Everything you need to know...
International/EU: £14,895 per year
Course summary
- Undertake a supervised study in a range of areas in political science and theory.
- Study under research-active staff who submitted to the most recent Research Excellence Framework.
- Benefit from links with the university's Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research and the Centre for Development and Research in Education.
Work within the Department of Psychology, Sociology and Politics, currently supporting around 28 PhD students and a thriving research community, to produce a piece of original work within the core themes of charity and community work, the European Union, welfare, terrorism and counterterrorism, the new social movements, war and security studies.
How you learn
Throughout a period of intensive, supervised investigative work, you work closely with specialists in your chosen field to produce an extended thesis of up to 80,000 words in the case of doctoral research. You can take modules and supplementary on-line courses to develop skills in relation to a range of methodologies, methods and theoretical approaches. The work you complete on these can be included as part of your qualification.
You learn through
- supervised research
- meetings
- seminars and training sessions
- informal group sessions
Course leaders and tutors
Lynne Barker
Reader in Cognitive Neuroscience, Neurocognitive Theme Lead for the Centre for Behavioural Science and Applied PsychologyLynne is a senior lecturer in Cognitive Neuroscience and conducts research on functional effects of brain trauma, clinical functional measurement and developmental b … Read more
Applied learning
Networking opportunities
You will be part of an active research community in the Sociology Subject Group, the Department of Psychology, Sociology and Politics, and the wider university. In the Politics Subject Group we conduct research projects and publish academic books and articles in areas such as charity and community work, the politics of the European Union, the politics of welfare, terrorism and counterterrorism, the political theory of new social movements, war and security studies.
Through regular interaction with other postgraduate students, researchers and the wider academic community, there is ample opportunity for networking throughout the course. The Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research and Centre for Education and Inclusion Research host a range of stimulating activities and events, including established seminar series that attract internationally excellent researchers.
The department has regular staff and student led activities each year on specific topics associated with PhD student research. We organise monthly Research Breakfast that encompass a wide range of topics including, 'how to publish,' and offer a friendly and supportive environment to discuss research. We also offer awards to our students bi-annually to reward outstanding work or an outstanding contribution to the PhD community.
Future careers
Doctorates are essential qualifications for many careers in academia, the policy sector, and public and commercial research organisations. Our research is often applied, which prepares you to tackle issues of immediate relevance to statutory and voluntary agencies.
Past graduates have gone on to take up academic posts in both teaching and research roles, as well as public sector organisations. Many people take part-time degrees in collaboration with their current employer.
Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | City Campus tour | Keeping safe on Campus
Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEquipment and facilities
You will have access to a desk and computer, as well as the appropriate ICT laboratories, workshops and equipment needed to carry out your project.
Entry requirements
All students
All applicants should hold a strong undergraduate degree (2.1 or above) and/or a relevant masters qualification (or expectation of the same).
All applicants must submit a completed postgraduate application form including a 1500 word research proposal.
You are encouraged to find out more about our staff and their current research to inform the development of your research proposal and to ensure it aligns with our research themes. Before submitting your proposal, please contact the member(s) of staff listed against the relevant research theme.
Applicants are required to give a short 10–15 minute presentation followed by an interview. Interview panel members will include the head of research degrees for the relevant research area or centre, a local postgraduate research tutor and a prospective director of studies.
Where English is not your first language, you must show evidence of English language ability to the following minimum level of proficiency: an overall IELTS score of 7.0 or above, with at least 6.5 in each component or an accepted equivalent. Please note that your test score must be current, i.e. within the last two years.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK postgraduate research students starting full-time study in 2022/23 is £4,596 per year.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU postgraduate research students starting full-time study in 2022/23 is £14,895 per year.
Doctoral student loans
Up to £25,700 available to help you while you study a postgraduate doctoral course.
Additional course costs
This link allows you to view estimated costs associated with the main activities on specific courses. These are estimates and, as such, are only an indication of additional course costs. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
Additional costs for Sociology and politics courses (PDF, 216.8KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
