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Department of Sociology

  LSE Sociology provides outstanding education in the changing social world, and state-of-the-art, public-facing research on social issues. Our areas of international expertise include: economic sociology; politics and human rights; social inequalities; knowledge, culture and technology; and urban sociology. Introduction About us

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Department of Sociology, London School of Economics and Political Science, Houghton Street, London, WC2A 2AE

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MPhil/PhD in Social Research Methods

This programme offers the chance to undertake a substantial piece of work that is worthy of publication and which makes an original contribution to the field of methodology or which applies advanced methodology to an applied research problem. You will begin on the MPhil, and will need to meet certain requirements to be upgraded to PhD status.

Information for prospective students

This PhD programme offers the chance to undertake a substantial piece of work that is worthy of publication and which makes an original contribution to the field of methodology or which applies advanced methodology to an applied research problem. Students will begin on the MPhil, and will need to meet certain requirements to be upgraded to PhD status.

You will benefit from the knowledge and expertise of staff whose disciplinary backgrounds include political science, statistics, sociology, social psychology, anthropology and criminology. There are a variety of advanced-level courses, seminars and workshops in research design, quantitative analysis and qualitative methods available for you to attend. 

The Department of Methodology at LSE supports both standalone qualitative and quantitative research, as well as interesting ways of combining them. We encourage applications from candidates who demonstrate an interest in a substantive area of research and particular methodological approach, aiming at a methodological development. This could involve collecting innovative new data, new analytic techniques, method comparison, evaluation or validation, method critique, applying existing methodology in new contexts, or cost-benefit analysis of methodologies.

The Department of Methodology welcomes applications from prospective students for the MPhil/ PhD in Social Research Methods, both full-time and part-time.

Visit the  MPhil/PhD Social Research Methods online prospectus  page.

Please see the Calendar  for an outline of the programme structure.

For ideas on current and recent research topics, please see individual current student profiles .

Application procedures

Applications are handled by the LSE Graduate Admissions Office. Official information about the application procedures can be found  here .

We welcome applications for research programmes that complement the academic interests of members of staff at the School, and we recommend that you investigate staff research interests before applying.

See the LSE Experts Directory for more information

We carefully consider each application on an individual basis, taking into account all the information presented on your application form, including your:

- academic achievement (including existing and pending qualifications) - personal statement - references - CV - research proposal - sample of written work.

See further information on supporting documents

Minimum entry requirements for MPhil/PhD Social Research Methods

Applicants to the doctoral programme in the Department of Methodology (Mphil/PhD in Social Research Methods) should possess, as a minimum, a high level pass in an appropriate Master’s degree, together with at least an upper second class honours degree or equivalent in an appropriate subject from a UK university or its equivalent elsewhere. Graduates from the Department’s own Master's degree must normally have achieved an average mark of 65% or better overall (pass mark, 50%), plus preferably higher in their Dissertation, to be eligible for admission to the doctoral programme.

Competition for places at the School is high. This means that even if you meet our minimum entry requirement, this does not guarantee you an offer of admission.

See international students entry requirements

When to apply

Applications can be made throughout the year. To be considered for studentships (LSE PhD studentships and Research Council studentships), an applicant aiming to start in the autumn must submit their completed application by  15th January 2025. For applicants with external funding, please submit your completed application by 25th April, 2025

Research proposal requirements

The Department of Methodology requires you to submit a proposal summarising and justifying your proposed research, to be attached to your formal application. This will provide the selectors with an idea of the topics of interest, and help in matching candidates to potential supervisors.

The research proposal should include the following questions:

• Why is the topic interesting? What is the central research question? Is there a theoretical and empirical 'gap' that your research will seek to fill? Is there a theoretical or empirical contradiction that your research will seek to resolve? How will your research take our understanding forward in your chosen field? What core theories and concepts will you draw on?
• What are the relevant literature(s) and field(s) the work will contribute to? What are the main theories in the area? What are the critical empirical phenomena in the area? Specify the key references relevant to the proposed research.
• How will you address the empirical aspects of the research? What empirical (qualitative and/or quantitative) information do you propose to collect, how, from where, and why? What methodology of analysis is appropriate and why? If the research question requires a combination of different methodologies, how will they be related? Do you foresee any practical difficulties in pursuing the research (e.g., finding suitable participants or data sources)? If so, how might they be overcome?

All candidates who are shortlisted as candidates for admission to the MPhil/PhD programme will be interviewed by their potential supervisors and/or the Doctoral Programme Director. Interviews can be conducted in person or on the telephone or via Skype/other video conferencing facilities. The department will contact the candidates to arrange the interview.

Frequently Asked Questions 

I am interested in a Methodology PhD programme, but my master's degree is not related to MPhil/PhD Social Research Methods.

If you have no previous experience with methodology, we recommend applying for the ESRC Scholarship 1+3 Scheme . This scheme is designed for students who have not already completed an ESRC-recognised programme of research training at MSc level. It provides funding for a one-year MSc programme linked to a four-year MPhil/PhD programme, of which the first four years (1+3) are funded by ESRC and the final year by LSE, so the study period related to this scheme is five years in total.

How long does it take to obtain a PhD?

Obtaining a PhD typically lasts for four years. However, this could vary case by case due to extenuating circumstances.

Can I pursue a PhD part-time?

We will consider applications for a part-time mode of study in some circumstances. A standard PhD programme lasts four years, while part-time studentships will extend to eight years. We advise you to contact our team by email at [email protected] or discuss it with your potential supervisor if you have already identified one.

Can I work alongside my studies?

We do not recommend attempting to pursue a PhD while in full-time employment. However, you may be able to work part-time alongside your studies. Full-time LSE students are generally limited to working 20 hours per week to maintain focus on their studies. The department offers teaching work opportunities for PhD students with relevant experience and expertise.

Will I be able to complete my PhD remotely?

In general, the option for remote completion is limited, often due to commitments to regular seminars and participatory activities integral to the course. While PhD students typically engage in independent work, which may involve fieldwork research, remote completion is possible during specific phases of your study. However, undertaking the entire PhD program remotely is highly discouraged.

How many PhD studentships are available at the Department of Methodology each year?

There are no limits on the number of students accepted each year, and applications from qualifying students from all disciplines are welcome. However, while there is no specific limit on the number of students accepted, it is important to note that scholarships are scarce, and there is intense competition for student funding opportunities. Can I visit the Department? Are there any open day events? 

Our Virtual Open Event  will introduce the programmes offered by the Department of Methodology, the content and structure of these programmes and student life in the department.

Attendees will meet the Doctoral Programme Director, programme administrators and current PhD students. There will be time for you to ask any questions about the department or programme. If you would like to visit the department in person, please express your interest by emailing  [email protected] . 

Tips for Applicants 

We strongly advise you to review our staff and current PhD student profiles before submitting your application. This will help you seek advice on what to include in the research proposal and gain insight into potential supervisors for your PhD, as well as valuable insights from those already in the academic field.

While we are here to assist you within our department's scope of knowledge, we are unable to provide information or assistance regarding visa or funding-related questions. These topics fall outside of our expertise. We recommend contacting the appropriate department or seeking guidance from the relevant authorities for the information you require. If you cannot find the answers to your questions, please feel free to contact us at  [email protected] . Here are some further information you might like to know:

Application process

Visa Advice

Fees and Funding

The PhD Academy

Research Find out more about Department of Methodology research

MPhil/PhD handbook Download the current handbook

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MPhil/PhD Sociology

London school of economics and political science, university of london, different course options.

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Course Summary

Tuition fees, entry requirements, similar courses at different universities, key information data source : idp connect, qualification type.

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Subject areas

Course type.

The MPhil/PhD Sociology programme offers you the chance to undertake a substantial piece of research that is worthy of publication and which makes an original contribution to sociology. You will begin on the MPhil, and will need to meet certain requirements to be upgraded to PhD status.

The Department of Sociology was the first to be created in Britain and has played a key role in establishing and developing the discipline nationally and internationally. Recent UK research evaluations (through the Research Evaluation Framework) have confirmed our position as one of the leading Departments in the UK. We are committed to empirically rich, conceptually sophisticated, research and scholarship addressing topics of social and political urgency. While building upon the traditions of the discipline we play a key role in developing new intellectual areas, and addressing the social problems and ethical dilemmas that face a globalised society.

LSE Sociology embraces a theoretically and methodologically diverse range of approaches. There are four research areas which constitute our strategic priorities and reflect overall a balance between "traditional" sociology and "innovation": economy, technology and expertise; politics and human rights; social inequalities; and urban sociology. Our teaching is informed by our commitments and by our active research in these areas. LSE Sociology will provide a learning environment in which you are encouraged to think critically and independently.

UK fees Course fees for UK students

For this course (per year)

International fees Course fees for EU and international students

Merit (65+) in a taught master's degree (or equivalent) in a related discipline and a 2:1 degree or equivalent in sociology or another social science.

MA Criminal Justice

Liverpool john moores university, msc forensic anthropology, msc criminal psychology and criminal justice, doctor of policing and criminal justice, ma criminology.

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Entry requirements

Merit (65+) in a taught master's degree (or equivalent) in a related discipline and a 2:1 degree or equivalent in sociology or another social science.

Months of entry

Course content.

About the MPhil/PhD programme

The MPhil/PhD Sociology programme offers you the chance to undertake a substantial piece of research that is worthy of publication and which makes an original contribution to sociology. You will begin on the MPhil, and will need to meet certain requirements to be upgraded to PhD status.

The Department of Sociology was the first to be created in Britain and has played a key role in establishing and developing the discipline nationally and internationally. Recent UK research evaluations (through the Research Evaluation Framework) have confirmed our position as one of the leading Departments in the UK. We are committed to empirically rich, conceptually sophisticated, research and scholarship addressing topics of social and political urgency. While building upon the traditions of the discipline we play a key role in developing new intellectual areas, and addressing the social problems and ethical dilemmas that face a globalised society.

LSE Sociology embraces a theoretically and methodologically diverse range of approaches. There are four research areas which constitute our strategic priorities and reflect overall a balance between "traditional" sociology and "innovation": economy, technology and expertise; politics and human rights; social inequalities; and urban sociology. Our teaching is informed by our commitments and by our active research in these areas. LSE Sociology will provide a learning environment in which you are encouraged to think critically and independently.

Department of Sociology

Established in 1904, the Department of Sociology at LSE is committed to empirically rich, conceptually sophisticated, and socially and politically relevant research and scholarship.

As a Department, we seek to produce sociology that is public-facing, fully engaged with London as a global city, and with major contemporary debates in the intersection between economy, politics and society – with issues such as financialisation, inequality, migration, urban ecology, and climate change.

Information for international students

LSE is an international community, with over 140 nationalities represented amongst its student body. We celebrate this diversity through everything we do.

If you are applying to LSE from outside of the UK then take a look at our Information for International students .

Fees and funding

Every graduate student is charged a fee for their programme. Visit the website for more information about the fees .

The School recognises that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town or country, and we provide generous scholarships each year to home and overseas students.

LSE offers studentships to new PhD students in the form of LSE PhD Studentships, LSE ESRC Studentships, LAHP AHRC Studentships and LSE & III PhD Studentships on Analysing and Challenging Inequalities.

These awards are open to high calibre students of all nationalities studying across all research areas at the School.

Find out more about financial support.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

• Campus-based learning is available for this qualification

Course contact details