Childhood and Youth (Research)

1st in the UK for our research impact in Education in REF 2021 (Times Higher Education)
2nd in the UK for Childhood and Youth Studies (Complete University Guide 2025)
100% of our research impact in Social Work and Social Policy was assessed to be world leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021)

The PhD in Childhood and Youth Studies gives you the opportunity to develop specialist knowledge in an area of interdisciplinary interest and to hone advanced research skills. As part of the internationally recognised Centre for Innovation and Research in Childhood and Youth (CIRCY), you’ll work with faculty who are global in their outlook and experts in their fields.

Our doctoral researchers come from all over the world. For many, the PhD is an important step in advancing a professional career.

Areas of study
The PhD in Childhood and Youth Studies is linked to three Schools within the University: Education and Social Work; Law, Politics and Sociology; and Psychology. Depending on your specialist area of study, you will be based within one of those Schools, but you will also be part of an interdisciplinary community of doctoral researchers linked to the cross-University Centre for Innovation and Research in Childhood and Youth (CIRCY).

Across varied disciplines and substantive topics, CIRCY researchers seek to understand – and make a difference to – the lives of children, young people and families, and to build understandings of childhood and youth in theory, research and practice.

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.