Mphil/PhD Sociology

PhD Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Prospective PhD applicants are expected to hold a taught Masters degree in a relevant subject area. The university typically requires a minimum of 60% or above as the standard for academic performance in the completed Masters program.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS Requirement: An overall IELTS score of 6.5 or 7.0 is required, with no individual band score falling below 6.0.
• TOEFL Requirement: A minimum overall score of 90 on the TOEFL is accepted, with no sub-score in any section falling below 21.
• PTE Requirement: A minimum overall score of 70 with no individual score below 65.

Students must provide:

• Academic marksheets & transcripts
• Letters of recommendation
• A personal statement - SOP
• Passport
• Other supporting documents as required by the university.

Work experience: Some PhD courses may require relevant work experience in the field.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

The University of Lincoln, located in the United Kingdom, is fostering academic excellence and supporting international students in their pursuit of advanced degrees. Specifically, the university offers a range of scholarships tailored to PhD students, ensuring that talented individuals from around the world have the opportunity to engage in groundbreaking research within a vibrant academic community.

Vice Chancellor's Research Studentship: The University of Lincoln provides the prestigious Vice Chancellor's Research Studentship, which is a fully-funded scholarship designed to attract outstanding international candidates. This scholarship covers tuition fees, a stipend for living expenses, and a research allowance, enabling recipients to focus solely on their doctoral research.

Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) Scholarship: Aimed at addressing global challenges, the GCRF Scholarship supports international PhD students undertaking research that contributes to sustainable development goals. This scholarship encompasses financial support for tuition, living expenses, and research-related costs, emphasizing the university's impactful, globally-relevant research.

International Alumni Scholarship: The University of Lincoln values its international alumni and acknowledges their potential to contribute to ongoing research endeavors. The International Alumni Scholarship is dedicated to supporting former international students who choose to pursue a PhD at Lincoln, providing financial assistance for tuition fees and living expenses.

Graduates from the MPhil/PhD program in Sociology at the University of Lincoln are well-equipped with advanced research skills and a profound understanding of societal dynamics. This program prepares graduates for diverse and impactful careers, enabling them to contribute to social change, policy analysis, research institutions, and various sectors requiring expertise in sociology.

University Professor or Lecturer: Many graduates choose academic careers, becoming university professors or lecturers. They teach, mentor students, and engage in cutting-edge research, contributing to the academic community.

Researcher in Social Policy Institutes: Graduates can work as researchers in social policy institutes, contributing to the analysis of social policies, evaluating their impact, and providing insights for policy improvements.

Policy Analyst: Opportunities exist for graduates to work as policy analysts for government agencies or non-profit organizations. They contribute to policy development, assess the socio-economic impact of policies, and offer recommendations for societal improvements.

Social Research Consultant: Graduates may pursue careers as social research consultants, working for research institutions, consulting firms, or NGOs. They conduct studies on societal issues, providing valuable insights for decision-makers.

Community Development Specialist: Those interested in community engagement can become community development specialists. They work with local governments, NGOs, or community-based organizations to implement programs addressing social issues and enhancing community well-being.

Human Rights Advocate: Graduates can work as human rights advocates, focusing on social justice and equality. They may collaborate with human rights organizations, contributing to initiatives that address systemic inequalities.

Diversity and Inclusion Officer: Graduates can work in organizations as diversity and inclusion officers. They contribute to creating inclusive workplaces, addressing issues related to diversity, and promoting equitable practices.

Criminologist: Those with a focus on criminology can become criminologists, working in law enforcement, criminal justice agencies, or research institutions. They may contribute to understanding crime patterns and developing effective crime prevention strategies.

Social Impact Analyst: Graduates can work as social impact analysts, evaluating the effectiveness of social programs, assessing their impact on communities, and recommending improvements for better outcomes.

Human Services Administrator: Opportunities exist in human services administration, where graduates can work in government or non-profit organizations overseeing programs that address social welfare, mental health, or community services.

Market Research Analyst (Societal Trends): Graduates can apply their research skills in market research, focusing on societal trends, consumer behavior, and public opinion. They contribute to businesses understanding the social context of their products or services.

Public Sociology Specialist: Graduates may choose roles as public sociology specialists, engaging with the public through various platforms to disseminate sociological knowledge, raise awareness, and promote informed public discourse.