An 80% funded Professional Doctorate in Social Work and Social Care studentship is now available for experienced social work and social care professionals interested in research aimed at improving outcomes for Black and Global Majority children, young people and families. The opportunity is being offered through a partnership between North London NHS Foundation Trust, Tavistock Education and Training and the London Borough of Hackney. It provides an opportunity for an experienced practitioner to undertake practice-based doctoral research while contributing to efforts to reduce inequalities and improve outcomes across children’s services. Applications for the studentship close on Monday, 31 August 2026, at 11:59pm. About the Funded Doctoral Studentship The studentship supports an experienced children’s social care professional undertaking the Professional Doctorate in Social Work and Social Care (D55). The doctoral opportunity is closely linked to Hackney’s work on anti-racist, trauma-informed and systemic approaches within children’s services. The research is expected to explore ways of addressing disproportionality and improving outcomes for Black and Global Majority children, young people and families. Unlike a traditional research-only doctoral programme, the Professional Doctorate provides a practice-based route that connects academic research with professional practice. The successful candidate will therefore have the opportunity to conduct research with potential implications for policy, organisational practice and service delivery. Research Areas The successful applicant will undertake research connected to one or more of the priority areas identified for the studentship. These include: Anti-racist practice and organisational change within children’s services. Disproportionality across children’s social care, education, youth justice and mental health pathways. The implementation and impact of Hackney’s STAR (Systemic, Trauma-Informed and Anti-Racist) practice model. Improving equity, decision-making and outcomes through evidence-informed practice. Applicants are expected to demonstrate a strong interest in research that can influence professional practice and contribute to addressing inequalities affecting children, young people and families. What the Studentship Covers The successful applicant will receive 80% funding towards tuition fees for the Professional Doctorate in Social Work and Social Care (D55). In addition to the tuition fee support, the studentship provides access to academic and professional supervision. The successful candidate will receive supervision and support from academics at Tavistock Education and Training, alongside senior practitioners and leaders from the London Borough of Hackney. The opportunity is designed to enable the successful candidate to undertake impactful doctoral research that contributes to reducing inequalities and improving outcomes for children, young people and families. Applicants should note that the funding is specifically for tuition fees. The information provided does not state that the studentship includes a living stipend, accommodation, travel costs or other maintenance funding. Eligibility Requirements Applicants must meet the entry requirements for the Professional Doctorate in Social Work and Social Care. Candidates are expected to have a relevant Master’s degree. They must also hold a recognised Social Work or other relevant professional qualification and have at least two years of post-qualifying experience, or have substantial professional experience in health and social care. In addition, applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in: Anti-racist practice. Systemic change. Research-informed practice. Research that can influence policy and professional practice. Improving outcomes for children, young people and families. The studentship is only available to applicants who qualify for Home Fees status. International students who are required to pay overseas tuition fees are therefore not eligible for this particular funding opportunity. Professional Doctorate Application Applicants should be aware that there are two application requirements. First, candidates must express their interest in the studentship through the designated online expression of interest form. Second, they must submit a separate application for the Professional Doctorate in Social Work and Social Care through the MyTAP application portal. As part of the Professional Doctorate application, candidates will be asked to provide a brief research proposal. The proposed doctoral research should be suitable for completion on a part-time basis over three years and should be specifically tailored to the focus of this studentship. Research Proposal Requirements The research proposal is an important part of the application process. Applicants should develop a proposal that demonstrates a clear understanding of the issues surrounding anti-racist practice, systemic change, disproportionality, equity or related areas within children’s social care and associated services. The proposed project should also demonstrate how research could contribute to improving professional practice, decision-making or outcomes for children, young people and families. Applicants will be assessed on the quality of their research proposal and their wider application. A strong application should therefore clearly connect the candidate’s professional experience and research interests with the priorities of the studentship. Application Deadline The deadline to apply for the Funded Social Work and Social Care Doctoral Studentship is: Monday, 31 August 2026, at 11:59pm. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in online interviews on 10 September 2026. Applicants are encouraged to allow sufficient time to complete both the studentship expression of interest and the separate Professional Doctorate application before the deadline. Applicants Who Have Already Applied Candidates who have already submitted an application to the Professional Doctorate programme but would like to be considered for this studentship can still express their interest. They should complete the studentship expression of interest form or contact the programme team directly. The organisers have indicated that they can facilitate the submission of a new research proposal tailored specifically to the studentship. For questions about the studentship or application process, applicants can contact the programme team at training@tavi-port.ac.uk. How to Apply Eligible applicants should begin by completing the Doctoral Studentship – Expression of Interest form. The form asks applicants to provide their name and email address and confirm: Whether they qualify for Home Fees status. Whether they are receiving financial support from another funding source. Whether they have already submitted an application to the Social Work and Social Care Professional Doctorate through MyTAP. Applicants must then submit a separate application for the Professional Doctorate through the MyTAP application portal. The research proposal included in the MyTAP application should be tailored to the studentship and designed around a part-time three-year doctoral project. Why Apply? The studentship provides an opportunity for an experienced social work or social care professional to combine advanced academic study with research directly connected to professional practice. The 80% tuition fee funding can substantially reduce the cost of undertaking the Professional Doctorate, while the academic and professional supervision provides support throughout the research process. For practitioners interested in anti-racist practice, systemic approaches, children’s social care and reducing inequalities, the opportunity also offers a chance to conduct research with potential practical and policy relevance. The focus on Black and Global Majority children, young people and families makes the studentship particularly relevant to applicants interested in understanding and addressing disproportionality within public services. Key Details OpportunityDetailsProgrammeProfessional Doctorate in Social Work and Social Care (D55)Funding80% tuition fee fundingStudy modePart-timeDuration for proposed researchThree yearsEligible applicantsExperienced social work/social care professionalsFees eligibilityHome Fees onlyLocationLondon, UKApplication deadline31 August 2026, 11:59pmShortlisted interviews10 September 2026PartnersNorth London NHS Foundation Trust, Tavistock Education and Training and London Borough of Hackney Conclusion The Funded Social Work and Social Care Doctoral Studentship 2026 offers an experienced professional an opportunity to undertake a practice-based Professional Doctorate while contributing to research addressing inequalities affecting children, young people and families. With 80% tuition fee funding, academic supervision and support from senior practitioners and Hackney Council leaders, the opportunity is designed for professionals who want their doctoral research to have meaningful implications for policy and practice. Eligible applicants should ensure that they meet the Home Fees, academic and professional experience requirements and submit both the studentship expression of interest and Professional Doctorate application before the 31 August 2026 deadline. LEARN MORE & APPLY HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. Applicants should independently verify eligibility criteria, funding conditions, chapter-specific requirements and application procedures through the official platform before applying. JOIN GSO WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW