Sociology PhD

Find out more about our PhD in Sociology.

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We may have revised the information on this page since publication. See the edits we have made and content history.

P-L3P0

PhD

3-4 years full-time;
Up to 7 years part-time

6 October 2025

Sociology

University of Warwick

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.

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.

Research within our department covers a broad span of the discipline and is organised into five clusters:

• Race, Ethnicity & Migration
• Violence & Social Justice
• Feminism, Gender & Sexuality
• Just Eco-Geo-Political Futures
• Technology, Economy & Society

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
• (Post-)Colonialism
• Violence and conflict studies
• Critical 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 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.

A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Sociology or a related subject; a strong research proposal.

Before submitting an application, applicants should have approached and gained explicit support from at least one potential supervisor in Sociology.

• 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.

There are no additional entry requirements for this course.