The data deposited the results of a survey of social science doctoral students and recent graduates. The survey data provides insights into current students’ and recent graduates’ views on and experiences of doctoral training in the social sciences. The survey explores motivations for pursuing a PhD; views on skills training, assessment and supervision; future career plans (current students) or current employment (graduates); and the impact of doctoral study on wellbeing. The offer also includes summary notes of workshops with students, PhD supervisors and senior higher education stakeholders where the potential strengths and limitations of alternative approaches to doctoral training were debated.The ESRC commissioned CFE Research in partnership with the University of York to undertake in-depth research into the skills needed by social science PhD graduates for careers within and beyond academia and the optimum ways to develop them. The aim was to provide evidence to inform a new strategy and funding approach for doctoral training designed to ensure UK social scientists remain at the cutting edge in a competitive, global research landscape. The report is the culmination of 18 months of independent research and consultation to address two key research questions: 1. What are the skills needed by social science PhD graduates to prepare them for careers both within and beyond academia? 2. What are the optimum ways to develop these skills for a diverse student population while also safeguarding student health and wellbeing? The research involved analysis of secondary data, a rapid evidence assessment of UK and international research on doctoral training, an online consultation exercise, and extensive primary research with a wide range of UK and international stakeholders, supervisors, students, graduates and employers. Over 1,300 individuals, representing over 120 different organisations contributed directly to the review.

Online survey administered by 10 higher education institutions to current doctoral students studying the social sciences and alumni (those who completed their PhD between 2015/16 and 2019/20). Institutions were selected based on their geographical location (to ensure a spread across the UK), type (to ensure representation from research-intensive and post-92 institutions), and number of social science doctoral students (to ensure sufficient sample for analysis). The survey was completed by 698 current social science doctoral students and 293 graduates. Current doctoral students, supervisors, employers of doctoral graduates and senior HE stakeholders were consulted through a series of 5 workshops designed to explore the strengths and limitations of potential alternative approaches to doctoral training. The two-hour workshops were facilitated by CFE and University of York staff. Scenarios were presented as a stimulus for discussion. The workshops were attended by 15 current social science doctoral students, 7 recent graduates, 14 PhD supervisors and 53 senior stakeholders. Senior stakeholders included Pro-Vice Chancellors, Doctoral Training Partnership Directors, Directors of Graduate Schools and Deans of Social Science Faculties. The sample was drawn from the 10 HE institutions that supported the survey of students and graduates and ESRC's networks.