In the Department of Social Policy, Sociology and Criminology we offer two types of research degree: an MPhil or a PhD in Social Policy, Sociology and Criminology. The programmes may be undertaken either by full-time study or, for home and EU students only, by part-time study. Unfortunately, we do not currently offer distance learning courses for postgraduate research, although we are exploring the possibility of offering this in the future. Learn more about the research interests of our staff and how to contact them. In the School of Social policy we offer much more than a degree. PhD students have the opportunity to take part in a wide range of events including Departmental Research Seminars, Contemporary Philosophy of Technology Research Group events and Lunchtime research seminars hosted by the following Research Theme groups: Social Theory and Social Transformation, Poverty, Wealth and Inequality, Crime and Social Harm, Civil Society and Volunteering, Ethnicity and Religion, Our PhD programmes offer you a combination of taught courses in the first year and careful supervision throughout your study, with the aim of helping you to produce a thesis that makes a significant and original contribution to the discipline. We take care to match you with a suitable supervisor, and welcome applications to work in a wide variety of areas. Joint supervision, both between staff within the Department, and with staff in other departments, is possible in some cases. All research students have regular meetings with their supervisors. PhD students also have annual panel meetings to support and review progress. We encourage you to give conference papers and to publish your work.