Doctoral study in Sociology
Why study with us?
We were placed in the top 100 in the QS World Rankings by Subject 2020.
As a doctoral candidate, you'll benefit from: financial support for research expenses through PReSS funding; high-calibre supervision practices; and the networks and expertise of our world-class academic researchers.
Research opportunities
We welcome PhD research proposals in areas such as:
- Critical social theory
- Critical theories of psychiatry, mental illness, and professional power
- Cultural sociology
- Environmental Sociology
- Ethnicity, national identity, racism and immigration
- Feminist and queer theory
- Gender, sexualities and family life
- Labour, work and organisations
- Māori and Pacific student success in higher education
- Marxist sociology
- Medical Sociology
- Social policy and citizenship
- Science and Technology Studies
- Sociology of disaster
- Settler colonial studies and decolonisation
- Social class
- Youth sociology
- Youth violence prevention
Our people
A large number of high-calibre researchers work in Sociology at the University of Auckland.
Past research topics
- "Claiming the century: The promise of social movements and democracy in the twenty-first century" | Supervised by Dr Ciara Cremin and Associate Professor Steve Matthewman
- "Work-family conflict: A study of Ghanian employees" | Supervised by Associate Professor Vivienne Elizabeth and Dr David Mayeda
- "Increasing role and dangers of technical determinist approach to internet content regulation" | supervised by Professor Alan France and Dr Ronald Kramer
- "Indians in Aotearoa New Zealand: A study of migrant social networks and integration through an assemblage lens" | Supervised by Associate Professor Louise Humpage
- "Hawai'i – GMO ground zero: Seeds of occupation, seeds of possibility" | Supervised by Associate Professor Campbell Jones and Dr Manuel Vallee
- "The construction of identity amongst New Zealanders of European descent in Auckland" | Supervised by Associate Professor Steve Matthewman and Associate Professor Louise Humpage
Scholarships and awards
There are several scholarships you may be eligible for when you decide to pursue your PhD in Sociology:
Help and advice
Our friendly staff will provide you with advice on enrolling in your PhD at Student Hubs.
If you would like to discuss your plans for your doctoral research you can contact our PhD Adviser.