The value of personal statements
A pilot project will develop a text analysis code, using the open-source software Python, that will summarise features of personal statements submitted to one UK university.
Postgraduate study at ISER
Join one of the UK’s leading social research institutes
Work alongside internationally recognised researchers, access world-leading longitudinal data and develop research that tackles major social challenges.
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Doctoral study
Explore our PhD programmes
Explore our range of doctoral programmes and find the research environment that best fits your interests.
Beyond the course
Find the support and research fit you need
Explore funding, potential supervisors and the wider research environment before you apply.
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Funding
Studentships and funded opportunities
See current studentships, scholarships and other opportunities to undertake postgraduate research at ISER.
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Supervision
Find expertise for your research
Meet researchers working across economics, sociology, social policy, epidemiology and survey methodology.
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Research environment
Discover the work you could join
Explore research projects, centres and major studies addressing important questions about society and the economy.
Why ISER
Study where social research happens
Postgraduate study is part of a wider research environment: one that creates major datasets, develops methods and connects evidence with policy.
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Work with distinctive data
Learn in an institute that produces and analyses longitudinal evidence, including Understanding Society.
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Join an interdisciplinary community
Develop your ideas alongside researchers from different disciplines who share an interest in social and economic change.
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Connect research with public life
See how rigorous social research informs policy, public debate and decisions that affect people’s lives.
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Build a confident research practice
Strengthen your methods, critical thinking and communication through specialist teaching and supervision.
Research environment
Research you could be part of
Explore recent work from the research community you will join.
A temporary narrowing of the gender income gap – the impact of COVID-19 policy responses in 28 European countries
New study highlights the equalizing role of expansive social protection during pandemic and the importance of gender-aware policy analysis
Understanding Society Scientific Conference 2025
Registration opens for conference 1-3 July, showcasing new research using Understanding Society data, at the beautiful University of Essex Colchester campus