Sociology and Social Policy Doctor of Philosophy - PhD

Committed to teaching and research excellence, the School of Sociology and Social Policy is a dynamic centre for collaborative and interdisciplinary PhD study.

Our PhDs enable you to explore the sociological landscape by conducting original research on a variety of significant social, policy and political issues affecting local, national and global communities.

Each programme combines advanced research training with high-quality supervision and feedback and you can choose from full-time and part-time study options.

You will study within a vibrant and active research community and will be supported by two academic supervisors.

We encourage all of our research students to get involved with our research centres. Their expertise enables you to utilise their existing knowledge and deepen your understanding and research. Our centres include:


• Criminal Justice Research Centre



• Identities, Citizenship, Equalities and Migration Centre



• Institute for Science and Society



• International Centre for Public and Social Policy



• Wellbeing, Health and Social Care Research Centre



We offer PhDs in:


- criminology


- public policy


- sociology


- social policy and administration


- social work


- science, technology and society