social science phd topics

• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Biostatistics
• Environmental Health and Engineering
• Epidemiology
• Health Policy and Management
• Health, Behavior and Society
• International Health
• Mental Health
• Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
• Population, Family and Reproductive Health
• Program Finder
• Admissions Services
• Course Directory
• Academic Calendar
• Hybrid Campus
• Lecture Series
• Convocation
• Strategy and Development
• Implementation and Impact
• Integrity and Oversight
• In the School
• In the Field
• In Baltimore
• Resources for Practitioners
• Articles & News Releases
• In The News
• Statements & Announcements
• At a Glance
• Student Life
• Strategic Priorities
• Inclusion, Diversity, Anti-Racism, and Equity (IDARE)
• What is Public Health?

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Offered By: Department of Health, Behavior and Society

Onsite | Full-Time | 3 – 5 years

• MSPH Field Placements
• Master's Essays
• MAS Application Fee Waiver Requirements
• Master of Arts and Master of Science in Public Health (MA/MSPH)
• Master of Arts in Public Health Biology (MAPHB)
• Master of Bioethics (MBE)
• Mission, Vision, and Values
• Student Experience
• Program Outcomes
• For Hopkins Undergraduate Students
• Master of Health Science (MHS) - Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Master of Health Science (MHS) - Department of Epidemiology
• Alumni Update
• MHS Combined with a Certificate Program
• Master of Health Science (MHS) - Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
• Bachelor's/MHS in Health Economics and Outcomes Research
• MHS HEOR Careers
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Master of Health Science (MHS)
• Concurrent School-Wide Master of Health Science Program in Biostatistics
• Master of Health Science - Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health
• Master of Health Science Online (MHS) - Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health
• Careers in Health Economics
• Core Competencies
• Meet the Director
• What is Health Economics
• MPH Capstone Schedule
• Concentrations
• Online/Part-Time Format
• Requirements

Tuition and Funding

• Executive Board Faculty
• Master of Science (ScM) - Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Master of Science (ScM) - Department of Biostatistics
• Master of Science (ScM) - Department of Epidemiology
• Master of Science (ScM) - Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
• Bachelor's/MSPH in Health Policy
• FAQ for MSPH in Health Policy
• Field Placement Experience
• MSPH Capstone
• MSPH Practicum
• Required and Elective Courses
• Student Timeline
• Career Opportunities
• 38-Week Dietetics Practicum
• Completion Requirements
• MSPH/RD Program FAQ
• Program Goals
• Application Fee Waiver Requirements
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Department of Biostatistics
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Department of Epidemiology
• Program Goals and Expectations
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Clinical Investigation
• Recent Graduates and Dissertation Titles
• PhD Funding
• PhD TA Requirement
• Recent Dissertation Titles
• JHU-Tsinghua Doctor of Public Health
• Prerequisites
• Concentration in Women’s and Reproductive Health
• Custom Track
• Concentration in Environmental Health
• Concentration in Global Health: Policy and Evaluation
• Concentration in Health Equity and Social Justice
• Concentration in Health Policy and Management
• Concentration in Implementation Science
• Combined Bachelor's / Master's Programs
• Concurrent MHS Option for BSPH Doctoral Students
• Concurrent MSPH Option for JHSPH Doctoral students
• Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Philosophy (MD/PhD)
• Adolescent Health Certificate Program
• Bioethics Certificate Program
• Clinical Trials Certificate Program
• Community- Based Public Health Certificate Program
• Demographic Methods Certificate Program
• Epidemiology for Public Health Professionals Certificate Program
• Evaluation: International Health Programs Certificate Program
• Frequently Asked Questions for Certificate Programs
• Gender and Health Certificate Program
• Gerontology Certificate Program
• Global Digital Health Certificate Program
• Global Health Certificate Program
• Global Health Practice Certificate Program
• Health Communication Certificate Program
• Health Disparities and Health Inequality Certificate Program
• Health Education Certificate Program
• Health Finance and Management Certificate Program
• Health and Human Rights Certificate Program
• Healthcare Epidemiology and Infection Prevention and Control Certificate Program
• Humanitarian Health Certificate Program
• Implementation Science and Research Practice Certificate Program
• Injury and Violence Prevention Certificate Program
• International Healthcare Management and Leadership Certificate Program
• Leadership for Public Health and Healthcare Certificate Program
• Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Public Health Certificate Program
• Maternal and Child Health Certificate Program
• Mental Health Policy, Economics and Services Certificate Program
• Non-Degree Students General Admissions Info
• Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety Certificate Program
• Population Health Management Certificate Program
• Population and Health Certificate Program
• Public Health Advocacy Certificate Program
• Public Health Economics Certificate Program
• Public Health Informatics Certificate Program
• Public Health Practice Certificate Program
• Public Health Training Certificate for American Indian Health Professionals
• Public Mental Health Research Certificate Program
• Quality, Patient Safety and Outcomes Research Certificate Program
• Quantitative Methods in Public Health Certificate Program
• Requirements for Successful Completion of a Certificate Program
• Rigor, Reproducibility, and Responsibility in Scientific Practice Certificate Program
• Risk Sciences and Public Policy Certificate Program
• Spatial Analysis for Public Health Certificate Program
• Training Certificate in Public Health
• Tropical Medicine Certificate Program
• Tuition for Certificate Programs
• Vaccine Science and Policy Certificate Program
• Online Student Experience
• MAS and Affiliated Certificate Programs
• Barcelona Information
• Registration, Tuition, and Fees
• Agency Scholarship Application
• General Scholarship Application
• UPF Scholarship Application
• Course Evaluations
• Online Courses
• Registration
• General Institute Tuition Information
• International Students
• Directions to the Bloomberg School
• All Courses
• Important Guidance for ONSITE Students
• D.C. Courses
• Registration and Fees
• Cancellation and Closure Policies
• Application Procedures
• Career Search
• Current Activities
• Current Trainees
• Related Links
• Process for Appointing Postdoctoral Fellows
• Message from the Director
• Program Details
• Admissions FAQ
• Current Residents
• Elective Opportunities for Visiting Trainees
• What is Occupational and Environmental Medicine?
• Admissions Info
• Graduates by Year
• Compensation and Benefits
• How to Apply
• Academic Committee
• Course Details and Registration
• Tuition and Fees
• ONLINE SOCI PROGRAM
• Principal Faculty
• General Application
• JHHS Application
• Our Faculty
• Descripción los Cursos
• Programa en Epidemiología para Gestores de Salud, Basado en Internet
• Consultants
• Britt Dahlberg, PhD
• Joke Bradt, PhD, MT-BC
• Mark R. Luborsky, PhD
• Marsha Wittink, PhD
• Rebekka Lee, ScD
• Su Yeon Lee-Tauler, PhD
• Theresa Hoeft, PhD
• Vicki L. Plano Clark, PhD
• Program Retreat
• Mixed Methods Applications: Illustrations
• Announcements
• 2023 Call for Applications
• Jennifer I Manuel, PhD, MSW
• Joke Bradt, PhD
• Josiemer Mattei, PhD, MPH
• Justin Sanders, MD, MSc
• Linda Charmaran, PhD
• Nao Hagiwara, PhD
• Nynikka R. A. Palmer, DrPH, MPH
• Olayinka O. Shiyanbola, BPharm, PhD
• Sarah Ronis, MD, MPH
• Susan D. Brown, PhD
• Tara Lagu, MD, MPH
• Theresa Hoft, PhD
• Wynne E. Norton, PhD
• Yvonne Mensa-Wilmot, PhD, MPH
• A. Susana Ramírez, PhD, MPH
• Animesh Sabnis, MD, MSHS
• Autumn Kieber-Emmons, MD, MPH
• Benjamin Han, MD, MPH
• Brooke A. Levandowski, PhD, MPA
• Camille R. Quinn, PhD, AM, LCSW
• Justine Wu, MD, MPH
• Kelly Aschbrenner, PhD
• Kim N. Danforth, ScD, MPH
• Loreto Leiva, PhD
• Marie Brault, PhD
• Mary E. Cooley, PhD, RN, FAAN
• Meganne K. Masko, PhD, MT-BC/L
• PhuongThao D. Le, PhD, MPH
• Rebecca Lobb, ScD, MPH
• Allegra R. Gordon, ScD MPH
• Anita Misra-Hebert, MD MPH FACP
• Arden M. Morris, MD, MPH
• Caroline Silva, PhD
• Danielle Davidov, PhD
• Hans Oh, PhD
• J. Nicholas Dionne-Odom, PhD RN ACHPN
• Jacqueline Mogle, PhD
• Jammie Hopkins, DrPH, MS
• Joe Glass, PhD MSW
• Karen Whiteman, PhD MSW
• Katie Schultz, PhD MSW
• Rose Molina, MD
• Uriyoán Colón-Ramos, ScD MPA
• Andrew Riley, PhD
• Byron J. Powell, PhD, LCSW
• Carrie Nieman MD, MPH
• Charles R. Rogers, PhD, MPH, MS, CHES®
• Emily E. Haroz, PhD
• Jennifer Tsui, Ph.D., M.P.H.
• Jessica Magidson, PhD
• Katherine Sanchez, PhD, LCSW
• Kelly Doran, MD, MHS
• Kiara Alvarez, PhD
• LaPrincess C. Brewer, MD, MPH
• Melissa Radey, PhD, MA, MSSW
• Sophia L. Johnson, PharmD, MPH, PhD
• Supriya Gupta Mohile, MD, MS
• Virginia McKay, PhD
• Andrew Cohen, MD, PhD
• Angela Chen, PhD, PMHNP-BC, RN
• Christopher Salas-Wright, PhD, MSW
• Eliza Park MD, MS
• Jaime M. Hughes, PhD, MPH, MSW
• Johanne Eliacin, PhD, HSPP
• Lingrui Liu ScD MS
• Meaghan Kennedy, MD
• Nicole Stadnick, PhD, MPH
• Paula Aristizabal, MD
• Radhika Sundararajan, MD
• Sara Mamo, AuD, PhD
• Tullika Garg, MD MPH FACS
• Allison Magnuson, DO
• Ariel Williamson PhD, DBSM
• Benita Bamgbade, PharmD, PhD
• Christopher Woodrell MD
• Hung-Jui (Ray) Tan, MD, MSHPM
• Jasmine Abrams, PhD
• Jose Alejandro Rauh-Hain, MD
• Karen Flórez, DrPH, MPH
• Lavanya Vasudevan, PhD, MPH, CPH
• Maria Garcia, MD, MPH
• Robert Brady, PhD
• Saria Hassan, MD
• Scherezade Mama, DrPH
• Yuan Lu, ScD
• 2021 Scholars
• Sign Up for Our Email List
• Workforce Training
• Cells-to-Society Courses
• Course/Section Numbers Explained
• Pathway Program with Goucher College
• The George G. Graham Lecture

About the PhD in Social and Behavioral Sciences Program

The PhD program in Social and Behavioral Sciences is designed for individuals seeking training for careers as social and behavioral scientists, health educators, and health promotion or communication specialists in the public health arena. The curriculum centers on the application of social and behavioral science perspectives to research on contemporary health problems, with a focus on understanding and influencing the social contexts and behaviors relevant to health. In addition to coursework, students complete a written exam at the end of the first year and gain experience in research skills and approaches. With faculty guidance, students develop and present a dissertation protocol in an oral exam. The final dissertation defense is conducted as an oral exam that includes a public seminar.

The program provides rigorous training in research methodology, theory, and program design and evaluation. Research is primarily focused in two areas—health education and communication, and social and psychological influences on health.

PhD in Social and Behavioral Sciences Program Highlights

Interdisciplinary theory.

with multi-level perspective

Rigorous methods

with practical application to contemporary health problems

Application of behavioral and social science perspectives

with attention to context

Community engagement

to understand and influence health behaviors that are risk factors in disease and illness

What Can You Do With a Graduate Degree In Social and Behavioral Sciences?

Visit the  Graduate Employment Outcomes Dashboard to learn about Bloomberg School graduates' employment status, sector, and salaries.

Sample Careers

• Postdoctoral Fellow
• Research Public Health Analyst
• Social Scientist, Food and Drug Administration Center for Tobacco Products
• Health Scientist-Alcohol Program
• Project Director
• Senior Communications Adviser
• Tenure Track Faculty
• Senior Program Officer
• Director of Clinical and Academic Research
• Senior Consultant
• Research and Evaluation Officer
• Program Director, Department of Public Health

Curriculum for the PhD in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Browse an overview of the requirements for this PhD program in the JHU  Academic Catalogue , explore all course offerings in the Bloomberg School  Course Directory , and find many more details in the program's Student Handbook . 

Research Areas

The emphasis of the curriculum is on the application of behavioral and social science perspectives to research on contemporary health problems. Understanding and influencing health behaviors that are risk factors in disease and illness, as well as behaviors that can be considered protective and health enhancing, are strengths of the program.

Rigorous training in research methods and program design and evaluation are also key elements of the curriculum. The program focuses its research in the following areas.

This area focuses on the application of principles from education, communication, behavioral, social science and psychological theories to encourage health behaviors conducive to optimal health in individuals, groups and communities. Students are exposed to current research on health education and communication, with particular focus on multilevel, ecological models of health and health behavior, design and evaluation of multifaceted intervention programs and patient-provider communication.

This area focuses on social and psychological factors and processes in the etiology and prevalence of disease in health-care-seeking behavior, disease prevention, long-term care and rehabilitation. Students are exposed to current research on health knowledge, attitudes and beliefs; social and psychological factors in disease etiology; risk reduction; and cultural influences in public health, including cross-cultural and multilevel studies.

Admissions Requirements

For general admissions requirements, please visit the How to Apply page.

Standardized Test Scores

Standardized test scores (GRE) are  optional  for this program. The admissions committee will make no assumptions if a standardized test score is omitted from an application, but will require evidence of quantitative/analytical ability through other application components such as academic transcripts and/or supplemental questions.  Applications will be reviewed holistically based on all application components.

Program Faculty Spotlight

Katherine Clegg Smith

Katherine Clegg Smith, PhD, MA, is a sociologist who examines health experiences and health communication, with a research focus on cancer and chronic disease.

Carl Latkin

Carl Latkin, PhD, conducts biobehavioral interventions for disadvantaged communities, with a focus on social networks, substance use, infectious diseases, and mental health.

Roland J. Thorpe, Jr.

Roland J. Thorpe, Jr., PhD, MS, is a gerontologist and social epidemiologist with nationally-recognized expertise in minority aging, men’s health, and place-based disparities.

Carol R. Underwood

Carol Underwood, PhD '93, MA, MA, studies the role of gender, social class, and marginalization in global health outcomes to contribute to the wellbeing of populations.

Get to Know Our Current Doctoral Students

Learn more about our doctoral students' research interests, publications, and more through our HBS doctoral student pages.

Per the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the JHU PhD Union, the minimum guaranteed 2025-2026 academic year stipend is $50,000 for all PhD students with a 4% increase the following year. Tuition, fees, and medical benefits are provided, including health insurance premiums for PhD student’s children and spouses of international students, depending on visa type. The minimum stipend and tuition coverage is guaranteed for at least the first four years of a BSPH PhD program; specific amounts and the number of years supported, as well as work expectations related to that stipend will vary across departments and funding source. Please refer to the CBA to review specific benefits, compensation, and other terms.

Need-Based Relocation Grants Students who  are admitted to PhD programs at JHU starting in Fall 2023 or beyond can apply to receive a need-based grant to offset the costs of relocating to be able to attend JHU.   These grants provide funding to a portion of incoming students who, without this money, may otherwise not be able to afford to relocate to JHU for their PhD program. This is not a merit-based grant. Applications will be evaluated solely based on financial need.  View more information about the need-based relocation grants for PhD students .

Questions about the program? We're happy to help.

Application and Admissions Procedural Questions

Please direct questions about application and admissions procedures to the BSPH Admissions Office.

Email:   [email protected] Phone:   410-955-3543

General Academic Questions

For general academic questions about the PhD in Social and Behavioral Sciences program, please contact our Department's doctoral program coordinator, Krystal Lee, EdD, MPA.

Email:   [email protected]

Social Sciences PhD Program

The HSS PhD program in the social sciences offers the opportunity for highly motivated and quantitatively oriented students to pursue interdisciplinary research in areas common to economics , political science , political economy , history , psychology, anthropology, law, and public policy.

A foundational belief of the program is that a wide variety of social phenomena are best understood as the consequence of intelligent decisions by individuals pursuing their own ends. Caltech social scientists have established that such decisions can be modeled and that conclusions concerning social events should be based on observable and measurable parameters of those theories.

Caltech was one of the first research institutions to use laboratory experimentation in the study of economics and political science, and HSS remains one of the top departments—if not the top—in the world in this field. Under faculty supervision, graduate students conduct experiments in HSS research centers, including the Social Science Experimental Laboratory (SSEL) and the Caltech Brain Imaging Center (CBIC) .

Graduate students in the social sciences PhD program are encouraged to begin largely independent research early in their graduate career. Many of the research projects involve direct collaboration between members of the faculty and graduate students. Graduate students are expected to participate actively in the intellectual life of the division, including attendance and participation in seminars and workshops. Seminars occur at least weekly and usually feature colleagues from other universities who have been invited to formally present their work. Workshops are more informal gatherings where students, faculty, and visitors present their work in progress.

Expected learning outcomes for a graduate student completing the social sciences PhD program include:

• a strong background in economics, political science, and econometrics;
• a solid understanding of the technical tools—which themselves require an understanding of different theoretical and empirical approaches—needed to carry out research at the frontier of the social sciences;
• a demonstrated record of independent and high-quality research; and
• an ability to collaborate and communicate across different fields in the social sciences.

Caltech conferred its first PhD in social science in 1978. Graduates of the program have been eagerly sought after and have found positions in leading university departments of economics, political science, and law, as well as jobs in government and industry. Additional information about graduates of the program is available on the alumni listings page .

Social Sciences Graduate Courses

The first-year graduate curriculum consists of courses in modern statistical and econometric methods; game theory, social choice, and decision theory; microeconomics; and American political institutions. These required courses give Caltech students the unique perspective and background that faculty believe yield special insights into economic and political interactions. This rigorous first-year training also provides students with the foundation and skills needed to conduct independent research early in their careers at Caltech.

The second-year curriculum is built around a series of course sequences that are used to set students on the road to active, independent research. Emphasis in these second-year courses is on areas of the faculty's current research interest, offering students a unique opportunity to work closely with individual faculty members in identifying and tackling research problems.

During their third year, graduate students in the social sciences are expected to complete the transition from coursework to independent research.

To learn more about the research currently underway in the social sciences at Caltech, visit the research areas page.

For questions regarding the social sciences PhD program, please contact the option manager.

• Doctoral Programs
• Programs of Study
• Joint/Dual Doctoral Programs
• Masters Programs
• Joint/Dual Masters Programs
• MA and PhD Certificates
• Joint BA/MA Degrees
• Undergraduate Programs

Doctoral research is the culmination of graduate study, marking a transition from taking courses to becoming an independent scholar and doing original and significant work. The Division of the Social Sciences offers PhD programs in 10 programs as well as opportunities for joint degrees with other divisions and professional schools at the University of Chicago.

Anthropology Comparative Human Development Conceptual and Historical Studies of Science Economics History Political Economy (in partnership with the Harris School) Political Science Psychology Social Thought Sociology

This website uses cookies..

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using our website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.

Doctoral Program

Phd-phs in social and behavioral sciences.

Prospective doctoral students interested in the Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences should apply to the Doctor of Philosophy ( PhD ) Program in  Population Health Sciences  and choose  Social & Behavioral Sciences as their Field of Study.

The PhD in Population Health Sciences is offered under the aegis of the Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) and is awarded by the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. Students in this program will gain broad, interdisciplinary knowledge in quantitative and qualitative methods of enquiry for understanding the health of populations, and developmental approaches to population health science. In addition, students will belong to one of the following Fields of Study associated with the departments of: Environmental Health , Epidemiology , Global Health and Population , Nutrition , or Social and Behavioral Sciences .

For further details on the PhD program, please visit this website .

Curriculum Guide

2023-24 SBS-PhD Curriculum Guide

What are the admission requirements for the PhD program?

For applicants that are applying into the PhD in Population Health Sciences check out this admission requirement  checklist .

Is the GRE required?

Yes. All applicants are required to submit GRE scores as part of their application submission. This is a change from our pandemic policy. As with other application components, the GRE will be considered as part of an applicant’s holistic application, in combination with all submitted materials.

I’m applying to the PhD program in Population Health Sciences, do I need to secure an advisor? Do faculty make advising commitments before applying to the program?

Advisors for PhD students in the PHS program are chosen after we know who will be joining us in the new cohort. Generally, the assignment takes place in early to mid-May. An essential part of the PhD admissions process is the consideration of appropriate mentoring faculty for the applicant. Therefore applicants do not get prior advising commitments from a potential faculty mentor prior to applying to the program. We recommend listing up to three faculty members of interest in your personal statement, articulating how your current research interests align with the faculty listed.

I’m applying to the PhD program in Population Health Sciences, do I need to have prior quantitative coursework?

Our program has a strong emphasis on quantitative methods so showing preparation in this area is strongly recommended. The doctoral program in SBS is very quantitative-focused and we do require students to take a year of Quantitative Research Methods in Population Health Sciences (PHS 2000 A + B). Although the committee looks at the application holistically, some emphasis is placed on how well applicants do in specific course areas such as Biostats, EPI and the social sciences.

It’s always helpful to the admissions committee to be able to assess quantitative skills in an applicant’s background and that is usually demonstrated through coursework, professional experiences and letters of recommendation.

What are you looking for in applicants to the PhD program?

While applications are looked at holistically, the admissions committee does place an emphasis on prior coursework in biostatistics, epidemiology and the social sciences, so highlighting these types of courses in your application will be useful.  Additionally, it could be helpful if one of your recommenders is a professor from your last degree program who can comment positively on your quantitative abilities.  Your statement of purpose is a chance for you to tell the committee about your motivation for pursuing doctoral work in SBS and to describe yourself as a researcher. A key part of the admissions review process is making sure there is appropriate mentorship, so we suggest naming up to three SBS faculty whose interests align with your own. You can read about the faculty here .

You may find the information on this page helpful as you prepare your application.

Will graduate course work from my master’s degree be accepted for some of the coursework required in the PhD (e.g. statistics courses etc.)?

You can submit a substitution form with the course syllabus for courses you have taken in your Master’s program. Substitution requests are carefully reviewed by the instructor of the required HSPH course to determine if the course is truly equivalent.

Where can I find out more information on the research in the SBS department?

You can get some information on faculty research by viewing their profiles on the department website.

You can read about the research areas of current students here .

News from the School

Red meat and diabetes

How for-profit medicine is harming health care

A tradition of mentoring

Promising HIV treatment

PhD in Social Policy

In this section.

• Current Students
• PhD Student Life
• Degree Requirements
• What We Look For

The joint PhD Programs in Social Policy combine the disciplinary depth of a PhD in political science or sociology with multidisciplinary perspectives and problem-driven research on questions of social policy.

As a joint venture between the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences'  Government and Sociology departments and Harvard Kennedy School, the program is designed for students like you who have broad interests in social policy problems and solutions, spanning topics such as:

• Economic inequality
• Wealth distribution (including high-end wealth accumulation)
• Race and ethnicity
• Poverty and social mobility
• Family dynamics
• Workplace inequities
• Health disparities
• Crime and criminal punishment
• Immigration
• Local politics, neighborhoods, and segregation
• Educational access and inequality
• Political participation and political inequality  

The “discipline-plus” model

The PhD Programs in Social Policy are grounded by a “discipline-plus” structure. You will build a strong foundation in either political science or sociology before embarking on a sequence of multidisciplinary seminars and advanced research in social policy—all of which will focus primarily on the United States and Western Europe.

Research at the core

The joint PhD Programs in Social Policy are targeted toward producing scholars whose research puts them at the forefront of studying key problems in social policy. The skills and cross-disciplinary insights you develop will allow you to identify important unanswered questions and create research strategies that improve our understanding of social problems.

Graduates of the joint PhD Programs in Social Policy leave the program well equipped to pursue careers in leading political science or sociology departments, public policy schools, law schools, think tanks, nonprofit organizations, and in the public sector. 

Search NYU Steinhardt

PhD, Statistics and Computational Social Science

36-48 Total Credits Required

To satisfy the requirements of the doctoral degree in Statistics and Computational Social Science, you will complete 36-48 credits of coursework, pass comprehensive exams, engage in research activities, and write and defend a dissertation. If you enter the doctoral program with a graduate degree, you may be eligible for advanced standing and can waive up to 12 credits of coursework.

Quantitative research addressing societal issues increasingly relies on a combination of innovative statistical modeling, typically involving sophisticated computational methods, along with a deep understanding of social science, broadly conceived. To complete the requirements of the doctoral degree in Statistics and Computational Social Science, you will take two foundational courses, along with courses in statistics, computational methods, and the social sciences. 

Foundations:

• Data science for social impact
• Data ethics

Statistics; representative courses include:

• Probability
• Experimental/Survey Design
• Generalized Linear and Mixed Models
• Causal Inference
• Specialized topics (e.g., Spatial Statistics, Networks, Multilevel Modeling)

Computational methods; representative courses include:

• Programming
• Machine Learning
• Data Structures & Algorithms
• Large/Messy Data
• Database Systems

Social sciences and related disciplines; courses chosen from areas including:

• Political Science
• Public Policy 

Comprehensive Exams

You will take two written comprehensive examinations covering core areas of knowledge that underpin the application of statistics to research in the social sciences; it is expected that students pass both exams by the end of their second year in the program. The first exam will be a standard timed exam assessing knowledge of statistics (with specific topics including, e.g., causal inference, machine learning, probability, and inference) and computational methods (with specific topics including, e.g., optimization and analysis of algorithms). The second exam will take place over the course of a week, and will involve writing a hypothetical grant proposal outlining a research question, proposed data collection strategies, research design and analysis choices, and dissemination plans.

Qualifying Paper

To demonstrate depth of knowledge outside statistical and computational methodology, you will write a qualifying paper describing current knowledge and specific questions relevant to your “cognate discipline,” that is, a sub-area within a social science or related field, and pertaining to the planned dissertation topic. This paper will be evaluated by at least one professor outside the core SCSS faculty who is an expert in the cognate discipline, and must be completed before the dissertation proposal stage.

Research Activities

In addition to formal coursework, you will also engage in a variety of research-related activities each semester, beginning with the first semester on campus:

• Regular meetings with a faculty advisor to discuss ongoing research projects. Doctoral students are also welcome to work with faculty outside of the department with the approval of their advisor.
• Implementing a research plan to contribute to ongoing research projects
• Regular attendance in research seminars hosted by NYU’s PRIISM Center.
• Presentations of relevant literature, questions of interest, and ongoing research findings in research seminars to program faculty.
• Participation in a consulting project, such as a research-practice partnership, under the guidance of a faculty mentor.
• Preparation for comprehensive exams and qualifying paper.

Dissertation

The activities of research, coursework, seminars, comprehensive exams and the qualifying review paper will have exposed you to a wide range of faculty and their interests. By the third year in the program, you will have developed an independent research agenda that you can pursue with support from your advisor, and which will result in the completion of a dissertation.

The dissertation format for the Ph.D. in Statistics and Computational Social Science will follow a three-paper model, common in many social science disciplines, that codifies the interdisciplinary philosophy of this doctoral degree program. Each paper will address a different aspect of the same research topic — for example, one could be a review paper intended for the “cognate” discipline’s audience, the second could be a methods paper, incorporating both statistical and computational elements, and intended for a more technical audience, and the third could be an applied paper that demonstrates the utility of the method to practitioners. Together, the three papers should change the way in which we understand the world in a manner that was unattainable without the mixture of disciplines and related techniques. 

After completing comprehensive exams and the qualifying paper, you will choose three faculty members to serve on your dissertation committee, with one designated as committee chair. Given the interdisciplinary nature of the degree, at least one faculty member should represent the “cognate” discipline. Committee members will provide regular feedback on dissertations and dissertation proposals.

Dissertation Proposal

You will prepare, submit, and orally defend a manuscript research proposal, similar to a dissertation proposal.

Dissertation Defense

The manuscripts, taken together, must reflect a coherent and cohesive research line of inquiry and will be defended in a final oral defense for completion of the PhD. The presentation portion of the dissertation defense will be open to the public. By the date of the defense, at least one  first-authored manuscript must be under review at a peer-reviewed journal. 

Take the Next Step

Advance your personal and professional journey – apply to join our community of students.

Doctoral Degree Programs

The PhD program in the Department of Sociology at Stanford offers rigorous training in sociological knowledge and research methods, and prepares students to embark on successful professional careers in sociology.  Our program prides itself on world-renowned faculty, cutting-edge research programs, and close interactions between faculty and students.

Through coursework, workshops, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships, students work closely with faculty members to develop research skills and experience and gain expertise in the substantive areas of sociology.  In collaboration with Stanford Law School, as well as other research programs on campus, we offer a JD/PhD joint degree and a multidisciplinary environment for students to pursue their intellectual interests in different areas.

Finalists for the Knight Hennessy scholarships work with Stanford lecturers. Photo credit: Linda A. Cicero / Stanford News Service

Knight-Hennessy Scholars

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars  develops a community of future global leaders to address complex challenges through collaboration and innovation. Each year, up to 100 students are awarded with funding to pursue any graduate degree at Stanford and participate in an experiential leadership development program that emphasizes collaboration and innovation. Citizens of any country may apply. Visit  khs.stanford.edu  to learn more.

1st Edition

Doing a PhD in the Social Sciences A Student’s Guide to Post-Graduate Research and Writing

• Taylor & Francis eBooks (Institutional Purchase) Opens in new tab or window

Description

Covering the academic and operational aspects of PhD research degree programmes, this accessible yet comprehensive book is an essential guide to navigating through the PhD research journey. Using a mixture of useful information, practical strategies and valuable advice, this book helps readers through the process of doing a PhD by providing essential hints and tips on key aspects such as the following: How to start, conduct and manage PhD research Working with your supervisor Writing your thesis Preparing for the viva This is a crucial resource for anyone wanting to know about approaches to research, substantive theories, data analytical techniques, essential research tools and a range of other issues that affect the chances of PhD success and completion. With global case studies and examples, this invaluable guide is a must-read for anyone undertaking a PhD in the social sciences.

Table of Contents

Francis Jegede is Associate Professor in International Relations and Diplomacy and the Chair of College Research Committee at the University of Derby, UK.

Critics' Reviews

"This is an accessible, comprehensive guide for anyone navigating their way through a social sciences PhD... Jegede’s specialist focus is likely be especially attractive to readers with a social science background. A further strength of this book is its easily searchable mix of information, practical strategies, flow charts and advice for potential PhD applicants... If you’ve sometimes toyed with the idea of undertaking a doctoral qualification by whatever route but decided that this was unattainable or a pipe dream, then Jegede’s guide is definitely worth a read." Journal of Teaching Practice and Learning

About VitalSource eBooks

VitalSource is a leading provider of eBooks.

• Access your materials anywhere, at anytime.
• Customer preferences like text size, font type, page color and more.
• Take annotations in line as you read.

Multiple eBook Copies

This eBook is already in your shopping cart. If you would like to replace it with a different purchasing option please remove the current eBook option from your cart.

Book Preview

The country you have selected will result in the following:

• Product pricing will be adjusted to match the corresponding currency.
• The title Perception will be removed from your cart because it is not available in this region.

Writing a social sciences PhD proposal

For many academics, each new year brings a flurry of email enquiries about PhD supervision. In my experience these tend to range between a vague notion about a topic (or a few possible topics) and a detailed account of a research idea, usually drawn from a successful MA thesis or an area of professional interest. What I hardly ever get, however, is a proper draft proposal that I can start working up with an applicant.

For me, having at least a rough draft of your proposal before you contact potential supervisors is good practice, for a number of reasons:

• it shows you have given the matter some thought
• it identifies you as someone who is able to work independently
• it allows you to take ownership of your work from the start (and some supervisors WILL take over if you let them).

If you are planning to apply for Research Council funding, a draft gives you a valuable head start – I also see the process of feedback and amendment for these high-profile applications as an excellent insight into what a student will be like to supervise (I generally ask for several redrafts before I will sign off).

A PhD proposal does not need to be long. In fact, I encourage applicants to be as concise as they can – Research Council application forms generally allow a couple of sides, 10 pt font minimum, so I would stick to that. For a social science PhD, proposals will contain a number of common elements:

A short paragraph describing your topic, stating why it is important. First and foremost, you should be proposing a project which is fresh and interesting rather than repeating previous studies. This doesn’t necessarily mean a completely new topic (and there are no completely original arguments), but it could mean, for instance: looking at an existing topic in a new way; asking slightly different questions; researching a specific population; or bringing together two theories that haven’t been used together, or haven’t been used to explore this topic, before.

The best research in my field tends to be both policy/society-relevant  and  able to make a contribution to academic debates, so look for a social need  and  gaps in the relevant literature. Your project should pass the ‘so what?’ test on both intellectual and practical grounds. This is especially the case if you want to work with a marginalised group as an outsider – your study needs to have clear benefits for your participants, and it should be obvious that you are the right person to do it and are doing it for the right reasons (if you’re not sure this is the case, perhaps  read this post  and reflect). If you’re applying for research funding, your project rationale should also link to the strategic priorities of the funding body.

Research questions

Two or three  specific questions you will answer. They must be ones which have not been asked before in the particular way you will ask them. They should usually be open but narrow, focusing on aspects of issues or relationships between phenomena (e.g. ‘what are the causes of violence against sex workers?’ is too broad, but ‘what are sex workers’ experiences of violence under different legal/regulatory models?’ is more promising). You should also be realistic – what exactly are you going to be able to find out? Be wary of questions which are too ambitious – in social research this often means causal, categorical, or conclusive. Avoid making assumptions that will threaten the validity of your analysis (e.g. ‘how can parents who formula-feed be made aware of the benefits of breastfeeding?) Never ask something you feel you already know.

The trick is to develop research questions which both create a do-able project and account for the complexity of the social world, and to represent these as simply as you possibly can. This is difficult! Your research questions will probably go through several iterations with your prospective supervisor, so they don’t have to be perfect first time.

Literature review

This is directly linked to your rationale and research questions – a summary of existing relevant work, identifying the gaps (both empirical and theoretical) your project will fill. You may be looking at several areas of literature – some providing general context while others relate to particular issues. In a project on violence against sex workers under different legal/regulatory models, you would probably be making use of general work on violence against women/sexual violence, more specific literature on violence against sex workers (of all genders) and violence against particular groups who may be more at risk within the industry (women of colour and trans women, for example), and literature covering different models of sex industry regulation and their implications. Studies would probably be both empirical and more conceptual in focus.

Don’t just write a list in this section – introduce different bodies of literature, summarise key themes and points, identify gaps, and make explicit how all this frames your particular project. Be clear in your mind about how you are using the literature at hand, and how you might feed back into the literature and make new contributions when you have completed your research.

Theoretical framework

The conceptual material in your literature review might inform your theoretical framework – the concepts most central to your research project. You might be focusing on gender as a key category of analysis; you might (should) also be taking an intersectional approach. You might be making use of other concepts such as agency or stigma, or developing the work of particular theorists. You need to have an idea of how all this relates together and whether there are any useful connections or knotty contradictions at work.

Your theoretical framework will and should change as you develop your PhD project, coming to fruition when you have finished your data analysis and are (hopefully) ready to say something new. It need not be fully developed in your proposal. In fact, if I see a PhD proposal which has an elaborate theoretical framework already, it often raises questions about whether the student is setting out to confirm things they feel they already know. Nevertheless, your proposal should contain some indication of the theories and concepts you find relevant to your research questions, and (most importantly) some thoughts about how you might operationalise these. How can you identify agency, for example? How might you measure stigma? How can you  put intersectionality into practice?

N.B. Not all proposals will have a separate literature review and theoretical framework: if your project is heavily conceptual these might be merged into one longer section, or if you are conducting a large empirical study which will generate an entirely new dataset you may not need to be so focused on the theory.

Methodology

This is probably the most important part of your proposal – a description of what you are going to do in very precise terms. This should include your your broad methodological approach – is it quantitative or qualitative? Are you using a particular research design, for instance ethnography or case study? Are you situated within a specific epistemological framework, and why? It should also include any specific methodological techniques or elements of research design – for instance, if you are trying to explore the interactions between phenomena, how will you measure and establish these? (e.g. in a qualitative study exploring how breastfeeding impacts on mothers’ experiences of bonding with their babies, you would need to consider how you would tease out the role of breastfeeding from other factors).

Your methodology should give details of your planned sources of data and how you will sample them. Be specific: if you are doing interviews, how many? What types of people will you hope to recruit as participants, and why? If you are working with documents, how many and how will they be selected? You need to give assurances that you are not just cherry-picking your sample to confirm what you feel you already know – for instance, a proposed study on whether the media contains racist bias will be stronger if you are not just working with content from the  Daily Mail . You should also give details of how you will negotiate access to your sources, and the more groundwork you can do in advance the better, especially if you are working on sensitive issues or with marginalised communities. Your methods should then be described as accurately as you possibly can, as well as your planned techniques of data analysis, with full attention paid to how you might operationalise your theories.

Your methodology section should be primarily descriptive – your prospective supervisor needs to be confident that you have thought your project through and are in a good position to carry it out. It should also be mostly practical: although reflexivity is essential to qualitative social research, your PhD proposal is probably not the best place to present your autobiography. You need to show that you are conversant with the methodological literature and with other, similar studies, and have thought about your planned project with reference to these. Of course, your methodology will evolve during the course of your project and it is always possible to change it – but it is essential to be thinking like a researcher from the start.

Sometimes this section will be part of your methodology; sometimes it will be separate. If you are doing any research with human subjects you will probably undergo a rigorous ethical review process within your institution, before you are cleared for fieldwork. If your topic is sensitive or you are working with marginalised communities, this can take a while and can involve various requests for amendments. This section is your chance to show that you have engaged with the literature on research ethics and thought about any potential issues for your study: use it to identify these and talk about how you might address them. Power relations, informed consent, anonymity/confidentiality, risk/harm, participant and self-care all need to be covered.

University ethics committees can be conservative;  you  can take a critical perspective, especially where notions of ‘risk’ and ‘harm’ are concerned, and particularly in relation to the differences between working with more marginalised and more elite groups. However, you should also be aware that this is a bureaucratic process that could potentially stand between you and the successful completion of your research: some hoop-jumping may be necessary.

As the last section, your proposal should present a description of how you will break your research into manageable tasks and deadlines in order to get your PhD finished within the time you have (3-4 years full-time, 6-8 years part-time). It is best to present this in the form of a table, specifying dates by which you will have completed particular tasks. This timeline may change – but it is useful to have done some advance planning to show potential supervisors and funders that you are organised and likely to be able to deliver.

Finally, remember that you should probably try to fit all this on to two sides of A4. This usually includes references, so be strategic/sparing with these, and remember that you can allude to wider reading by using phrases such as ‘such as’, or ‘amongst others’ as part of your citations (this last tip is for PhD proposals only – you must not do this in your final thesis!)

Alison Phipps is Professor of Gender Studies at the University of Sussex. She was Chair of the Feminist and Women's Studies Association UK and Ireland, 2009-2012. You can visit her blog at https://genderate.wordpress.com/ or follow her on Twitter @alisonphipps.

Keep reading

Where did we come from? International Relations in Britain before BISA

Why study International Relations?

What is International Relations?

Bisa is entirely self-funded.

Your donations help us to support the International Studies community. Choose to donate towards free memberships for Global South scholars, conference bursaries or student experience events. Then receive updates on how your donation has helped.

• Executive Committee
• Membership Terms and Conditions
• Working group end of year report 2022/23
• Anti-bribery and corruption policy
• Anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism policy
• Anti-slavery and human trafficking policy
• Code of Conduct
• Complaints procedure
• Conflict of interest policy
• Constitution - Charitable Incorporated Organisation
• Cookie policy
• Data retention policy
• Duties of trustees
• Donations, sponsorship and fundraising policy
• Equality and diversity policy
• Political campaigning and lobbying
• Privacy standard
• Statement on academic freedom
• Working group guidance
• Global South countries
• Main in-person conference
• Virtual conference
• Face-to-Face Activity Fund - Working groups
• Early Career Small Research Grants
• Founders Fund application form
• Learning and Teaching Small Grant
• Working group end of year report
• Working group grant application
• Astropolitics Working Group
• Equality, diversity and inclusion policy
• Best Article in the Review of International Studies Prize
• Distinguished Contribution Prize nomination form
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Prize nomination form
• L.H.M. Ling Outstanding First Book Prize nomination form
• Michael Nicholson Thesis Prize nomination form
• New Voices In Cultural Relations Prize nomination form
• Susan Strange Best Book Prize nomination form
• Working Group of the Year Prize nomination form
• Nomination form for teaching prizes
• Early Career Excellence In Teaching International Studies Prize
• Excellence In Teaching International Studies By A Postgraduate Student Prize
• Review of International Studies
• European Journal of International Security
• Our book series

• Academics >

Social Science PhD Program

Where Interdisciplinary Scholarship Produces Innovative Solutions

At the heart of a Maxwell education is the fundamental belief that analyzing and developing measurable solutions to today’s complex challenges requires both disciplinary excellence and interdisciplinary cross-pollination of ideas. 

Since its founding in 1946, our interdisciplinary social science Ph.D. program has been a leading center for innovative scholarship for students whose intellectual interests do not easily fit within the confines of a single social science discipline. With guidance from the social science Ph.D. chair, social science doctoral students develop their own programs of interdisciplinary study, incorporating social theory and research methods from Maxwell’s highly regarded social science and professional programs, including:

• anthropology,
• international relations,
• political science,
• public administration and

our alumni hold a broad range of academic, research and leadership roles

we offer the only interdisciplinary social science Ph.D. program in the country

determine the mix of disciplines appropriate for your unique research interests

One degree, many paths

The Ph.D. in social science prepares students to undertake a broad range of careers including college and university research and teaching, non-academic research, consulting, public service, organizational administration, and institutional leadership.

Notable Alumni

See More Alumni Placements

Olga Boichak

Diane lyden murphy, gearoid millar, deborah alexander, priti ramamurthy.

Professor, Gender, Women & Sexuality Studies, University of Washington

Nicholas Armstrong

Innovative scholarship, diverse viewpoints.

I am Maxwell.

I took urban anthropology and urban geography and urban sociology. I studied with some extraordinary people, and the degree that I got gave me such a broad, interesting education. Whether I was jumping into solving the New York City fiscal crisis or sitting over at HHS trying to figure out how we were going to straighten out a very complex Medicare system, all of that came out of very good training.”

Donna Shalala M.A., PH.D. (SOCIAL SCIENCE) Former: U.S. Representative (FL-27); president and CEO Clinton Foundation; president, University of Miami; U.S. Secretary, HHS

Read our story “Freshman Rep From Florida”

Graduate students will conduct cutting edge research alongside faculty mentors and in Maxwell's 15 research centers.

Social Science MPhil/PhD

London, Bloomsbury

The MPhil/PhD at the Social Research Institute provides a route for students to carry out their own research project within a multidisciplinary and multi-method environment. Our research students engage with the academic community within UCL and benefit from a comprehensive research training programme. This programme is available to study both face-to-face and online.

UK tuition fees (2024/25)

Overseas tuition fees (2024/25), programme starts, applications accepted.

• Entry requirements

The normal minimum requirement is a Master’s degree from a UK university in a subject appropriate to the programme to be followed, or a qualification of equivalent standard appropriate to the programme to be followed awarded by a university (or educational institution of university rank) outside the UK. The majority of our successful applicants hold a Merit at Master’s level, and may have additional relevant experience.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 4

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website .

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

The Social Research Institute is one of the largest multidisciplinary social science research and teaching centres in London. Our staff include sociologists, psychologists, social scientists and economists. We have research-active staff able to supervise research in our key areas of expertise.

Who this course is for

We welcome candidates who have a commitment to social research. They are expected to identify two potential supervisors prior to applying. Overseas applicants also need to satisfy the English Language requirement.

What this course will give you

IOE is a world-leading centre for research in education and related social science. We host the UK's largest doctoral cohort in these areas. We are home to many prestigious research centres and projects. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject (2023), the Institute was ranked first for education for the tenth year running, ahead of Harvard, Stanford, Oxford and Cambridge. In the UK's recent Research Excellence Framework (2021), we were ranked first for research strength and research power in Education, according to the Elsevier REF 2021 Results Analysis Tool. We attract extensive research funding each year and host many prestigious research centres and projects.

Doctoral students at IOE have access to the wider UCL community as well as the education cluster constituting the ESRC  UBEL Doctoral Training Partnership . The Institute's programme has been designed to provide comprehensive and broadly based research training and to meet the requirements of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and the UK Researcher Development Framework.

The foundation of your career

Students develop general and specialist skills in research methodology, academic writing and presentation, as well as experience of engaging with a wide range of practitioners across different social science sectors.

Employability

Social Science doctoral graduates are found in a variety of occupational fields and a wide range of career paths including social research, media research, marketing research, human resources, government, health, policy development, charities, education, NGOs, youth work and managerial posts in business and retail.

The Social Research Institute has a wide range of research seminars where students can join discussion of our ongoing projects, and IOE is the base for national and international conferences. The Centre for Doctoral Education holds two annual conferences for doctoral students. There are also opportunities for students to offer specialist reading groups and workshops and to act as facilitators on courses within the research training programme.

Teaching and learning

Our PhD students work closely with a principal supervisor and subsidiary supervisors. At SRI, we have expertise on a wide range of topics. Students will have opportunities to engage in research activities and seminars. In addition, the UCL Doctoral School also offers a range of skills development courses for PhD students.

In addition to UCL's Doctoral Skills Development Programme, IOE's Centre for Doctoral Education provides a comprehensive Research Training Programme.

The Core Course aims to meets the needs of early stage doctoral students.

There is also a wide range of introductory, advanced methods, advanced theoretical, and generic academic skills courses, as well as student-led workshops and reading groups.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) consists of a piece of supervised research, normally undertaken over a period of three years full-time or five years part-time. Assessment is by means of a thesis, which should demonstrate your capacity to pursue original research based upon a good understanding of the research techniques and concepts appropriate to the discipline. It must also represent a distinct and significant contribution to the subject, whether through the discovery of new knowledge, the connection of previously unrelated facts, the development of new theory, or the revision of older views. It should reflect the exercise of critical judgement with regard to both your own work and that of other scholars in the field.

For those who decide not to pursue the full PhD, or are unable to do so, the degree of Master of Philosophy (MPhil) consists of a piece of supervised research, normally undertaken over a period of three years full-time or five years part-time. Assessment is by means of a thesis, which should represent a contribution to the subject, either through a record of your original work or a critical and ordered exposition of existing knowledge.

You must ensure you have adequate time to devote to this research, at least six hours a day (2-3 days a week part time).

Research areas and structure

Our expertise at the Social Research Institute covers the following specialising fields:

• Children’s rights and advocacy; childhood studies; child development; children in care; maternal and child health; reproductive health; health behaviours; health promotion
• Families; family formation; parenting; work and family life; fatherhood; motherhood; food practices
• Gender; sexualities and intimate lives
• Longitudinal analysis; cohort studies cross-cohort and international comparisons
• Lifecourse transitions; intergenerational studies; demography; youth and young adulthood
• Social inequalities; intergenerational and intragenerational social mobility 
• Education; skills and employment; labour market behaviour
• Migration; transnational families; sociology of religion; culture and ethnicity
• Cultural and social psychology
• Political sociology and the study of social movements
• Advanced qualitative and quantitative methods; mixed methods and visual methods
• Systematic reviews of research evidence; study of how research evidence is used in policy, practice and decision making 
• Time use research; time use data to study social life, gender, work/family balance, family and economics

Research environment

The Social Research Institute (SRI) is one of the leading centres in the UK for multidisciplinary teaching and research in the social sciences. With more than 180 academic, research and professional staff, we work to advance knowledge and inform policy in areas including gender, families, education, employment, migration, inequalities, public health, health and child/adult wellbeing. At SRI, our postgraduate research students from all over the world work alongside supervisory teams, staff and current students. Students work closely with their supervisor(s) to develop each stage of research; supervisors also help put together a programme of additional courses and activities to support progress towards completion of the final thesis. We offer a wide range of seminars and teaching opportunities. As research students, you will have opportunities to organise your own reading groups, workshops, and seminars, working with other research students in other departments in IOE and UCL.

In addition to the campus-based mode, we offer the option to study online in a distance-learning mode. Choosing the distance-learning mode means that there are no residency requirements and it is not necessary to attend during doctoral study, the viva examination take place in-person at UCL or online. However, you are welcome to visit and use campus facilities including the library, attend seminars etc. In the first year of full-time study (and first two years of part-time study), distance learners take a series of compulsory research methods modules that are studied online. This typically involves provision of materials (articles, eBooks, videos etc.), forums to facilitate discussion of various tasks, and synchronous sessions to discuss the activities. Alongside these you will work with your supervisors on your research (e.g., using Teams/Zoom and email). In addition, there are other resources and training opportunities to support distance-learning students, e.g., sessions to develop generic skills.

The length of registration for the research degree programmes is 3 years for full-time.

You are required to register initially for the MPhil degree with the expectation of transfer to PhD after successful completion of an upgrade viva 9-18 months after initial registration.

The Centre for Doctoral Education at IOE, UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society provides an extensive Research Training Programme. A mandatory core course is provided that aims to meet the needs of early-stage doctoral students. There is also a wide range of introductory, advanced methods, advanced theoretical, and generic non-credit bearing academic skills courses, as well as student led workshops and reading groups which you can attend.

Full-time MPhil/PhD students are required to fulfil minimum 20 ‘points’ of training activity in their first year, and are encouraged to fulfil the same in their subsequent years of study. This training can be selected from the UCL Doctoral Skills Development Programme, IOE faculty’s Research Training Programme, the multi-institutional Bloomsbury Postgraduate Skills Network, and from other sources. Each point is worth approximately a half-day of face-to-face training, or an online equivalent. Other activities such as attending and presenting at conferences also count towards research training. Students may undertake additional training beyond these minima, as relevant to their research and/or as agreed with their supervisors.

You are expected to upgrade from MPhil to PhD status towards the end of your first year of study if full-time. Students whose performance is satisfactory will transfer from MPhil to PhD status.

Processes aimed at assisting you during your course of study include the Research Student Log (an online project management tool), and periodic reviews of students’ progress.

Upon successful completion of your approved period of registration you may, if necessary, register as a completing research status (CRS) student while you finish writing your thesis.

The length of registration for the research degree programmes is 5 years for part-time.

IOE Centre for Doctoral Education provides an extensive Research Training Programme. A mandatory core course is provided that aims to meet the needs of early-stage doctoral students. There is also a wide range of introductory, advanced methods, advanced theoretical, and generic non-credit bearing academic skills courses, as well as student led workshops and reading groups which you can attend.

Part-time students are required to fulfil minimum 12 ‘points’ of training activity in each year of study. This training can be selected from the UCL Doctoral Skills Development Programme, IOE faculty’s Research Training Programme, the multi-institutional Bloomsbury Postgraduate Skills Network, and from other sources. Each point is worth approximately a half-day of face-to-face training, or an online equivalent. Other activities such as attending and presenting at conferences also count towards research training. Students may undertake additional training beyond these minima, as relevant to their research and/or as agreed with their supervisors.

You are expected to upgrade from MPhil to PhD status at around 18 months if part-time. Students whose performance is satisfactory will transfer from MPhil to PhD status.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk . Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team .

Fees and funding

Fees for this course.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees .

Additional costs

Students should take into account any travel, accommodation and expenses involved in their thesis.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs .

Funding your studies

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding webpage: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/scholarships/funding-students-postgraduate-research-courses

UCL's Research Excellence Scholarships (RES) are available annually to prospective and existing UCL research students from any country: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/scholarships/research-excellence-scholarship . The UCL, Bloomsbury and East London Doctoral Training Partnership offers studentships annually. More information is found here: https://ubel-dtp.ac.uk/

UBEL, RES and other funding programmes are not available to online and non-resident students.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website .

Applications for this programme are accepted throughout the year. It is highly recommended that students start their programme at the beginning of the academic year (usually the end of September-beginning of October). Two supervisors must be identified and agreed upon prior to submitting a formal application. To identify potential supervisors, check the areas of research interest of staff from the departmental staff lists https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ioe/departments-and-centres/departments/ucl-social-research-institute/

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2024-2025

Got questions get in touch.

Social Research Institute

[email protected]

UCL is regulated by the Office for Students .

Prospective Students Graduate

• Graduate degrees
• Taught degrees
• Taught Degrees
• Applying for Graduate Taught Study at UCL
• Research degrees
• Research Degrees
• Funded Research Opportunities
• Doctoral School
• Funded Doctoral Training Programmes
• Applying for Graduate Research Study at UCL
• Teacher training
• Teacher Training
• Early Years PGCE programmes
• Primary PGCE programmes
• Secondary PGCE programmes
• Further Education PGCE programme
• How to apply
• The IOE approach
• Teacher training in the heart of London
• Why choose UCL?
• Entrepreneurship
• Inspiring facilities and resources
• Careers and employability
• Your global alumni community
• Your wellbeing
• Postgraduate Students' Association
• Your life in London
• Accommodation
• Funding your Master's

Research Topics & Ideas: Sociology

50 Topic Ideas To Kickstart Your Research Project

If you’re just starting out exploring sociology-related topics for your dissertation, thesis or research project, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’ll help kickstart your research by providing a hearty list of research ideas , including real-world examples from recent sociological studies.

PS – This is just the start…

We know it’s exciting to run through a list of research topics, but please keep in mind that this list is just a starting point . These topic ideas provided here are intentionally broad and generic , so keep in mind that you will need to develop them further. Nevertheless, they should inspire some ideas for your project.

To develop a suitable research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , and a viable plan to fill that gap. If this sounds foreign to you, check out our free research topic webinar that explores how to find and refine a high-quality research topic, from scratch. Alternatively, consider our 1-on-1 coaching service .

Sociology-Related Research Topics

• Analyzing the social impact of income inequality on urban gentrification.
• Investigating the effects of social media on family dynamics in the digital age.
• The role of cultural factors in shaping dietary habits among different ethnic groups.
• Analyzing the impact of globalization on indigenous communities.
• Investigating the sociological factors behind the rise of populist politics in Europe.
• The effect of neighborhood environment on adolescent development and behavior.
• Analyzing the social implications of artificial intelligence on workforce dynamics.
• Investigating the impact of urbanization on traditional social structures.
• The role of religion in shaping social attitudes towards LGBTQ+ rights.
• Analyzing the sociological aspects of mental health stigma in the workplace.
• Investigating the impact of migration on family structures in immigrant communities.
• The effect of economic recessions on social class mobility.
• Analyzing the role of social networks in the spread of disinformation.
• Investigating the societal response to climate change and environmental crises.
• The role of media representation in shaping public perceptions of crime.
• Analyzing the sociocultural factors influencing consumer behavior.
• Investigating the social dynamics of multigenerational households.
• The impact of educational policies on social inequality.
• Analyzing the social determinants of health disparities in urban areas.
• Investigating the effects of urban green spaces on community well-being.
• The role of social movements in shaping public policy.
• Analyzing the impact of social welfare systems on poverty alleviation.
• Investigating the sociological aspects of aging populations in developed countries.
• The role of community engagement in local governance.
• Analyzing the social effects of mass surveillance technologies.

Sociology Research Ideas (Continued)

• Investigating the impact of gentrification on small businesses and local economies.
• The role of cultural festivals in fostering community cohesion.
• Analyzing the societal impacts of long-term unemployment.
• Investigating the role of education in cultural integration processes.
• The impact of social media on youth identity and self-expression.
• Analyzing the sociological factors influencing drug abuse and addiction.
• Investigating the role of urban planning in promoting social integration.
• The impact of tourism on local communities and cultural preservation.
• Analyzing the social dynamics of protest movements and civil unrest.
• Investigating the role of language in cultural identity and social cohesion.
• The impact of international trade policies on local labor markets.
• Analyzing the role of sports in promoting social inclusion and community development.
• Investigating the impact of housing policies on homelessness.
• The role of public transport systems in shaping urban social life.
• Analyzing the social consequences of technological disruption in traditional industries.
• Investigating the sociological implications of telecommuting and remote work trends.
• The impact of social policies on gender equality and women’s rights.
• Analyzing the role of social entrepreneurship in addressing societal challenges.
• Investigating the effects of urban renewal projects on community identity.
• The role of public art in urban regeneration and social commentary.
• Analyzing the impact of cultural diversity on education systems.
• Investigating the sociological factors driving political apathy among young adults.
• The role of community-based organizations in addressing urban poverty.
• Analyzing the social impacts of large-scale sporting events on host cities.
• Investigating the sociological dimensions of food insecurity in affluent societies.

Recent Studies & Publications: Sociology

While the ideas we’ve presented above are a decent starting point for finding a research topic, they are fairly generic and non-specific. So, it helps to look at actual sociology-related studies to see how this all comes together in practice.

Below, we’ve included a selection of recent studies to help refine your thinking. These are actual studies,  so they can provide some useful insight as to what a research topic looks like in practice.

• Social system learning process (Subekti et al., 2022)
• Sociography: Writing Differently (Kilby & Gilloch, 2022)
• The Future of ‘Digital Research’ (Cipolla, 2022).
• A sociological approach of literature in Leo N. Tolstoy’s short story God Sees the Truth, But Waits (Larasati & Irmawati, 2022)
• Teaching methods of sociology research and social work to students at Vietnam Trade Union University (Huu, 2022)
• Ideology and the New Social Movements (Scott, 2023)
• The sociological craft through the lens of theatre (Holgersson, 2022).
• An Essay on Sociological Thinking, Sociological Thought and the Relationship of a Sociologist (Sönmez & Sucu, 2022)
• How Can Theories Represent Social Phenomena? (Fuhse, 2022)
• Hyperscanning and the Future of Neurosociology (TenHouten et al., 2022)
• Sociology of Wisdom: The Present and Perspectives (Jijyan et al., 2022). Collective Memory (Halbwachs & Coser, 2022)
• Sociology as a scientific discipline: the post-positivist conception of J. Alexander and P. Kolomi (Vorona, 2022)
• Murder by Usury and Organised Denial: A critical realist perspective on the liberating paradigm shift from psychopathic dominance towards human civilisation (Priels, 2022)
• Analysis of Corruption Justice In The Perspective of Legal Sociology (Hayfa & Kansil, 2023)
• Contributions to the Study of Sociology of Education: Classical Authors (Quentin & Sophie, 2022)
• Inequality without Groups: Contemporary Theories of Categories, Intersectional Typicality, and the Disaggregation of Difference (Monk, 2022)

As you can see, these research topics are a lot more focused than the generic topic ideas we presented earlier. So, for you to develop a high-quality research topic, you’ll need to get specific and laser-focused on a specific context with specific variables of interest.  In the video below, we explore some other important things you’ll need to consider when crafting your research topic.

Get 1-On-1 Help

If you’re still unsure about how to find a quality research topic, check out our Research Topic Kickstarter service, which is the perfect starting point for developing a unique, well-justified research topic.

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Print Friendly

• Applying for a PhD in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Written by Hannah Slack

Applying for a PhD in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (AHSS) can be quite a different experience to applying for a PhD in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) . To make sure you get the best advice, we’ve created a subject-specific guide to the application process, focused on AHSS PhDs.

This page will take a look at some of the most important things prospective PhD students should consider, the application process itself and potential funding options. You will also find plenty of links to our other guides with more information.

What should I consider before applying for a PhD in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences?

Applying for a PhD is a big step and there are a lot of things to consider before you begin your applications. It’s a good idea to take a step back and think about some of the practicalities involved.

The first thing you will have to think about is what subject you intend to study. Some examples of Arts and Humanities disciplines include:

• Archaeology
• Art and Design
• Theatrical Studies

Social Science subjects include:

• Social Work
• Anthropology

The biggest difference between the two departments is that Arts and Humanities research is predominantly concerned with human culture whereas Social Science focuses on human society.

Research idea

The most important thing for your application will be your research idea. This will dictate which universities you can study at, which supervisors you might be able to work with and it could impact your funding opportunities.

Unlike in STEM, AHSS students do not usually apply for readily approved projects. Instead, most students will propose to research their own project in line with the expertise of a university’s department.

Ultimately your research idea must be a subject you enjoy as you’re applying to spend the next three to four years studying it in intense detail. You must also choose a field you know (or will soon know) very well. Good research ideas are ones that can fill a gap in the current academic knowledge. It does not have to be a large gap, but your idea must be something original.

At this stage you should be doing a considerable amount of research. Brainstorming topics and research questions is a good method to help you find your niche.

Where to study

Deciding where to study will come down to a couple of factors. Most importantly, you need to find out which universities have academics who could support your research. If a university has a strong department in your field, then it is more likely to have the necessary resources available.

A good match between student, project and supervisor can help you secure Research Council funding .

The final thing to consider is your current situation. Both personal and financial commitments could limit your geographical options, and so it’s important to first lay out your limits. Consider the average living cost you would be able to afford and the distance you are willing to travel. Identifying boundaries can help keep your search for an institution more focused.

Eligibility

Most PhD programmes in AHSS will require students to have a Masters degree . The Masters should usually be in the same subject as the PhD, although there is some flexibility as long as the subjects are similar. Someone with a Politics Masters, for example, may be able to study a History PhD with a political focus.

The result of your Bachelors degree will therefore be less important, although it could impact your funding applications, particularly when there is a lot of competition.

For more information, take a look at our guide to PhD entry requirements .

Potential supervisors

Finding and getting in touch with a supervisor is extremely important and will likely dictate which universities you apply for. Working with a supervisor who is a specialist in your area means they will be able to offer more helpful and targeted advice during your PhD.

You should already have a good idea of the key figures in your field. Researching their location is a good starting point.

Staff pages on university websites can be a useful tool. Most universities will list staff members alongside their research specialisms and whether they are willing to supervise students.

Considering the reputation and career stage of a supervisor is also important. Academics at the peak of their research career might be extremely busy. While they could offer a wealth of information, they might not have much time to spend with their students. Alternatively, academics in the beginning of their career might not yet have the same level of expertise but will have more time to lend. They are also more likely to remember the ins and outs of completing their own PhD and so might be able to offer more general support.

Choosing a supervisor

You can read more about finding and choosing the right supervisor in our handy guide.

Funding options

The last major consideration is how you intend to fund your PhD.

Most PhDs in AHSS are not advertised with funding readily available. Instead, students usually apply alongside their application.

The main source for funding comes from Research Councils . The two funding bodies for AHSS subjects are the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). Not every student, however, will receive Research Council funding and so applicants should consider other options.

• University funding – Most universities have their own internal scholarship and bursary opportunities to help support a range of PhD students. Make sure to check your eligibility.
• Charities and trusts – There are many organisations that help fund PhD research. Although most won’t offer as much financial support as Research Councils, you can usually apply for more than one grant.
• Self-funding – Lots of AHSS students self-fund their studies. The UK doctoral loan is a good option for extra financial support and many students also work part-time.
• Re-apply – If you were unable to secure Research Council funding you can always reapply the next year. This might involve taking a year out to refine your research project. Students are also allowed to reapply for funding during the first year of their PhD, although you should make sure you have the financial means to finish your PhD if you are unsuccessful.

The final thing to consider is deadlines. If you have already decided which universities to apply for, make a note of their application deadlines. Some universities might also have earlier deadlines if you want to be considered for Research Council or internal funding.

Make sure to write these down and begin your application early. A good guide is to have most things sorted by Christmas as most scholarships have an application deadline in late January or February. You will then have time to tweak and improve your research proposal over the Christmas holidays.

How do I apply for a PhD in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences?

Applications for a PhD in AHSS subjects are usually done through the university’s application portal. Information on what you will need should be on the department’s website.

Although each institution may not ask for the same things, you should expect to supply a combination of the following documents:

• Research proposal
• Cover letter or statement of intent
• Academic transcripts
• Two references
• Writing sample

You will also need to have organised a member of staff willing to supervise you, who you will name in your application.

Make sure to check what documents are required by your institution early so when it’s time to apply, you have everything ready.

What makes a strong PhD application?

A strong PhD application is one that is coherent and outlines a viable project to be completed in three to four years. The best way to communicate these values is through the research proposal .

The most important thing that makes an application strong is its viability. The PhD is not intended to be a life’s work. Your proposal should outline a project that is completable in three to four years. Applications that are too ambitious will likely be refused.

A coherent application will also show that the student has thought about their research interests in depth and planned accordingly. Your university and nominated supervisor should both have expertise in your proposed project.

You should also be able to demonstrate how you and your work will contribute to the department. To do this you should consider and highlight both the academic and wider public impact you believe your work will have.

Social Science

A good Social Science research proposal will likely have a strong emphasis on data. If you are planning on collecting original qualitative or quantitative information through questionnaires or interviews, then you will need to have thought about the ethical implications. You will also need to clearly indicate how you intend to collect, store and use the data.

Your research proposal should also contextualise with recent research, identifying how your proposed research will contributed to the academic discussion.

Arts and Humanities

Research in the Arts and Humanities may also collect new human data and so will need to follow the same ethical guidelines Social Science students must. However, it is more common for students to reassess existing resources. Students should therefore identify their intended source base and its location. This could include detailing historical archives, library collections or research sites. If you also plan to conduct research trips, details regarding the place and length of these trips must be included.

How to write a good research proposal

For some more in-depth tips, make sure you check out our comprehensive guide to writing a good research proposal .

Contacting supervisors

When contacting anyone for an application, it’s important to give them plenty of time to respond.

It’s worthwhile contacting potential supervisors early as many are willing to offer feedback on your proposal. This can help you tailor your project towards their expertise and the department’s resources. They can also advise you on the breadth of your project and any useful literature you may have missed.

How to contact a PhD supervisor

If you would like some help drafting that first email, take a look at our guide to contacting potential PhD supervisors .

Both references should come from academics or a relevant employer. It is best to choose someone you have worked with so they can include relevant detail in their reference.

You should also notify them beforehand and discuss your research ideas and motivation. This can help them further tailor their reference and make you stand out as a viable candidate.

How to choose you references

If you’d like to find out more, we explain all about references in our guide .

How do I apply for PhD funding in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences?

Applying for funding in AHSS is relatively straightforward. Most students will apply for Open Doctoral Awards (DTPs) which are projects that the student have proposed themselves.

There are, however, some opportunities for Collaborative Doctoral Awards (CDPs) where the host institution will advertise a pre-defined project they want to be completed. Applications for CDPs can be a little difference than DTPs as you will not need a research proposal, though you will still need to demonstrate in a personal statement why you are the right person for the project.

Research Council funding

Most students apply for Research Council funding. The main funders of AHSS subjects are the AHRC (Arts and Humanities Research Council) and the ESRC (Economic and Social Research Council). You do not apply for funding from these bodies directly.

If you are applying for a DTP then you will probably be asked to provide a separate proposal detailing why your PhD should be funded. Your application will then be considered by the university who will pass on the top submissions to the Research Council.

Usually, you will be notified around March time whether your application has been submitted for funding consideration. By Easter you will find out whether you have been successful.

Make sure to check the university and Research Council’s websites for the exact dates.

If you are applying for a CDP then you will also apply directly to the university and they will decide whether you are suitable for the advertise position.

What is Research Council funding?

You can find out more about how Research Council funding works in our guide.

Other sources of funding

Other sources of funding can be internal or external .

You will usually apply for internal funding from a university in the same way you apply for Research Council funding. During your application you will be prompted to note which scholarships and grants you would like to be considered for.

Make sure to only apply for ones you’re eligible for. The university will then let you know if your application has been successful after review.

External funding will require a formal application . If you apply for funding from a charity, trust or society, make sure to check their website for details on the application process. Usually, you will be asked to provide at least a research proposal and cover letter.

Self-funding

Most self-funded students in the UK will take out the government doctoral loan. You only need to apply once, and you will receive the money throughout the entirety of your degree.

The doctoral loan can be taken out in any year throughout your studies. The deadline will depend on your start date, but you must apply before the last nine months of your studies.

The loan and application works the same as other student finance loans so does not require you to submit many documents. All that is needed is a proof of identity. You may also be asked to provide some supporting documents such as a proof of residence and acceptance letter onto the course.

Want to learn more about funding?

If you still have questions about funding we have a whole page dedicated to funding advice, tips and answering FAQs .

Ready to do a PhD?

Search our project listings to find out what you could be studying.

Want More Updates & Advice?

You may also like....

We've answered some of the most frequently asked questions about PhDs, covering course types, applications, funding and the benefits of further study.

Getting ready to apply for a PhD? Our guides explain research proposals, references and entry tests for doctoral programmes.

Understand what a successful PhD research proposal needs to include and how to go about writing one for your project application.

Our guide explains how to contact a potential PhD supervisor to discuss your proposal or ideas with them before applying.

A checklist of the things you'll need to do when making an international PhD application, from meeting the entry requirements to sorting out your visa.

What documents you need for a complete study abroad application, what they are and what they should and should not include.

FindAPhD. Copyright 2005-2024 All rights reserved.

Unknown    ( change )

Have you got time to answer some quick questions about PhD study?

Select your nearest city

You haven’t completed your profile yet. To get the most out of FindAPhD, finish your profile and receive these benefits:

• Monthly chance to win one of ten £10 Amazon vouchers ; winners will be notified every month.*
• The latest PhD projects delivered straight to your inbox
• Access to our £6,000 scholarship competition
• Weekly newsletter with funding opportunities, research proposal tips and much more
• Early access to our physical and virtual postgraduate study fairs

Or begin browsing FindAPhD.com

or begin browsing FindAPhD.com

*Offer only available for the duration of your active subscription, and subject to change. You MUST claim your prize within 72 hours, if not we will redraw.

Do you want hassle-free information and advice?

Create your FindAPhD account and sign up to our newsletter:

• Find out about funding opportunities and application tips
• Receive weekly advice, student stories and the latest PhD news
• Hear about our upcoming study fairs
• Save your favourite projects, track enquiries and get personalised subject updates

Create your account

Looking to list your PhD opportunities? Log in here .

Anti-Racism and Culture

Archives and the Public

Cities and Urbanization

Computational Social Science

Conflict and Violence

Environment, Sustainability, and Resilience

Ethics of AI

Health, Culture, and Society

Human Migration

Information and Misinformation

Intersectional Gender and Sexuality

Labor, Work, and Occupation

Legal/Pre-Law

Non-Profit/NGOs

Public Service/Public Policy

Science, Technology, and Society

Social Justice

Wealth Inequality

Dialogues of Civilization

Dynamic and playful london: community development and social change, dialogue: language and culture in contemporary france, dialogue: economic development in rwanda, spanish language and peruvian history and culture, food and culture in vietnam and cambodia, the geopolitics of borders: from security to solidarity in sicily, diversity and unity – politics and migration in the netherlands, ethnic identity and conflict in croatia and bosnia, greece, serbia, bosnia: from balkan wars to economic & security promises of european union, prague-warsaw-krakow-gdans, italian language and culture, ireland, literature and film, the twenty-first century city: tokyo and kyoto, language and culture in spain, experiencing the old and new middle east, the united nations in geneva – diplomacy from ai to global public health and climate, spanish language and culture in pamplona, bibao, and madrid, holocaust and genocide studies, new england and old england: coast, country, city.

2024 Best Online PhD in Social Science Programs

If you are an analytical individual with a drive to help others, you might consider earning a PhD in Social Science.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

This degree is also a beneficial option for anyone who is interested in building their research abilities, understanding global communities, and developing a set of transferable skills.

Universities Offering Online PhD in Social Science Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve University offers a PhD in Social Welfare. This is an on-campus program that can be enrolled in full-time or part-time. Coursework can typically be completed in 2 years by full-time students and 3 years by part-time students. Students are also required to complete a dissertation.

Case Western Reserve University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University offers a Doctorate in Public Administration and Policy. It requires the completion of 49 credit hours. The program covers how to conduct policy analyses, design and conduct research studies in public administration, and report research findings and their implications. Online courses are live and follow a regular schedule. ODU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania State University offers a PhD in Social Studies Education program that is designed to prepare students for working in teacher education at the postsecondary level. Classes can be taken on campus or online. Courses include Research on Social Studies Education, Teaching and Learning Historical Literacy with Media, and Historical Nonfiction for Teaching History.

The Pennsylvania State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

University at Buffalo

The University at Buffalo offers a Doctor of Social Work that can be earned fully online as a part-time student. The program requires the completion of 39 credits and is aimed at experienced social workers. It incorporates a trauma-informed and human rights perspective. Students may start in the fall semester only.

The University at Buffalo is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

University of Arizona

The University of Arizona offers both a Doctor of Philosophy in Human Services and a Doctor of Psychology. Online students may take just one course at a time, and courses are 6 or 9 weeks long. Up to 30 approved credits may be transferred into the program. University of Arizona’s doctoral programs emphasize research and social justice matters.

The University of Arizona is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

University of Tennessee – Knoxville

The University of Tennessee—Knoxville offers a Doctor of Social Work in Clinical Practice and Leadership. The online program includes three years of rigorous coursework, with two classes each semester. Online students must also spend one week each summer on campus in Knoxville.

The University of Tennessee – Knoxville is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania offers a Doctorate in Clinical Social Work. Online students may complete their coursework and dissertations simultaneously and can usually finish within 3 years. Online classes meet two evenings each week for two hours. The program also includes on-campus immersion experiences.

The  University of Pennsylvania  is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

University of Southern California

The University of Southern California offers an online Doctorate of Social Work. The program aims to help students learn how to develop practical, applied solutions to large-scale social challenges. The standard track is nine semesters, and the accelerated track is seven semesters. The program is fully online with no required fieldwork, clinicals, or internships. The University of Southern California is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, the Senior College and University Commission.

Walden University

Walden University offers a PhD in Social Work. Students may choose a specialization in Advanced Clinical Practice and Supervision, Impact Leadership in Social Work Administration, or Social Work Education. This is a research-based program designed for working professionals. Students begin focusing on their dissertations from the first course.

Walden is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Wilmington University

Wilmington University offers a Doctor of Social Science in Prevention Science. This is an interdisciplinary program that includes the study of public health, human development, developmental psychopathology, education, behavioral sciences, and more. It requires the completion of thirteen courses for a total of 39-48 credits.

Wilmington University  is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

PhD in Social Science Programs

Similar to a master’s in social science program, in a PhD program, there are many disciplines that fall under the umbrella of social science. The following are some typical areas that you may choose to focus on as you earn your doctorate degree. Select the program that most interests you to jump to that section of the guide:

Anthropology

Human services.

Regardless of the specialty you select, you will still receive a strong foundation in social science and related courses.

At its core, a degree in anthropology centers around the study of humankind. Not only will you have the opportunity to research historical communities and cultures, but you will also examine modern-day societies as well.

Learning to conduct effective research and using information about the past to impact the future are important parts of this degree. After earning a PhD in Anthropology, there are a number of career options available. Many graduates go on to work in the fields of museum curation, government, education, and social work.

Students earning a PhD in History can develop expertise in analyzing and conducting historical research. Many programs also focus on building conscientious leaders and teachers. You can use the lessons you learn about the past to educate and inform the decisions you make about the present and future. A degree in this field can lead to a wide variety of career paths.

Many graduates pursue careers as educators, research fellows, historians, and policy analysts. Because doctoral history programs require a high attention to detail and strong writing skills, some graduates also find jobs as authors or archivists.

A doctoral degree in human services can provide you with a deeper look into the work and impact that human service organizations provide. You will likely leave with a working knowledge of the ethical guidelines in the field and with leadership skill sets.

Careers in this field typically serve the community and improve the lives of the individuals who inhabit them. Depending on your previous educational background, you may choose to do several different things with a PhD in Human Services. An eligibility worker supervisor, specialist director, and licensed clinical social worker are just a few examples of the career paths available in this field.

Students who are working toward their PhD in Sociology will study societies and social interactions. Programs in this field usually prepare you for work in teaching or research.

Graduates tend to go on to become teachers or researchers, but there are other options available as well. For example, you may choose to pursue work in a medical health center or a government agency. Most PhD professionals in this field end up in a nonprofit or research-based organization.

A doctoral degree in psychology will look different depending on the specialty that you choose. Doctoral psychology programs typically offer an opportunity to conduct extensive scientific research and to strengthen your skills in this area. You will often pair this research with real-world practicum experience.

Because you can tailor a degree in psychology to fit your interests, there are a wide variety of potential career paths. Some professionals choose to become teachers, counselors, and social workers. Others pursue positions as clinical psychologists.

Social Science Careers & Salaries

With a social science doctoral degree, there are a wide range of potential career paths that you may take. The positions that you are qualified for will vary depending on your specific area of study within your social science PhD program.

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics , here are the annual median salaries for common careers within the social sciences.

Because you can tailor this degree to fit your interests, it can often lead to work that is personally fulfilling. With options in a variety of sectors, such as nonprofit or private, you can help your community in the way that feels best to you.

Social Sciences Doctorate Curriculum & Courses

While each university has its own unique curriculum, there are typical classes within each discipline that you may take as you complete your doctorate in social sciences.

Here are some common courses that may be offered:

• History Research : In this course, you’ll learn methods of effective research specific to social studies as well as how to identify and analyze credible sources.
• Historical Methods : This course focuses on using primary sources to conduct research and write about findings.
• Ethnographic and Qualitative Methods : Focusing on fieldwork methods, this course explores topics such as project design, observation, and data-collection and analysis.
• Development of Anthropological Thought : In this course, you’ll learn about the evolution of anthropological thought, including the ways in which scientific and intellectual thought-patterns have changed.
• Foundations and Methods of Psychology : This course is a foundational exploration of the history of psychology, and it takes a deeper look into the research tools and methods used to conduct psychological studies.
• Development of Human Behavior : This course examines the ways in which external events impact human reactions.
• Grant Writing : This course dissects the process of grant writing and details each step, including the statement of need and executive summary.
• Human Service s Theory : This course examines modern approaches to research in the human services field, and you’ll also learn to design ethically informed research projects.
• Sociological Theories of Development : This course provides a study of the history of sociological theories as well as an overview of key figures and important dates.
• Dissertation : Most PhD programs close with a dissertation. This course will be a chance for you to learn about the dissertation writing process and begin plans for your own work.

Your own curriculum and coursework will be specific to the university that you attend.

Doctor of Social Science Admissions Requirements

Although every university is unique in their admissions criteria, here are some of the typical requirements for doctoral programs:

• GRE or GMAT scores, if required
• Master’s degree
• Minimum GPA from previous programs
• Letters of recommendation

In addition to these criteria, many schools ask you to pay a small application fee. You may also be asked to provide additional documents, such as an admissions essay or employment records. It’s strategic to check the specific admissions requirements for your schools of interest prior to applying.

Accreditation

Although accreditation is a voluntary process, it can say a lot about the quality of education that a school offers. Regionally accredited programs consist of a staff and educational materials that are considered to be up to standard.

Regional accreditation can be an important factor to look for during your school search. In addition to the instructional benefits you can receive, employers often favor candidates who have completed an accredited degree program.

You can check if a school is regionally accredited by visiting the website of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) .   

Financial Aid and Scholarships

As you apply to various doctoral programs in social sciences, it can be helpful to consider available financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

Federal aid is granted to individuals based on a set of eligibility requirements. You can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at no cost to you to determine how much aid you qualify for. Federal financial assistance can come in several forms, including direct unsubsidized loans, grants, and work-study programs.

In addition to federal aid, you may also be eligible for state aid, scholarships, or employee education benefit programs. You can check the financial aid guidelines for your specific state, university, or employer for specific details.

What Can You Do with a Social Science PhD Degree?

Because there are so many topics within the social sciences major , a PhD degree in this field can lead to a wide range of career opportunities.

Many professionals who earn their doctorate degree in a social science field go on to provide essential services to their communities. For instance, some work as chief executives, social workers, or psychologists. Others choose to enter into the worlds of education and history as professors, historians, or museum curators.

Every individual’s path post-graduation will look different. There are a number of factors that can impact your career path and salary, such as your work experience, specialty area, employer, and location.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Social Science Doctoral Degree?

It typically takes 3 to 5 years to complete a PhD program, but the length of time can vary based on the required number of credits and how long it takes you to complete your dissertation.

Doctoral programs that do not require a dissertation may be completed in as little as 3 years with full-time enrollment. Alternatively, if you attend part-time, it may take you longer to complete your degree.

What’s the Difference Between a PhD in Social Science vs. Humanities Degree?

It can be helpful to think of social sciences as a scientific approach to studying human nature and communities, while the humanities take an analytical approach.

The program that is right for you will depend on several factors, including your career goals and your individual interests.

Is a Social Science PhD Worth It?

Yes, a social science PhD is worth it for many students. There are so many potential areas of study within the field of social sciences, and you can tailor your degree to fit your personal interests and career goals. Each area of focus provides a unique way to help develop and assist your community.

In addition to a variety of career options, employment in life, physical, and social science occupations is expected to grow 8% over the next ten years (Bureau of Labor Statistics). A PhD can also help you qualify for positions in research and academia.

Getting Your PhD in Social Science Online

Earning your PhD in Social Sciences can open up doors to new opportunities. Many professionals who earn their social science degrees leave with a deeper understanding of the interactions between individuals and their communities. They often go on to impact the lives of the people around them through the services they provide.

If you are passionate about using science and research to help others, a Ph.D. in Social Science may be the right degree path for you. A growing number of accredited universities now also offer credible PhD programs online, allowing for more convenience and flexibility.

You can get started today by researching doctoral programs in your chosen field.

Doctoral Programme in Social Sciences

The doctoral programme offers high-quality doctoral training in the areas of media and communication studies, social and cultural anthropology, social psychology, social and public policy, social work, sociology, social data science and criminology.

50 new doctoral students are admitted each year. We're an international community, and the programme is multilingual: you can complete a degree in either Finnish, Swedish or English.

Want to know more? Visit our profile & activities page to learn more about the key research areas and activities in the programme.

Quick links

• Find a course
• Request a prospectus
• Undergraduate

Criminology BSc Honours

Search the website.

Join one of the longest-established university criminology departments in the world with a team that supports policy development at national and international level.

Register your interest

• Book an open day

Viewing course details for 2025 year of entry

• Course Overview

About your course

• Teaching and learning

Facilities and support

Entry requirements.

• Fees and funding
• Download prospectus

Why choose Criminology BSc Honours at Middlesex?

5th in London for overall student positivity (National Student Survey 2023)

To study criminology is to embark on a fascinating journey exploring the problem of crime. Learn about its causes and consequences, and investigating how society does and should respond to criminal behaviour in all its forms.

This course is ideal if you're interested in how society responds to criminal behaviour and the challenges that this provides.

We've been at the forefront of criminological teaching and research since the 1970s and have played a significant role in shaping criminology in the UK and internationally. We were one of the first universities in the UK to develop criminology as an independent area of study, making us a consistent leader in the industry. All our lecturers are involved in undertaking research and these experiences often inform their teaching.

What you will gain

At the end of this course, you'll have developed professional skills to help you achieve success in your career. You'll be able to research a given topic, analyse the data and prepare a critical summary of your findings supported by empirical evidence.

As a graduate, you’ll be prepared for a range of criminal justice roles like policing, research, and government. The skills and personal development you’ll experience through modules and practical learning will prepare you for any professional career.

On this course you will gain the skills to :

• Identify issues of crime, deviance and crime control formulating questions and lines of enquiry   
• Critically evaluate criminological theories and concepts explaining crime, deviance and victimisation, focusing on social and legal constructions  
• Demonstrate skills of literacy, numeracy, digital awareness and critical analysis, and to communicate effectively  think reflectively about your own values, strengths and weaknesses, give and receive feedback
• Gather, analyse and present arguments based on different kinds of data   
• Recognise social injustice, inequality and abuses of power, develop argument and evidence to challenge these  
• Undertake criminological research in the areas of quantitative and/or qualitative data.

We have over 145 years of experience delivering professional, creative and technical education that prepares students – like you – for success in global careers, so find out more today.

What you will learn

You'll be taught by staff currently involved in researching important issues related to crime and justice, and the findings of their research will influence your learning and research skills. You'll learn to understand the factors that influence criminological research, policy and practice, and learn the research and analysis skills.

One of the main strengths of our criminology degrees is that we 'team-teach' a number of our core and optional modules. Working together you will learn together and experience different teaching styles throughout the course.

You will gain industry experience through field trips and an optional volunteering module that enables you to integrate your learning and development from that experience into your degree.

This course offers visits to criminal justice organisations, courts and prisons, as well as inviting industry-leading guest speakers to give you a well-rounded and practice-based course that will propel you into your chosen career.

You'll explore many aspects of the fascinating problem of crime, including:

• Why people and organisations break the law
• The causes and consequences of crime
• How society does and should respond to criminal behaviour
• Understanding criminology in action
• Crime and control, social sciences, justice and punishment, and forensic skills
• A range of options relating to your interests or career goals.

You’ll also learn to reflect on your own values, strengths and weakness, and responsibility while learning to give and receive feedback in professional environments.

3 great reasons to pick this course

95% positive feedback.

95% of students were positive about the resources and facilities on their course – National Student Statistics (NSS) 2023

Specialise your learning

You’ll have the option of selecting a specialist module in year two. In addition to this, you can take either a term-long or year-long placement module to put your skills into practice

Knowledge and skills development

94% of students were positive about the way their course developed their knowledge and skills – National Student Statistics (NSS) 2023

Part-time study

Study at your own pace alongside work and other commitments and get the skills and knowledge you need to progress in your career.

When choosing a part-time course, you will study the same modules as the full-time course but over a longer period.

Find out more about the many benefits of studying part-time at Middlesex University .

This Criminology BSc Honours degree provides an in-depth exploration of crime, criminals, victims and interaction with the criminal justice system. It's been designed for those who have an interest in how society responds to deviant behaviour and challenges the concept of social deviance. You'll focus on theories of criminology and their application to contemporary life by studying the impact of social divisions on minorities based on their experiences, interpretations, and representations of crime and criminal justice. You'll be taught by staff currently researching issues related to crime and justice. Their findings will help you to understand the factors influencing criminological research, policy and practice, and help you develop your research and analysis skills. This is a three or four year degree, depending on an optional industry placement year. It can also be studied part-time over six years. The work placement year takes place between the second and third years.

• Year 3 Thick Sandwich

Crime in Social Context (30 credits) - Compulsory

In this module, you will become acquainted with the dynamic nature of crime across law, politics, society, and culture. The module challenges conventional perceptions of crime, exploring its contested essence over time and space. Emphasis is placed on understanding the impact of social factors on crime constructions including issues of class, race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and religion.

This module facilitates an exploration of the intricate relationship between crime, culture and society and the seeming paradox between society’s fear of crime and fascination with violent crime. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of contemporary criminology’s major theoretical approaches this foundation is crucial in building knowledge and understanding of diverse perspectives on crime thereby helping to form a cornerstone for further studies. The module also facilitates the development of key academic skills including the synthesis and interpretation of information and research data, the construction of oral and written assignments and citation and referencing.

Researching Crimes and Communities (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module introduces you to social research inquiry as a way of seeing and interpreting the world. The module focuses on how ethical qualitative and quantitative social research is carried out. It will teach you the basic components of social sciences research. The lens of communities will be used to highlight the context in which the events, issues and problems we study, occur within.

You will be engaging with a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods. You will learn how data are produced in different forms and will develop ways to analyse them. The module builds key research capabilities through a range of skills-based tasks and adopts a developmental style through a research portfolio assessment. You will be able to apply knowledge through practical activities. Many of these skills will have relevance beyond your degree and will be attractive to future employers.

Responses to Crime in the 21st Century (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module introduces you to key criminal justice institutions, exploring contemporary issues within the police, courts, prisons, probation, immigration detention, youth justice, and the forensic mental health system. This module familiarises you with the understanding of current policies and practice, emphasizing international and cross-national influences on criminal justice.

Additionally, the module introduces the UK legal system, fostering an awareness of its role in shaping criminal justice responses to crime, deviance, and public insecurity. You will engage with legal frameworks, procedural rules, and explore various punishment measures, while developing skills in synthesizing official statistics and evaluating research data.

Understanding contemporary society (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module introduces the foundations of sociological theory to allow you to appreciate central questions and ideas that have shaped sociology’s development as a discipline, and to recognise the ways these continue to shape sociologists’ engagement with today’s social world, both in academic contexts as well as in practical settings. The module content serves as foundational knowledge for other sociology and criminology modules. It introduces you to taking a sociological perspective on human interaction and to using the sociological imagination to analyse a range of social issues as well as how actors and institutions might respond to these issues in a sociologically informed way. You will learn core approaches to understanding contemporary society, by studying social structures, interactions, institutions, social movements and activism from a global and intersectional lens. They will also learn core aspects of the relation between theory and practice in contemporary sociology and its applications.

Rethinking Crime and Justice (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of key theoretical ideas and debates in criminology. It requires you to reflect on what putting issues such as power and rights at the centre of criminological theory and practice might mean for crime, justice and punishment. The module will cover developments and trends influencing criminological discussion, debates and research and these developments and trends are assessed in relation to emerging social, political and cultural patterns. You will develop knowledge and understanding of how criminological theory is constructed and will be required to apply theoretical knowledge to a range of contemporary issues and trends of prominent criminological interest and concern.

Criminology in practice (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module introduces you to areas of employment that can be considered for criminology career pathways. It facilitates your engagement with various crime control, offending and support services professions and provides opportunities to explore the knowledge and skills required to perform in related positions. The module also fosters an awareness of critical reflection and ethical behaviours and the implications for professional practice and conduct. Additionally, the module supports your ability to utilise information and tools relevant to personal and professional development thereby providing practical opportunities to advance employability goals.

Research Methods for Studying Contemporary Society (30 credits) - Compulsory

The aim of this module is threefold:

(A) You will propose a methodological research project on a topic of interest, including a review of the literature and research questions suitable for; 

(B) A mixed method project; and 

(C) part of the project involves forming a conversational guide and a survey, collecting and analysing data, to form a portfolio. This module equips you with the knowledge and skills to use SPSS for data analysis and thematic analysis to analyse qualitative data. By studying this module you will be prepared to undertake qualitative and quantitative research for their dissertation.

Courts, Prisons and Rehabilitation (30 credits) - Optional

This module introduces you to intersections between the criminal courts, sentencing, prisons and rehabilitation. It has a particular focus on the aims of punishment, the use of imprisonment and key developments in penal policy and practice. It will facilitate your abilities to apply theoretical perspectives to sentencing, punishment and prison issues and to analyse the impact of policy on the experiences of those who are imprisoned and the work of the key professionals and practitioners working in the prison system. The module will develop your skills in drawing on a range of documentary evidence to analyse and evaluate sentencing aims, the purpose and place of prisons in society and to foster a critical interest in prison and punishment reform.

Race and Social Justice (30 credits) - Optional

The module will help you develop an understanding of key theoretical perspectives on race and social justice in relation to lived realities, in the UK and globally. The module will equip you with in-depth understanding of the concept of race and its social construction, power and privilege, including white power and privilege across different spaces, racism and intersectional oppression. The module will also focus on institutional racism and resistance, on the power of the state and legislation, providing a critical reflection through interdisciplinary scholarship.

This module prepares you to engage with race and social justice topics for their dissertations and/or those wanting to pursue a career in a related field. With guest lectures from practitioners and a range of creative and academic assessments, the module encourages co-leadership, practice-led learning, digital literacy and technology-enhanced learning and employability.

Victimology (30 credits) - Optional

The module will expand your thinking around victimisation and consider this topic from a broader perspective, assessing societal responses to victimisation and who we consider to be a victim. The module will explore multiple crime types such as: sexual and domestic violence; homicide; sex work; hate crime; financial crime; state crime and other types of crime, comparing and contrasting different theories and perspectives in relation to the concept of victimisation. In addition, the module will develop your reflective learning skills both by reflecting on your own learning and formulating feedback for the work of others.

Thick Sandwich Placement (120 Credits) - Compulsory

This module will strengthen, extend and apply the knowledge, skills and experiences you would have gained from your course in the context of a working environment, and to complement, stimulate, reinforce and encourage the development of discipline-specific technical knowledge, and your transferable skills. You will gain knowledge of professional requirements in an industry context and record and critically reflect on your personal practice. 

Contemporary Issues in Criminology and Social Policy (30 credits) - Compulsory

The module will explore key policy topics linked to crime, deviance, harm and criminal justice across different global contexts. It will support you in developing a critical awareness of how and why policy is designed and implemented and how it impacts offending, victimisation, harms and criminal justice responses. It will critically explore different areas of society, such as education and gender and citizenship, to develop knowledge and understanding of the links between contemporary policies and criminological outcomes. In response to the topics explored, you will develop an awareness of alternative approaches and ideological perspectives. 

Digital Lives: Cybercrime and Radicalisation (30 credits) - Optional

The module will advance your critical and creative understanding of the ways in which the use of digital technologies is reshaping fundamental dimensions of social life, from personal relationships and vulnerabilities to transformations in crime and violent extremism. The module allows you to examine how digital communications are embedded in everyday life, linking theoretical approaches, empirical material, and your experiments with digital tools, particularly generative AI.

Dissertation (30 credits) - Optional

This module will synthesise learning from the criminology and sociology programmes of study, providing an opportunity for you to study independently and investigate a topic in depth, in accordance with the Sociology and Criminology Benchmark Statement. It fosters academic curiosity; an inquiry-based approach, and the employment and application of research skills which will facilitate the development of a higher level of theorising.

Drugs, Crime and Control (30 credits) - Optional

This module will critically engage you in contemporary debates surrounding drugs, drug use and their control. It will develop your knowledge and understanding of the processes involved in social definitions of drugs, drug use and people who use drugs and your skills in applying theoretical perspectives to drug issues. It will stimulate critical analysis and evaluation of the laws, policies and institutions of drugs control and their social, economic and political contexts. The module will foster and develop your critical interest in the reform of drugs control policy.

Ethical Research and Project Management (30 credits) - Optional

This module will develop your understanding of research project design while equipping you with ethical research skills needed for independent social science research projects. These skills include a criminology or sociology topic for research, conducting a literature review to justify proposed research questions, selecting appropriate research methodologies and methods while considering the ethical issues around the research project. You'll develop project design and management skills including taking leadership of your learning and being reflexive of the process.

Learning at Work (60 credits) - Optional

This module uses the workplace as a site of learning and inquiry. It supports the integration of theory and practice and provides opportunities to apply methods of inquiry to practice related problems in order to recommend solutions and improve work practice. The module also immerses you in a process of reflection, cultivates knowledge of ethical and professional behaviours and builds some of the key understandings associated with the worker-researcher. In sum this module supports the development of a range of skills and knowledge necessary for career and professional development.

Organised Crime and Crimes of the Powerful (30 credits) - Optional

This module facilitates your critical engagement with the crimes such as white-collar, corporate, environmental and state crime (crimes of the powerful) as well as transnational organised crimes, often committed by both formal and informal powerful organisations. The module provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the causes, consequences of such variety of crime as well as equip them with the ability to identify effective legislations, policies and policing strategies. You will engage and assess the main theories that explain these types of power crime and evaluate policies and judicial response at international and transnational level.

Violent Crime (30 credits) - Optional

This module will discuss the dynamics of violence from a gender-informed perspective, how it is used by perpetrators, controlled, and used to control. The module highlights the interconnections between violence, gender, sexuality and crime, and illustrates the blurred boundaries between interpersonal, self-inflicted, community and structural violence. On completing the module, you will explore and learn about the social and spatial parameters of violent crime, theoretical and layperson perspectives on violence, the links between sex, sexuality and violence, and how violence is gendered.

Sign up to receive the latest information about studying at Middlesex University London.

Our communications are designed to support you in deciding your future and keep you up to date about student finance, employment opportunities and student activities available at Middlesex University.

You’ll learn through a blend of theory and practice, focusing on key elements of criminology and sociology including crime and control, social sciences, justice and punishment, and forensic skills. You'll be taught by an experienced teaching team with a wide range of expertise and professional experience. You will gain knowledge through teaching sessions, key concept videos, guest speakers, workshops and seminars, guided reading and independent study, group work, computer-assisted data analysis, fieldwork, case studies, community-based and work-based learning opportunities, and online and in-class exercises.   You will have the opportunity to pick from a range of options, enabling you to choose the areas you are particularly interested in or align with your career goals.

• How we'll teach you

Coursework and assessments

How you'll learn.

We put a strong emphasis on diverse, practice-based approaches to teaching and learning which will be fully supported by a wide range of online materials via the Mylearning facility. Pre-recorded concept videos will concisely introduce and examine key concepts/theories and how they relate to real world scenarios.     Interactive teaching sessions offer overviews of key issues and themes, clarify questions, and assist youthe student into constructing pathways to engage with discipline knowledge, while online and in-class exercises allow you to monitor your progress and learning.     Seminars offer the opportunity to discuss issues covered by key concept videos and reading, and to clarify and communicate ideas and questions around crime, deviance, victimisation and social harm.      Workshops allow you to explore ways of putting criminological ideas into practice, by working on problems and constructing solutions, in particular through working on data and evidence and their relationship with major forms of crime control and victimisation.  Guided reading and independent study allow youstudents to build foundational knowledge and appreciate the way criminological argument is constructed.      Group work allows the opportunity for self-responsibility and teamwork, and for understanding the strengths and limits of collaboration with others.     Laboratory work and data analysis allow an appreciation of what constitutes criminological data and evidence.       Fieldwork projects, site visits, practitioner lectures and work-based learning build an understanding of the distinctive way criminologists approach crime and responses to crime, and allow you to engage with questions of social justice in ‘real life’ and to explore what it means to act ethically. 

Typical weekly breakdown

During your first year, your weekly timetable will typically consist of:

• 4 hours of engaging interactive sessions
• 8 hours of seminars.

Teaching vs independent learning

Outside of teaching hours, you’ll learn independently through self-study which will involve reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework, presentations and exams.

Here is an indication of how you will split your time:

Academic support

Our excellent teaching and support teams will help you develop your skills from research and practical skills to critical thinking. And we offer free 24-hour laptop loans with full desktop software, free printing and Wi-Fi to use on or off campus.

This course is based on 100% coursework.

You will be assessed through a variety of methods including written assessments, essays, reports, practical sessions, presentations and group assessments. Written work includes policy critique, case study analysis reports, position papers, 'in-tray exercies', media reviews and a final disseration or project report.

Other ways you will demostrate learning includes posters, individual and group presentations, computer-based exercises and data analysis.

You will be given regular feedback on your work. You will develop IT skills and the ability to interpret numerical data.

We'll test your understanding and progress with informal and formal tests.

The informal tests usually take place at least once per module, from which you’ll receive feedback from your tutor. The grades from these tests don’t count towards your final marks.

There are formal assessments for each module, usually at the end, which will count towards your module and your final marks.

Assessments are reviewed annually and may be updated based on student feedback or feedback from an external examiner.

To help you achieve the best results, we will provide regular feedback.

North London campus

Our north London campus is 23 minutes away by underground train, travelling from London Kings Cross.

Our Sheppard Library provides a wide range of resources and support to help you to succeed in your studies.

Over 1,000 study spaces including rooms for group study and over 500 computers available.

We have one of London's biggest and best university campuses with everything you need in one place.

Student support.

We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health, and disability support.

Additional needs

We'll support you if you have additional needs such as sensory impairment or dyslexia. And if you want to find out whether Middlesex is the right place for you before you apply, get in touch with our Disability and Dyslexia team .

Our specialist teams will support your mental health. We have free individual counselling sessions, workshops, support groups and useful guides.

Work while you study

Our Middlesex Unitemps branch will help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above. Visit the Middlesex Unitemps page .

Financial support

You can apply for scholarships and bursaries and our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.

We have also reduced the costs of studying with free laptop loans, free learning resources and discounts to save money on everyday things. Check out our guide to student life on a budget .

How can the BSc Criminology Honours support your career?

Our degree is an excellent foundation for a career within the police force or the wider criminal justice system.  While a degree in criminology will commonly lead to employment within the general field of criminal justice, transferable skills of critical analysis, theoretical understanding, research methodology, oral, written and visual communication and policy analysis, are relevant to many other areas of employment. Many of our graduates have gone on to develop their careers in a wide range of organisations beyond criminal justice including health and education services.

You may also decide to pursue further education like a Master's programme and continue on to a PhD programme.

Graduate job roles

Many criminology graduates go into policing roles, in areas ranging from border security, the National Crime Agency (NCA), as well as police services, to agencies charged with dealing with environmental crime, financial crime, fraud detection, cybercrime or drug related crime. Criminology graduates are increasingly employed in victim support roles and in related areas such as child protection, internet safety, or prevention of radicalisation and extremism.  

Graduate employers

Our previous graduates have been successful at gaining employment in a wide range of organisations, including:

• Central and local government
• Court services
• Youth justice
• Victim support services
• Voluntary and community-based sector.

Roles in these different organisations are diverse, but include research, crime analysis, policy and campaigning, court work, offender and victim casework work, and investigative and legal work.  

Transferable skills

While a degree in criminology will ordinarily lead to employment within the general field of criminal justice, the skills of data research, critical analysis, oral, written and visual communication, reasoned debate, understanding theoretical concepts, and policy analysis can be transferred to many other areas of employment.

Our employability service , MDXworks will launch you into the world of work from the beginning of your course, with placements, projects and networking opportunities through our 1000+ links with industry and big-name employers in London and globally.

Our dedicated lifetime career support, like our business start-up support programme and funding for entrepreneurs, has been recognised with the following awards:

• The top 20 UK universities for business leaders and entrepreneurs – Business Money, 2023
• A top 10 university for producing CEOs – Novuana, 2023.

Global network

You’ll study with students from 122 countries who’ll hopefully become part of your global network. And after you graduate, we'll still support you through our alumni network to help you progress in your chosen career.

At the end of your second year you may opt to take a year-long placement before returning to complete your final year of study. This will make your degree a four-year period of study, if studied full-time. 

Employability skills are built within our classroom setting and within particular modules and they can be further enhanced through practical experience gained through with work-based learning.    You may choose to take the Learning at Work (60 credit) module in year three, instead of completing the Ethical Research and Project Management and the Dissertation.     Alternatively, you also have the opportunity to complete a full-year of work-based learning experience, between your second and third years of study. If you take the sandwich year option you will be required to complete the dissertation at Level 6.     In recent years, our students have undertaken placements in a wide range of organisations, including Victim Support, British Transport Police, Centrepoint, World Development Movement, Solace Women’s Aid, Jubilee Debt Campaign, Friends of the Earth, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Ofcom, Herts Police, Special Constable Training, Enfield Island Youth and Community Trust, Barnet Mencap, Voluntary Action within Kent, Family Lives, College of North West London, Anne Frank Trust UK, Parkinson's UK Research Support Network, Southwark Youth Offending Service, Schools, Prison Service, PAARS.  

At Middlesex, we're proud of how we recognise the potential of future students like you. We make fair and aspirational offers because we want you to aim high, and we’ll support you all the way.

• International
• How to apply

Qualifications

We’ll always be as flexible as possible and take into consideration any barriers you may have faced in your learning. And, if you don’t quite get the grades you hoped for, we’ll also look at more than your qualifications. Things like your work experience, other achievements and your personal statement.

We'll accept T Levels for entry onto our undergraduate degree courses (including our extended courses with a foundation year) with standard application of science requirements and GCSEs in line with UCAS tariff calculation.

Our general entry requirements page outlines how we make offers where we have given a range (e.g. BBB – BBC in A levels), and how you will be made an offer if you are studying a combination of qualifications (e.g. BTEC and A level). In both cases, we will base this on information you’ve provided on your application. 

Foundation year

If you don't meet the entry requirements, why not consider our Law and Social Science Foundation course to help you prepare for the full degree?

Mature students (over 21)

We welcome applications from mature candidates, including those without formal qualifications if you can demonstrate relevant experience and ability.

Academic credit

If you have a qualification such as a foundation degree or HND or have gained credit at another university, you may be able to join us in year two or three. Find out how you can transfer courses.

If you have relevant qualifications or work experience, we may be able to count this towards your entry requirements. Find out more about prior learning accreditation .

Interviews are not required for this course.

We welcome students from the UK and all over the world. Join students from over 122 countries and discover why so many international students call our campus home:

• Quality teaching with top facilities plus flexible online learning
• Welcoming north London campus that's only 30 minutes from central London
• Work placements and networking with top London employers
• Award-winning career support to get you where you want to go after university.

We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the accepted qualifications on your  country's support page. If you are unsure of the suitability of your qualifications or would like help with your application, please contact your nearest international office .

English language

You will need to meet our English language requirements. And, don’t worry If you don't meet our minimum English language requirements, as we offer a Pre-sessional English course.

To study with us in the UK, you might need a Student visa . Please check to see if this applies to you.

You can apply now via UCAS using the code  L350 .  Visit the UCAS site today .

Need help with your application? Check out our undergraduate application page.

The fees below are for the 2024/25 academic year:

UK students 1

Full-time students: £9,250

Part-time: £77 per taught credit

International students 2

Full-time students: £16,600

Part-time students: £138 per taught credit

Additional costs

The following study tools are included in your fees:

• Free access to the resources, learning materials and software you need to succeed on your course
• Free laptop loans for up to 24 hours
• Free printing for academic paperwork
• Free online training with LinkedIn Learning.

The following course-related costs are not included in the fees, and you will need to budget for these: 

• Additional books that you wish to purchase
• Voluntary field trips

Scholarships and bursaries

To help make uni affordable, we do everything we can to support you including our:

• MDX Excellence Scholarship offers grants of up to £2,000 per year for UK students
• Regional or International Merit Awards which reward International students with up to £2,000 towards course fees
• Student Starter Kit. Get help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad. Find out about our scholarships and bursaries .

Fees disclaimers

1. UK fees: The university reserves the right to increase undergraduate tuition fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions. The tuition fees for part-time UK study are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

2. International fees: Tuition fees are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

Any annual increase in tuition fees as provided for above will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.

Student testimonials "I have always been interested in understanding criminal behaviour, and wanted to gain a theoretical understanding to add to, and improve on, my previous policing perception. I particularly enjoyed the 'Institutions of Criminal Justice' module which required court visits to both Magistrates' and Crown Courts. However, on the whole, the knowledge, experience, and skill that I have gained throughout the course are collectively the most enjoyable aspect of my undergraduate degree at Middlesex. Prior to studying Criminology, I was sure that I wanted to join the Metropolitan Police. While this remains an option for the future, my current priority lies in further education and I am presently looking at applying for a GDL (Graduate Diploma in Law)." Andrew Serghides Criminology BA student "Studying at Middlesex was a challenge but became one of my greatest achievements to date. I was supported by amazing lecturers along the way and was able to do a placement in my final year because of this. The course is right for anyone who wants to work within the criminal justice system and gain a deeper understanding of criminality." Abigail Akoto Criminology BA (Youth Justice) student

Speak directly with one of our Unibuddy student ambassadors

Unistats information.

Discover Uni provides applicants with Unistats statistics about undergraduate life at Middlesex.

Please select 'see course data' on the following course option to view the full Unistats data for Criminology.

• How to apply arrow_forward_ios
• Book an open day arrow_forward_ios
• Get in touch arrow_forward_ios

Explore your prospectus

Take your first step towards the future you want with our guide

We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.

Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.

Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.

At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.

Why not explore

Join us to discover more about our range of courses, and get a feel for life at Middlesex for yourself

Accommodation

We’ll help you find your new home in London while you study at Middlesex

Student life

Find out more about what life is like on campus and discover what student life is all about

The university promotes research and encourages students to participate in research projects

Modal video