How to apply

Please follow the below steps when applying for a PhD programme:

1. Check your eligibility and the deadlines. Information about entry requirements and deadlines can be found below.
2. Contact a potential supervisor. It is important to identify a potential supervisor whose research interests match with yours. Before proceeding to the application stage, you should consult our advice on finding supervisors. Please note that if you are unable to secure explicit support from a supervisor before you apply, it is unlikely that we will be able to offer you a place on the PhD programme.
3. Finalise your research proposal. Link opens in a new windowOnce you have identified your supervisors, you should ensure that your research proposal meets our requirements, in discussion with your prospective lead supervisor.
4. Prepare your supporting documents. You are strongly advised to contact your referees and provide them with your research proposal ahead of time so that they can make specific comments on your suitability for research in your chosen topic. Try to ensure that these are academic referees, but you may also include professional referees if you have been out of study for two years or more. It is important that the referees are relevant and know you well. Please note your referees will be invited to submit their references separately, so you do not need to upload their letters yourself.
5. Once you have identified a supervisor, finalised your research proposal and have your other supporting documents ready, you can submit your online application form via Warwick's Postgraduate Application SystemLink opens in a new window. You should name your prospective supervisor in the application form.

Entry requirements:

1. A Masters degree (or equivalent) in Sociology or a related subject.
2. If you are currently studying for a Masters and will complete this before you start your PhD, you can still apply but any offer will be conditional on completion of the Masters degree.
3. If you are applying for the Midlands Graduate School ESRC 1+3 Scholarship, which includes funding for a Masters year, you should note this in your application and be clear about this with prospective supervisors.
4. A strong research proposal (see guidance here)
5. Two good academic references. If you include your referees' email addresses on your application, they will receive an automatic email asking them to upload the reference, so you do not need to supply the reference letters yourself - just supply the relevant contact details. Please note that professional references will not be accepted unless you have been out of education for over two years.
6. English proficiency. Students for whom English is a second language are required to have an IELTS score of 7.0 with no more than two components at 6.0/6.5 or other accepted language testLink opens in a new window. If you have been educated entirely in English for the duration of your degree and completed this qualification within the last 2 years, this may be sufficient to satisfy the University of your language skills. If you are unsure whether your nationality requires a language certificate, or if your previous education was in English, contact SocPhDResource@warwick.ac.uk Link opens in a new windowto see if this requirement can be waived. Please also note that taking a pre-sessional English course at Warwick or elsewhere is not sufficient to replace an IELTS score at the required level. Further information can be found on our website at: English Language Information & Entry RequirementsLink opens in a new window
7. You should include your academic CV with your application materials. This should include information on the grades received for your previous university degrees. Once you have submitted your application online, you will receive a link to a secure upload page where you can submit supporting documents such as your transcripts and research proposal.