Who we are UCL’s Sociology Network PhD Group is a student-led group which provides an open and supportive space to connect doctoral students from across the university with interests in sociological research and methods. Like the broader UCL Sociology Network, the group recognises that there are sociologists in every UCL Faculty who are engaged with a wide range of thematic specialisms, methodologies, and sociological approaches. But without a dedicated Sociology Department at UCL, it can be difficult to connect with one another.
As such, the PhD group actively seeks to engage doctoral students using or interested in sociological research, regardless of your home department, allowing for an open and flexible definition of sociology. The group aims to create opportunities for virtual and face-to-face networking, peer-to-peer learning, and cross-departmental collaboration.
What we offer Below is a selection of activities we hope to offer sociological research students at UCL. However, this PhD group is run by and for its members, and as such will evolve to suit their needs. If you have an ideas for an activity, please include them when you sign-up below for our email updates.
Seminar series: opportunities for PhD students working in sociology to present their work in a range of formats. Seminars will draw in academics from across UCL and other institutions.
Methodology sessions: exploring sociological methodologies and what they entail. Sessions will consider specific methods in sociology and provide opportunities for presenting and offering constructive feedback.
Reading group: running every six weeks, the group will focus on different sociological material each session. Group members are free to suggest possible content for discussion and can include anything from key sociological texts to podcasts, short films and more.
Informal spaces and networking: including coffee meets, online and in-person networking events.
Sign-up for our email updates to get involved with the network and to find out about our forthcoming activities.
This student group is part of the broader UCL Sociology Network, a collaborative space for academic faculty and research staff.