Career opportunities
The University has its own dedicated Careers Service that you would have full access to as a PGR and for two years after you graduate. At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help support you with your goals for the future.
Our PhD in Sociology graduates have progressed into a variety of roles, such as:
- lectureships;
- research posts;
- senior administrative positions in local government;
- NHS;
- educational institutions;
- homeworking and trade unions;
- Union linked positions.
There is a need for well-trained social scientists who are able to apply advanced methods of analysis to complex data. These skills are in short supply and our graduates leave in a good position to obtain jobs in:
- the academic sector;
- central government;
- the Office for National Statistics;
- local government;
- the commercial research sector.
Many of our PhD graduates continue their research at post-doctoral level, sometimes becoming academics at Manchester and other universities around the world.
You will have access to a dedicated Researcher Development Team who will support your professional development throughout your PhD journey and beyond.
Our researcher development programme will enable you to become more aware of your developing researcher identity, equipping you with the skills you need during your PhD and prepare you to integrate into the researcher community.
We offer training sessions to build your skills and confidence in writing and presenting, with specific sessions on viva preparation, thesis submission and preparing for your Review Panel.
You'll also have access to a range of workshops, covering areas such as:
- increasing research impact through blog posts;
- making the most of social media;
- publishing in journals;
- applying for fellowships;
- designing academic posters;
- improving time and self-management.
In addition, our Humanities training hub gives you additional training opportunities in public engagement, wellbeing, language training and teaching, alongside more specialist courses in tools and software such as Python, R and NVivo.
methods@manchester is an initiative that gives you the chance to learn from the very best in research methods expertise at Manchester and beyond. Regular talks, workshops and other methods-related events are organised throughout the academic year.
Finally, taking a placement provides a great opportunity to engage in knowledge exchange and to develop professional networking opportunities for your future career development.
We have established programmes with a small number of institutions around the world, offering you the opportunity to visit another institution, access research resources and experience another academic culture as well as build professional networks.
Successful applicants will receive some funding towards travel expenses, accommodation, subsistence, education materials and/or other education-related costs.
Learn more about Research training and professional development .