University of Nottingham

What you'll study

The PhD is an independent research programme in which you will develop and complete an original thesis under the guidance of a supervisory team. Research topics typically include welfare state analysis, social inequality, family and care, poverty and social exclusion, labour market policy, health and social care policy, migration and citizenship, and comparative social policy.

Although the core of the programme is a sustained research project, students usually undertake structured training in research methods and specialist modules relevant to their topic. Training can cover qualitative methods (for example, interviewing, ethnography, discourse analysis), quantitative methods (for example, survey design, longitudinal analysis, multilevel modelling), mixed methods approaches, and advanced theoretical work in sociology and social policy. Methodological training is available through central graduate schools, departmental workshops and bespoke courses tailored to individual research needs.

The programme follows a research degree progression model: initial registration with a probationary period, regular supervision meetings, annual progress reviews, a transfer or upgrade assessment from probationary status to full PhD registration where applicable, and submission of a written thesis followed by an oral examination. Students are encouraged to publish, present at conferences and engage in collaborative projects with faculty and external partners.

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold a good research-oriented master's degree in sociology, social policy, social sciences or a closely related subject. Exceptional candidates with a strong undergraduate degree and relevant professional or research experience may also be considered. Applicants must submit a clear research proposal outlining research questions, theoretical framing, intended methods and a realistic timeline for completion. The proposal helps identify suitable supervisors and assess feasibility.

Admission depends on the availability of appropriate supervisory expertise within the School and a satisfactory assessment of the proposal and candidate. All applicants will be assessed on academic merit, research potential and fit with supervisory capacity. International applicants must meet the Universitys English language requirements; professional experience in relevant fields such as public policy, NGOs or research organisations can strengthen an application.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Sociology and Social Policy pursue a range of careers. Many move into academic roles, including postdoctoral research posts, university teaching and research leadership. Others take roles in public policy, working for government departments, local authorities and international organisations where they design, evaluate and advise on social programmes and welfare reforms. Alumni also work in think tanks, non-governmental organisations, independent research institutes, market and social research consultancies, and in data and evidence teams in the private sector.

The skills developed during the programme include advanced qualitative and quantitative research methods, critical social theory, policy analysis, project management, academic writing and public communication. These are highly transferable to roles in evidence synthesis, policy advising, programme evaluation and consultancy.

Why study at University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham hosts active research groups and centres focused on social policy and sociology, offering a stimulating interdisciplinary environment and established supervisory expertise across a wide range of topics. The School provides structured doctoral training opportunities, access to research methods support and opportunities to work with colleagues across social sciences, health and policy-related departments.

Doctoral students benefit from substantial research infrastructure, including extensive library collections, access to national and international data resources, and links with external partners such as local authorities, research councils and third-sector organisations. The Universitys research culture encourages collaboration, conference participation and dissemination of findings to both academic and policy audiences, supporting development as an independent researcher and public-facing scholar.