City

What you'll study

The PhD is primarily an independent research degree in which you develop and complete an original thesis in a chosen area of the social sciences (for example politics, sociology, social policy, criminology, media and communications, or interdisciplinary topics that cut across these fields). Your exact programme of study is shaped by your research proposal and supervisory team.

Programme elements typically include:

• Research project and thesis: the core of the programme is a sustained piece of supervised research leading to a doctoral thesis.
• Research methods training: structured training in qualitative and/or quantitative methods, critical approaches, research ethics, and data management tailored to your project.
• Seminars and research environment: participation in departmental research seminars, reading groups, and doctoral workshops to present work-in-progress and receive feedback.
• Professional and transferable skills: training in academic writing, publishing, presenting, grant applications, teaching practice, and public engagement, often provided through a central doctoral training programme.
• Probation and progression: an initial probationary assessment (or upgrade from MPhil to PhD where relevant) that evaluates the feasibility and early progress of the project.

Students may study full-time or part-time. Typical full-time completion is within a range that allows for in-depth empirical work and analysis, with part-time routes to accommodate professionals combining study with employment.

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold a good master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant social science discipline. Exceptional candidates with a strong undergraduate record and significant research or professional experience may also be considered.

• Academic qualifications: a master’s degree in a related subject is normally expected. Admissions consider the relevance and quality of prior study and any prior research experience.
• Research proposal: a clear, feasible research proposal that demonstrates an understanding of the relevant literature, research questions, and appropriate methods.
• Supervision match: admission depends on identifying suitable supervisory expertise within the School; applicants are encouraged to review staff research interests and contact potential supervisors where appropriate.
• References: academic references that can attest to research potential are required.
• English language: evidence of proficiency in English is required where your first language is not English, in line with university policy.

Admission is competitive and assessed on research potential, proposal quality, and supervisory availability rather than fixed quotas.

Career prospects

A PhD in Social Sciences prepares graduates for a wide range of careers that demand advanced analytical, research and communication skills. Common destinations include:

• Academia and higher education: postdoctoral research, lecturing and academic publishing.
• Public policy and government: research and advisory roles in central and local government, policy units and statutory bodies.
• Think tanks and NGOs: research, evaluation and advocacy roles addressing public, social and international issues.
• Research and consultancy: market and social research organisations, consultancies offering evidence-based advice to private and third-sector clients.
• Media, communication and public engagement: roles that require translating complex research for public audiences, briefing stakeholders and managing outreach.
• Data and analysis roles: positions that utilise quantitative and qualitative analytical skills in the private sector, finance, and international organisations.

Graduates are equipped to work as principal investigators or senior analysts, and many combine research careers with roles in policy, advocacy or management.

Why study at City

City offers a doctoral environment embedded in central London with direct access to policy institutions, cultural organisations and professional networks. The university’s social science departments host active research centres and interdisciplinary projects, providing doctoral students with opportunities to engage in collaborative research and applied policy work.

Students benefit from tailored doctoral training, regular research seminars, and support for funding applications and academic development delivered through City’s doctoral community. The combination of specialist supervisory expertise, practical training and strong links to external stakeholders makes City a productive place to develop a social science research career.