Entry requirements

If you are interested in applying to study for a research degree in the School of Sociology and Social Policy you must meet the minimum entry requirements before a research proposal will be considered. You can find these below.

If you have any queries, please contact the Graduate School Admissions team.

PhD

Candidates should hold (or expect to hold):

  • an undergraduate degree with a minimum grade of 2:1 (or equivalent degree from an overseas university)
  • a Masters degree with a minimum grade of Merit (or equivalent degree from an overseas university)
  • both in appropriate academic disciplines

Candidates should also meet our English Language requirements.

MA by Research

Candidates should hold (or expect to hold) a good Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent degree from an overseas university):

  • with a minimum grade of 2:1 (upper second class honours)
  • in an appropriate academic discipline

Candidates should also meet our English Language requirements.

English Language requirements

An approved test in English is required for applicants whose first language is not English. Please note that test scores are valid for 2 years before the start of the course.

The approved tests and minimum required scores are detailed below:

                                                               IELTS (Academic)                                     TOEFL iBT                    
Overall                   6.5 88
Listening     6.0 19
Reading                                  6.0 20
Speaking       6.0 22
Writing 6.0 21


Other English Language qualifications are also accepted. For a full list please refer to the acceptable English Language qualifications listed in the University admissions policy or contact the Graduate School Admissions team for further details.

Pre-sessional English

You can improve your academic English to the level needed to study a postgraduate research degree by taking one of our pre-sessional courses:

If you need to study for longer than 10 weeks, find out more about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.