PhD in Sociology and Social Anthropology, University of Hull

36 Months

Check Eligibility

About this course

The research programmes at Hull focus on creating a positive impact on real-life conditions of individuals and communities worldwide. They span various themes like globalisation, social justice, migration, health, and criminology. The programmes encourage innovative and pragmatic research, involving both academic and non-academic users, ensuring that the research benefits policymakers, public sector professionals, health and social care users, and community organizations. The PhD offers a comprehensive four-year (full-time) or seven-year (part-time) research journey, culminating in a dissertation of 70,000 to 100,000 words on a topic developed with your supervisor. The university fosters a collaborative approach to research, aiming to address big societal challenges with real-world relevance.

Why this course is highly recommended

This research programme is ideal for those who want to make a significant societal impact through rigorous and meaningful research. With a focus on real-world applications, it involves engaging with policy makers and community organizations, ensuring your work contributes to social change. The university’s dedicated research themes and expert staff offer a rich environment for exploring critical social issues like inequality, race, gender, and social justice. The programme also supports flexible study modes—full-time or part-time—and provides extensive training, resources, and facilities through the Doctoral College and Research Skills Team to help you succeed.

Specialisation

The university supports research in a broad spectrum of themes within sociology and social sciences. These include globalisation, post-colonial studies, social justice, gender studies, cultural and digital culture, body politics, health and well-being, youth and family studies, criminology, and more. Staff members like Dr Mick Wilkinson focus on themes such as global processes, power, and social change, while others like Dr Julia Holdsworth explore gender and sexualities, and Dr Denise Carter works on culture, religion, and society. Students can tailor their research to these diverse areas based on their interests.

Course fees

Application fees

1st year tuition fees

18.26L

Living cost

Degree requirements

Applicants should generally hold at least a 2:1 Honours degree or an equivalent qualification to enter a research Master’s. For PhD entry, a Master’s degree with merit or 60% and above in a related subject is typically required, along with relevant research training. Strong professional or experiential backgrounds are also considered. A clear research proposal outlining questions, methodology, and background is essential. For international students, evidence of English proficiency—IELTS 6.0 overall for 2024 entry and 6.5 for 2025—is necessary.

English language test

PTE

DUOLINGO

IELTS

TOEFL

Want to learn more about the admission process, eligibility criteria, and acceptance rates for international students? Visit the University of Hull admission page for complete details.

Career prospects

Graduates from these research programmes can pursue careers in academia, policy making, social services, community development, and NGOs. The skills gained—critical analysis, research methods, policy influence, and social impact—equip students to address societal issues, influence policy changes, or continue in higher education as researchers, lecturers, or specialists in social sciences.

FAQs

What are the main themes covered in the research programmes?

Themes include globalisation, power, post-colonialism, social justice, gender and sexualities, culture and religion, health and well-being, youth and families, criminology, among others.

How long does the PhD programme take?

The full-time PhD typically takes three years, with up to 12 months for writing up. Part-time programmes last six years with a maximum of 24 months for finalization.