Fifth Annual Regional Social Work PhD Summer Seminar

‘Doing Social Work Research’ Friday 4th July 2014

WELCOME! Please introduce yourself to people sitting nearby

65th Anniversary

65 years since the School of Social Studies was founded at the University of Sheffield

January 1, 1949The University of Sheffield goes ahead with its plans for a School of Social

Studies. Social work was taught here from the outset (initially as a Certificate in Social Studies).

January 1, 1962A Postgraduate programme for trainee

social workers replaces the old Certificate in Social Studies

January 9, 1975The 'Joint Unit for Social Services Research' is established in the Department

Aimed to promote the integration of social work teaching and the practice of research in the social services, and to provide a forum for the exchange of information/ideas about research in the social services.

Social Work PhDs

• Long history of social work related research in the Department.

• Over the years there have been many PhD students whose research has been in this area.

• But it wasn’t until 2005 that the ESRC formally recognised Social Work as a subject area for Doctoral training. The University of Sheffield was one of the first universities to be awarded ESRC recognition for Social Work.

• In 2010, the universities of Leeds, Sheffield and York came together to form the White Rose Doctoral Training Centre (DTC). One of the pathways within the DTC is Social Work and today’s event is a Social Work Pathway activity – the Annual Regional Social Work PhD Summer Seminar.

Broad Approach

• ‘The aim of the White Rose DTC Social Work Pathway is to develop Social Work disciplinary identity and capacity that includes a strong interdisciplinary element.’

• The Annual Regional Social Work PhD Summer Seminar has a broad remit in that it is open to PhD students studying within Yorkshire – this is the fifth such event.

• There is no expectation that students are registered as ‘Social Work PhD students’ – the intention is to include PhD students from any discipline whose research has links with social work.

• Everyone is very welcome here today and we hope you will enjoy the day.