Funded Social Work and Social Care Doctoral Studentship 2026 at Tavistock and Portman – Apply Now
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Tavistock and Portman – Professional Doctorate in Social Work and Social Care (D55) – 80% Funded Studentship
Complete guide to eligibility, research areas, funding, and application process
Quick Highlights
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Partners | North London NHS Foundation Trust + Tavistock Education and Training + London Borough of Hackney |
| Programme | Professional Doctorate in Social Work and Social Care (D55) |
| Funding | 80% tuition fee coverage |
| Study Mode | Part-time |
| Research Duration | 3 Years (for proposed research) |
| Focus | Anti-racist practice, systemic change, disproportionality, improving outcomes for Black and Global Majority children, young people and families |
| Eligibility | Experienced social work/social care professionals with relevant Master's degree + 2 years post-qualifying experience |
| Fees Eligibility | Home Fees only |
| Location | London, UK |
| Application | Studentship EOI + Professional Doctorate application (MyTAP) |
| Application Deadline | 31 August 2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Shortlisted Interviews | 10 September 2026 |
| Official Website |
Opportunity Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Organisation | Tavistock and Portman |
| Opportunity Category | Studentship / Scholarship |
| Location | London, United Kingdom |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Language | English |
About the Funded Doctoral Studentship
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.
About the Professional Doctorate
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.
Why You Should Apply
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| 80% Tuition Funding | Substantial reduction in doctoral costs |
| Practice-Based Research | Connect academic research with professional practice |
| Academic Supervision | Support from Tavistock Education and Training academics |
| Professional Supervision | Support from senior practitioners and Hackney leaders |
| Policy Impact | Research with potential policy and practice implications |
| Systemic Change | Contribute to reducing inequalities |
| Professional Development | Advanced academic and research skills |
Research Areas
The successful applicant will undertake research connected to one or more of the priority areas identified for the studentship.
| Priority Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Anti-Racist Practice | Anti-racist practice and organisational change within children's services |
| Disproportionality | Disproportionality across children's social care, education, youth justice and mental health pathways |
| STAR Practice Model | Implementation and impact of Hackney's STAR (Systemic, Trauma-Informed and Anti-Racist) practice model |
| Evidence-Informed Practice | Improving equity, decision-making and outcomes through evidence-informed practice |
What the Studentship Covers
| Support | Description |
|---|---|
| Tuition Funding | 80% tuition fee coverage |
| Academic Supervision | Supervision from Tavistock Education and Training academics |
| Professional Supervision | Support from senior practitioners and Hackney Council leaders |
Note: Funding is specifically for tuition fees. The studentship does not include a living stipend, accommodation, travel costs or other maintenance funding.
Eligibility Requirements
| Criteria | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualification | Relevant Master's degree |
| Professional Qualification | Recognised Social Work or other relevant professional qualification |
| Experience | At least 2 years of post-qualifying experience OR substantial professional experience in health and social care |
| Research Interest | Strong interest in anti-racist practice, systemic change, research-informed practice |
| Commitment | Research that can influence policy and professional practice |
| Fees Status | Home Fees only (not open to international students) |
Application Process (2 Requirements)
Step 1: Studentship Expression of Interest
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Complete EOI Form | Doctoral Studentship – Expression of Interest form |
| Provide Details | Name, email address |
| Confirm Home Fees | Confirm qualification for Home Fees status |
| Confirm Funding | Confirm no financial support from another source |
| Confirm Application Status | Confirm if already applied to Professional Doctorate through MyTAP |
Step 2: Professional Doctorate Application
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Submit Application | Separate application through MyTAP application portal |
| Research Proposal | Brief research proposal tailored to studentship focus |
| Part-Time Design | Research suitable for completion on a part-time basis over 3 years |
| Connect to Focus | Research tailored to anti-racist practice, systemic change, disproportionality, equity |
Research Proposal Requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Clear Understanding | Demonstrate understanding of anti-racist practice, systemic change, disproportionality, equity |
| Practice Contribution | Show how research could improve professional practice, decision-making, or outcomes |
| Quality Assessment | Assessed on quality of research proposal and wider application |
| Professional Connection | Connect professional experience and research interests with studentship priorities |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 31 August 2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Shortlisted Interviews | 10 September 2026 |
Important Links
| Description | URL |
|---|---|
| Learn More & Apply | |
| Tavistock Official | |
| Contact Email | training@tavi-port.ac.uk |
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Q1. What is the studentship? | 80% funded Professional Doctorate in Social Work and Social Care. |
| Q2. What are the research areas? | Anti-racist practice, disproportionality, STAR practice model, evidence-informed practice. |
| Q3. Who can apply? | Experienced social work/social care professionals with Master's degree + 2 years experience. |
| Q4. What is the funding? | 80% tuition fee coverage. |
| Q5. Is there a stipend? | No, funding is for tuition fees only. |
| Q6. What is the study mode? | Part-time (3 years for proposed research). |
| Q7. Can international students apply? | No, Home Fees status required. |
| Q8. What are the application requirements? | Studentship EOI + Professional Doctorate application (MyTAP). |
| Q9. What is the deadline? | 31 August 2026 (11:59 PM). |
| Q10. When are interviews? | 10 September 2026. |
CareerFlora Expert Insight
The Funded Social Work and Social Care Doctoral Studentship offers an exceptional opportunity for experienced practitioners to undertake practice-based doctoral research while receiving 80% tuition funding. With partnerships involving North London NHS Foundation Trust, Tavistock Education and Training, and the London Borough of Hackney, the studentship is designed for professionals committed to anti-racist practice, systemic change, and reducing inequalities.
The focus on Black and Global Majority children, young people and families makes this studentship particularly relevant for those interested in understanding and addressing disproportionality within public services. The Professional Doctorate route allows candidates to conduct research with direct implications for policy and practice.
Best Opportunity For
| Category | Suitable |
|---|---|
| Social Workers | Yes |
| Social Care Professionals | Yes |
| Children's Services Practitioners | Yes |
| Anti-Racist Practice Advocates | Yes |
| Systemic Change Leaders | Yes |
| Research-Informed Practitioners | Yes |
| UK Home Fee Applicants | Yes |
Competition Level
| Category | Level |
|---|---|
| Overall Competition | High |
| Selection Difficulty | Competitive |
| Application Complexity | Medium |
CareerFlora Recommendation
| Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Studentship Value | Good |
| Career Growth | Very High |
| Application Difficulty | Medium |
| Apply Early | Strongly Recommended |
Final Call-to-Action
Apply for Social Work and Social Care Doctoral Studentship 2026 before 31 August 2026.
Visit the official Tavistock and Portman studentship page: https://tavistockandportman.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/financial-support/funded-social-work-and-social-care-doctoral-studentship-hackney/
Complete the Doctoral Studentship Expression of Interest form
Submit a separate Professional Doctorate application through MyTAP
Prepare a research proposal tailored to the studentship focus
Submit before 31 August 2026 (11:59 PM)
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