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A leading academic institution in the UK is offering a doctoral training pathway in Sociology and STS. Candidates eligible for funding must have an honours degree or a recognized equivalent. This program provides advanced training in numerous sociological methods with opportunities for cohort building and community engagement. The ESRC-funded studentship covers tuition fees and a tax-free living stipend, making it an attractive opportunity for prospective students.
This pathway will leverage excellent provision and research in sociological methods training at Swansea to build capacity and realise a networked all-Wales strategy for doctoral training in Sociology and STS, drawing upon FtF, hybrid and blended approaches. Pathway strengths include centres and other UKRI investments, ADR Wales, Centre for Ageing and Dementia Research. Sociology/STS is an emerging disciplinary strength at Swansea University that currently sits within UoA20, with pockets of excellence that speak to WGSSS crosscutting themes. This is a merger of two DTP2 pathways, extending to include Bangor and Swansea, as well as Cardiff.
Research Environment
Training – The pathway offers advanced training in:
Students will also be able to participate in training provided by WISERD, which is closely aligned with the pathway, benefitting from its partnership with the ESRC National Centre for Research Methods (NCRM) (2019-2024), a centre for the delivery of innovative training and capacity-building activities. In addition to pooling these resources where possible, WGSSS training support will be used to develop and package a suite of short online methods training courses, as well as create and deliver a pathway/cluster summer school (hosted on a rotating basis as a 'signal' event), also open to other pathways and DTPs where feasible.
Community Engagement – Engagement includes presentations at the National Eisteddfod and Hay Festival and collaborative research with organisations such as the National Adoption Service, Care Inspectorate Wales, Welsh Council for Voluntary Action (a formal partner in WGSSS), Shelter Cymru, and Senghenydd Youth and Community Centre (South Wales).
Cohort Building – We will open up HEI-focused research groups to all pathway and cluster students. This networked approach will fold these activities into hybrid activities open across the pathway, optimizing opportunities for cohort building and participation. Rotating the summer school acts as an annual cohort signal event.
Eligibility and Qualifications – Undergraduate, English Language: IELTS 6.5 Overall (with no component below 6.5) or Swansea University recognised equivalent. For further information, please see the English Language Requirements - Swansea University.
To receive WGSSS studentship funding, you must have qualifications or experience equal to an honours degree at a first- or upper-second class level, or a masters from a UK academic research organisation. Students with non-traditional academic backgrounds are also welcome to apply.
Funding and Support – The ESRC-funded studentship covers tuition fees and an annual tax-free living stipend in line with UKRI minimum rates (currently £20,780 for 2025/26). Students also have access to a Research Training Support Grant. If you have a disability, you may be entitled to a Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) on top of your studentship.