PhD in Social Sciences in United Kingdom
There are 9 phd Social Sciences programmes for international students across 5 universities in United Kingdom. Tuition is about free. Browse the full list below, compare entry requirements, and explore scholarships to fund your studies.
DPhil in Information, Communication and the Social Sciences
The DPhil in Information, Communication and the Social Sciences at the University of Oxford offers a unique opportunity to conduct original doctoral research into the social dimensions of the internet and related technologies. This program, delivered by the Oxford Internet Institute (OII)'s multidisciplinary faculty, provides personalized supervision, advanced methodological training, and access to the university's extensive academic resources. Students will design and execute a doctoral project, grounded in their chosen discipline, while leveraging theories and techniques from across the social sciences to address their research questions. Upon completion, graduates produce an original piece of scholarship that significantly contributes to internet research. This program is ideal for academically excellent candidates committed to making a significant contribution to the field through in-depth scholarship. It suits individuals seeking a research-intensive, multidisciplinary doctoral experience with close supervision, and those planning careers in academia, policy, industry, or the civil sector where critical thinking and diverse methods are applied to the opportunities and challenges of a connected world.
PhD in Social Anthropology
Undertake ground-breaking research in Social Anthropology at the University of Aberdeen, a department recognised among the Global Top 100 for Anthropology (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026) and 3rd in the UK for Anthropology & Archaeology (Guardian University Guide 2025). Our research explores social and cultural worlds, and the complex relations between humans and their environments. The department has a rich history, initially focusing on the Anthropology of the North, and has since expanded to cover diverse ethnographic regions and contemporary social and cultural themes. As a PhD student, you will develop and work on your own research project under the guidance of experienced supervisors whose interests align with your own. The department encourages cross-disciplinary research, welcoming collaborations with fields such as Archaeology, Film Studies, History, and Divinity. Doctoral studies can be pursued on a full-time or part-time basis, with the possibility of distance study depending on the nature of your research project.
Frequently asked questions
How many Social Sciences programmes are there in United Kingdom?
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9 across 5 universities, listed on this page.
Can international students apply?
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Yes — these programmes admit international students; check each programme's entry requirements and language of instruction.