Graduate Teaching Fellow – Sociology, Social Policy & Criminology PhD

Apply for the fully funded Graduate Teaching Fellow (GTF) 2025 at the University of Liverpool’s Sociology, Social Policy & Criminology Department. Pursue a 4-year PhD with a stipend and teaching opportunities. Deadline: June 9, 2025.

The Graduate Teaching Fellow (GTF) – Sociology, Social Policy & Criminology PhD 2025 at the University of Liverpool’s Department of Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology (SSPC) offers a fully funded opportunity for aspiring researchers to pursue a PhD while gaining teaching experience.

Starting October 1, 2025, this 4-year, full-time program combines doctoral research with small-group teaching and assessment duties, providing a stipend (£20,780/year) and covering UK tuition fees (£5,006/year).

Open to candidates with a strong background in Sociology, Criminology, or related fields, the fellowship supports research aligned with SSPC’s expertise, fostering academic and professional growth in a vibrant, research-driven environment.

This guide details the fellowship’s eligibility, funding, responsibilities, and application process, equipping candidates to join one of the UK’s leading sociology departments.

Key Takeaways

• The Graduate Teaching Fellow 2025 is a fully funded 4-year PhD program at the University of Liverpool’s SSPC Department, starting October 1, 2025.
• Offers UK tuition fees (£5,006/year), a £20,780 annual stipend, and teaching experience in criminology and related modules.
• Open to candidates with a first degree and/or master’s in Sociology, Criminology, or cognate disciplines.
• Applications, including a research proposal and supervisor contact, are due by June 9, 2025, 9am BST.

What Is the Graduate Teaching Fellow Post?

A Blend of Research and Teaching

Established in 1905, the Department of Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology (SSPC) at the University of Liverpool is a hub for innovative research in areas like criminal justice, social inequalities, and policy analysis.

The Graduate Teaching Fellow (GTF) integrates PhD research with teaching responsibilities, allowing fellows to contribute to undergraduate education while advancing their academic work. Starting October 1, 2025, the 4-year program includes 3 years of funded full-time study (with teaching duties) and a 1-year unfunded writing-up period, fostering a dynamic environment for critical scholarship.

Program Structure

• Duration: 4 years (3 years funded, 1 year unfunded writing-up).
• Study Mode: Full-time, based at the University of Liverpool.
• Teaching Duties:
  • Deliver small-group teaching (e.g., seminars, tutorials) in criminology, criminal justice, and related undergraduate modules.
  • Assist with assessment marking and student support.
  • In-house training and mentoring provided, no prior teaching experience required.
• Research:
  • Conduct a PhD aligned with SSPC’s research clusters, such as crime and justice, social policy, or inequalities.
  • Collaborate with supervisors and engage in the department’s vibrant research culture.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Graduate Teaching Fellow Post 2025, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Academic Qualifications:
  • A good first degree (minimum 2:1 or equivalent) in Sociology, Criminology, or a related discipline (e.g., Social Research Methods, Social Policy).
  • Completed or nearing completion of a master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field.
• Research Alignment: Proposed PhD research must align with SSPC’s expertise or research clusters (e.g., crime and justice, social inequalities, policy analysis). Review SSPC Research Expertise for details.
• Teaching Readiness: Willingness to teach criminology and criminal justice modules, plus modules related to your research area. Review SSPC undergraduate programs to identify relevant modules.
• Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English (written and spoken), as teaching and research are conducted in English.
• International Applicants: Eligible, but must comply with UK visa requirements (contact the PGR Team for guidance).

Pro Tip: Contact potential supervisors early to discuss your research proposal and ensure alignment with SSPC’s expertise.

Benefits of the Graduate Teaching Fellow Post

Financial and Academic Support

• Funding:
  • Full UK tuition fees covered (£5,006/year for 2025–26).
  • Annual maintenance stipend of £20,780 (aligned with UKRI rates for 2025–26).
• Teaching Experience: Gain valuable skills through small-group teaching and assessment, enhancing your academic CV.
• Training and Mentorship: In-house training for teaching, plus ongoing support from faculty mentors.
• Research Environment: Join a vibrant, critically engaged PhD cohort and contribute to SSPC’s research culture, established since 1905.
• Career Development: Build a foundation for academic or research careers, with opportunities to publish and network.
• Access to Resources: Utilize University of Liverpool facilities, including libraries, research centers, and academic events.

Note: International students are responsible for visa costs and any additional fees beyond UK tuition rates, if applicable.

Responsibilities

The Graduate Teaching Fellow will balance PhD research with teaching duties, including:

• Teaching:
  • Deliver small-group teaching (e.g., seminars, tutorials) in criminology, criminal justice, and related undergraduate modules.
  • Mark assessments and provide feedback to students.
  • Engage with students during office hours or support sessions.
• Research:
  • Develop and complete a PhD thesis under the supervision of SSPC faculty.
  • Present research at departmental seminars or conferences.
• Professional Development:
  • Participate in teaching training and mentoring sessions.
  • Contribute to SSPC’s research culture through events and collaborations.

Teaching duties are designed to complement research, with a workload that supports PhD progress.

How to Apply for Graduate Teaching Fellow at the University of Liverpool’s Sociology, Social Policy & Criminology Department

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Identify and Contact Supervisors:
   • Review SSPC staff profiles to identify potential supervisors whose expertise aligns with your research.
   • Contact prospective supervisors to discuss your proposal (email Dr. Peter Campbell at pcampbll@liverpool.ac.uk for guidance).
2. Prepare Application Documents:
   • Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detail academic qualifications, research experience, and any teaching or relevant skills.
   • Covering Letter: Explain your interest in the GTF post, teaching readiness, and research alignment with SSPC.
   • Research Proposal: Outline your PhD research (see guidelines), including objectives, methodology, and relevance to SSPC (typically 1,500–2,000 words).
   • Two Academic References: Provide contact details or letters from referees familiar with your academic work.
   • Additional Documents (if applicable):
     • University transcripts and degree certificates.
     • English language certificates (e.g., IELTS) for international applicants.
     • Passport details (international applicants).
     • Personal statement (if required by the online application).
3. Submit Application:
   • Email documents to the School of Law and Social Justice’s PGR Team at slsjpgr@liverpool.ac.uk.
   • Subject line: “GTF Application – SSPC PhD 2025”.
   • Deadline: June 9, 2025, 9am BST.
4. Complete Online Registration:
   • Register and apply via the University of Liverpool’s online portal (link provided upon email submission or via SSPC application page).
5. Interview Process:
   • Shortlisted candidates will be invited for virtual interviews via Microsoft Teams in early July 2025.
   • Interviews assess research potential, teaching readiness, and alignment with SSPC.

Pro Tip: Tailor your research proposal to SSPC’s research clusters (e.g., crime and justice) and reference specific faculty expertise to demonstrate fit.

Key Dates

• Application Deadline: June 9, 2025, 9am BST.
• Interviews: Early July 2025 (via Microsoft Teams).
• Program Start: October 1, 2025.
• Results Notification: Likely mid-July 2025 (exact date TBD).

Why Choose the SSPC Graduate Teaching Fellow Post?

A Prestigious Academic Hub

The University of Liverpool’s SSPC Department, established in 1905, is a leader in Sociology, Social Policy, and Criminology, with a global reputation for critical, impactful research. Its research clusters address pressing issues like criminal justice, social inequalities, and policy reform, offering fellows a dynamic environment to thrive.

Unique Opportunities

• Funded PhD: Full financial support for 3 years, with a competitive stipend and no tuition costs for UK students.
• Teaching Experience: Build a robust academic profile through undergraduate teaching, supported by training.
• Research Excellence: Collaborate with leading scholars and contribute to SSPC’s vibrant PhD cohort.
• Career Pathway: Prepare for academic roles or research careers in sociology, criminology, or policy.

Tips for a Successful Application

Craft a Strong Research Proposal

• Align with SSPC: Ensure your topic fits SSPC’s research clusters (e.g., crime, inequalities, policy). Reference SSPC Research.
• Be Specific: Outline clear research questions, methodology, and expected contributions.
• Engage Supervisors: Discuss your proposal with potential supervisors to refine ideas and confirm fit.

Optimize Your Application

• Covering Letter: Highlight your teaching interest, research alignment, and passion for SSPC’s mission.
• CV: Emphasize academic achievements, research experience, and any leadership or teaching roles.
• References: Choose referees who can attest to your research potential and academic skills.

Prepare for the Interview

• Know SSPC’s Modules: Review undergraduate programs to discuss how you’d contribute to teaching.
• Practice Research Pitch: Be ready to explain your proposal concisely, emphasizing its relevance to SSPC.
• Show Teaching Readiness: Discuss your approach to small-group teaching, even if you lack experience.

Conclusion

The Graduate Teaching Fellow Post – Sociology, Social Policy & Criminology PhD 2025 at the University of Liverpool is a fully funded opportunity to pursue a PhD while gaining teaching experience in a world-class department. With UK tuition fees covered, a £20,780 annual stipend, and a vibrant research environment, this 4-year program is ideal for aspiring scholars in Sociology, Criminology, or related fields.

Apply by June 9, 2025, 9am BST, with a CV, cover letter, research proposal, and references to slsjpgr@liverpool.ac.uk, and contact supervisors early to strengthen your application.

Visit https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/sociology-social-policy-and-criminology/ for more details and start your academic journey with SSPC!