PhD testimonials

Our PhD students research a range of topics which address some of the key challenges facing our global society. Meet some of our current and former PhD students and discover more about their research journeys with the ��Ϲ��.

Beyond Corporate Social Responsibility: Exploring the potential of worker-driven alternatives in supply chains

Remi Edwards School of Sociological Studies, Politics and International Relations

Remi's PhD project is focused around the ways in which workers are involved - and could be more widely and meaningfully involved - in the governance of global production networks.

No such thing as political violence: A genealogy of security in 1970s Britain

Michael Livesey School of Sociological Studies, Politics and International Relations

Michael's research explores British security policy during the Northern Ireland Troubles.

The anatomy of a Wedge Lie and its impact on democratic health

Katie Pruszynski School of Sociological Studies, Politics and International Relations

The question at the heart of Katie's PhD research is: would legal or professional consequences for political actors who lie to the public have a positive impact on our trust in democracy?

Understanding animal protection in food systems: A victim-based approach

Frances Payne School of Sociological Studies, Politics and International Relations

Frances' thesis seeks to understand the decision-making process behind how the needs of different types of animals are prioritised and protected in food systems.

Uzbekistan’s agency in its relations with the People’s Republic of China

Frank Maracchione School of Sociological Studies, Politics and International Relations

Frank's PhD project focuses on the global interactions of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), particularly in the Global South and East, and the hierarchies and power negotiations that these involve.

After one year studying here for my MA, I no longer needed any persuasion on staying here for my PhD

Zihuan Zhang School of Sociological Studies, Politics and International Relations

PhD student Zihuan talks to us about his journey from studying an MA in Sociology to studying for a PhD here in the School of Sociological Studies, Politics and International Relations.

Sociological Studies PhD student Julin Huang

"Trust yourself. Trust your supervisors. Always think about how to dismantle a huge project into different small and manageable missions."

Julin Huang Sociological studies

After graduating from both undergraduate and masters degrees in communication studies, Julin landed a public relations (PR) position in a Fortune 500 company. Julin's path changed, however, when she decided to quit her job to pursue PhD study in the school with leading digital society academics.

"The demands of a PhD can be challenging, but it's an immensely gratifying feeling when it goes well."

Sam Aldersley Sociological studies

Sam first came to Sheffield for undergraduate study, where he was able to get a sense of the friendly, collegiate atmosphere that the School of Sociological Studies, Politics and International Relations offered. After moving away for masters level study, Sam missed Sheffield so much that he returned to embark upon his PhD journey.

Sociological Studies PhD student Sarah Baz

"I decided to stay at the Department of Sociological Studies as it is a supportive and research focused department with an excellent reputation."

Sarah Baz Sociological studies

Growing up in Sheffield, Sarah always dreamed of studying at the ��Ϲ��. After completing her undergraduate degree here in Sociology and Social Policy, Sarah decided to stay at the University to progress her studies and pursue her growing research passion.

PhD testimonials

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