Find out more about studying PhD Sociology at University of Essex? We've gathered all the key details, entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy
University of Essex
Full Time
Jan 2027
3 Year
Our four-year integrated PhD Sociology follows the MA Sociology or MA Sociological Research Methods programme for year 1 before beginning the PhD study programme within the department in year 2. By opting for our four-year Integrated course, you will benefit from guidance and training to develop the research mind set needed for your PhD studies. If you have a strong background in sociology, its cognate disciplines or interdisciplinary areas, and a well-formulated research proposal, then our PhD could be appropriate. We offer supervision that covers topics pertaining to Europe, the Americas, Africa and the Asian sub-continent, with strengths in: criminology and social justice; culture and media; economic sociology; ethnicity, migration and human rights; intimacy and gender, social theory and methodology; and survey methodology. Reflecting this, we are home to four major research centres: the Migration Studies Centre, the Centre for Research in Economic Sociology and Innovation (CRESI), the Centre for Intimate and Sexual Citizenship (CISC) and the Centre for Criminology.
You can choose to do either SC800-7-FY PhD Colloquium 1: Defining Your Research or SC803-7-FY PhD Colloquium 2: Conducting and Communicating Your Research or SC804-7-FY PhD Colloquium 3: Disseminating Your Research.
Topics covered: general info on PhD process; writing successful research proposals and effectively preparing literature surveys; networking strategies (conference participation, summer schools, membership in research networks, etc--things that will help students to strengthen their CVs over time); preparing for fieldwork and data collection, and locating secondary data. In addition, students are introduced to a range of theoretical paradigms and their empirical applications, as represented in the Department (through presentations by academic staff). Students are expected to present their research proposals for comments by the colloquium tutor and also by others in class.
You can choose to do either SC800-7-FY PhD Colloquium 1: Defining Your Research or SC803-7-FY PhD Colloquium 2: Conducting and Communicating Your Research or SC804-7-FY PhD Colloquium 3: Disseminating Your Research.
Students commit themselves from the beginning of the year to present at a conference of their choice (beyond departmental venues) and work on the conference paper throughout the colloquium, including practice presentations and discussant roles for each other's papers before the actual event. The colloquium also includes sessions on "research data management" and discussions of issues arising from students' ongoing fieldwork and data collection, and locating.
You can choose to do either SC800-7-FY PhD Colloquium 1: Defining Your Research or SC803-7-FY PhD Colloquium 2: Conducting and Communicating Your Research or SC804-7-FY PhD Colloquium 3: Disseminating Your Research.
Students commit themselves from the beginning of the year to write a paper to be submitted to a journal and work on writing the journal paper throughout the colloquium, including discussion of drafts in class, and students acting as manuscript reviewers for each other?s papers. The colloquium also includes sessions on forms and process of publishing (preparing book manuscripts and revising and resubmitting journal articles); post-doctoral funding sources and obtaining research grants, using ESRC /BA (or other relevant) templates as example; searching and preparing for academic jobs, job market talks, and interviews.
You can choose to do either SC800-7-FY PhD Colloquium 1: Defining Your Research or SC803-7-FY PhD Colloquium 2: Conducting and Communicating Your Research or SC804-7-FY PhD Colloquium 3: Disseminating Your Research.
You can choose to do either SC800-7-FY PhD Colloquium 1: Defining Your Research or SC803-7-FY PhD Colloquium 2: Conducting and Communicating Your Research or SC804-7-FY PhD Colloquium 3: Disseminating Your Research.
Your thesis should be no longer than 80,000 words. We expect our PhD students to complete their PhD within four years of entering, so you will be regularly monitored through supervisory and other meetings to ensure that you finish your PhD on time.
You can choose to do either SC800-7-FY PhD Colloquium 1: Defining Your Research or SC803-7-FY PhD Colloquium 2: Conducting and Communicating Your Research or SC804-7-FY PhD Colloquium 3: Disseminating Your Research.
Topics covered: general info on PhD process; writing successful research proposals and effectively preparing literature surveys; networking strategies (conference participation, summer schools, membership in research networks, etc--things that will help students to strengthen their CVs over time); preparing for fieldwork and data collection, and locating secondary data. In addition, students are introduced to a range of theoretical paradigms and their empirical applications, as represented in the Department (through presentations by academic staff). Students are expected to present their research proposals for comments by the colloquium tutor and also by others in class.
You can choose to do either SC800-7-FY PhD Colloquium 1: Defining Your Research or SC803-7-FY PhD Colloquium 2: Conducting and Communicating Your Research or SC804-7-FY PhD Colloquium 3: Disseminating Your Research.
Students commit themselves from the beginning of the year to present at a conference of their choice (beyond departmental venues) and work on the conference paper throughout the colloquium, including practice presentations and discussant roles for each other's papers before the actual event. The colloquium also includes sessions on "research data management" and discussions of issues arising from students' ongoing fieldwork and data collection, and locating.
You can choose to do either SC800-7-FY PhD Colloquium 1: Defining Your Research or SC803-7-FY PhD Colloquium 2: Conducting and Communicating Your Research or SC804-7-FY PhD Colloquium 3: Disseminating Your Research.
Students commit themselves from the beginning of the year to write a paper to be submitted to a journal and work on writing the journal paper throughout the colloquium, including discussion of drafts in class, and students acting as manuscript reviewers for each other?s papers. The colloquium also includes sessions on forms and process of publishing (preparing book manuscripts and revising and resubmitting journal articles); post-doctoral funding sources and obtaining research grants, using ESRC /BA (or other relevant) templates as example; searching and preparing for academic jobs, job market talks, and interviews.
You can choose to do either SC800-7-FY PhD Colloquium 1: Defining Your Research or SC803-7-FY PhD Colloquium 2: Conducting and Communicating Your Research or SC804-7-FY PhD Colloquium 3: Disseminating Your Research.
You can choose to do either SC800-7-FY PhD Colloquium 1: Defining Your Research or SC803-7-FY PhD Colloquium 2: Conducting and Communicating Your Research or SC804-7-FY PhD Colloquium 3: Disseminating Your Research.
Your thesis should be no longer than 80,000 words. We expect our PhD students to complete their PhD within four years of entering, so you will be regularly monitored through supervisory and other meetings to ensure that you finish your PhD on time.
