DSocSci - University of Bristol

In my quest to find the appropriate doctoral degree that would assist me in reaching my political aspiration, I visited the University of Bristol's website recommended by one of the learned members of this forum. I have my eyes set on Congress and thought a LL.D or Ph.D in Law would be an impressive attachement to my list of achievements. However, a private email from a thoughtful senior member of this forum, suggested that a Doctorate degree in Public Policy, Social Justice or Social Science would serve a better purpose. I am inclined to concur.

The University of Bristol offers the Doctor of Social Science (Policy Studies) which, after careful scrutiny appears exactly what I need. http://www.bris.ac.uk. However, I am not in the position to travel there anytime soon. I heard somewhere where a poster thought the degree might be had through DL. I did not find any information that collaborated that thought. Instead I found this, which was the only referral I found that even remotely suggests Distance Learning. "DSocSci students have a mix of backgrounds, ages and professional experiences across the range of public services, all of which enrich the learning environment within the programme. A small proportion of the student group is taking the programme on a full-time basis and these are usually overseas students from Asia and Africa. Most of these students intend to base their dissertation on their own country experience and will often complete their fieldwork ‘back home’. In the coming years more international public policy units will be available and it is reasonable to assume that the overseas intake will expand significantly in the near future." To me, this suggest that while students can return home to complete the dissertation, the school would require some in class visits. Please either read the passage I've quoted and let me know what it means to you or visit the University's Home Page at and see if you find any where other than what I previously mentioned that suggest the DL option.

Please also keep your eyes opened for any other foreign institutions (research or otherwise) that offers a doctorate degree in Social Science, Social Analysis or Social Justice. I am aware of what Northumbria's Doctor of Social Science but (1) The program is too long and (b) I have as much interest in Human Resourses as I do in swimming the English Channel. Does anyone know if the University of Sheffield or the University of Teesside offers such a program?

Lastly, if I was able to locate a Doctor of Social Science Program here in the US that has short residencies, I would jump for joy.
Here I conclude my long dissertation.

Shay

 

Based on your description I believe that what you have found is a dissertation-only, research based doctoral program. These are the norm for UK institutions although there are a growing number of institutions that offer the American style PhD program that includes a handful of graduate level courses to be completed prior to diving into a somewhat shortened dissertation project. Typically there is some minimal residency required during each semester. This allows the student to meet with the doctoral advisor and attend graduate seminars. At times you would be expected to present segments of your own research at such seminars. Most people (me, at least) can not afford both the tuition costs as well as the airfare/accomodation costs of such programs and so they don't get much discussion on this forum. I wouldn't be surprised if you found a small handful of similar programs sprinkled across the UK. My first thought is to check out the offerings at the various campuses of the University of Wales as they have a number of other DL offerings at the Masters level and so might be more tolerant of your request. Otherwise, you may want to look through the list of universities in the Netherlands as English is often used as a language of instruction in their programs. Good luck,
Jack

 

I forgot to add, there's a PhD program in Public Policy and Administration offered at Walden University. There are several specialty areas available. I think their price is a bit steep but it might be roughly equivalent to the UK programs once you factor in the travel costs.
Jack

 

DSocSci - Doctorate in Social Science

Jack, like you, I too cannot afford the expense of travel right now, even if it was to my kitchen table. Besides, I hate flying and even if they delivered the degree to me by FedEx, I shant be taking to the friendly skies in that part of the world, no way!

You have provided me with some good information. I have visited the sites but unless I am looking in the wrong areas, I have found nothing regarding a doctorate of sorts in Social Science. Regarding the University of Bristol, I have sent them a couple emails asking for clarification. I might try to petition them to allow me, with my Masters of Legal Studies: Law & Pubic Policy degree(May, 2005) to undertake distance studies. In the meantime, I will continue to comb the sites you recommended and extend my search to that of the Netherlands. If in the meantime, you or any of my fellow achievers come up with any additonal ideas, do not hesitate to pass them on to me.

Kind Regards, Shay

 

Good evening!

First of all, I'm not sure that a doctorate from a non-US university would be an asset in the American political arena. However, that's up to you to decide, so I will provide information for what it's worth.

At the University of Leicester, there are two doctoral programs (or should I say programmes?) that may be of interest. First, the Doctor of Social Science program (see http://www.clms.le.ac.uk/courses/doctorate/ on the web) is available via distance learning. Costs are moderate, and the requirements to visit campus are minor (e.g., the viva voce examination). While I saw from your post that human resource development is not one of your interests, the degree can certainly be tailored to target policy issues and labor market studies. Some of the specialist modules are entitled "Comparing National Education and Training Systems" and "The Changing Contours of Labour Markets" among others.

In addition, Leicester is preparing for its first intake of students on its new PhD in Law distance learning program. Although the program appears to be relatively affordable, it has some significant residency requirements (at least two weeks per year). You can see more information at http://www.le.ac.uk/law/dlu/phd.html on the web.

Good luck in you search.

Regards,

J. Ayers