Sociology and Social Policy
MPhil / PhD
Sociology and Social Policy has a thriving, expanding postgraduate research culture, with activities in three broad areas: Urban space, culture and regeneration:- The social, cultural and economic impact of Liverpool’s designation as European Capital of Culture 2008 is of particular interest, as is the impact of culture-led regeneration on aspects of social inclusion.
Thriving postgraduate research culture
Studying at Liverpool has allowed me to frequently interact with colleagues who are leaders in this field and gain widely recognised postgraduate qualifications to take forward into my future career. The diversity of the city opens up a field for research and engagement across a variety of disciplines. The University of Liverpool is a fantastic place to study.
Sarah Greenhow - Sociology and Social Policy PhD student
30%
of our research activity is deemed 'world leading' or 'internationally excellent' REF (2014).
1905
one of the world's first social science departments is established by the University of Liverpool.
2010
awarded the prestigious status of ESRC Doctoral Training College.
Research at Liverpool
Staff have particular strengths in Critical social policy:- This addresses particular questions of welfare, health, state social work, poverty, inequality and social justice. Age, generation and life course analysis, childhood, youth and older age, are other strengths.
Research themes
Our department's Research Clusters cover areas such as social justice, crime, health, welfare, housing, inequality and the operation of political power at local, national and global levels.
Facilities
- Access to Methods NorthWest , a cross-institutional initiative that promotes methodological innovation, excellence and an interdisciplinary approach
- Prestigious events such as the Eleanor Rathbone Lecture Series and the engage@liverpool 'how to' talk series where lectures and lively debates focus on innovative research methods and practice.
- Opportunities to experience and conduct ‘real life’ research with voluntary groups and organisations across Merseyside through Interchange, our registered charity
- Unique, flexible opportunities for in-house Research and Development Departments to upgrade their employees’ research skills through part-time study.
Research groups
- Charity Law and Policy Unit
- Critical Approaches International Criminal Law
- EU Law@Liverpool
- European Children’s Rights Unit
- Health Law and Regulation Unit
- International Criminological Research Unit
- International Law and Human Rights Unit
- Liverpool Economic Governance Unit
- Publics & Practices
Study options and fees
MPhil
The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) can be thought of as a shorter version of the PhD. It requires the same research skills, training, planning, and project management. It can be a way to assess whether you wish to undertake doctoral research - or it can be taken for its own sake.
Fees
| Duration | Home and EU Students | International Students | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full time | 2-4 years | £4,327 (2019) excluding potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter. | £22,000 (Lab based programmes) £16,700 (Non Lab based programmes) (2019) excluding potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter. Self funded full time international students studying a lab based programme will receive a £2,000 reduction in their fees for the first year only. |
| Part time | 4-6 years | £2,163.50 (2019) excluding potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter. | £11,000 (Lab based programmes) £8,350 (Non Lab based programmes) (2019) excluding potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter. |
* These fees don't include research support fees (also known as bench fees). After applying, you will receive the total cost to study with us.
PhD
A doctoral degree is awarded to students that have demonstrated the ability to conceptualise, design, and implement a substantial research project that results in new knowledge, applications, or understanding in their field of study. During your research, you can expect to draw on direct clinical and observational experience to produce an original thesis of 80,000-100,000 words. You'll be part of a research group which matches your research interests. Research groups offer opportunities for cross-disciplinary research collaboration, as well as support and expertise for your research.
Fees
| Duration | Home and EU Students | International Students | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full time | 2-4 years | £4,327 (2019) excluding potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter. | £22,000 (Lab based programmes) £16,700 (Non Lab based programmes) (2019) excluding potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter. Self funded full time international students studying a lab based programme will receive a £2,000 reduction in their fees for the first year only. |
| Part time | 4-6 years | £2,163.50 (2019) excluding potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter. | £11,000 (Lab based programmes) £8,350 (Non Lab based programmes) (2019) excluding potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter. |
* These fees don't include research support fees (also known as bench fees). After applying, you will receive the total cost to study with us.
Fee reduction for self-funded international students on lab-based programmes
If you're a self-funded international student studying a lab-based programme, you'll receive a £2,000 reduction in fees for your first year of study.
MD
The Doctor of Medicine (MD) is a doctoral degree open to medical practitioners (technically, anyone holding a medical qualification registrable with the General Medical Council). It is equivalent in requirements and format to the PhD.
Fees
| Duration | Home and EU Students | International Students | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full time | 2-4 years | £4,327 (2019) excluding potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter. | £22,000 (Lab based programmes) £16,700 (Non Lab based programmes) (2019) excluding potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter. Self funded full time international students studying a lab based programme will receive a £2,000 reduction in their fees for the first year only. |
| Part time | 2-6 years | £2,163.50 (2019) excluding potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter. | £11,000 (Lab based programmes) £8,350 (Non Lab based programmes) (2019) excluding potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter. |
* These fees don't include research support fees (also known as bench fees). After applying, you will receive the total cost to study with us.
Entry requirements
Eligibility and entry qualifications
For research degrees we expect candidates to normally hold a UK first degree in the first or upper second class, or a second class degree plus a Masters degree or equivalent, preferably in the Social Sciences.
English language requirements
To apply for this research degree, you must have reached a minimum standard of English. You need to be able to provide evidence of this. See our English language requirements for international students for guidance on the different English language qualifications and evidence that you can provide.
International qualifications
We welcome applications from within the EU and from around the world. You should ensure that your qualifications are equivalent to those which are required to study for this research degree. See our guidance on international qualifications.
Additional requirements
Postgraduate research training expectations
If you are considering undertaking our PhD programme, you should equip yourself with a good standard of literacy in social research methods across a range of data collection, analysis and management techniques. We recommend that all postgraduate research students take modules in both qualitative and quantitative methods including, for example, SOCI508 Understanding Society Using Quantitative Methods (Semester 1);or equivalent training made available elsewhere in the university or across the MethodsNorthWest initiative.
Applying for ESRC PhD funding via the NWSSDTP
The University is a member of the ESRC North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership, and as such, if you are considering any ESRC PhD funding route via the Department of Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology, you will be expected to undertake modules in both qualitative and quantitative methods in order to be compliant with ESRC Postgraduate Training and Development Guidelines These modules would include SOCI508 Understanding Society Using Quantitative Methods (semester 1) and additional modules where available/relevant, and/or equivalent requisite training made available in the university or across the MethodsNorthWest initiative.
Those applying for ESRC PhD funding who have already gained a postgraduate qualification, this requirement may have been fulfilled during your prior Masters training. However, if it has not and you are successfully awarded ESRC PhD funding to undertake a 1+3 programme, this training requirement should preferably be fulfilled during your MA or MRes programme with us, or during the first year of your (+3) PhD award at the latest.
How to apply
Research degree applications can be made online. Before you apply, we recommend that you identify a supervisor and develop a research proposal. You'll also need to ensure that you have funding to cover all fees.
Applications are open all year round.
Find a supervisor
Your supervisor is your main source of academic support and mentoring. You'll need to find a supervisor before you start your research degree. It's helpful to identify a supervisor and discuss your research proposal before you apply.
View supervisors in this area
Need help finding a supervisor? Contact us
- SLSJ PGR
- Email: slsjpgr@liverpool.ac.uk
- Phone: +44 (0)151 794 3450
Related studentships: self-funded and funded PhD projects
Your training and development
Join us and you'll also join the Liverpool Doctoral College, our home for doctoral support, training and development. You'll join a vibrant and collaborative community of researchers, get tailored support for your development and have the opportunity to undertake a work placement.