Research degrees
PhD / MPhil in Social Change
We offer an outstanding environment in which to study for a research degree. Sociological research at the University of Manchester was ranked joint first in the 2008 UK Research Assessment Exercise, producing the highest proportion of ‘world leading’ research of any UK institution. PhD students will have the opportunity to apply for places on the prestigious Harvard-Manchester graduate summer programme, and may be able to spend time at Harvard in the course of their research project.
PhD studentships starting 2011
The Institute for Social Change conducts world leading research into how and why socio-demographic shifts are producing a realignment of the national, political, ethnic and religious cleavages that have structured modern western democracies (particularly in Europe and North America) since the early twentieth century.
We are offering three fully funded PhD studentships for study in these areas, particularly on the general themes of: the role of context and networks on civic and political participation; social mobility, political inequalities, inequality and stratification; value change, and; ethnic inequalities and the social and political impact of immigration (examples may include immigration and attitudes or trust and/or the impact of far right extremism)
One of the three fully funded projects will be conducted in close association with our “Social Complexity of Immigration and Diversity” research programme. The civic and political engagement and attitudes of immigrant and ethnic minorities are closely linked with the level of diversity and ethnic density. Moreover the behaviour and attitudes of the majority populations are also linked to immigration and diversity in different ways. The successful applicant for this studentship will be expected to use agent-based simulation modelling, although previous experience of this will not be necessary.
PhD proposals should be based predominantly on empirical, quantitative methods (although ones using qualitative methods will also be considered). We particularly welcome projects that feature large scale survey analysis, cross-national comparisons, longitudinal analysis, or experimental research designs.
Studentship details
The studentships comprise an annual stipend of £13,290 and payment of tuition fees up to the level charged for UK/EU students (currently £3,500; overseas students need to pay the remaining balance). At least two of the studentships will be for direct entry onto the three year Ph.D. programme (a “+3” studentship). . Highly promising students without a Master’s degree or without a substantial social science background may be offered a four year programme comprising a one year MSc in Social Change followed by a three year PhD ( a “1+3” studentship ). All programmes commence in October 2011. Continuation is subject to satisfactory performance.
For further information or to discuss your proposal, please contact the Director of postgraduate research, Dr David Cutts, david.cutts@manchester.ac.uk
The deadline for applications is 6th May 2011.
Interviews will take place on Friday 20th May 2011; successful applicants will be informed around a week prior to this date.
All applicants must complete a full on-line application.
Click the link below to create your application - you will find instructions and help throughout the form. You can save and return to your application as many times as you wish before submitting, but your application will expire after 28 days of inactivity. We will email you to remind you before this happens.
Before you apply
Make sure you have all your supporting documents scanned and ready to upload, these include:
- Evidence of qualifications (certificates or transcripts) to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements;
- Evidence of English language ability, if English is not your first language;
- Two references - download our referee report form as a pdf;
- A research proposal - should be two A4 pages long and should include:
1. What the proposed project is about - brief overview including key research questions
2. Why - theoretical justification for the project (brief literature review that provides the context for the proposed research).
3. How - what methods you intend to use and why.
- An up to date CV.
If you cannot upload supporting documents with your application, you can submit your application online and email or post copies of your documents to Vicky Barnes as soon as they are available.
If you need any assistance with the online application please contact Vicky Barnes in the postgraduate office.