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Department of Sociology
HomeDepartment of SociologyStudyPostgraduate research degrees in sociologyPhD in Sociology

PhD in Sociology

Join our innovative academic community and focus your studies in key research areas of sociology.

Supervisors

Funding

Our research

UK fees

International fees

  Length Start dates (semester dates)
PhD

3-4 years full-time
6-8 years part-time

Distance learning available

Apply for PhD

Apply for PhD (distance learning)

February
September

Find answers to pressing sociological questions. Work alongside leading researchers to tackle key challenges facing society.

Your research

Your research should align with the expertise of a particular member of staff or fit within one of our research clusters. Recent research areas have included: feminism and agency, LGBTQ+ equality, digital communications and identities, sociology of health and illness, political sociology, future studies, sociology of the paranormal and urban sociology. We have an international reputation for research excellence and methodological and theoretical innovation.

Our expertise is grouped into four key areas:

  • Culture, Values and Practice
  • Gender, Sexuality and Inequalities
  • Language and Social Interaction
  • Science, Health and Technology

We collaborate with national and international partners, conducting interdisciplinary research that addresses challenges faced by contemporary societies. 

Contact us

Postgraduate research enquiries:

Related links

1st for research impact
and 4th in the UK for research overall in Sociology according to the Times Higher Education’s ranking of the latest REF results (2021).
World Top 100
for Sociology in the QS World University Ranking by subject 2025.

Funding

Explore the funding that is available for our postgraduate research degrees.

Supervision

Find a supervisor who shares your passion.

Training and support

Your progress throughout your degree will be guided by your supervisor, who will help you to hone your focus and deliver specialised research. Your supervisor will be supported by a Thesis Advisory Panel to monitor your progress towards completion and offer advice where necessary.

You will take part in transferable skills training which will help you develop competence in communication skills, career management, networking, team building and personal effectiveness. You will receive six days of training per year, selected from the transferable skills courses offered by the University. The Department also run courses in sociology subject-specific transferable skills. 

Two students in discussion with a book open

Course location

This course is run by the Department of Sociology, based in the Law and Sociology Building on Campus East. Most of your training and supervision meetings will take place here, though your research may take you further afield.

Within the Department of Sociology, you will also have access to a designated postgraduate study space which offers desk, social and kitchen areas.

If you are a postgraduate researcher undertaking your programme by distance learning, most supervisions will take place remotely using video-conferencing (eg Zoom). However, there is an expectation that you will attend campus for five consecutive days per year (full-time) or biannually (part-time).

Careers and skills

Many of our graduates go on to have successful careers in academia and research.

A combination of outstanding teaching and a supportive collegiate environment enables our students to develop their creativity and full intellectual potential. The opportunities offered in the Department of Sociology develop important transferable skills which will be well valued in the jobs market.

Our dedicated careers team offer specific support including a programme of professional researcher development and careers workshops and 1:1 career support sessions. They will help you to build up your employability portfolio and to engage in activities that will build up your skills and experience within and outside of your research work.

Student after graduation in conversation.

Entry requirements

Merit or equivalent postgraduate degree (or their international equivalent). We are willing to consider your application if you have lower qualifications, especially if you have high marks in relevant modules and/or appropriate professional experience.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language you must provide evidence of your ability. We also strongly recommend that applicants attend the University's Pre-sessional English language courses organised by the International Pathway College.

Check your English language requirements

If you are unsure about your eligibility, or want to enquire informally about the suitability of the course for your interests and purposes, please contact us.

Applying

Apply for the PhD in Sociology

Apply for the PhD in Sociology (distance learning)

You will be asked on the application form to provide a brief outline of your proposed research area. Your proposal should be around 1,500-2,000 words. It should contain at least the following elements:

  • A provisional title
  • An overview of the research
  • A rationale, including key literature and identify a gap in the literature
  • Research design and methodology
  • Timetable and references

Further guidance around research proposals and the department guidelines can be found on our central research proposal page.

Take a look at the supporting documents you may need for your application.

Find out more about how to apply.

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Accommodation

We offer a range of campus accommodation to suit you and your budget, from economy to deluxe.

Why York

Discover more about our researchers, facilities and why York is the perfect choice for your research degree.

Graduate Research School

Connect with researchers across all disciplines to get the most out of your research project.

Next steps

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