online phd sociology europe

• Schools & departments

Sociology PhD

Awards: PhD

Study modes: Full-time, Part-time

Funding opportunities

Programme website: Sociology

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Research profile

Edinburgh is one of the leading international centres of excellence for postgraduate study in sociology.

Our PhD degree is eligible for Economic and Social Research Council funding and our postgraduate research students come from all over the world and join our vibrant and diverse postgraduate student community, which plays a full role in the life of the department.

Many of our students have non-sociology backgrounds and bring with them experience and expertise from other disciplines in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. Whatever your background, you will thrive at Edinburgh.

Potential applicants are encouraged to contact the Postgraduate Admissions Advisor (Research) to discuss their research proposals and the availability of appropriate research supervision, using the email address on the right-hand side of the page.

Programme structure

The PhD in Sociology is a three-year research programme (six years for part-time students).

The PhD degree is awarded for a thesis which must draw on your own research and which makes a significant contribution to knowledge in the chosen field of study and contains material worthy of publication. The thesis must demonstrate adequate knowledge of the field of study and relevant literature, and the ability to look critically at both your own work and that of other scholars in the field.

The normal progression for a PhD is that the first year is partly spent on preparing to undertake a PhD thesis by reading and reflecting on relevant literature and taking courses of importance to the researcher's work. A fully elaborated research proposal should be developed by the end of the first year.

Provided the proposal receives approval from a panel of members of staff with expertise relevant to the research project, the student will be registered as a PhD student at the beginning of year two.

The second year is typically spent on fieldwork and data collection, with the remaining time devoted to data analysis and write-up of the thesis.

Find out more about compulsory and optional courses

We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Training and support

You will work with a supervisor on an original research dissertation and participate in advanced sociology research-training workshops, work-in-progress seminars and a writing workshop.

A wide range of training facilities will be available to you. The Graduate School provides a range of ESRC-recognised research training courses for social science students across the University.

You are encouraged to participate in taught Masters level courses to assist your intellectual development and support you research.

The University’s Institute for Academic Development provides a range of courses and events to assist with methodological training and career development.

• Institute for Academic Development

Research library and archive facilities in Edinburgh are outstanding.

You will be a member of the Graduate School of Social & Political Science, with full access to the Graduate School’s facilities in the Chrystal Macmillan Building.

Other library and archive facilities include the:

• University’s Main Library
• National Library of Scotland
• Scottish Records Office

Proximity to the Scottish Parliament and other institutions of national government provides further research opportunities.

PhD Sociology student story: “I never considered a PhD was within my realm of possibilities”

Entry requirements.

These entry requirements are for the 2024/25 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2025/26 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2024.

A UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent, and a UK masters degree with an overall mark of 65% or its international equivalent.

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country
• English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced ( CAE ) / C2 Proficiency ( CPE ): total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
• Trinity ISE : ISE III with passes in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 70 with at least 59 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS , TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE , in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old* at the beginning of your programme of study. (*Revised 05 March 2024 to extend degree validity to five years.)

Find out more about our language requirements:

Fees and costs

Tuition fees, scholarships and funding, featured funding.

School of Social and Political Science Scholarships

UK Research Council Awards

For specialised guidance on submitting a competitive scholarship application, please follow the requirements and recommendations and how to contact relevant academic staff as advised here:

• Important information and recommendations

(Revised 10 November 2023 to update featured funding opportunities.)

UK government postgraduate loans

If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments.

The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on:

• your programme
• the duration of your studies
• your tuition fee status

Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.

• UK government and other external funding

Other funding opportunities

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

• Search for funding

Further information

• Postgraduate Admissions Team
• Phone: +44 (0)131 650 4086
• Contact: [email protected]
• Programme Advisor, Dr Julie Brownlie
• Phone: +44 (0)131 650 8260
• Contact: [email protected]
• Graduate School of Social & Political Science
• Chrystal Macmillan Building
• 15A George Square
• Central Campus
• Programme: Sociology
• School: Social & Political Science
• College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.

PhD Sociology - 3 Years (Full-time)

Phd sociology - 6 years (part-time), application deadlines.

We encourage you to apply at least one month prior to entry so that we have enough time to process your application. If you are also applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible.

• How to apply

You must submit two references with your application.

You must submit a research proposal demonstrating your knowledge of your field of research, which will be closely scrutinised as part of the decision-making process. We request that PhD research proposals are no more than four A4 typed pages in Times New Roman, 12pt font. This includes charts and figures but does not include references or a bibliography.

We require PhD applicants in particular to contact potential supervisors before applying to discuss their research proposal so we can ensure there is adequate supervision.

Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:

Doctoral Programme in Social Sciences

The doctoral programme offers high-quality doctoral training in the areas of media and communication studies, social and cultural anthropology, social psychology, social and public policy, social work, sociology, social data science and criminology.

50 new doctoral students are admitted each year. We're an international community, and the programme is multilingual: you can complete a degree in either Finnish, Swedish or English.

Want to know more? Visit our profile & activities page to learn more about the key research areas and activities in the programme.

Home > Academics > PhD Programmes > Doctorate in Sociology

Doctorate in Sociology

Three-Year PhD Programme

Programme in French & English

Presentation

The doctoral program in sociology, with substantial support from two major Sciences Po laboratories (the Centre for the Sociology of Organizations (CSO) and the Centre for Research on social InequalitieS (CRIS, ex : OSC)) , and et The Centre for European Studies and Comparative Politics (CEE) , is designed to provide:

• the theoretical foundations and most recent developments in international sociological analysis;
• opportunities to specialize in fields of sociology: public policy, consumption, culture, education, employment, exclusion, markets, risks and health, segregation, stratification, social uses of time, cities, etc.;
• deep, high-level quantitative and qualitative methodological work  based on fieldwork and data, with the support of leading experts;
• an international and comparative scope of training;
• tailored support at the research centers from a strongly committed and internationally recognized academic team.

The doctoral program in sociology trains excellent sociologists for both academic and university careers, as well as careers as experts in major public and private organizations and NGOs.

Skills targeted

The program provides both theoretical and practical sociological research and analytical skills, as well as high-level expertise in various methodological tools.

Research centre support

The programme draws on support from Sciences Po's two sociology research centres, which host PhD students:

• Centre for the Sociology of Organisations (CSO) : the centre is key to the French school of sociology of organisations, developing creative thought on private, public, market and non-market regulations from research on organisations, markets and occupational groups.  The centre was founded by Michel Crozier and is headed by Christine Musselin, research director at CNRS.  
• Centre for Research on social InequalitieS (CRIS, ex : OSC) : researchers here study transformations in contemporary societies, such as social stratification, intergenerational relations, migrations, the spatial dimension of inequalities, lifestyles, socialisation and deviance, and educational policies and dynamics.  The centre was founded by Henri Mendras and is headed by Alain Chenu, Professor at Sciences Po.

PhD students interested in political sociology or public policies can also join the Centre for European Studies and Comparative Politics (CEE) , a Sciences Po research centre that uses a multidisciplinary approach to explore political issues such as European integration and the relationships between policy and politics.  The centre is headed by Renaud Dehousse, Professor at Sciences Po.

Programme structure

The PhD in sociology is open to students from Sciences Po Masters in Sociology as other students with a master's level degree (for more details, see admission conditions ).

See the programme catalogue

The three thesis years

During the next three years PhD students are mentored and included in the research centres, where they take part in the research, and participate in three seminars:

• "Current trends in sociology research" provides a thematic overview of contemporary sociology research with prominent contemporary authors;
• a specialty seminar organised by the research centre allows students to regularly present work;
• workshops on advanced methods.

Thesis writing takes place at the research centres or international partner universities.  Partners include the Max Planck Institute Cologne, the Stockholm Centre for Organizational Research, Northwestern University (Chicago), Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, and Oxford.

Beyond these partnerships, students may seek invitations from renowned institutions at foreign universities in Europe, North America (Harvard, Columbia, etc.), Brazil (IUPERJ: Instituto Universitário de Pesquisas do Rio de Janeiro), China (Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Beijing), etc.

Students may also earn a dual PhD Joint PhD en Sociologie Sciences Po/Northwestern .

The PhD in sociology is awarded after completing these three years.

See Admission to a PhD

Tuition fees

Des aides à la mobilité sont proposées aux doctorants pour participer à des colloques et pour effectuer des travaux de terrain et des séjours d'études à l'étranger.

See Tuition Fees

Teaching staff

The teaching staff made up of internationally recognized sociologists. While teaching benefits from outside Sciences Po, the core of the teaching team comes primarily from Sciences Po research centers.

• Martin Arenguren , Chargé de recherche CNRS (CRIS, ex : OSC)
• Jérôme Aust , chargé de recherche FNSP (CSO)
• Carlo Barone , professeur des universités, IEP de Paris (CRIS, ex : OSC)
• Anne-Laure Beaussier , Chargée de recherche CNRS (CSO)
• Daniel Benamouzig , chargé de recherche au CNRS (CSO)
• Henri Bergeron , chargé de recherche au CNRS (CSO)
• Philippe Bezes , chargé de recherche CNRS (CERSA)
• Emilie Biland-Curinier , professeure des Universités à l'IEP de Paris (CSO)
• Olivier Borraz , directeur de recherche au CNRS (CSO), Directeur du CSO
• Philipp Brandt , Associate professor en sociologie (CSO)
• Sylvain Brunier , Chargé de recherche CNRS (CSO)
• Patrick Castel , chargé de recherche FNSP (CSO)
• Marie-Emmanuelle Chessel , Chargé de recherche CNRS (CSO)
• Philippe Coulangeon , directeur de recherche au CNRS (CRIS, ex : OSC)
• Bruno Cousin , Associate professor en sociologie (CEE)
• Renaud Crespin , chargé de recherche CNRS (CSO)
• Didier Demazière , directeur de recherche au CNRS (CSO)
• Marta Dominguez Folgueras , Associate professor en sociologie (CRIS, ex : OSC)
• Sophie Dubuisson-Quellier , directeur de recherche au CNRS (CSO)
• Emanuele Ferragina , A sssitant professor , Sciences Po (CRIS, ex : OSC)
• Martin Giraudeau , A sssitant professor , Sciences Po (CSO)
• Olivier Godechot , co-directeur du MaxPo et directeur de recherche CNRS (CRIS, ex : OSC)
• Angela Greulich , professeure des Universités à l'IEP de Paris (CRIS, ex : OSC)
• Léonie Henaut , chargée de recherche CNRS (CSO)
• Sukriti Issar , Associate professor en sociologie (CRIS, ex : OSC)
• Jean-Noël Jouzel , chargé de recherche au CNRS (CSO)
• Jeanne Lazarus , chargée de Recherche CNRS (CSO)
• Emmanuel Lazega , professeur des Universités à l'IEP de Paris (CSO)
• Marie Le Clainche-Piel , chargée de recherche CNRS
• Claire Lemercier , directrice de recherche CNRS (CSO)
• Vincent Lepinay , associate professor dans le département de sociologie et chercheur au médialab.
• Laurent Lesnard , chargé de recherche au CNRS (CRIS, ex : OSC)
• Christine Musselin , directeur de recherche au CNRS (CSO)
• Marco Oberti , professeur des Universités à l'IEP de Paris (CRIS, ex : OSC)
• Sylvain Parasie , professeur de sociologie à Sciences Po, medialab
• Jérôme Pélisse , professeur des universités, IEP de Paris (CSO), directeur des études en sociologie
• Ettore Recchi , professeur des universités en sociologie, Observatoire Sociologique du Changement (CRIS, ex : OSC)
• Gwenaële Rot , professeur des Universités à Sciences Po (CSO)
• Mirna Safi , Associate professor (CRIS, ex : OSC), directrice du CRIS
• Jen Schradie , Assistant Professor (CRIS, ex : OSC)
• Zachary Van Winkle , Assistant Professor of sociology at Sciences Po
• Agnès Van Zanten , directeur de recherche au CNRS (CRIS, ex : OSC)
• Eric Verdeil , professeur des universités, Sciences Po
• Tommaso Vitale , Associate Professor in sociology and Dean of Urban School of Sciences Po  

PhD Students

• Consult the list of CSO doctoral students
• Consult the list of CRIS (ex : OSC) doctoral students
• Consult the list of CEE doctoral students
• Consult the list of Medialab students
• Consult the list of CERI students
• Jérôme Pélisse ,  Head of doctoral studies in Sociology, Full Professor at Sciences Po, Researcher at the CSO
• Carine Boutillier Administrative Officer Ph.: +33 (0)1 45 49 59 82

Submit an application

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Department of Sociology

Phd studies in sociology and demography.

Doctoral studies leads to a degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) which comprises 240 credit in all, estimated as four years of full-time studies.

This training is characterized as profound studies within specific fields and aims at bringing the doctoral student the academic traditions as well as making the doctoral student develop into an independent and scrutinizing researcher.

Application opportunities

If resources permit, application openings for PhD Studies can appear as a maximum twice a year - in February with March 1 as final date and/or in September with October 1 as final date to apply. When there are doctoral studentships available for application  they are advertised here.

• Entry requirements

Since 1 July 2007 the general entry requirements for education at doctoral student level are defined as:

• a degree at the second level (Master) or
• at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits at the second level (Master´s level).

For admission to doctoral studies in Sociological Demography the entry requirements also specify:

• In addition to the basic eligibility requirements, the applicant must have complete at least one independent research work in demography or a related subject documented in an essay or other written work.

Entry requirements and financing

Selection procedure.

The selection among the applicants is carried out by an admissions panel appointed by the department. The panel surveys the qualifications of the applicants and selects among them possible candidates for further discussion. The purpose of this discussion is to explore how well competence and interests match between the department and the applicant.

Financial support shall be organized and settled for the entire study period upon admission. The main source of financial support is by doctoral studentships.

The syllabi contain detailed information on the entry requirements, the objectives and structure of the programmes, supervision resources and course requirements.

Courses for doctoral students

Spring 2024, period a, 15 january- 14 february:, period b, 15 february – 20 march:.

No courses start this period.

Period C, 21 March – 1 May:

Political Sociology, 7.5 credits - half time period C-D Social stratification, 7.5 credits - half time period C-D

Period D, 2 May -2 June:

Models of Social Change and Social Stability, 7.5 credits  

Autumn 2024

Period a, 2 september - 2 october, period b, 3 october - 3 november, period c, 4 november - 4 december, period d, 5 december - 19 januari 2025.

Last updated: April 19, 2024

Source: Department of Sociology

Search among our courses and programmes

Last updated: April 26, 2024

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Discover more about Sociology at Manchester

PhD Sociology / Overview

Year of entry: 2024

• View full page
• Bachelor's (Honours) degree in a cognate subject at 2:1 or above (or overseas equivalent); and
• Master's degree in a relevant subject - with an overall average of 65% or above, a minimum mark of 65% in your dissertation and no mark below 55% (or overseas equivalent)

Full entry requirements

Apply online

Please ensure you include all required supporting documents at the time of submission, as incomplete applications may not be considered.

Application Deadlines

For consideration in internal funding competitions, you must submit your completed application by 1 December 2023. If you are applying for or have secured external funding (for example, from an employer or government) or are self-funding, you must submit your application before the below deadlines to be considered. You will not be able to apply after these dates have passed.

• For September 2024 entry: 30 June 2024
• For January 2025 entry: 30 September 2024

Programme options

Programme overview.

• Ranked 3rd in the UK for Sociology research (REF2021).  
• Join a supportive and inspirational Sociology research community.
• Access expert supervision across a wide range wide range of research themes from staff renowned in their fields.
• Gain superb opportunities for personal and professional development, with regular opportunities to share your work.

Please enable JavaScript to watch this video.

To find out what studying on a postgraduate research programme at Manchester is like, visit our Open days and study fairs page and explore our virtual open week or future on-campus and international events.

We will be conducting our PGR virtual open week in October 2024. Find out more about future events and postgraduate research sessions by signing up for our email alerts.

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2024, the tuition fees are as follows:

• PhD (full-time) UK students (per annum): £4,786 International, including EU, students (per annum): £21,500
• PhD (part-time) UK students (per annum): £2,393 International, including EU, students (per annum): £10,750

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

Scholarships/sponsorships

There are a range of scholarships, studentships and awards available to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers, details of which can be found via the links below.

To apply University of Manchester funding, you must indicate in your application the competitions for which you wish to be considered. The deadline for most internal competitions, including School of Social Sciences studentships is 1 December 2023.

All external funding competitions have a specified deadline for submitting your funding application and a separate (earlier) deadline for submitting the online programme application form, both of which will be stated in the funding competition details below.

For more information about funding, visit our funding page to browse for scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

• ESRC North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP) PhD Studentships - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• School of Social Sciences PhD Studentships 2024 Entry
• China Scholarship Council - The University of Manchester (CSC-UoM) Joint Scholarship Programme - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• Trudeau Doctoral Scholarships 2024 Entry
• PhD Studentship with the Stuart Hall Foundation (Social Sciences) - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (High Income Countries)
• Humanities Doctoral Academy Humanitarian Scholarship 2024 Entry
• Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (Least Developed Countries and Fragile States)
• President's Doctoral Scholar (PDS) Awards - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry

Contact details

See: School Subjects

Programmes in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

• Social Sciences

Regulated by the Office for Students

The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website .

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website .

Study Postgraduate

Phd in sociology (2024 entry).

Course code

30 September 2024

3-4 years full-time; Up to 7 years part-time

Qualification

University of Warwick

Find out more about our PhD in Sociology.

The PhD in Sociology offers a broad span of research areas and expertise. From gender and sexuality to markets and capitalism, Warwick's Sociology department, ranked 9th in the UK (The Guardian University Guide 2022), has an active and exciting research culture where you will receive specialist training.

Course overview

The doctoral programme in Sociology provides access to a vibrant and welcoming community of international researchers and supports you in developing your independent sociological research project.

As well as being part of an active and exciting research culture, you will receive specialist training in undertaking doctoral study at the beginning of your course and dedicated and expert supervision throughout.

Teaching and learning

All first year PhD students undertake a two-term course called Research Process and Research Design. Provided by the Department, this course supports students with the fundamentals of PhD study and life and prepares them for their upgrade from MPhil to PhD. All doctoral students have access to dedicated PhD study rooms with computers and printers.

General entry requirements

Minimum requirements.

A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Sociology or a related subject; a strong research proposal.

English language requirements

You can find out more about our English language requirements Link opens in a new window . This course requires the following:

• IELTS overall score of 7.0, minimum component scores of two at 6.0/6.5 and the rest at 7.0 or above.

International qualifications

We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.

For more information, please visit the international entry requirements page Link opens in a new window .

Additional requirements

There are no additional entry requirements for this course.

Our research

Research within our department covers a broad span of the discipline and is organised into three main themes:

• Economy, Technology, Expertise
• Inequalities and Social Change
• Justice, Authority and the Geopolitical

The Department hosts the Social Theory Centre and the Centre for the Study of Women and Gender.

We have considerable expertise in areas such as:

• Gender and sexuality studies
• Social and cultural theory
• Race and racism
• Criminology
• Work and employment
• Political sociology
• Markets and capitalism
• Methodologies

Full details of our research interests are listed on the Sociology web pages Link opens in a new window .

You can also read our general University research proposal guidance.

Find a supervisor

Find your supervisor using the link below and discuss with them the area you'd like to research.

Explore our Sociology Staff Directory.

You can also see our general University guidance about finding a supervisor.

Tuition fees

Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.

Find your research course fees

Fee Status Guidance

The University carries out an initial fee status assessment based on information provided in the application and according to the guidance published by UKCISA. Students are classified as either Home or Overseas Fee status and this can determine the tuition fee and eligibility of certain scholarships and financial support.

If you receive an offer, your fee status will be stated with the tuition fee information. If you believe your fee status has been incorrectly classified you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire (follow the instructions in your offer) and provide the required documentation for this to be reassessed.

The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides guidance to UK universities on fees status criteria, you can find the latest guidance on the impact of Brexit on fees and student support on the UKCISA website .

Additional course costs

Please contact your academic department for information about department specific costs, which should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below, such as:

• Core text books
• Printer credits
• Dissertation binding
• Robe hire for your degree ceremony

Scholarships and bursaries

Scholarships and financial support

Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.

Sociology Funding Opportunities

Find out more about the various funding opportunities that are available in our department.

Living costs

Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.

Sociology at Warwick

We have an international reputation for research excellence, a global and cosmopolitan perspective, and high-quality teaching. Our curriculum offers a comprehensive and up-to-date foundation with a diverse range of specialist options.

What does it mean to understand the world in which you live? What will your contribution be to this changing world? How do your own experiences and life chances compare to those of others?

Sociology – the study of humans in society – attempts to capture the rich variety and complexity of human social life. Indeed, it is difficult to think of any area of social existence that a sociologist wouldn’t be interested in examining, from the most intimate of personal relationships to the worldwide circulation of ideas, beliefs, products and people.

Find out more about us on our website. Link opens in a new window

Our Postgraduate courses

• Gender and International Development (MA)
• Gender and Sexuality (MA)
• Social and Political Thought (MA)
• Social Inequalities and Research Methods (MSc)
• Sociology (MA)
• Sociology (PhD)
• Women's and Gender Studies (PhD)

How to apply

The application process for courses that start in September and October 2024 will open on 2 October 2023.

For research courses that start in September and October 2024 the application deadline for students who require a visa to study in the UK is 2 August 2024. This should allow sufficient time to complete the admissions process and to obtain a visa to study in the UK.

How to apply for a postgraduate research course  

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Postgraduate fairs.

Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in-person around the UK. These events give you the chance to explore our range of postgraduate courses, and find out what it’s like studying at Warwick. You’ll also be able to speak directly with our student recruitment team, who will be able to help answer your questions.

Join a live chat with our staff and students, who are here to answer your questions and help you learn more about postgraduate life at Warwick. You can join our general drop-in sessions or talk to your prospective department and student services.

Departmental events

Some academic departments hold events for specific postgraduate programmes, these are fantastic opportunities to learn more about Warwick and your chosen department and course.

See our online departmental events

Warwick Talk and Tours

A Warwick talk and tour lasts around two hours and consists of an overview presentation from one of our Recruitment Officers covering the key features, facilities and activities that make Warwick a leading institution. The talk is followed by a campus tour which is the perfect way to view campus, with a current student guiding you around the key areas on campus.

Connect with us

Learn more about Postgraduate study at the University of Warwick.

We may have revised the information on this page since publication. See the edits we have made and content history .

Why Warwick

Discover why Warwick is one of the best universities in the UK and renowned globally.

9th in the UK (The Guardian University Guide 2024) Link opens in a new window

67th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2024) Link opens in a new window

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About the information on this page

This information is applicable for 2024 entry. Given the interval between the publication of courses and enrolment, some of the information may change. It is important to check our website before you apply. Please read our terms and conditions to find out more.

Sociology, PhD

Zanvyl krieger school of arts and sciences.

The department’s primary educational goal is to train first-class sociology Ph.D. students. The sociology graduate experience at Johns Hopkins University is best characterized as a research apprenticeship – a careful blend of formal instruction, faculty-directed individual study, and supervised as well as self-initiated research. The department’s small size and specific focus areas yield a personalized course of study and close relationships with faculty members and fellow graduate students. The social climate is informal, and the mix of students and faculty, drawn from a wide variety of geographic and social backgrounds, constitutes a rewarding intellectual community. For more details, please visit http://soc.jhu.edu/graduate/ .

Admission Requirements

Applicants must submit an application fee, personal statement, all college transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a sample of written work. International applicants must also submit a TOEFL score and a financial statement (FS-1G Form: Graduate International Student Notification [F-1/J-1]). GRE scores are optional. Applicants should have a broad background in social science, especially sociology, economics, and psychology. Training in mathematics is encouraged. The department gives greatest weight to an applicant’s demonstrated ability and past performance. For more details, please visit http://soc.jhu.edu/graduate/admissions/ .

Program Requirements

This fall semester course is taken during the first year. Faculty presentations introduce students to the substantive interests, research and professional background of the sociology faculty. It is graded pass/fail.

To count toward degree requirements, core curriculum courses other than the Proseminar (which is graded Pass/Fail) and the Trial Paper Research series of courses must be passed with a grade of B- or higher. After the core course requirement is satisfied, additional methods courses from the list above may be used to fulfill the five-elective course requirement.

In addition to the core curriculum, graduate students must enroll in five additional graduate-level courses. At least four of the five electives must be JHU Sociology department courses. Up to four of the five electives may be fulfilled by a combination of:

• credit awarded for previous graduate coursework that predates matriculation at JHU;
• courses taken outside the department that are permissible under the Handbook rules and with the Departmental advisor’s approval;
• and one directed research and independent study courses within the Department.

All must be passed with a grade of B- or higher. While students are free to select these courses, the department strongly recommends that they be taken from diverse fields of specializations so as to maximize the breadth of exposure to core areas of sociology and other disciplines.

Teaching Assistantships

As part of their preparation for future academic work, graduate students are required to register for  AS.230.811 Teaching Assistantship  and serve as a teaching assistant for at least one semester.

Foreign Language

The Sociology Department no longer requires certification of fluency in a foreign language as part of the Ph.D. requirements. Students should be proactive in gaining the language skills necessary to conduct their TRP and dissertation research, and should work closely with their advisor to determine whether additional language education is needed.

A minimum of two consecutive semesters of full-time residence is mandatory for all degrees. However, at least six semesters of full-time residence is recommended by the department for completion of the core curriculum, electives, and completion of a research apprenticeship and a trial research paper. By the end of the fourth year in the program, the student is expected to have written a dissertation proposal and have defended it successfully before the appropriate examining committees.

Research Assistantship/Apprenticeship

AS.230.801 Research Assistantship  and AS.230.804 Research Apprenticeship

Students are required to develop practical research expertise through professional-level participation (data analysis, literature searches/reviews, non-routine data processing or coding, preparation and refinement of research instruments, and data/file management). This requirement is fulfilled by satisfactorily completing a Research Apprenticeship, which is required during the student’s first year of full-time graduate study in the department. The standard for certification is substantial research accomplishment as judged by the faculty supervisor.

Trial Research Paper

( AS.230.685 TRP Seminar I , AS.230.690 TRP Seminar II , AS.230.815 Trial Research Paper I , AS.230.816 Trial Research Paper II , AS.230.817 Trial Research Paper III )

Students begin working on a Trial Research Paper (TRP) no later than the spring semester of their second year. The TRP affords students the experience of planning and executing a research project that leads to a publishable quality paper. The TRP is expected to be a serious, complete work of scholarship, suitable for conference presentation or journal submission. Whether or not the topic of the TRP is similar to that of the eventual dissertation, we believe all students will benefit from going through this exercise before planning for the dissertation.

By the end of the fall semester of their second year, students should invite a faculty TRP advisor to supervise the design and execution of the TRP project. Regular or adjunct faculty members whose positions entitle them to serve as dissertation advisors are eligible to serve as faculty TRP advisors. Work on the TRP generally will be done over three semesters. In order to facilitate progress on the TRP, students register for courses that are meant to consist of one-on-one meetings with their TRP advisor (TRP I, AS.230.815 Trial Research Paper I in the spring of your second year, TRP II, AS.230.816 Trial Research Paper II in the fall of your third year, and TRP III, AS.230.817 Trial Research Paper III in the spring of your third year.)

In order to facilitate student progress on the TRP, the department has also introduced two required TRP seminars, for which all students register in the spring of their second and third year. These are:   AS.230.685 TRP Seminar I (spring of second year) & AS.230.690 TRP Seminar II (spring of third year). These courses will be graded pass/fail and will not count toward the fulfillment of the elective courses required for the Ph.D.

A TRP proposal must be approved by the faculty TRP advisor by the end of the spring semester of the second year. By the end of the fall semester of the third year, the TRP advisor must approve a draft of the paper which will then be reviewed by another department faculty member. The TRP advisor, at their discretion, may extend this deadline to the end of the intersession period following the fall semester. The faculty reviewer will evaluate the paper and, if necessary, recommend revisions that should be made before the paper is certified. The TRP advisor will determine required revisions and must certify a final TRP by the end of the spring semester of the third year.

Dissertation

The student must propose and conduct original research presented in a dissertation suitable for publication. The department administers an oral examination which must be passed before the student is allowed to defend before a university board. The dissertation must then be defended either at a Graduate Board preliminary oral examination, based on the dissertation proposal, or at a Graduate Board final oral examination, based on the completed dissertation.

Special Programs

The department offers two special programs that coordinate activities in its two focus areas. Doctoral students may affiliate with one or both of these programs at their discretion. These programs function as fields of doctoral specialization within the Department of Sociology.

Program on Global Social Change (PGSC)

This focus area of graduate study focuses on cross-national, comparative research and long-term, world-scale social change. The goal of the program is to give students knowledge of the various theoretical perspectives in these areas, experience in data collection and analysis, and expertise in one or more substantive fields.

The program does not focus on a particular geographic area, although faculty members have conducted extensive research on Latin America, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern and Southeastern Europe. Instead of a geographical approach, the emphasis is on issues of development and social change that cut across different countries and world regions. Examples are globalization and regionalization, labor and development, city systems and urban primacy, social movements and revolutions, state violence, migration and labor force formation, family structure and change, social structure and personality, and national and international stratification. Students enroll in a sequence of courses and seminars and participate actively in ongoing faculty projects dealing with one or more of the above issues.

In addition, the interdisciplinary character of graduate education at Johns Hopkins University offers students ample opportunity to enroll in courses or collaborate in research of faculty in other departments. Faculty associates of the program include distinguished scholars in anthropology, economics, geography, history, political science, and public health.

A graduate focus area is not required of Ph.D. students.

Program on Social Inequality (PSI)

This focus area of graduate study focuses on the causes and consequences of social inequality, the social processes that sustain it, and how social policies can reduce it. These questions are addressed in terms of class, gender, race, ethnicity, and immigration status/citizenship.

The program is designed to train students in the sociological analysis of social inequality among individuals and groups. This training includes course work in areas such as social stratification, the sociology of the family, the sociology of education, sociology of immigration, social structure and personality, social policy, and research design and methods. Students in the PSI program enroll in a sequence of courses and seminars and participate actively in ongoing faculty projects dealing with one or more of the above issues.

In addition, the interdisciplinary character of graduate education at Johns Hopkins University offers students ample opportunity to enroll in courses or collaborate in research with faculty in other departments. Faculty associates of the program include distinguished scholars in anthropology, economics, geography, history, political science, and public health.

Best Universities for Sociology in Europe

Updated: February 29, 2024

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Below is a list of best universities in Europe ranked based on their research performance in Sociology. A graph of 99.2M citations received by 4.46M academic papers made by 1,410 universities in Europe was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

1. University of Oxford

For Sociology

2. University College London

3. University of Cambridge

4. University of Manchester

5. University of Edinburgh

6. King's College London

7. University of Amsterdam

8. Karolinska Institute

9. University of Bristol

10. London School of Economics and Political Science

11. University of Helsinki

12. University of Copenhagen

13. University of Sheffield

14. Lund University

15. Catholic University of Leuven

16. Imperial College London

17. University of Birmingham

18. University of Glasgow

19. University of Nottingham

20. Utrecht University

21. University of Leeds

22. University of Warwick

23. University of Oslo

24. University of London

25. Uppsala University

26. University of Groningen

27. University of Southampton

28. Aarhus University

29. University of Gothenburg

30. Erasmus University Rotterdam

31. Radboud University

32. University of Liverpool

33. University of Sussex

34. Newcastle University

35. Stockholm University

36. University of Zurich

37. Lancaster University

38. University of York

39. Cardiff University

40. Leiden University

41. University of Exeter

42. University of Leicester

43. Durham University

44. Maastricht University

45. Umea University

46. Free University Amsterdam

47. Pierre and Marie Curie University

48. Heidelberg University - Germany

49. Ghent University

50. University of Aberdeen

51. University of East Anglia

52. Queen Mary University of London

53. University of Barcelona

54. University of Bergen

55. Sapienza University of Rome

56. University of Vienna

57. Loughborough University

58. University of Bologna

59. Wageningen University

60. Autonomous University of Barcelona

61. University of Munich

62. University of the West of England

63. University of Milan

64. University of Hamburg

65. Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich

66. University of Liege

67. University of Bern

68. Norwegian University of Science and Technology

69. University of Padua

70. Queen's University Belfast

71. University of Tampere

72. University of Surrey

73. University of Essex

74. University of Reading

75. University of St Andrews

76. University of Lausanne

77. Tilburg University

78. University College Dublin

79. University of Kent

80. University of Geneva

81. University of Turku

82. University of Southern Denmark

83. Aalborg University

84. University of Bath

85. University of Oulu

86. Linkoping University

87. University of Wales

88. Delft University of Technology

89. Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne

90. Claude Bernard University Lyon 1

91. Ulster University

92. Complutense University of Madrid

93. University of Strathclyde

94. Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin

95. University of Stirling

96. University of Lisbon

97. University of Turin

98. Free University of Berlin

99. University of Granada

100. University of Porto

Liberal Arts & Social Sciences subfields in Europe

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Phd sociology.

• Study at Maynooth /

Qualification : PHILOSOPHIAE DOCTOR DEGREE

Award Type and NFQ level : RESEARCH PH.D. (10)

CAO/PAC code : MHY02 (FT), MHY03 (PT)

CAO Points :

View FETAC details

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• Research Interest
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- To provide high quality research training in a lively intellectual atmosphere - To promote students’ professional involvement in academic life - To ensure that students will make a contribution to the advancement of knowledge in sociology - And to ensure that students will make a contribution to the understanding and well being of contemporary societies

By the end of their time as a research postgraduate student in the Department it is our goal that students will:

- Have completed a thesis which is a high quality piece of orginal sociological analysis and is at least partly publishable in a peer-reviewed academic outlet - Have developed and demonstrated a significant level of skill in at least one methodology of sociological research and analysis - Have a broad knowledge of a number of sub-fields within sociology - And have had the opportunity to develop teaching and administrative skills and experience

Closing date Research applications are generally accepted at any time however the deadline for applications is the 30th of June if you wish to start in September of the same year.

Commences September

Minimum 2.1 degree in BA or MA in Sociology or Cognate subject. Applications with equivalent learning are also welcomed.

Applicants must have a recognised primary degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level.

Applicants are advised to contact the Department to discuss their research topic before submitting a required research proposal of 7-10 pages duration. Please see course website for further details.

Minimum English language requirements:

• IELTS: 6.5 minimum overall score
• TOEFL (Paper based test): 585
• TOEFL (Internet based test): 95
• PTE (Pearson): 62

Maynooth University’s TOEFL code is 8850

Dr. Mary Benson Cityscapes, gentrification, place, community and visual representations. Current research focuses on urban agriculture.

Dr. Delma Byrne Research interests include social stratification in education and the labour market spanning the primary, second-level and higher education sectors as well as post-secondary education and training, transitions between education and the labour market and the evaluation of educational interventions.

Dr. Barry Cannon Research interests are on Latin American politics, with particular expertise on Peru, Venezuela and Central America, especially on issues of democratisation, power relations, Left and Right politics, civil society, and development. Current research focuses on opposition politics in Venezuela, right wing politics in Latin America, and, comparisons between collective reactions to crisis in Latin America and in Ireland and Europe.

Dr. Brian Conway Research interests include sociology of religion, collective memory, history of Irish sociology. Current research focuses on examining Catholic public discourses and institutional arrangements, trends and patterns in the Catholic workforce, and religious institutional responses to scandal, all in comparative perspective.

Professor Mary P. Corcoran The Irish migratory experience, public culture, and urban transformation and change. Professor Corcoran is currently engaged in research on urban agriculture initiatives and urban food policy. 

Dr. Colin Coulter Research interests include development studies, global politics, Marxism, ethnicity and nationalism, popular culture and in particular popular music and Northern Irish politics and society.

Dr. Laurence Cox Research interests include social movement research (movement waves, alterglobalisation and anti-austerity movements, European social movements, movement theorising, protest policing, knowledge and learning production in social movements, activist sustainability), Buddhist Studies (Buddhism and Ireland, early western Buddhists in Asia), new religious movements, sociology of knowledge and culture (history of ideas, sociology of intellectuals, counter culture), working-class studies (community organising, oral history), social theory (western Marxism, socialist feminism), and methodology (participatory action research, community research).

Dr. Pauline Cullen Research interests include political sociology, gender inequality, social movements, civil society and state relations, nongovernmental organisations, social policy and European Integration, coalitions between diverse constituencies, activism on social rights beyond national settings. 

Professor G. Honor Fagan Research interests include Human Security, Gender and Development Governance, and Social Sustainability.

Dr. Eoin Flaherty I am interested in how patterns of inequality are formed and maintained, and how they change over time. I study these processes with a particular focus on income inequality during the late 20th/early 21st century, and instances of famine during the 19th century (mainly Ireland). I am also interested in how human societies have formed systems of cooperation and managed resources collectively, and whether such systems were resilient to environmental stress.  I am also interested in: Top incomes and the 'super-rich', labour's share of national income, time series and pooled time series cross-section analysis. Financialisation, rentiers, and power resources.  Famine, common-pool resource systems, primitive communism, and nineteenth-century Ireland. Complexity theory, human ecology, and environmental sociology.  

Prof. Jane Gray Research and teaching interests include families and households, comparative-historical sociology, life history analysis.  Her current research focuses on: life histories and social change in twentieth-century Ireland,  family and community, gender, household economies and social change.

Dr. Aphra Kerr Teaching and Research interests focus on technology and media in society and digital sociology.  Current research explores the implications of data driven digital media design, online community management work, production in the global digital games industry, and the rise of the ‘indie’.  Recent projects have explored broadcasting and diversity, innovation in animation companies, the design of future telecommunications network services and applications and gendered practices and representations in digital games culture.

Dr. Rebecca King Ó Riain Research and teaching interests include globaliSation, emotions and technology, racial/ethnic beauty pageants; critical race theory, qualitative methods, interracial marriage and multiracial people. Her current research explores the ‘Globalisation of Love’ through qualitative research with transnational, mixed couples and their children looking at uses of digital technology to create and maintain global emotional networks.

Dr. Mary Murphy Research interests include the impact of globalisation on welfare states, the political mediation of social policy reform, local governance and institutional mechanisms to support social innovation, social inclusion and citizenship, gender and social welfare, commodification, conditionality and welfare to work policies.

Dr. Peter Murray Research and teaching interests include political mobilisation and the growth of the modern state, industry, work and technological change, health, illness and healing.

Prof. John O’Brennan Research interests include the process and politics of European Union enlargement, the EU's relationship with the western Balkans and prospective enlargement to South Eastern Europe; the dynamics of EU external relations; EU-Russian relations, constructivist theories of International Politics; and the identity dimension to European integration. I am also very interested in Ireland's experience of European integration, its relationship with the European Union and the Lisbon Treaty debate in Ireland.

Professor Seán Ó Riain Research interests are in the sociology of work, economic sociology, comparative and global political economy and social inequality.  Specific areas of interest include work organisation and workplace regimes; developmental states, the global knowledge economy, economic liberalism, changing European societies,

Dr. Paul Ryan Research interests include masculinities, gay and lesbian studies, social movements and qualitative research methods specifically the use of life history

Dr. Eamonn Slater Research interests include the structure of modernity, the heritage industry (including tourism), the social construction of landscape and the environment, visual sociology and historical sociology. All of these sociological areas are investigated with a special emphasis on Irish society.

For further details on the research specialisms within the Department please visit: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/sociology/our-people

Students acquire 30 credits in the first three years (60 in the case of postgraduates who do not already have an MA) through taking a combination of compulsory and optional courses oriented towards broadening theoretical perspectives, offering methodological expertise, and providing guidance on teaching at third level.

Research Third Level Teaching Government Policy Analysis Private, Community and Voluntary Sectors Media and New Technology Urban, Rural and Community Planning

Online application only www.pac.ie/maynoothuniversity

PAC Code MHY02  Full-time MHY03  Part-time The following information should be forwarded to PAC, 1 Courthouse Square, Galway or uploaded to your online application form:

Certified copies of all official transcripts of results for all non-Maynooth University qualifications listed MUST accompany the application. Failure to do so will delay your application being processed. Non-Maynooth University students are asked to provide two academic references and a copy of their birth certificate or valid passport.

You can register to do either an MLitt or a Phd in the Department of Sociology. If you are interested in pursuing a postgraduate research degree with us the first step is to contact a member of staff to discuss your research idea. They will gladly assist you to prepare your research proposal. For a list of staff research interests please see below. For further information on our department research interests, how to apply and doing a PhD please consult our Research Postgraduate Handbook.

All applicants must submit a proposal  https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/sociology/postgraduates

If you decide to do postgraduate studies with us the second step is to complete an application form and pay an application fee through the online PAC system. You will need to provide a brief personal statement in the application form and this should focus on your reasons for pursuing a postgraduate degree at MU. Please note, when filling out the application form, that the fullest possible information should be provided.

The Research Proposal

The research proposal should be typed, double spaced and approximately 7–10 pages long. It should indicate:

- The central research topic that you wish to investigate - The central debates in the sociological and/or social science literature that the research will address - The main data that will be collected and/or analysed and the methods that will be used to do so - The significance of the proposed research for sociological work in the relevant field - Any other critical issues regarding the research topic, approach and significance

It is not expected that the student will stick blindly to this proposal should they be admitted as a research postgraduate student but it will provide a useful guide for students and the department in assessing the application and in developing the research. Applicants may be called for interview by departmental staff before a decision is made regarding admission.

Deadlines You may apply at any time to the department to start a PhD but the deadline for applications is the 30th of June if you wish to start in September of the same year.

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2024 Best Online PhD in Sociology [Doctorate Guide]

With an online PhD in Sociology, you may earn a respected degree in a manner that suits your on-the-go lifestyle.

Earning a doctorate in sociology can help prepare you to accept academic positions or to serve as a leader in government, business, or nonprofit organizations.

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By going through an online doctorate program in sociology, you may sharpen your research skills. With this terminal degree, you may also prove yourself an expert in social dynamics and may set yourself up for a rewarding career inside or outside of academia.

Universities Offering Online PhD in Sociology Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer sociology degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

California Institute of Technology

The Doctorate of Sociology program at the California Institute of Technology usually takes three years to complete. It is uniquely designed to address subjects related to law, economics, history, anthropology and political science.

Students are encouraged to start their research early and to connect with mentors who can help them with post-graduation employment opportunities.

Caltech is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Capella University

Capella University offers a PhD in Human Services program that combines core classes with electives, specializations, research seminars, and dissertation preparation. Everything is online, including virtual simulations of real-world scenarios that students might encounter in the future. The program consists of 77 quarter credits.

Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Colorado State University

Colorado State University has multiple specializations for its PhD of Sociology program. These include Food and Agriculture, Crime and Law, Environmental and Natural Resources, and Social Justice and Governance.

Students are expected to learn both theory and practice as they explore everything from research methodologies to contemporary practices in human services.

Colorado State  is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Johns Hopkins University

There are two doctorate-level sociology programs at Johns Hopkins University: the Program on Global Social Change (PGSC) and the Program on Social Inequality (PSI). There’s also a joint program that combines sociology with applied mathematics and statistics.

Depending on your area of focus, you can study things like globalization, diversity, government reform, and linear models for social sciences.

The Johns Hopkins University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Louisiana State University

The PhD of Sociology program at Louisiana State University offers a well-rounded curriculum in theory, practice, research, tools, and methods. The program usually requires five years to complete.

Students are encouraged to choose a specialty area and work with faculty advisors to prepare grants, co-author papers, and make presentations at industry conferences.

Louisiana State University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

University of Iowa

The University of Iowa offers both a Master’s and a PhD in Sociology. Classes are available online or in person, and subjects cover topics such as economics, policy, inequality, global affairs, and human rights.

Students are encouraged to choose a focus area for their studies to maximize their opportunities for research and employment.

The University of Iowa is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of New Mexico

Though it doesn’t offer a separate PhD program for sociology, the University of New Mexico offers a combined master’s and PhD program for extended graduate-level study. From statistics to methods of social research, a variety of important topics in sociology are covered in this well-rounded program. Online classes must be approved by the faculty.

UNM is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of Tennessee – Knoxville

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville offers a PhD in Sociology program that consists of 51 credits. These are halfway divided between graduate coursework and dissertation research and preparation.

Specializations include Criminology, Political Economy, Environmental Sociology, and Critical Race and Ethnic Studies.

The University of Tennessee – Knoxville is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Walden University

Walden University offers a hybrid degree program that is designed to prepare students for a variety of health services careers. This program is a mix of online coursework and real-world residencies.

It’s a PhD in Social Work rather than Sociology, but many of the subjects and skills are also relevant to sociology students. It includes specializations in sociology-related concepts, such as public policy and administration.

Walden is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Wilmington University

Wilmington University offers a unique doctorate program for students interested in social science called Prevention Science.

This program focuses on identifying and evaluating the various personal, financial, and social risks faced by individuals and families within broader communities. Classes are 100% online, and students can create their own study areas or choose from pre-established ones.

Wilmington University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Online PhD in Sociology Programs

A terminal degree in sociology can help pave the way for an academic career or a leadership role in government or the private sector.

Since a PhD is the top degree in this field, many schools expect students to have a master’s degree before diving into more advanced studies. If you don’t yet hold a master’s degree, you may be able to earn one in conjunction with your doctoral studies at select schools.

During a sociology doctoral program, you’ll often study the ways that people behave and interact in society and organizations. Most students take one or more courses on the major theories in sociological thought.

Research is a critical component of earning a PhD, so you’ll probably take several classes dedicated to enhancing your research skills. You may learn to perform statistical analysis, conduct interviews, and write scientific papers.

Most PhD candidates choose a particular focus area for their studies. Options at your school may include urban development, politics and government, race and equality, family structure, healthcare, or religion. Some universities may allow you to choose two specialization areas.

The focus you choose may influence your PhD coursework. Possible class topics could include gender, race, family, and class structure. You might also gain new insights into political systems or regional development. Other courses in your school’s sociology department may address immigration, aging, or crime.

Once you’ve completed your coursework and successfully defended your dissertation, you might secure a job in academia. If you’re working for a college, your responsibilities may include teaching classes and conducting research.

Sociology jobs may also be found in other sectors. You might work for a think tank to produce sociological insights that inform policy decisions, head up a social services agency, or spearhead initiatives that support urban development.

Other jobs may be available in marketing, human resources, or publishing. For those roles, you might lean heavily on the research and communications skills that you may acquire during your doctoral program.

Sociology Careers & Salaries

Many people equate a Ph.D. in Sociology with an academic career. That’s not an unreasonable assumption. Most people with this degree do pursue academic work after graduation.

In higher education institutions, you may serve on the faculty or carry out research. With a PhD, you may eventually qualify for a tenured position. Not all graduates have their sights set on an academic track, though. If you start exploring the opportunities for sociologists outside of higher education, you might find a variety of intriguing possibilities.

Universities aren’t the only organizations that hire sociologists and other social scientists. Government agencies, private research organizations, and think tanks rely on these experts too. Your skills in data collection and research may translate into a career as a professional who analyzes market demographics or designs insightful survey questions.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , sociologists earn an average annual salary of $86,110. Various jobs you may pursue with a sociology PhD include:

Sociologist jobs are growing at the average 4% rate, but other roles are increasing significantly more quickly. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics is predicting an 18% growth rate for market research analyst positions.

Your sociology training may help prepare you to understand the ways that people respond to life circumstances and interact in relationships. That knowledge might be advantageous for a career as a human resources manager or a nonprofit director. It might also be useful in an urban planning role.

Doctoral programs emphasize writing and communication skills. Publishing companies might appreciate such abilities and hire you to work as a writer or an editor. You may be involved with publishing texts related to your area of training or other types of books.

Your sociology background may also lead to a career as a counselor or a high school teacher. Additional training and certification would be required, though.

Sociology Doctoral Curriculum & Courses

You’ll earn credits for your online PhD degree in sociology by taking classes and completing your doctoral dissertation. The courses in your program may include:

• Criminology : You’ll study theories about the criminal mind and criminal behavior, and you may also explore how governments respond to crime.
• Family Structure : Your time in this course may survey various family structures and consider how family relationships influence children’s outcomes.
• Gender Topics : This class may discuss how perceived gender roles affect society or compare attitudes toward gender in various societies.
• Inequality in Society : You’ll explore how gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality, class, and other factors lead to societal rankings and divisions.
• Politics and Sociology : A political course may cover the ways that sociological theories intersect with governing and leadership decisions around the world and in your local community.
• Race and Racism : You will learn how historical racial issues and contemporary views on the matter affect people and shape communities.
• Research Methods for the Social Sciences : In preparation for your dissertation, you’ll study quantitative and qualitative approaches to conducting research.
• Rural Studies : This course will provide insights into contemporary rural communities and how to foster regional development.
• Social Theories : Early in your doctoral studies, you may take a class that covers the teachings of various classic and contemporary thinkers in the field of sociology.
• Urban Studies : You’ll investigate how metropolitan regions develop and consider how to shape effective policies for urban areas.

You may have the option to take electives from the sociology department or other departments whose courses align with your interests and career goals.

Admissions Requirements

Admission to a sociology PhD program can be competitive. If you want to earn your doctorate, you’ll often need to showcase your strengths through materials like:

• Essay that states your sociology goals
• Letters of reference from supervisors
• Resume or curriculum vitae that shows your educational and work history
• Transcripts that list previous undergraduate and graduate work

Whether you need to submit GRE scores varies from one institution to the next. While it’s a firm requirement at some schools, other colleges don’t take standardized tests into account. Some list test scores as an optional requirement or grant waivers to qualified applicants.

Accreditation

One of the most important factors to consider when comparing sociology PhD programs is whether the schools hold regional accreditation.

All reputable colleges are approved by one of the seven regional accrediting agencies in the US. Regional accreditation means that you can count on a college to provide a sound education. Your coursework is more likely to transfer to another school.

Academic institutions and employers will likely recognize your status as an expert who’s earned the highest possible degree in this field.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

There are steps you may take to secure funding assistance for your doctoral studies in sociology.

Government student aid is a primary source of assistance for many graduate students. To learn whether you qualify, you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) . You may also be able to receive state loans or other types of government funding, such as federal work-study or state grants.

Private sources of assistance may include scholarships and fellowships. These financial gifts may help subsidize your tuition or your research. You can apply and may receive these awards if you’re selected as a recipient.

Your college might be another potential source of tuition help. Some doctoral programs grant stipends to students who work as teaching or research assistants. Finally, your employer may be a valuable contributor to your academic pursuits. Workplaces often help fund studies that can benefit the organization.

What Can You Do with a PhD in Sociology?

Working in academia is a popular career option for people with doctoral degrees in sociology. You might teach or conduct research at a college.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, sociology department faculty earn between $38,910 and $145,990 each year. Sociologists may also work as researchers in nonacademic settings.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that 38% of sociologists are employed in research and development organizations, and 15% are employed by state governments. Self-employment may be an option for sociologists as well.

Other job options may include urban planner, market research analyst, human resources director, and social services manager.

How Much Do You Make with a PhD in Sociology?

Based on figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for a sociologist is $86,110. The typical salary ranges from $52,640 to $143,020.

Some of the highest sociology earnings are in research and development firms. The median salary for sociologist jobs in that sector is $96,620. State government agencies come in as a close second with average annual earnings of $92,530 for sociologists.

Working as a human resources manager may be a top-paying career prospect for those with a sociology background. Those jobs often pay between $71,180 and $208,000. HR managers in scientific or technical organizations may bring in an average salary of $138,030 each year.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Sociology?

The length of time required for sociology doctoral programs varies from one student to the next.

The coursework typically takes 2 to 3 years, but you may be able to shorten that timeframe by enrolling in an accelerated sociology degree online program at an accredited university. After wrapping up the coursework, you may work on your dissertation, which can take longer for some students than for others.

Getting a PhD is often a 3 year to 5 year process. Some students need as few as 4 years or as many as 8. Earning a master’s on the way to getting a doctorate may extend your program by about 2 years.

What Is the Difference Between Sociology vs. Psychology?

Sociology and psychology are both considered social sciences. In either field, you’d study people and their behaviors and interactions. Sociology deals with these topics on a larger scale. The focus is on interactions and dynamics that shape major institutions, communities, and society as a whole.

Psychologists address interactions on a more personal level. The individual is the main focus of psychology studies. At times, psychologists do explore group dynamics, but the groups are usually small in size and limited in scope.

For example, psychologists might study individual families’ interactions while sociologists might investigate how family structures shape society.

Is a PhD in Sociology Worth It?

Yes, a sociology Ph.D. is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting 5% job growth in life, physical, and social science occupations over the next 10 years. Common careers in this field include sociologist, sociology professor, survey researcher, market research analyst, and community services manager.

The work that sociologists do may have far-reaching effects. As a researcher or a practitioner in this field, you might influence policies or make decisions that increase social equity or improve community life for many people.

Getting Your PhD in Sociology Online

A sociology PhD is a terminal degree that can help equip you for a career as a professor or a practitioner. With this degree, you might teach college courses, lead research studies, influence policies, or head up nonprofit institutions.

Getting your doctorate in sociology online, much like getting an online masters in sociology , may help you balance your professional obligations with your educational endeavors. Through online studies, you may take classes, communicate with your professors, and complete your dissertation from afar.

If you’re interested in earning a respected sociology PhD on a schedule that suits your needs, you may want to take a look at accredited online universities.

234 Degrees in Sociology in Europe for 2024

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Degrees in Sociology

Sociology aims to analyze and understand the various components that make up a society or civilization. Students learn how these societies are organized, as well as how they are sustained. Issues related to other humanities may also be studied.

In all, there are over 4000 Higher Education Institutions in Europe offering a wide range of courses at Bachelor, Masters and Doctorate level. With more and more of these organizations offering English as the language of education for at least some of their degree programs, universities in Europe are now of higher quality than ever before. Universities in Europe offer a friendly welcome to foreign students and to give a course of knowledge that meets their profession needs in today’s global demand.

New Head of the Asia Regional Office appointed

Dr. Flip van Helden joined EFI as the Head of the Asia Regional Office in Kuala Lumpur as of May 1, 2024. Flip has a PhD in Development Sociology from the Wageningen University and a MSc in Agricultural Development Economics from Wye College (University of London). 

He started his career in Papua New Guinea, working for the Department of Finance and Planning, and then for the PNG National Research Institute on an Integrated Conservation and Development project developed by the PNG Department of Environment and Conservation and the UNDP. After he moved back to the Netherlands in 1998, he did his PhD at Wageningen University and in 2001 started work for the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, where he was responsible for the Netherlands international forest and biodiversity policy. From 2008 to 2011, he joined DG Environment at the European Commission, where he coordinated FLEGT VPA negotiations between the EU and Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam. As part of this function, he played a supporting role in the development of the EU Timber Regulation. Until recently he worked as Team Leader for international affairs in the Netherlands Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, where he coordinated the ministries input into international policymaking and managed NL bilateral economic relations within and outside the EU.