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Department of Sociology
Cricket field with views of Durham Cathedral and castle behind

How to apply

Entry requirements

Admissions decisions are based on your suitability for postgraduate research and the Department's ability to supervise your proposed topic.

PhD: Our minimum entry requirement is normally a Master’s degree (or equivalent) although evidence of research skills and/or experience is useful.

MA by research and MPhil by research: Our minimum entry requirement is normally an upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) although evidence of research skills and/or experience is useful.

Find a supervisor

Prospective students should consider staff research interests and we encourage you to make contact with appropriate members of staff to discuss your research plans before making a formal application. If you have any questions about the suitability of your topic, or any other matter, please contact our Postgraduate Research Co-ordinator (sociology.pgradmin@durham.ac.uk).

Apply

You will need to provide the following documentation:

  • Current CV
  • a research proposal, no longer than 2,000 words in length (excluding bibliography), which specifies a topic of study, aims and objectives, proposed research methods and ethical considerations
  • two letters of reference
  • transcripts of your previous degree(s).

You must complete the online application form, but you can choose to either upload your supporting documents or email them directly to sociology.pgradmin@durham.ac.uk.

Postgraduate research application guidance

Apply

English language requirements

Applicants should also be aware of the Department's English Language requirements and be prepared to provide evidence where necessary. Currently we require a UKVI / IELTS score of 7 (with no component under 6.5). If you have not reached this level, you can be admitted to study a pre-sessional English Language course, with the length depending on your current UKVI / SELT IELTS score (must be over 5.5, with no component under 5). The Department’s requirements are in Band B on this table, which also shows other language tests.

English Language Requirements

Studentships

If you wish your application to be considered for one of the University’s studentship schemes you should give particular attention to the specific requirements of the competition and ensure you also indicate the scheme on the application form.