The Department of Sociology has an international reputation for the high quality of its research. We place particular emphasis on analysing the relationships between culture and the social, focussing broadly on the following themes:

• Culture, Economy and Government
• Culture and Consumption
• Emotions and Intimacy
• Media and Popular Culture
• Multiculturalism and Difference
• Personal and Family Relationships
• Technology and Communications
• Urbanism, Cities and Social Change

The Department plays host to the £3.7 million ESRC Centre for Research on Socio-Cultural Change (CRESC), a joint partnership with the University of Manchester and the first major Research Centre in Britain to develop a broad, empirically focused account of cultural change and its economic, social and political implications. Sociology staff also contributes to the Centre for Citizenship, Identities and Governance (CCIG), a University designated Centre of Research Excellence.

Postgraduates are considered vital in maintaining and expanding this research profile. We therefore welcome high quality applications from enthusiastic and talented students in order to take up the following research degree opportunities:

Master of Research (MRes.) – One year full time

The MRes. is a research-based Master’s degree offering training to an advanced level in social research methods. It is particularly relevant to students who intend to go on to study for a PhD, but will also be of value to those wanting to work in an environment where social research forms a significant part of the work. Students study a series of methods and methodological approaches, producing assignments and a research dissertation.

PhD – Three-year full-time doctoral programme (six years part-time)
MPhil – Two year full time (four years part-time)

The Department offers full and part time opportunities for PhD and MPhil study. Students can expect to receive first class supervision, training and research resources and a supportive intellectual environment during the course of their project. Please read the PDF document on research interests of our teaching staff. Internal studentships are made available through the Faculty on a competitive basis. We also welcome applications from self or employer-funded students. Please read our general PDF guide to drafting a MRes/MPhil/PhD project proposal.

Next steps

If you need further details or wish to discuss a prospective application for any of our research degrees please contact Karim Murji (Sociology Postgraduate Co-ordinator). More general information about research degrees at The Open University, including assessment guidelines, fees, funding opportunities and how to formally apply, is given in the Research Degrees Prospectus.

Find the Faculty of Social Sciences on Facebook