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Doing a PhD

Courses

All PhD students are able to attend some of the wide range of MA modules taught in the department and in other social science departments. In addition there is a faculty-based training programme (usually obligatory for ESRC students) that offers a range of courses on research methods and practical techniques as well as some more reflective and thought provoking ones. Your supervisor(s) will discuss with you what research training you need – participation in training is likely to be a requirement of being accepted as a student.

As part of the PhD programme you will participate in the fortnightly 'Postgraduate Colloquiua' in the department which are an opportunity for research students to share their experiences of practical issues such as, developing a programme of research, making presentations, academic writing identify further training needs and opportunities.

Postgraduate Events

Seminars

Research students are encouraged to participate fully in the intellectual life of the department. There are departmental seminars at least fortnightly during term time with a good mix of speakers, many from outside the university, some from abroad. These are an opportunity for those in the broad field of sociology to share their latest research, new ideas and forthcoming books. After the seminar there is usually an opportunity to chat to speakers over a drink or a meal – this is a regular occasion of friendly sociability in the department.

There are also seminar series run by CeMoRe, the Centre for Gender and Women's Studies and the Materiality and Consumption group that are all under the umbrella of the sociology department. Other research groups in the department run occasional seminars, workshops and have invited speakers – there are many other seminars and speakers in other departments in the university too. At Lancaster there are so many interesting opportunities for intellectual engagement that the difficulty is deciding which to go to!

Sociology Summer Conference

This is a major event, organised by PhD students, and held at the end of the summer term. All PhD and MA students present their work at the conference, as do other doctoral students from this country and abroad. Visit the Summer Conference website to find out more.

Facilities

The department will normally provide shared office space (2-3 graduate students to a room) and access to the university computing system (email, internet, standard software). There is a post room with printing and photocopying machines as well as pigeon holes for post. You will have full access to the excellent university library including its electronic resources. The department has two bright and open 'club spaces' for socialising and informal meetings, each with tables, chairs, sofas and excellent kitchen facilities.

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