Statement of Purpose for Sociology – Sample

Statement of Purpose

Since I was very young, I used to think why individuals and societies are so varied? What are the forces that shape our social existence and influence the way we think, feel and act. I have always been passionately interested in understanding the functional and structural dynamics of human society, such as norms, culture, religion, ethnicity, gender, social institutions, political practices and legislation; and factors of social development and decline in modern society. Sociology provides a lens to look at such areas objectively to understand why the world is as it today. That is why I feel a powerful urge to learn and utilize Sociology.

In increasingly modernized and industrialized world, the need of Sociology is arguably fundamental. It enables to identify and devise strategies to cope with social anomalies of modern world, such as environmental issues, family disorganization, psycho-social issues, over-population, gender and sexualities issues, terrorism, and so on. Such an essential nature of the subject has sparked my interest further to study Sociology formally.

Having done my Bachelors and Masters in Sociology, I am highly motivated to pursue my doctoral studies in Sociology. To be more competent and to contribute to social development, PhD in Sociology seems imperative which will equip me to contribute to society positively. My academic background and experience as a qualified Lecturer in Sociology, for last three years in university, has prepared me well for the challenges of pursuing my postgraduate studies at your University.

My research interests include but are not limited to, variation in reproductive behavior with cross-cultural focus, environmental issues, gender and sexualities issues; and, evolving structure and function of social institutions such family, economy, religion and politics.

The UK remains the top graduate destination in the world. The first major attraction is the wide range of well-reputed institutions offering qualifications which are recognized internationally and valued by employer across the globe. The emphasis on research in English universities for generating scientific knowledge is a great pull for international students. Although the UK has only 1% of the world’s population, it undertakes 5% of the world’s scientific research and produces 14% of the world’s most highly cited academic papers. These are the reasons which have triggered my interest to study in UK.

I have chosen University of Aberdeen for pursuing my doctoral studies. University of Aberdeen is one among the top universities of UK. I believe the excellence of the faculty and research standards represented by faculty at the University of Aberdeen are most impressive among the leading English universities. The Ph.D program at the University permits students to perform comprehensive research through all kinds of methodologies. It provides students with opportunities to explore the most cutting-edge theories and to apply them to reality. I feel that the University will deliver the vast knowledge and understanding of the subjects that I crave, providing me with opportunities to pursue a rewarding future career.

I am committed and reliable student who is passionate about his work and I will draw from my many different experiences and passion for the subject, to integrate myself into university life and the course. I understand that university life will be very challenging, but I am confident that it will give me the best chance to achieve my potential, and lead the way forward to a successful career.

My long-term career goal is to teach at a university and become a social research scientist. After my Ph.D in Sociology, I envision myself as an academic who inspires and motivates learners for objective understanding of social realities and who publishes about what he sees necessary for social development.

Sincerely,

     Abdul Majid Khan

     E-mail: [email protected]