Research courses

We are developing the next generation of empirical sociologists, through broadly-based and methodologically rigorous applied sociological research training. We also provide a vibrant, intellectually stimulating and supportive environment for our postgraduate research students.

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What we are researching

Criminology and criminal justice

Asset recovery, organised and syndicated crime
Community, neighbourhood and intelligence-led policing
Cyber and criminal justice system
Criminal statistics
Early intervention, anti-social behaviour and social control
Ethnicity, community and identity
Human rights
Meta-analysis and realist evaluation techniques
Methods for researching crime
Prison effects and interventions with offenders
Racism and hate crime
Technology and surveillance, securitisation and biometrics
Victims of crime and victimisation
Youth justice

Developments in methodology

Methodological research
Development of social simulation methodology,
Improvement of social measurement in social survey research
Dissemination of good practice
Analysis of the use made by researchers of qualitative data analysis software.
Development and refinement of techniques of secondary analysis (both quantitative and qualitative)
New online and web-based research methods
Triangulation and exploring the complexities of multi-method methodologies in sociology

Digital societies

Emerging technologies
Data and platforms in contemporary mediated societies
Datafication
Platforms
Internet of things
Intersections of society
Digital technology
Youth cultures
Peer-to-peer production
Digital health

Science, environment and technologies

Sociological frameworks
Contemporary communications technologies
Applications of computational technologies in the social and natural sciences
Sociology of the environment and sustainability
Sociology of knowledge production, dissemination and consumption in diverse settings cuts across these substantive foci
Theoretical development and the explication of new methodological approaches
Novel scientific and technological developments

Identities, diversities and the life course

Childhood
Community and belonging
Environmental practices
Ethnicities, race and migrations
Gender
Generation and transition
Health and well-being
Later life and ageing.
Sexual identities
Sociology of sleep
Student identities
Youth subcultures

Find a course

We have a strong postgraduate research community, diverse research centres and a host of research training activities.

Find out more about applying to Surrey.

Sociology PhD

Further your studies

Full-time postgraduate research students have the opportunity to take modules from our MSc Social Research Methods and can attend in-house short courses, covering topics such as computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS).

Expert support

Our Doctoral College supports the academic and professional development of postgraduate researchers to ensure our world-leading research continues to grow. There is also an extensive Researcher Development Programme run at university level.