PhD in Sociology (2023 Entry)
Find out more about our PhD in Sociology.
The PhD in Sociology offers a broad span of research areas and expertise. From gender and sexuality to markets and capitalism, Warwick's Sociology department, ranked 9th in the UK (The Guardian University Guide 2022), has an active and exciting research culture where you will receive specialist training.
Course overview
The doctoral programme in Sociology provides access to a vibrant and welcoming community of international researchers and supports you in developing your independent sociological research project.
As well as being part of an active and exciting research culture, you will receive specialist training in undertaking doctoral study at the beginning of your course and dedicated and expert supervision throughout.
Teaching and learning
All first year PhD students undertake a two-term course called Research Process and Research Design. Provided by the Department, this course supports students with the fundamentals of PhD study and life and prepares them for their upgrade from MPhil to PhD. All doctoral students have access to dedicated PhD study rooms with computers and printers.
General entry requirements
Minimum requirements
A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Sociology or a related subject; a strong research proposal.
English language requirements
You can find out more about our English language requirementsLink opens in a new window. This course requires the following:
- Band B
- IELTS overall score of 7.0, minimum component scores of two at 6.0/6.5 and the rest at 7.0 or above.
International qualifications
We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.
For more information, please visit the international entry requirements pageLink opens in a new window.
Additional requirements
There are no additional entry requirements for this course.
Our research
Research within our department covers a broad span of the discipline and is organised into three main themes:
- Economy, Technology, Expertise
- Inequalities and Social Change
- Justice, Authority and the Geopolitical
The Department hosts the Social Theory Centre and the Centre for the Study of Women and Gender.
We have considerable expertise in areas such as:
- Gender and sexuality studies
- Social and cultural theory
- Race and racism
- Migration
- Ethnicity
- Criminology
- Work and employment
- Political sociology
- Bioscience
- Markets and capitalism
- Media
- Health
- Emotion
- Education
- Religion
- Family
- Methodologies
Full details of our research interests are listed on the Sociology web pagesLink opens in a new window.
You can also read our general University research proposal guidance.
Find a supervisor
Find your supervisor using the link below and discuss with them the area you'd like to research.
Explore our Sociology Staff Directory.
You can also see our general University guidance about finding a supervisor.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.
Taught course fees Research course fees
Fee Status Guidance
We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.
Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?
If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.
Find out more about how universities assess fee status
Additional course costs
As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.
For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on the course web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module Catalogue (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).
Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2022/23 year of study). Information about module department specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:
- Core text books
- Printer credits
- Dissertation binding
- Robe hire for your degree ceremony
Scholarships and bursaries
Scholarships and financial support
Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.
Sociology Funding Opportunities
Find out more about the various funding opportunities that are available in our department.
Living costs
Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.
Sociology at Warwick
We have an international reputation for research excellence, a global and cosmopolitan perspective, and high-quality teaching. Our curriculum offers a comprehensive and up-to-date foundation with a diverse range of specialist options.
What does it mean to understand the world in which you live? What will your contribution be to this changing world? How do your own experiences and life chances compare to those of others?
Sociology – the study of humans in society – attempts to capture the rich variety and complexity of human social life. Indeed, it is difficult to think of any area of social existence that a sociologist wouldn’t be interested in examining, from the most intimate of personal relationships to the worldwide circulation of ideas, beliefs, products and people.
Find out more about us on our website.Link opens in a new window
Our Postgraduate courses
Taught course applications
Here is our checklist on how to apply for taught postgraduate courses at Warwick.
Research course applications
Here is our checklist on how to apply for research postgraduate degrees at the University of Warwick.
After you’ve applied
Find out how we process your application.
Applicant Portal
Track your application and update your details.
Admissions statement
See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.
Join a live chat
Ask questions and engage with Warwick.
Postgraduate Open Day
Our Postgraduate Virtual Open Day will help you find out more about your course of interest, as well as general topics like applying to Warwick, accommodation, careers and funding.Postgraduate fairs
Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in the UK. These events give you the chance to learn about our Master's and PhD study routes, and the wider context of postgraduate study.
Live chats
Every week, you can connect directly with representatives from Warwick, who will be answering your questions on applying to and studying postgraduate studies at Warwick.
Departmental events
Some academic departments hold events for specific postgraduate programmes, these are fantastic opportunities to learn more about Warwick and your chosen department and course.
Connect with us
Want to hear more about postgraduate study at Warwick? Register your interest and find out more.