Sociology and Social Policy PhD
- Full-time: 3 years
- Part-time: 6 years
- Start date: Multiple available
- UK fees: £4,712
- International fees: £20,500
Research overview
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:
We offer PhDs in:
- criminology
- public policy
- sociology
- social policy and administration
- social work
- science, technology and society
Course content
You must complete a written thesis of up to 100,000 words, with support and advice from your academic supervisor(s). You will also take a verbal examination called a viva voce where you explain your project in depth to an examination panel.
Supervision
Full-time students should aim to meet with their supervisors at least 10 times each year. This would be at least six times in the same period for part-time students.
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2023 entry.
| Degree | Masters with 'Merit' (average of 60% or above or international equivalent), plus 2:1 at undergraduate level (or international equivalent) in any discipline |
| Degree | Masters with 'Merit' (average of 60% or above or international equivalent), plus 2:1 at undergraduate level (or international equivalent) in any discipline |
| International and EU equivalents | We accept a wide range of qualifications from all over the world. For information on entry requirements from your country, see our country pages. |
| IELTS | 7.0 (no less than 6.0 in any element) |
| English language requirements | As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English. |
Meeting our English language requirements
If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a presessional English course. Presessional courses teach you academic skills in addition to English language. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.
If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.
For on-campus presessional English courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations. For online presessional courses, see our CELE webpages for guidance.
Visa restrictions
International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.
We recognise that applicants have a variety of experiences and follow different pathways to postgraduate study.
We treat all applicants with alternative qualifications on an individual basis. We may also consider relevant work experience.
If you are unsure whether your qualifications or work experience are relevant, contact us.
You will also need to provide two references, including at least one who can comment on your academic ability.
Fees
| Home / UK | £4,712 |
| International | £20,500 |
Additional information for international students
If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).
These fees are for full-time study. If you are studying part-time, you will be charged a proportion of this fee each year (subject to inflation).
Additional costs
All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.
As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses.
You should be able to access most of the books you'll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies or more specific titles.
Funding
We are part of the Midlands Graduate School ESRC and Midlands4Cities AHRC doctoral training partnerships, which offer funding opportunities for postgraduate students each year.
There are many ways to fund your research degree, from scholarships to government loans.
Check our guide to find out more about funding your postgraduate degree.
Postgraduate fundingSupport
Department specific support
We offer dedicated facilities and support, which includes:
- two supervisors and additional support through membership of one of the school’s research centres
- dedicated workspaces
- generous photocopying and printing allowances
- the opportunity to apply for funding to attend workshops and conferences
Researcher training and development
The Researcher Academy is the network for researchers, and staff who support them. We work together to promote a healthy research culture, to cultivate researcher excellence, and develop creative partnerships that enable researchers to flourish.
Postgraduate researchers at Nottingham have access to our online Members’ area, which includes a wealth of resources, access to training courses and award-winning postgraduate placements.
Graduate centres
Our graduate centres are dedicated community spaces on campus for postgraduates.
Each space has areas for:
- studying
- socialising
- computer work
- seminars
- kitchen facilities
Student support
You will have access to a range of support services, including:
- academic and disability support
- childcare services
- counselling service
- faith support
- financial support
- mental health and wellbeing support
- visa and immigration advice
- welfare support
Students' Union
Our Students' Union represents all students. You can join the Postgraduate Students’ Network or contact the dedicated Postgraduate Officer.
There are also a range of support networks, including groups for:
- international students
- black and minority ethnic students
- students who identify as women
- students with disabilities
- LGBT+ students
SU Advice provides free, independent and confidential advice on issues such as accommodation, financial and academic difficulties.
Where you will learn
Library facilities - Sociology and Social Policy
The Hallward Library stocks a large number of sociology and social policy related publications and journals. Our library facilities open long hours and include areas for group work, individual, and silent study.
Where you will learn
University Park Campus
University Park Campus covers 300 acres, with green spaces, wildlife, period buildings and modern facilities. It is one of the UK's most beautiful and sustainable campuses, winning a national Green Flag award every year since 2003.
Most schools and departments are based here. You will have access to libraries, shops, cafes, the Students’ Union, sports village and a health centre.
You can walk or cycle around campus. Free hopper buses connect you to our other campuses. Nottingham city centre is 15 minutes away by public bus or tram.
Where you will learn
School facilities - Sociology and Social Policy
The school provides students with well-equipped work bases, with access to telephone, email and online bibliographic facilities along with access to up to date computing facilities.
Where you will learn
Library facilities - Sociology and Social Policy
The Hallward Library stocks a large number of sociology and social policy related publications and journals. Our library facilities open long hours and include areas for group work, individual, and silent study.
Where you will learn
University Park Campus
University Park Campus covers 300 acres, with green spaces, wildlife, period buildings and modern facilities. It is one of the UK's most beautiful and sustainable campuses, winning a national Green Flag award every year since 2003.
Most schools and departments are based here. You will have access to libraries, shops, cafes, the Students’ Union, sports village and a health centre.
You can walk or cycle around campus. Free hopper buses connect you to our other campuses. Nottingham city centre is 15 minutes away by public bus or tram.
Where you will learn
School facilities - Sociology and Social Policy
The school provides students with well-equipped work bases, with access to telephone, email and online bibliographic facilities along with access to up to date computing facilities.
Where you will learn
Library facilities - Sociology and Social Policy
The Hallward Library stocks a large number of sociology and social policy related publications and journals. Our library facilities open long hours and include areas for group work, individual, and silent study.
Research Excellence Framework
We are ranked 7th in the UK for research power (2021), according to analysis by Times Higher Education. The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is a national assessment of the quality of research in UK higher education institutions.
- 89% of the school's research considered world-leading or internationally excellent
- 90%* of our research is classed as 'world-leading' (4*) or 'internationally excellent' (3*)
- 100%* of our research is recognised internationally
- 51% of our research is assessed as 'world-leading' (4*) for its impact**
*According to analysis by Times Higher Education ** According to our own analysis.
This content was last updated on 02 May 2023. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.