The School of Social Sciences supports a growing and vibrant community of PhD students. The PhD is an advanced postgraduate qualification, involving three or more years in which you work through the issues associated with solving a particular problem. Each research student is supported by a team of supervisors appointed for the particular study. In the School of Social Sciences, staff have recognised standing, nationally and internationally, in the following broad areas: understanding crime and punishment; the study of all aspects of psychology; the exploration of social structures and change. Our PhD students benefit from regular supervision meetings with academics who are experts in their field. They have the opportunity to become members of our proactive research community made up of academics, postgraduate researchers and external partners. The PhD award is a well established and valued professional qualification within the sector and will enhance career prospects. For those wanting to follow a career in teaching and researching in higher Education, a PhD is highly desirable.