Overview

Our staff are experts, often internationally renowned, in a wide range of key areas of sociology, and centres such as the Cathie Marsh Institute for Social Research (CMIST) and Methods@Manchester, provide a wealth of opportunities for postgraduate researchers.

Some of our main research themes include: sociological theory, research methods, cultural and media studies, sociology of gender, feminist movements, sociology of consumption, sociology of language and discourse, sociology of economic life, labour markets and educational attainment.

Recent PhDs have included topics as diverse as internet use in Iran, branding in AIDs awareness advertising, and how class differences affect access to higher education.

Career opportunities

MPhil candidates often progress to PhD. Typical first destinations at the end of the programme include lectureships, research posts, senior administrative positions in local government, NHS and educational institutions, homeworking and trade union and union linked positions. 

There is increasing need for well trained social scientists who are able to apply advanced methods of analysis to complex data.

These skills are in short supply and graduates of the Social Research Methods and Statistics programme, in particular, leave in a good position to obtain jobs in the academic sector, in central government, including the Office for National Statistics, in local government and within the commercial research sector. 

Many of our PhDs continue their research at post-doctoral level and in recent years several have become academics at Manchester and in other universities around the world.

Teaching and learning

Students are guided and supported by at least one supervisor who is expert in their area. Research students registered in the Faculty of Humanities participate in the Faculty's skills training audit, skills training and personal development planning.

There is a fortnightly research seminar for all students, which includes help with personal and development planning (PDP) as well as research issues, and is an opportunity to meet with other PhD students.