The Department of Sociology has longstanding traditions and strengths in postgraduate study and research in areas such as social theory, gender studies, and medicine and health. Our tradition at Sussex is that of critical and interdisciplinary studies, both theoretical and empirical.
Sociology at Sussex was ranked in the top 10 in the UK in The Times Good University Guide 2012 and The Complete University Guide 2011-12, and 11th in The Guardian University Guide 2012. We also rank among the top 100 universities in the world for sociology in the QS World University Rankings 2012. We were also rated 16th in the UK for research in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE). 80 per cent of our research was rated as recognised internationally or higher, with over half rated as internationally excellent or higher and over a quarter rated as world leading.
We are proud of these rankings and we attract students in many different disciplines from around the world. Staff research and teach in areas such as cosmopolitanism, racism and globalisation; regulation, clinical research and mental health; sexual violence, gender and the body. We already have substantial postgraduate provision but plan to expand and grow in this area.
We welcome applications from students interested in undertaking doctoral studies in most areas of sociology. We are especially interested in receiving applications on topics that fall within the Department’s three research clusters
- gender and inequality
- health, medicine and science
- social theory and political sociology.
In addition to these areas, our faculty has expertise in many other topics within social science. Interdisciplinary projects are strongly encouraged.
Postgraduate courses offered: