Sociology at Durham is grounded in the Department's five core research themes. We welcome candidates for our research degrees who are interested in developing their own thesis in an area that intersects with these and where we have staff available to supervise.
The following research degrees are offered:
The Department’s research activity focuses on five main research themes, around which we organise research groups of staff and postgraduate researchers to share and develop research ideas and practices. These groups are currently:
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The Department also has expertise in the following disciplinary areas:
On successful completion of a PhD, student’s ‘etheses’ are made publicly available. A list of previous students together with their topics and published thesis are available on Durham Research Online.
Search for PhD ‘etheses’ for the department of Sociology
Professor Catherine Donovan is Head of the Department of Sociology and a Professor of Sociology. In this video, Professor Donovan outlines the Department’s aims and research themes.
Sociology PhD student Ayurshi Dutt talks about her research into honour-based violence, forced marriages, and family and domestic abuse.
Postgraduate researcher Jack Simmonds discusses his research into the lived experience of young LGBTQ+ people in Manchester and their experiences with the police.
Postgraduate researcher Esther Outram outlines her research into educational inequality and discrimination experienced by dyslexic students.
PhD student Salman Khan outlines his research into the intersection of mobilities of microbial disease risk and at-risk multi-ethnic populations of taxi drivers in the UK.
Postgraduate researcher Stephanie Daw outlines her research into how Covid-19 has affected LGBT+ young people's transitions to adulthood.
The Department of Sociology is very supportive in fostering an inclusive environment for postgraduate students. As postgraduate researchers, we were encouraged to become active members by engaging in workshops and departmental seminars for knowledge and career progression. My supervisors were amazing and played an important role in my advancement as a researcher and becoming a better human being. Additionally, PSS members were marvellous at being responsive and attentive and were great support whenever we needed assistance. I’ve personally had an enlightening experience working with a range of researchers from diverse backgrounds, developing both personal and professional relationships.
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