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School of Applied Social Sciences

The Postgraduate Research Experience in SASS

“The department is very friendly and my supervisors go out of their way to support me in my research. There are also many opportunities to get involved in different research groups beyond the scope of your own research topics.”

Katie Thorlby - PhD on Global Perspectives on Sustainable Exit from Prostitution - from London, UK

Postgraduate researchers from across the world

The School has over 40 postgraduate researchers from across the world studying a variety of topics – ranging from the families of children with autism in Korea, through the working lives of UK prison governors to the role of faith-based community organisations in neighbourhood regeneration.

“Coming from another country, you soon realise that Durham is an excellent place for learning and having a fun. Most of all, studying at Durham might be a big privilege for you to extend academic fields or to get jobs. Are you interested in undertaking further study at Durham? It could be a big decision but I genuinely recommend it.”

Opportunities for development

The University offers a comprehensive training programme covering generic skills required for postgraduate study (from managing your time to writing up your thesis). Specialist workshops and modules are offered in the School designed for social science research (such as using computer-assisted data analysis packages and writing for publication). For some postgraduate researchers, if appropriate, there may also be the chance to undertake some seminar teaching with undergraduate students in your subject area.

“Whilst doing my PhD members of the School have encouraged me to take part in other research projects as well as teaching in seminars and lectures with undergraduate students. This has helped me to broaden my knowledge and research interests as well as giving me useful experience for the future.”

A strong community

There is a lively and supportive culture within the group, which organises regular meetings and events. Postgraduate researchers take an active part in the School’s research groups and seminars, often presenting papers or work in progress.

“The individual supervision has been great during the first year of my PhD. There is a nice, friendly atmosphere in the school and I am enjoying meeting and talking to people who are researching such an interesting variety of topics.”

First-class supervisors and research culture

Each postgraduate researcher has two supervisors who offer expertise in the specialist subject area being studied and support and guidance on research design, methods and writing the thesis. All full-time postgraduate researchers have a desk, networked personal computer, access to a phone and printing facilities in the School.

“Studying here is excellent. The support I have received from my supervisor as I changed from a part-time to full-time course has been invaluable. There's a great atmosphere between fellow postgraduates as we study in our office. I really appreciate the opportunity to teach undergraduates and develop my skills.”