Program Overview

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Sociology

Overview

The PhD in Sociology is a research-based degree that allows students to explore an area of interest in depth. The program is designed to foster students' capacity for independent research and critical thought, and to provide them with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career in academia or research.

Entry Requirements

• A minimum of a 2.1 Honours degree from a UK or ROI HE provider, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.
• Evidence of an IELTS score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.

Research Areas

The School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work has eight research centres:

• The Center for Children’s Rights (CRC)
• The Center for Shared Education (CSE)
• The Centre of Language Education Research (CLER)
• The Centre for Applied Behaviour Analysis (CABA)
• The Centre for Justice Studies (CJS)
• The Centre for Technological Innovations in Mental Health and Education (TIME)
• The Centre for Inclusion, Transformation and Equality (CITE)
• The Centre for Child, Youth and Family Welfare (CCYFW)

Career Prospects

Many of our PhD graduates have moved into academic and research roles in Higher Education, while others have gone on to play leading roles in the public sector or within NGOs.

Tuition Fees

• Northern Ireland (NI): £5,006
• Republic of Ireland (ROI): £5,006
• England, Scotland or Wales (GB): £5,006
• EU Other: £20,500
• International: £20,500

Funding and Scholarships

The University offers a range of funding opportunities, including PhD loans, international scholarships, and funded doctoral training programs.

How to Apply

Applications should be made online through the University's Postgraduate Applications Portal. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the School to discuss their research interests and identify a potential supervisor.

Assessment

Assessment processes for the Research Degree differ from taught degrees. Students will be expected to present drafts of their work to their supervisor at regular intervals, and to attend an Annual Progress Review. The final assessment of the doctoral degree is both oral and written, and students will be required to submit a thesis of approximately 80,000 words and defend it at a Viva Voce.

Facilities

The School is situated across a suite of three buildings in Belfast's Queen's Quarter, and provides student and staff common rooms, computer suites, and designated study spaces. PhD students will have access to a shared office space and access to a desk with personal computer and internet access.

Learning and Teaching

The PhD program is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career in academia or research. Students will be expected to take research training modules, and to attend postgraduate skills training organized by the Queen's Graduate School.

Entrance Requirements

• A minimum of a 2.1 Honours degree from a UK or ROI HE provider, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.
• Evidence of an IELTS score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.

International Students

For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.

English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.

Bench Fees

Some research programmes incur an additional annual charge on top of the tuition fees, often referred to as a bench fee. Bench fees are charged when a programme (or a specific project) incurs extra costs such as those involved with specialist laboratory or field work. If you are required to pay bench fees they will be detailed on your offer letter.

Additional Course Costs

There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme. However, students may incur costs associated with transport and/or materials, and there will also be additional costs for printing and binding the thesis.