The Ph.D. in Sociology and Social Research, belonging to the Department of Sociology and Economic Law SDE of the University of Bologna, has been active since 1984 (Cycle IV). Although it has changed its title, which was initially "Sociology and Social Policy," then simply "Sociology," – it is the only program with the designation of 'Sociology' with its administrative headquarters at the University of Bologna.
The Ph.D. has consistently received a rating that has placed it in the highest brackets among the University's doctoral programs. In recognition of high-quality research output and meeting all the requirements requested by the Evaluation Board in 2009 (Cycle XXIV), at the request of the University and the Doctoral School in Political and Social Sciences, led the Department of Sociology to unify two pre-existing Doctorates (those of Sociology and Social Policy and Criminology) into the single Doctorate in Sociology. With the XXX Cycle, the Ph.D. took the new title, "Sociology and Social Research."
In its new structure, this Ph.D. deals with the following research topics:
Following national doctoral program reform, which significantly reduced doctoral programs in Sociology, our Ph.D. in Sociology and Social Research is uniquely situated, not only because it is the only one offered in the Emilia Romagna region but also because the city of Bologna represents an exciting point of departure for studying the processes of mobility and international exchanges.
Since its foundation, the Doctoral Program has some research areas and specializations that have characterized it in terms of excellence and quality, both nationally and internationally.
We mainly refer to research surrounding social and family policies; sociology of health; sociology of the Third Sector; criminology, and victimology.
However, the number and quality of sociologists belonging to the Department of Sociology and Business Law, alongside our external affiliated faculty that participate in the teaching board with research interests outside of these areas, promises rigorous and exceptional training also for students interested in deepening their knowledge in the areas of economic sociology and sociology of work; sociology of the territory and environment; sociology of consumption; and sociology of education.
In all these areas, the Ph.D. offers integrated training between the theoretical, methodological, and application of empirical research in social interventions.