Program Overview

PhD Applied Social and Economic Research

The PhD Applied Social and Economic Research is a postgraduate research course offered by the University of Essex.

Overview

The course is based in the Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER) and offers supervision in quantitative research in sociology and other social sciences. The use of secondary data is utilized to answer socially relevant research questions, with supervision available in areas such as social stratification, social class, and other forms of disadvantage.

Entry Requirements

• A good Masters degree or equivalent in a related subject is required.
• A well-developed research proposal must be submitted.
• Attendance at an interview or Skype interview is normally required for acceptance, with acceptance subject to research expertise in the department.
• International and EU students must have a wide range of qualifications accepted by the university, and English language requirements include an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent.

Structure

• The course does not have a taught structure, allowing students to investigate their chosen topic in depth.
• Students work on their thesis under the supervision of one or two researchers, with most theses organized into three main chapters, plus introduction and conclusions.
• Progress is discussed at supervisory board meetings every six months, and students are encouraged to attend training courses, research seminars, and present their work at the research student seminar series.

Fees and Funding

• Home/UK fee: ｣5,006 per year
• International fee: ｣19,650 per year
• Fees will increase for each academic year of study.
• Scholarships, bursaries, or discounts may be available to help with the cost of the course.

Related Courses

• MPhil Applied Social and Economic Research

Research Areas

The Institute for Social and Economic Research enjoys an outstanding reputation for cutting-edge and high-profile research, with research used by academics, policymakers, politicians, and journalists. The university has outstanding Research Assessment Exercise ratings for economics and sociology.

Specialist Facilities

The institute is home to the ESRC Research Centre on Micro-Social Change and the UK Longitudinal Studies Centre (ULSC), with experienced staff supporting users of longitudinal data and methodological research carried out to improve longitudinal survey methods. PhD students have access to specialist resources, including the Hilary Doughty Research Library and longitudinal and panel data sets.

Career Prospects

Studying the PhD Applied Social and Economic Research can open doors to an academic career and a professional life in government departments, international organizations, and statistical institutions. Several PhD students now work at prestigious institutions, including the Department of Economics at the University of Chicago, the Social Policy Research Centre at the University of New South Wales, and the Department of Economics and Public Finance at the University of Turin.