What our Students Say

Gail Crowther

I am currently in my second year of research in the sociology department studying secular icons and the construction of personal identity. I chose the department at Lancaster because of its outstanding reputation for research and because I knew people who had studied here and told me I had to come. Some of the best things about researching here are the excellent facilities, the exciting research atmosphere, the friendly department and the strong support network from all academics and fellow PhD students. Being surrounded by such excellence makes you want to succeed and do as well as you can. For all of these reasons (and for the fun social side of things too) I would recommend anyone undertaking a PhD to apply to Lancaster. Gail Crowther's Web page

Catriona Forbes (Cesagen)

I am currently in the first year of my PhD investigating the concept of ‘genetic identity’ in individuals conceived through the use of donated gametes.

I came to Lancaster as an undergraduate and really enjoyed my studies here, the strength of the department along with the reputation of the research centre my project is based in (CESAGen) were my main reasons for staying on as a postgraduate.

The thing I enjoy most about studying at Lancaster is the freedom I have to explore my own research interests whilst remaining part of a broader research community.

Allison Hui (Canada)

Though the high calibre of research associated with Lancaster's Sociology Department drew me here in the first place, it is the great working environment which convinces me that I made the right choice. As a student, I have access to excellent resources including office space and technology, and the student-run seminar series has given me a chance to hear and discuss the work of many prominent guest speakers. The staff and students are friendly and approachable, and I continue to be inspired by the diverse and innovative ways that people approach their research. I am also very impressed that though PhD provisions are already strong, the department is committed to bettering them, and I have been a part of several discussions about ways to better prepare and support students for the challenges that PhD research and subsequent careers can bring.  Being a part of this department is a pleasure, and it is opening up opportunities and networks that I would not have been able to find elsewhere. Alison Hui's Web page

Nina Moeller

I am working on a critique of intellectual property by exploring the neo-colonial processes of the commodification of "traditional knowledge" in the Amazon region. I did my undergraduate degree here when the amazing School of Independent Studies still existed. Things have changed now, but I am still very attached to the place. At Lancaster, which is sinking like all other universities into the morass of neoliberal change, it's nonetheless still possible to find a gem of a person with a bright mind every now and again! It's mainly the people that have kept me here.

Why I recommend this department? You'll learn something here. Lancaster Sociology attracts an interesting mix of people. Plus it's a highly rated department. The two don't always go together!

Sumei Wang

Sumei Wang showing her new daughter to Andrew Sayer, one of her PhD supervisors.

Before commencing my study in Lancaster Sociology in 2004, I was an experienced journalist in a major Taiwanese newspaper. I found myself more interested in reading, thinking and doing research after spending years covering news events. I therefore decided to do a PhD abroad to change my life path. My husband and I compared American and English doctoral training systems and later chose Lancaster University for its excellent ranking in research and relatively cheap living costs.

During my study in Lancaster Sociology, my supervisors gave me very useful advice and guided me to conduct a research project of my own. I also audited a diverse range of MA courses to broaden and deepen my understanding of sociology. It took me three years and two months to complete my thesis. I really enjoyed my life in Lancaster and gave birth to a baby girl right before leaving the UK. I have now become an assistant professor in the Institute of Communication Studies, National Chiao Tung University in Taiwan. Doing a PhD in Lancaster Sociology is undoubtedly one of the best choices I have ever made.