Employment Research (Research)

Embedded in an interdisciplinary high quality research environment, the PhD in Employment Research, at Warwick's Institute for Employment Research (IER) provides unparalleled learning opportunities at a leading international social science research centre.

Course overview
As an interdisciplinary research-only department within the University of Warwick, the work of the Institute for Employment Research (IER) provides wide-ranging opportunities for prospective doctoral candidates to engage in high quality social science doctoral-level research which is policy-relevant and academically rigorous.

IER’s doctoral programme aims to train independent social science researchers who can develop and deploy theory effectively, assess the relative merits of different methodological approaches, choose and use appropriate empirical methods, manage their time and other research resources effectively. Being located in a specialist research environment will provide a wider understanding of the research process (including dissemination, funding, relationships with sponsors, and different organisational models for research).

Our extensive research portfolio has meant that we have fostered and maintained links with national and international research centres; UK government departments and agencies; European Commission and other international bodies; local authorities and sectoral organisations, as well as extensive academic networks.

Supervision for IER doctoral students will be provided by academic researchers with significant experience of undertaking research across employment research. We supervise students from a variety of different countries and backgrounds and welcome this diversity among our student body.

Former students have gone on to work in a variety of areas in different countries, including academia, government, the private sector or third sector organisations.

We also offer a joint PhD in Employment Research with our partner institution Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.

Teaching and learning
Supervision for IER doctoral students will be provided by academic researchers with significant experience employment research.

During their first year of PhD study, students will normally be expected to undertake training in both quantitative and qualitative research methods.

This information is applicable for 2026 entry. Given the interval between the publication of courses and enrolment, some of the information may change. It is important to check our website before you apply.