Social Work and Social Justice

Benefits of the Doctoral Training Programme

The Applied Social Sciences Doctoral Training Programme exploits a track record of nationally and internationally recognised research, including collaboration with local and international partners. You will be guided throughout your PhD by a small team of experienced staff. You will have the opportunity to undertake advanced research training courses and specialist workshops in order to deepen your philosophical understanding of research and widen your practical skills and capabilities as a researcher. You will learn alongside other PhD and postgraduate students in an inter-disciplinary context. You will join a research grouping and be able to participate in staff-student seminars and become part of the research culture of the university. In addition, you will have opportunities to experience and develop your skills in undergraduate teaching and to build academic and professional networks.

Research in the faculty of Health and Life Sciences attracts international recognition and is funded by government departments, the European Union, local and regional organisations and independent charities and foundations. There is a strong tradition of participatory research and emphasis on practical applications as well as theory development. The support of PhD students is central to our commitment to research excellence and innovation. 

DMU’s Applied Social Sciences Doctoral Training Programme offers you the chance to develop advanced knowledge and understanding of your area of interest as well as to develop yourself as a researcher within a community of other researchers who can offer support and companionship.

To apply to study for PhD at DMU, and for intake dates and application deadlines, visit the Graduate School.

If you would like to discuss studying for a PhD within the Applied Social Sciences DTP, please contact Dr Sally Ruane sruane@dmu.ac.uk