We aim:To provide high quality research training in a lively intellectual atmosphereTo promote students professional involvement in academic lifeTo ensure that students will make a contribution to the advancement of knowledge in sociologyAnd to ensure that students will make a contribution to the understanding and well being of contemporary societiesBy the end of their time as a research postgraduate student in the Department it is our goal that students will:Have completed a thesis which is a high quality piece of orginal sociological analysis and is at least partly publishable in a peer-reviewed academic outletHave developed and demonstrated a significant level of skill in at least one methodology of sociological research and analysisHave a broad knowledge of a number of sub-fields within sociologyAnd have had the opportunity to develop teaching and administrative skills and experience