Overview
Join a supportive group of leading sociologists working across a range of topics.
Our Sociology PhD empowers students to explore critical and contemporary social issues.
This provides a rich environment to develop ideas and make research contributions within our discipline and beyond.
You’ll conduct innovative theoretical and empirical research with internationally recognised scholars.
At Newcastle you’ll find a group of research-active staff across a range of specialisms in:
- Sociology
- Social Anthropology
- the Sociology of Crime
We also have strong interdisciplinary links particularly with anthropology, health studies, geography, migration studies, gender studies and politics.
We carry out research with high social impact and work closely with policymakers and practitioners.
Meet our Sociology research students and read more about their research
Recent PhD students have carried out studies on topics including:
- post-disaster livelihoods
- sex trafficking
- self-harm
- higher education
- gay and lesbian families
- female identities in African and Middle Eastern societies
- new religions in post-socialist Europe
- social class and everyday food practices
- experiences of migrant communities
With our support you’ll make your own original contribution.
We’re part of the ESRC-funded NINE Doctoral Training Partnership, which runs an annual competition for PhD studentships.
Our MA in Sociology and Social Research offers intensive research training for candidates considering pursuing a PhD. This is especially for those thinking about applying for NINE DTP funding.
Research clusters provide an intellectual focus for the development and exchange of ideas. They focus on issues such as:
- inequalities and power health
- gender and sexualities histories
- futures community engagement
Read more about the ESRC-funded NINE Doctoral Training Partnership
READ LESS
Important information
We’ve highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
How you’ll learn
Delivery and teaching methods
PhD programmes consist of individual research and study with the support of at least two expert supervisors who have knowledge of key aspects of your subject, theory or methods. Within the subject area and School you will:
- take part in lively seminar series with nationally and internationally renowned academics
- connect with fellow social scientists across the university in wider networks including the Institute for Social Science and the Gender Research Group
Assessment methods
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Thesis
- Viva
Postgraduate research student support
Our mission is to help you:
- stay healthy, positive and feeling well
- overcome any challenges you may face during your degree – academic or personal
- get the most out of your postgraduate research experience
- carry out admin and activities essential to progressing through your degree
- understand postgraduate research processes, standards and rules
We can offer you tailored wellbeing support, courses and activities.
You can also access a broad range of workshops covering:
- research and professional skills
- careers support
- wellbeing
- health and safety
- public engagement
- academic development
Find out more about our postgraduate research student support
Our staff
PhD students usually have two supervisors who bring together a range of substantive, methodological and theoretical expertise.
We strongly encourage you to contact potential supervisors to discuss a research topic and proposal before applying online.
Alternatively, you can contact the Sociology Postgraduate Research Co-Directors to discuss your PhD at Newcastle. These are:
- Dr Miranda Iossifidis
- Dr Ruth Graham
Find out more about:
- our research
- our staff specialisms
Your development
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (HaSS) researcher development programme
Each faculty offers a researcher development programme for its postgraduate research students. We have designed your programme to help you:
- perform better as a researcher
- boost your career prospects
- broaden your impact
Through workshops and activities, it will build your transferable skills and increase your confidence.
You’ll cover:
- techniques for effective research
- methods for better collaborative working
- essential professional standards and requirements
Your researcher development programme is flexible. You can adapt it to meet your changing needs as you progress through your doctorate.
Find out more about the Researcher Education and Development programme
Doctoral training and partnerships
There are opportunities to undertake your PhD at Newcastle within a:
- Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT)
- Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP)
Being part of a CDT or DTP has many benefits:
- they combine research expertise and training of a number of leading universities, academic schools and academics.
- you’ll study alongside a cohort of other PhD students
- they’re often interdisciplinary
- your PhD may be funded
If there are currently opportunities available in your subject area you’ll find them when you search for funding in the fees and funding section on this course.
The following centres/partnerships below may have PhD opportunities available in your subject area in the future:
- ESRC Northern Ireland/North East (NINE) Doctoral Training Partnership
Your future
A PhD deepens your understanding of the social world and enriches your methodological skills. It is the route into academic research careers but will also prepare you for a range of professional roles across the public, private and third sector.
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Visit our Careers Service website
Quality and ranking
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 125 for Social Sciences – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
- Top 200 for Sociology – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Check the government’s website for more information.
Facilities
Postgraduate students within the School of Geography, Politics and Sociology have access to modern, high specification facilities. This includes:
- dedicated postgraduate research workspace
- access to high specification computer clusters
- field equipment
- laboratory facilities
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
A 2:1 honours degree and a master’s degree, or international equivalent, in a related subject.
