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MPhil in Sociology

The MPhil in Sociology is a one-year full time taught masters course. From October 2024 the MPhil is also available as a two-year part-time programme. The MPhil offers a world-class programme of postgraduate study. The course provides high-quality students, who already have a degree in a social science, with an in-depth knowledge of the key dimensions of sociology.

The overall aim of the Sociology MPhil is to provide you with an opportunity to study recent social change at an advanced level. It will enable you to combine your knowledge with an understanding of theory and research methods. This course will prepare you for research at doctoral level or its equivalent in other professional contexts.

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MPhil Pathways

The MPhil is organised into three different pathways to allow you the opportunity to study selected sociological subjects in depth.  You can find out more information about each track and making your application using the links below. The pathways are:

What’s in it for you?

The Department of Sociology at the University of Cambridge is ranked first for Sociology in the Guardian's Best Universities league table and first for Sociology in the Complete University Guide League Table 2024. And the QS World University rankings list our departments as 2nd out of over 500 Sociology Departments across the world in 2023.

  • The MPhil course offers you the opportunity to develop your analytic and writing abilities to your full potential
  • By maintaining a close relationship between teaching and research you will receive an education which reflects developments in your chosen discipline
  • You will develop your ability to use diverse sources of information with efficiency and speed appropriate to your particular level of study
  • The course will help you develop analytical abilities and writing skills which will enable you to make a significant contribution to your chosen career.

On completion of the course you will have:

  • An advanced understanding of current research in specific areas
  • Independent research skills and experience of putting them into practice
  • An ability to apply modern social theories to substantive research topics.

 


Choosing a supervisor

Postgraduate applicants are required to nominate a supervisor as part of their application. Find a list of the research areas and availabilty of our supervisors here.

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Making an application

Browse the essential information for applying to Sociology, including deadlines, entry requirements, the reseach proposal, nominating a supervisor, and our interview policy.

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Fees and funding

Check the financial considerations for postgraduate study at Cambridge, including fees and funding, accomodation and living costs, as well as career opportunities.

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Postgraduate FAQs

Find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding our postgraduate programmes, regarding applications, coronavirus guidance, course start dates, funding, references and more.

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MPhil in Health, Medicine and Society

The MPhil in Health, Medicine and Society is a full-time one year course run jointly by the Departments of History and Philosophy of Science, Sociology and Social Anthropology.

It introduces students from a range of backgrounds to research skills and specialist knowledge relevant to their research interests, and provides them with the opportunity to carry out focused research under close supervision by senior members of the University. Students will develop a critical and well-informed understanding of discourses of history, philosophy, sociology and anthropology of health and medicine, and those intending to go on to doctoral work will learn the skills needed to help them prepare a well-planned and focused PhD proposal.

This course is administered by the Department of History and Philosophy of Science. For more information, and to apply for this course, visit the Postgraduate Admissions website.

Application information