Peter Doak

Dr. Peter Doak is a Lecturer in Sociology at the School of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Leeds, where he joined in September 2018. Previously, he worked at Ulster University and Queen's University Belfast, completing his PhD there. His research explores intersections between urban sociology and conflict transformation, focusing on post-conflict urban governance and cultural policy.

Education:

• PhD in Sociology
• MA in Sociology
• MA (Hons.) in Geography
• PGCE in Lifelong Learning

Peter’s research spans urban sociology, cultural policy, violent conflict, and peacebuilding. He critically examines how cultural initiatives in cities like Derry-Londonderry contribute to post-conflict reconciliation, while also engaging with social theory, particularly critiques of Archer’s Critical Realism.

His recent publications highlight urban entrepreneurialism, conflict transformation through tourism, and spatial dynamics in post-conflict cities. He has co-authored technical reports for the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and the Northern Ireland Executive on peace tourism and community-led regeneration.

At Leeds, Peter serves as Deputy Director of Student Education (Enhancement) and Programme Manager for the BA Social Sciences Foundation Degree. He prioritizes diversifying student cohorts and addressing retention gaps for non-traditional learners. His teaching covers crime, terrorism, conflict, and urban sociology, alongside postgraduate research supervision.