PhD in Sociology

Introduction

The Department of Sociology at the UAB has offered a PhD programme in Sociology since 1986/1987 with the aim of producing high quality advanced researchers capable of satisfactorily initiating and completing original, innovative and quality research culminating with the presentation of the PhD thesis.

Candidate profile

This PhD programme considers the following characteristics to be ideal for beginning doctoral studies.

• Previous studies, not necessarily specialised ones, which have allowed the main approaches in sociology to be known and applied to social reality.

• Previous training in methodology oriented towards knowing and using the research methods of the social sciences, both basic and advanced.

• Having applied this training in methodology to all the stages of a research task concerning an important area within sociology.

• Knowledge of languages: English must be used throughout the programme.

• The doctoral thesis must coincide with one of the lines of research of the groups participating in this PhD programme.

Professional opportunities

The career options available to graduates from this PhD programme, which include both the public and private sectors, especially universities and research centres, are as follows.

• Post-doctoral research at an academic institution with lines of research related to the specific area of knowledge of the doctoral thesis.

• Research and teaching in university departments and research centres.

• Development of spin-offs and self-employment projects linked to knowledge transfer in the social context, normally in multidisciplinary teams (consultancy in social sciences, in applied research, etc.).

• Leadership and management of non-profit organisations or public organisations at local, regional and international level.

Objectives and justification

The PhD in Sociology seeks to produce advanced level, quality researchers and to develop the competences and skills necessary for future academic and professional activity.

The main objectives are:

• To train researchers to be able to formulate, design and put into practice the process of carrying out original research which is sociologically relevant in an area of complexity and diversity of life and social change, the way in which the principal mechanisms work and the interrelationship between social phenomena.

• Within the context of sociology as a discipline and the specific area of research that the doctoral thesis covers, to offer advanced knowledge about the theoretical and practical aspects as well as the methods and techniques employed during the research.

• To train researcher to be able to carry out innovative projects within the different areas of knowledge in sociology that are recognised by the international scientific community in social, cultural and technological aspects, to facilitate progress in the management of social cohesion and improvements in opportunities for people in complex societies.

The achievement of these objectives is directly linked to the doctoral thesis which must apply the specific research methods of the discipline and demonstrate advanced knowledge of theoretical and practical aspects of sociology.

Coordinator

Enrico Mora Malo

Administration

Secretary of the Sociology Department
B Building. B3b-141 Office
Campus Bellaterra
08193 Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Barcelona
Phone 0034 935811152
Mail: coordinacio.doctorat.sociologia@uab.cat
Sociology Department website