University of London Online PhD in Social Sciences

[Jonathan Whatley]

The University of London, in the United Kingdom, is launching a new online PhD in Social Sciences.

Broad in scope, the programme also allows for research‑led specialisms shaped by each student’s area of inquiry. Students pursue a PhD in the Social Sciences with a recognised specialism that reflects their specific research focus, such as education, public policy, sociology, or related social science fields. This approach provides disciplinary depth while accommodating a wide range of research interests.

Delivered within the University’s established research degree framework, the programme combines academic rigour with structured support. Students work closely with an expert supervisory team, develop advanced research and methodological skills, and progress through a recognised UK PhD pathway, from initial MPhil registration through to PhD upgrade and completion.

Academic direction of the degree is from the University of London as a whole, not from one of its federation members (constituent colleges).

There will be two annual intakes and options for part-time or full-time study. Applications open in November 2026 for entry in April 2027.

Tuition and fee information do not appear to be posted yet.

This and other PhDs offered online by the University of London are listed via this query on their “Find a course” page.

[Sagan]

I suspect students will take a sociological approach to their specific research topics.

At the University of Leicerster, the Doctor of Social Science--a taught, scholarly degree--is like that, where what one researches one does so through a sociological lens.

[FireMedic_Philosopher]

I suspect students will take a sociological approach to their specific research topics.

At the University of Leicerster, the Doctor of Social Science--a taught, scholarly degree--is like that, where what one researches one does so through a sociological lens.

Sagan, you mean "taught" in the sense of being a capstone vs a thesis or "taught" merely in the sense that the program includes classes in addition to a thesis (as opposed to a program consisting only of a thesis) ?

[Sagan]

I suspect students will take a sociological approach to their specific research topics.

At the University of Leicerster, the Doctor of Social Science--a taught, scholarly degree--is like that, where what one researches one does so through a sociological lens.

Sagan, you mean "taught" in the sense of being a capstone vs a thesis or "taught" merely in the sense that the program includes classes in addition to a thesis (as opposed to a program consisting only of a thesis) ?

"Taught" means the latter.