The DPhil in Sociology allows students to pursue original, independent research on contemporary social issues.
This research-intensive programme equips students with the skills to conduct rigorous empirical research under the guidance of an expert academic supervisor. Available on either a full-time or part-time basis, it provides the flexibility to pursue advanced research while preparing for a career in academia or other research-intensive sectors.
Throughout the programme, students will refine their research through personalised supervision, departmental workshops and seminars, and regular opportunities to present work, exchange ideas, and receive feedback from peers and academic staff. Students will also have access to a wide range of courses, lectures, and interdisciplinary events across the University, enabling them to broaden their methodological expertise and engage with diverse perspectives in the social sciences.
The DPhil programme is embedded within the Department's vibrant research community, known for its tradition of methodologically rigorous empirical scholarship. Students can engage with leading academics and visiting scholars from around the world, benefiting from a dynamic intellectual environment while developing the knowledge, skills, and experience to contribute original research to the field.
Who is this programme for?
This programme may be a good fit for:
- Academically excellent candidates with a strong interest in undertaking original research in sociology
- Students seeking to develop and conduct methodologically rigorous empirical research on contemporary social issues
- Individuals looking for a research-intensive doctoral experience with personalised supervision and opportunities to engage with a vibrant academic community
- Students planning careers in academia, research, policy, government, or other research-intensive sectors, where advanced analytical and research skills are highly valued
Who will you be studying with?
Course Structure
The DPhil is examined by a thesis, prepared under the guidance of one or two academic supervisors. Students will work closely with their supervisor throughout the programme, meeting regularly to develop their research, refine their ideas, and receive feedback on their progress.
Supervisors will support students at every stage of the doctorate, from identifying training needs and designing the research project to providing feedback on written work, advising on milestone assessments, and preparing students for the viva and future career opportunities.
Alongside the thesis, students will receive regular training to build the skills that support their research and future career, from advanced research methods to academic writing, presentation skills, and peer review.
Students may complete their thesis in either a traditional Book format or an Articles/Integrated format. The Book format presents the research as a single monograph intended for eventual publication as a book, while the Articles/Integrated format combines journal-style articles, with or without conventional chapters, into a unified thesis with the aim of publishing individual articles in academic journals.
A broad range of sociological topics have been studied by the Department’s doctoral students, including social inequality and stratification; social mobility; education; gender and family; demography; health and health inequalities; political sociology; social movements; organised crime; cybercrime; quantitative and qualitative methods; computational social science; governance and conflict; and sociology relating to specific countries or regions, such as China and Latin America.
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Finding a Supervisor
Before you apply, you are advised to contact a prospective supervisor to establish if they are accepting new students and to seek their advice on your research proposal. An offer of a place cannot be made if there is no suitable supervisor available in the Department.
Details of academic staff who act as primary DPhil supervisors, including their research interests and contact information, can be found below.
The Student Experience
Why did you apply for the DPhil in Sociology?
I was intrigued by the cutting-edge empirical research ongoing in the Department, and the range of methods that supported this research. I am a qualitative researcher and I employ emergent qualitative methods in my work. I knew the Department would be home to me.
I was immediately attracted to the Department of Sociology at Oxford, not just because of its reputation but also because of the quality of the faculty members who had clear expertise on many topics that related to my research interests.
What have you enjoyed most about the programme?
Living and studying in Oxford has been an enriching experience, both academically and personally. The most wonderful aspect of my time here is the vibrant intellectual community. Imagine being constantly surrounded by brilliant minds - this environment is both stimulating and challenging.
The Sociology Department grants students access to a network of incredible academics pursuing ground-breaking research across a diverse range of topics. A lot of the faculty and researchers conduct interdisciplinary work, meaning you gain access to experts beyond the Department.
After your Degree
Graduates of the DPhil in Sociology go on to careers in:
- Academia and research institutions
- Government departments and public sector bodies
- NGOs and international organisations
- Consulting, market research and think tanks
Meet former DPhil students
