The Sociology Department Annual (Residential)
Graduate Conference
The annual Graduate Conference takes place in February (reading week) each year,
in hotel accommodation on the beautiful Suffolk coast. Its purpose is social as
well as academic - to bring students and staff together in an informal but
intellectually stimulating environment, and to have fun!
A Bit of a History
In previous years, the conference has developed
a particular theme, for example 'The Sociology of Love
and Hate' (2002) and 'Technologies and Social Change' (2003).
More recently
we’ve moved away from the idea of a theme, developing instead a broad programme
drawing on the range of academic research interests within the department (staff
and graduate students), and looking also at practical issues relating to various
aspects of graduate study e.g. preparing for Vivas, publishing books and
articles, postdocs and research contracts, ethical issues in research, and so
on.
The conference is an integral part of the graduate experience at Essex and
attendance is an expected part of studies. Unfortunately it cannot be free, but
it is heavily subsidised by the department and very affordable, even on a
student income!
The planning group
Every year we seek the help of 3 or 4 PhD
and MA students interested in joining the small planning group for the
conference. This doesn't involve a big time commitment, but does give you the
opportunity to influence the way the weekend turns out - social events included!
In previous years we have also been able to offer a small discount on the
booking fee to students involved in planning the weekend.
If you are interested,
contact Rowena Macaulay email: rowena (non essex users add @essex.ac.uk)
Student Support Services Officer, early in the autumn term.
Last modified on 21 March 2011