Course summary
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. Possible start dates are September 2026 and January 2027. Please see the programme page on our website for more information.
Assessment method
https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/media/postgraduate/admissions-statements/2026/phd-sociology.pdf
How to apply
International applicants
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students and accepts a wide range of qualifications for postgraduate study. If you study or have studied at a university outside the UK, please select the relevant page for further information on qualifications, scholarships and education representatives in your country/region: bristol.ac.uk/international/countries.
Entry requirements
An upper second-class undergraduate honours degree (or equivalent) and normally a merit at MSc/MA level (or equivalent). See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/international/countries/
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £5106 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £5106 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £5106 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £5106 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £5106 | Year 1 |
| EU | £21900 | Year 1 |
| International | £21900 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
For more information, please view the programme page on our website.
Sponsorship information
Applicants may apply for an SWDTP studentship (https://www.swdtp.ac.uk/prospective-students-and-fellows/preparing-to-apply/) and/or a University of Bristol scholarship (https://www.bristol.ac.uk/arts-law-social-sciences/postgraduate-research/bristol-pg-research-scholarships-alss/). Eligible applicants can also apply for a China Scholarship Council scholarship (https://www.bristol.ac.uk/students/support/finances/scholarships/china-scholarship-council/). Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/students/support/finances/
Provider information
University of Bristol
Beacon House
Queen’s Road
Bristol
BS8 1QU