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We welcome applications to undertake research towards MPhil and PhD degrees in Sociology.

We offer students either an MPhil (Master of Philosophy) in Sociology or PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in Sociology.

More information about MPhil and PhD degrees can be found here.

Overview

Overview

Key insights into a research degree in Sociology

  • Supervision by leading scholars in sociology of religion, sexuality, media, and cultural studies.
  • Access to interdisciplinary research networks and specialist resources within the Institute of Arts and Humanities.
  • Opportunities to engage with the Health Inequalities and Social Inclusion Research Group which supports socially impactful and inclusive research.
  • Flexible study options with full-time and part-time pathways.
  • Tailored supervision and support through the Researcher Development Programme (RDP)
  • Strong emphasis on original, socially relevant research that contributes to national and international debates.

The Sociology MPhil and PhD programmes at the University of Worcester offer a vibrant and intellectually stimulating research environment. Students are supported by experienced supervisors and benefit from access to a wide range of resources, including dedicated study spaces and virtual learning platforms.

The programme encourages critical engagement with contemporary social issues and supports interdisciplinary approaches. Research areas reflect the University’s commitment to social justice, cultural diversity, and public engagement.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Entry qualifications

For MPhil

  • First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree or an approved equivalent award

or

  • Research or professional experience which has resulted in appropriate evidence of achievement

For PhD

  • Postgraduate Masters Degree in a discipline which is appropriate to the proposed programme of study

or

  • First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree or equivalent award in an appropriate discipline

or

  • Research or professional experience at postgraduate level which has resulted in published work, written reports or other appropriate evidence of achievement

International applicants

International applicants will be required to demonstrate that they have the appropriate level of written and spoken English.

For MPhil/PhD this is an IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum score of 6.0 in every component.

Programme structure

Programme structure

After receiving your application, we will establish if we have the expertise to supervise your project. This will normally consist of a Director of Studies (DoS), who will be your lead supervisor, and at least one other supervisor, who will offer you additional support and guidance throughout your studies. If you are offered a place as a student, your programme of study will look like the outline below.

At the start of your MPhil or PhD

At the start of your MPhil or PhD, you will complete a Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) in Research Methods, a mandatory taught part of MPhil and PhD programmes at Worcester. Full-time students complete the PG Cert in 9 months and part-time students in 12-15 months depending on your month of registration (September or January).

The PG Cert is designed to set you up for your research degree, and focuses on establishing your development needs, developing your research proposal, and preparing you for the planning and delivery of your programme of research. You will be taught through a combination of in-person seminars and online delivery. You can also engage with our online researcher development programme workshops.

You will engage with three modules as part of your PGCert:

  • RSDP4001: Developing as a Researcher
  • RSDP4004: Planning Your Research Project
  • RSDP4005: Approaches to Research

Throughout these early stages of your research degree, you will work with your supervisory team to regularly discuss your progress. At the end of each year, you will reflect on and formally review your progress with your supervisory team and Doctoral Programme Leader. We call this annual meeting an Annual Progress Review (APR).

If you are enrolled on an MPhil programme, the remainder of your programme of study will follow a similar pattern as our PhD programme structure outlined below but in a shorter timeframe. Data collection will typically begin in your first year (full-time) and years 2-3 (part-time). Writing of thesis chapters, dissemination and your viva will typically occur in year 2 (full-time) and years 3-4 (part-time).

During your MPhil or PhD

In your second year (full-time) or years 3-4 (part-time), you will be collecting data and working on your research project with the support of your supervisory team through regular meetings.

You may at this point have research papers ready to publish and attend conferences to present your research to other experts in your field. You will be able to apply to our Research Student Conference Support Scheme for some funding for this purpose.

You can also present your work as part of the annual Postgraduate Research Student Conference and our Images of Research event; seminars based within your academic school and our Postgraduate Network Present and Share series in addition to a range of online workshops as part of our researcher development programme.

At the end of the year of your registration, you will go through an Annual Progress Review.

Final stage of your MPhil or PhD

Throughout the final stages of your degree, you will be working with your supervisory team to discuss your progress through supervisory meetings. In year 3 of your PhD (full-time) or year 5 (part-time), you will be writing up your thesis and preparing for your viva voce (viva) examination.

Your viva will take place after you have submitted your final thesis. After the viva, the examiners may ask that some amendments be made to your thesis before the final award is confirmed, and you will have additional time to do this.

It is possible to complete a full-time PhD in three years, but many students do take four years to complete. Similarly, it is possible to complete a part-time degree in 4 years, but it is likely that it will take you five years to complete.

Programme specifications

For comprehensive details on the aims and intended learning outcomes of the course, and how these are achieved through learning, teaching and assessment, please download the latest MPhil programme specification or PhD programme specification document.

Research areas

Research areas

Research expertise

  • Sociology of religion and political philosophy
  • History of sexuality and gender studies
  • Sociology of pornography and media representation
  • Psychoanalytic sociology and Jewish cultural studies
  • Social inequalities, race, and marginalised communities
  • Media and cultural studies in historical and contemporary contexts.

Research supervisors

Dr Luke Devine
Expertise: primarily focused on fin de siècle Anglo-Jewish literature, particularly Amy Levy, and on representations of Shekhinah in Jewish mystical literature

Dr Simon Hardy
Expertise: Sociology and Media & Cultural Studies with specialisms in the history of sexuality, the sociology of pornography and contemporary media coverage of warfare

Careers

Careers

Career benefits of pursuing a PhD or MPhil in Sociology at the University of Worcester:

  • Expertise in contemporary social issues:
    Develop advanced knowledge in areas such as religion, sexuality, media, and cultural studies—preparing you for careers in academia, policy, advocacy, and social research.
  • Socially impactful research:
    Engage with the Health Inequalities and Social Inclusion Research Group, contributing to research that addresses marginalisation, race, gender, and health disparities.
  • Professional development and research training:
    Benefit from tailored supervision and the Researcher Development Programme, including a Postgraduate Certificate in Research Methods, enhancing your research and career readiness.
  • Interdisciplinary and inclusive scholarship:
    Explore themes such as psychoanalytic sociology, Jewish cultural studies, and media representation, positioning yourself to lead innovative and inclusive research projects.
  • Access to specialist networks and resources:
    Collaborate within the Institute of Arts and Humanities and access dedicated study spaces and virtual learning platforms to support your academic and professional growth.
  • Flexible study options for career integration:
    Choose full-time or part-time pathways that accommodate professional commitments while advancing your research and career goals.
Fees

Fees and funding

Fees

The current fees can be found within the tuition fees document on our figure out finances page.

Accommodation

Finding the right accommodation is paramount to your university experience. Our halls of residence are home to friendly student communities, making them great places to live and study.

We have over 1,000 rooms across our range of student halls. With rooms to suit every budget and need, from our 'Traditional Halls' at £136 per week to 'Ensuite Premium Halls' at £236 per week (2026/27 prices).

For full details visit our accommodation page.

Postgraduate and doctoral loans

The Government will provide a loan of up to £12,858 if your course starts on or after 1 August 2025 per eligible student for postgraduate Masters study. It will be at your own discretion whether the loan is used towards fees, maintenance or other costs. For more details visit our postgraduate loans page.

If you are pursing a PhD, you may be eligible for a doctoral loan of up to £30,301 if your course starts on or after 1 August 2025. For more information visit our doctoral loans page.

To help with the financial responsibility of students, we offer a range of scholarships and alumni discounts. Find out more about these on our scholarships page.
How to apply

How to apply

Additional information

Please see guidance on Applying for an MPhil or Applying for a PhD to include application and interview deadlines.

If your research involves working with vulnerable adults and/or children then you may be required to obtain an Enhanced DBS check. There will be a small charge for this. For more information please contact research@worc.ac.uk.

We are committed to making reasonable adjustment. If you require an alternative format for making your application due to a disability, please contact us to discuss your needs on 01905 542182 or research@worc.ac.uk.

How to apply

Please make your application via our online application form. If you have any questions, please contact the Doctoral School on 01905 542182 or research@worc.ac.uk

PhD - September 2025 - Full time PhD - September 2025 - Part time PhD - January 2026 - Full time PhD - January 2026 - Part time

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