Sociology - Research

Overview

You'll be a social scientist committed to multidisciplinary research that builds knowledge and capacities in the communities around us, and that has a positive impact on wellbeing. You'll work in academia and/or social research, the public or third sector, and have an interest in areas such as youth and community work, conflict resolution, health, education, environment and sustainable development.



Staff in the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work publish world-class research which has local and global impact. Our funders and partners include research councils, government departments, the EU, the Council of Europe and large foundations. Our research informs the development of policies in many areas, including education, criminal justice, teaching and learning, the well-being of children, social cohesion and justice, mental health and trauma informed practice.



Course structure

You are expected to take research training modules that are supported by the School. These modules focus on quantitative and qualitative research methods, including arts-based research methods and preparing for publication, for example. SSESW has a PhD student training and engagement programme which students will receive at the start of the academic year. You are also expected to carry out your research independently under the guidance of your supervisor. Over the course of your research, you can also attend postgraduate skills training organised by the Queen's Graduate School. These sessions will contribute to your training record.



You will normally register, in the first instance, as an 'undifferentiated PhD student' which means that you have satisfied staff that you are capable of undertaking a research degree. The decision as to whether you should undertake an MPhil or a PhD is delayed until you have completed 'differentiation'.



Differentiation takes place 9-12 months after registration for full time students and 18-30 months for part time students. You will be asked to submit work to a panel of two academics who will then meet you formally at your 'Differentiation Panel' to discuss your work. The Panel then makes a judgement about your capacity to continue with your study. Sometimes students are advised to revise their research objectives or to consider submitting their work for an MPhil qualification rather than a doctoral qualification, but this is rare.



To complete with a doctoral qualification, you will be required to submit a thesis of approximately 80,000 words. You will be required to attend a viva voce [oral examination] to defend your thesis with an external and internal examiner.



The PhD is open to both full and part time candidates and is often a useful preparation for a career within academia or consultancy.



Full-time students are often attracted to research degree programmes because they offer an opportunity to pursue in some depth an area of academic interest.



The part-time research degree is an exciting option for professionals or those unable to commit to full time study seeking to extend their knowledge on an issue of professional interest. Often part time candidates choose to research an area that is related to their professional interests.



If you meet the entry requirements, the next step is to check whether we can supervise research in your chosen area. We only take PhD students to whom we can offer expert research supervision from our academic staff. Therefore, your research interests need to align with the research interests of at least one of our staff.

Graduate

The minimum academic requirement for admission to a research degree programme is normally an Upper Second Class Honours degree from a UK or ROI HE provider, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Further information can be obtained by contacting the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work.

How to apply

Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Assessment processes for the Research Degree differ from taught degrees. Students will be expected to present drafts of their work at regular intervals to their supervisor who will provide written and oral feedback;


A formal assessment process takes place annually. This Annual Progress Review requires students to present their work in writing and orally to a panel of academics from within the School. Successful completion of this process will allow students to register for the next academic year.


The final assessment of the doctoral degree is both oral and written. Students will submit their thesis to an internal and external examining team who will review the written thesis before inviting the student to orally defend their work at a Viva Voce.


Feedback

Supervisors will offer feedback on draft work at regular intervals throughout the period of registration on the degree.

A PhD programme runs for 3-4 years full-time or 6-8 years part-time. Students can apply for a writing up year (thesis only) should it be required.

Entry Year: 2024/25

Career Prospects

Introduction

Many of our PhD graduates have moved into academic and research roles in Higher Education while others go on to play leading roles in the public sector or within NGOs. Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability.



Employment after the Course

For further information on career development opportunities at PhD level please contact the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Career Development Team on ahssdevoffice@qub.ac.uk / +44 28 9097 5175 The AHSS Development Officers will be happy to provide further information on your research area career prospects.

Research information


Associated Research

The School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work combines a rich tapestry of disciplinary strengths, in Sociology, Education, Social Policy and Criminology, so that we proudly proclaim ourselves as key advocates for, the worth and value of the Social Sciences.


Our research is organised through a series of Centres and Networks in our core disciplinary research areas across four interconnected themes:

- Disability

- Health and Well Being

- Research on life course

- Conflict and Change


Research Impact

The School attracts significant funding each year. Recent funding successes include large research awards from prestigious research councils; AHRC, ESRC, NIHR and the MRC.


Research Success

We also secure funding at a local level with peer reviewed funding streams for example HSC Research and Development Office, DHSSPS and charitable bodies. School research is informing thinking and contributes to policy making at local, national and international levels. The School hosts the Pioneering Research Programme, the Centre for Evidence and Social Innovation.


PhD Opportunities

The School attracts research students from many parts of the world including several European countries, Ghana, India, Jordan, Russia, Uganda and the USA.


Any project and funding opportunities can be found on the link below.


Current PGR Student Profiles

PhD Title:

Older Women Living with Domestic Violence - Alcohol and Substance Misuse

Years of study: 2014 - 2017


PhD Title:

New Social Movement Theory and the Reparations Movement in Northern Ireland

Years of Study: 2017 - Present


PhD Title:

Autism, Sexuality, and Gender: Challenging Behaviour?

Years of study: 2017 - Present