Sociology and Social Policy

As a postgraduate researcher in the School of Sociology and Social Policy, you will be immersed in a thriving academic community, receiving expert supervision, support and research training while pursuing an area of work you are passionate about.

<h3>Researching with us</h3> <p>The School is a major centre of research and graduate training. We welcome research proposals from anyone wishing to pursue a particular area of interest within the broader fields of sociology and social policy.</p> <p>Our academic team come from a range of professional, academic and cultural backgrounds, bringing a wealth of knowledge and insight that enriches our research community and influences policy and practice on a global scale. </p> <p>Social justice and user engagement are key themes that cut across our research. The School is part of the <a href="http://www.whiterose.ac.uk/" target="_blank">White Rose Doctoral Training Partnership</a> and offers accredited social research training. </p> <h3>Your career and development</h3> <p>A postgraduate research degree is your opportunity to develop skills in preparation for a fruitful career. Which research pathway you choose often depends on your motivation for undertaking a postgraduate research programme and the amount of time you can dedicate to your research.</p> <p>We offer a choice of two pathways for postgraduate researchers:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://essl.leeds.ac.uk/sociology-research-degrees/doc/doctor-philosophy-phd-2" target="_blank">Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)</a></li> <li><a href="https://essl.leeds.ac.uk/sociology-research-degrees/doc/ma-research-1" target="_blank" title="About the MA by Research">MA by Research (MRes)</a></li> </ul> <p>The main distinction between these lies in the length of time devoted to earning the degrees, and in the scope of the work undertaken and the extent of the training input.</p> <p>Find out more about your <a href="https://essl.leeds.ac.uk/sociology-research-degrees/doc/career-development-2" target="_blank">career and development opportunities</a>.</p> <h3>Training and support</h3> <p>A research degree can be the start of an academic career, or a way of further developing your skills and expertise, to provide a gateway to higher-level roles in the public or private sector.</p> <p>You will have a range of support services and opportunities available to you — each designed to be tailored to your individual needs — which help to enhance your studies and career prospects.</p> <p>Find out more about <a href="https://essl.leeds.ac.uk/sociology-research-degrees/doc/researching-2" target="_blank">our research training and support</a>.</p> <h3>Our research and expertise</h3> <p>We are passionate about research that makes a difference in society, on a local and global level. Building on research strengths and a commitment to inclusive interdisciplinary approaches, we are working together to address some of the most significant challenges of the time. Our work is grouped into six interdisciplinary research centres:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://disability-studies.leeds.ac.uk/" target="_blank" title="Centre for Disability Studies">Centre for Disability Studies (CDS)</a></li> <li><a href="https://cers.leeds.ac.uk/" target="_blank">Centre for Ethnicity and Racism Studies (CERS)</a></li> <li><a href="https://flag.leeds.ac.uk/" target="_blank" title="Centre for research on Family, lifecourse and generations">Centre for Research on Families, the Life Course and Generations (FLAG)</a></li> <li><a href="http://gender-studies.leeds.ac.uk/" target="_blank">Centre for Interdisciplinary Gender Studies (CIGS)</a></li> <li><a href="https://baumaninstitute.leeds.ac.uk/" target="_blank">The Bauman Institute</a></li> </ul> <p>Find out more about <a href="https://essl.leeds.ac.uk/sociology-research-expertise" target="_blank">our research and expertise</a>.</p>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made <a href="http://www.leeds.ac.uk/info/130206/applying/91/applying_for_research_degrees" target="_blank">online</a>. When applying, please clearly state the research area you are interested in.</p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

<p>For further information please contact the Faculty Graduate School admissions office:</p> <p>e: <a href="mailto:applypgr.socialsciences@leeds.ac.uk">applypgr.socialsciences@leeds.ac.uk</a><br /> t: +44 (0)113 343 8056</p>