Sociology

Entry requirements

An upper second-class undergraduate honours degree (or equivalent) and normally a merit at MSc/MA level (or equivalent).

Months of entry

January, September

Course content

Develop your own research expertise by studying a sociological issue in an innovative interdisciplinary school.

Study with internationally renowned sociologists in a dynamic and supportive research environment. They are involved in funded research, research centres and groups looking at everything from digital economies and futures, food security and integration, to music festivals, migration, modern slavery and social inequalities. Our staff also have particular expertise across a range of cultural and social theory and champion diverse research methodologies.

Benefit from support and oversight from two PhD supervisors whose current active research interests and expertise are relevant to your chosen research area.

Be challenged and inspired by an international community of scholars addressing some of the most important topics that face us today. Join a diverse, innovative community, committed to rigorous conceptual and empirical research that is politically and socially relevant and problem-orientated.

Produce work that advances theory, knowledge and methods at the cutting edge of sociology and contributes to a better understanding and improvement of the social world.

Information for international students

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Fees and funding

Applicants may apply for an SWDTP studentship and/or a University of Bristol scholarship. Eligible applicants can also apply for a China Scholarship Council scholarship. The programme application deadline for scholarship applicants will be 1 December 2025. This deadline applies to applicants seeking a scholarship from the South-West Doctoral Training Partnership (SWDTP), University of Bristol or China Scholarship Council (CSC).

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.