MPhil/PhD Sociology

In this course, students will take the opportunity to pursue a substantial piece of individual research of your choice, with dedicated expert guidance and personal supervision from members of the sociology team. Ranked 5th in the country for student satisfaction, Plymouth’s sociology team produce leading research that addresses key challenges facing contemporary society. Our exciting research encompasses a varied programme of seminars and workshops, where you engage with leading academics in the field on a regular basis.

We have an established tradition of national and internationally recognised excellence in research and strengths in the fields of health policy; media and culture; sustainability; well-being of vulnerable and marginalised groups; music heritage; and gender/sexuality. In the 2014 Research Excellence Framework, 62% of our research was judged internationally excellent. The team have particular strengths in social research methods and embrace a diverse range of approaches.

Research plays a vital role in the life of the School of Law, Criminology and Government and postgraduate research students are central to our research community. Research in the School is varied and exciting, innovative and world-leading. We carry out research in a range of environments and with a breadth of specialisms. The School has disciplinary expertise in Law, Criminology, Sociology, Social Policy, International Relations and Politics and we are committed to inter-disciplinary research with our research groups incorporating all these areas.