The School of Health and Social Studies is a multidisciplinary department with staff from social work, nursing, anthropology, health policy and political science.
There is a vibrant research ethos with a commitment to student-centred practice. Staff conduct research within specialist centres to which students are affiliated. The School offers a range of MA and PhDs in the areas of social work, nursing, health studies, ethnic relations and applied social research. Staff also teach health-related social science to medical students in Warwick Medical School.
The School has an excellent track record in the last three RAEs, with 60% of outputs rated as 4* or 3* in 2008. The School has had ESRC recognition for research training at MA and PhD level for some years. There are research centres of excellence in the areas of domestic violence and child protection, in health inequalities and in nursing research with expertise on knowledge translation, public and patient involvement and Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs).
Research Groups
Royal College of Nursing Institute
This research institute is supported by the Royal College of Nursing and is directed by Professor Kate Seers. The research themes are Knowledge Transfer, public and patient involvement, and patient reported outcomes.
Institute of Health
The Institute is co-directed by Professor Gillian Hundt and Associate Professor Reader Davide Nicolini and its members both within SHSS and across the University carry out health-related social science research. Research themes include different aspects of health inequalities, health, wellbeing and the environment, and housing and the built environment.
Centre for Research in Safety and Wellbeing
This research centre undertakes research on gendered violence and is directed by Associate Professor Christine Harrison. Research focuses on domestic violence and child safety and protection both in the UK and internationally.
Research Degrees
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Standard Duration: 3-4 years full time, 5 – 6 years part time
PhDs are available in Social Work, Health Studies, Nursing, Health Care, the Built Environment, Applied Social Studies and Health and Social Studies. PhD training involves taught research training and supervision from two supervisors. In addition, there are Graduate School and Faculty-wide training opportunities, PhD seminars and writing-up support group. PhD students are welcomed and valued and we have students from overseas, the EU and the UK studying full-time and part-time. There is ESRC recognition and a range of funding sources.
Students may study part-time whilst employed and so continue in their jobs or return to their academic posts on completion when studying on a scholarship. Several students have returned to their sponsoring university to teach social work or nursing.
Taught Master's
MA in Applied Social Research with specialisms in Health Studies, Social Work or Islam in Contemporary Societies
Standard Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Places available: 10
This degree has a core of research training in qualitative and quantitative methods and then substantive courses in the three specialist areas. The core covers Advanced Issues and Skills in Applied Social Research, Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Social Sciences. Specialist courses are for Health Studies: Health, Well-being and the Built Environment, Social Determinants of Health and Understanding Research and Critical Appraisal; for Social Work: Theorising and Researching interpersonal Violence, Research in Practice, Diversity in Society, and for Islam in Contemporary Societies: Issues in Islam in Contemporary Societies and Introduction to Islamic Law.
The course delivers a strong research training in applied social research in qualitative and quantitative research. Part-time students may be working within the NHS or social work and this enhances their skills if working in the area of research or research management e.g. within a Mental Health Research Network. It is also an excellent grounding for a PhD.
MA Social Work (MASW)
Standard Duration: 2 years full-time
Places available: 56
The MA comprises 200 days of structured academic teaching and learning in year one, followed by 200 days of assessed practice learning in year two, when students are placed in a wide range of statutory, voluntary and independent social work agencies. Successful completion of the MA gives eligibility for entry to the General Social Care Council (GSCC) Register of Social Workers. This course is suitable for those who may have undertaken their first degree some time ago and have been working in social care or those who want to change career, as well as more recent graduates.
Employment prospects are very good. Registered social workers continue to be in short supply in many areas. Warwick social work graduates have a very high employment rate in statutory and voluntary social work, social care and health agencies.
