Sociology PhD
The Discipline Area (DA) of Sociology seeks to maintain postgraduate research programmes of international calibre and repute, with matching resources, facilities and attainments.
The training programme provides a basic grounding in all aspects of research, together with the opportunity to take specialised courses, including those provided by our research centres. Each PGR also receives systematic support through regular meetings with a supervisor and attendance at the compulsory seminar on research practice.
Postgraduate researchers are an integral and essential part of the DA’s overall research activities. The type and the subject matter of the research undertaken will be closely linked to the research experience and plans of staff within the DA.
The DA has a range of ongoing research activities and events, such as guest speakers, one-day seminars and conferences.
Programme structure
The PhD programme is a 3-year/3.5-year full-time programme or a 6-year/7-year part-time programme. The letter you received from the University offering you a place on the PhD programme specifies your registration period and the deadline for submission of your thesis.
The PhD programme is structured through a combination of supervised research, research training and researcher development. You will begin work on your research from the start date of your PhD with support from your supervisory team.
Research training to support you in your research is available at the University and your training needs and requirements should be discussed with your supervisors.
Your research community
Postgraduate students are seen as an integral and essential part of the DA’s overall research activities. The type and the subject matter of the research undertaken will be closely linked to the research experience and plans of staff within the DA. The DA has a range of ongoing research activities and events, such as guest speakers, one-day seminars and conferences. You are encouraged to attend these events as they are part of the intellectual culture of the DA.
We are one of the largest groups of sociologists in the UK doing some of the most innovative and exciting research to be found anywhere in the world.
The Head of Sociology is Professor Vanessa May
Sociology is host to several research centres:
- Morgan Centre for Research into Everyday Lives
- The Mitchell Centre for Social Network Analysis
- The Cathie Marsh Institute for Social Research
and works closely with:
- Ahmed Iqbal Ullah Race Relations Resource Centre
- Work and Equalities Institute
- Centre for Research on Socio-Cultural Change (CRESC)
Events
The DA runs a research seminar series of visiting speakers attended by staff and postgraduate students.
Who's who
Key people
Course Director/ PhD Tutor
| Name | Role | Tel | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr Nick Thoburn | Senior Lecturer | +44 (0)161 275 2496 | Nicholas.J.Thoburn@manchester.ac.uk |
Head of Sociology
| Name | Role | |
|---|---|---|
| Professor Vanessa May | Head of Sociology | vanessa.may@manchester.ac.uk |