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.

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