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. Your coursework in year 1 will be taken within the recently redesigned MA in Social Research programme, within the University’s Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) recognised Doctoral Training Centre. This programme aims to provide students with a thorough and advanced education in social research design and the most up-to-date training in methods of data collection and analysis. The combination of core modules and short courses on more advanced topics provides flexibility to relate training to the thesis topic. If you pass the coursework component, you will progress to normal PhD study in years 2–4. You will work closely with your supervisors in designing and undertaking your own research project, leading to an 80,000 word thesis. You will also undertake additional training in advanced methods and transferable skills, guided by the regular training needs analysis that forms an essential basis for your Career Development Plan.