Our Department is ranked first for Sociology in the Complete University Guide League Table 2026 with a 100% score, first in the Times University rankings 2026, and second for Sociology and Social Policy in the Guardian's Best Universities league table 2026 with a score of 99.6/100.
The Times Higher Education World University ranking 2026 rates our department second overall in the UK for Social Science and the QS World University rankings lists our department as seventh out of 374 sociology departments across the world in 2026.
This pathway provides students with the opportunity to study the major themes and debates of Political and Economic Sociology at an advanced level. This pathway aims to integrate the consideration of political and economic debates with the study of substantive topics, as well as give a thorough grounding in research methods.
There are four elements to the pathway:
A core course of eight 2-3 hour sessions in the first term (Michaelmas) covering some of the major theoretical contributions to the study of political and economic sociology and some key substantive topics. Part time students must attend these sessions in their first year of study but may wish to attend additional sessions in their second year. Both core and optional topics vary from year to year.
Students will receive training in the craft of sociology and in research skills, including sessions on: research ethics, turning a literature review into research questions, critical reading and academic writing, and Talking History. Students will also have the opportunity to take courses and attend lectures on many other aspects of research method and design. They will then select these courses in discussion with their Supervisor.
Eight to ten hours of optional seminars during the second term (Lent). Part-time students can attend these sessions in either their first or second year of study.
Dissertation: all students will write a dissertation on a topic of their choice that allows for theoretically informed empirical analysis of some aspect of political and economic sociology. The choice of dissertation topic is made in consultation with your Supervisor, who can advise you on the suitability and feasibility of your proposed research and on research design. A dissertation workshop provides the opportunity to present aspects of your dissertation work and to receive constructive feedback from academics and fellow students.
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the programme, students should have:
an advanced understanding of current sociological research on selected topics
an understanding of the basic principles of social research
the skills necessary to conduct independent social research and practical experience in the use of research methods
an ability to apply and develop key concepts and theories with respect to empirical topics
a deeper understanding of their chosen specialist area, including command of the literature and current research
the ability to situate their own research within current developments in the field and to contribute to contemporary debate in the chosen field of study.
Continuing
Students from a wide range of backgrounds attend the course, which is designed to enable the application of more specialist knowledge of political and economic sociology in a variety of fields, including government, social policy, law, journalism, the third sector, and academia.
MPhil students who want to apply for the PhD would normally need to have a final mark of at least 70% overall and 70% on the dissertation. Please note that successful completion of the MPhil does not guarantee acceptance into the PhD programme.
Open Days
The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options.
Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars
Practical, step-by-step information about preparing a strong application for postgraduate study. Find out more on the Discover Cambridge webpage.
Virtual Postgraduate Open Days
The November Open Days focus on subject and course information. Webinar recordings are available until May.
Events for international students
Join us for Q&A webinars, funding webinars or get in touch with our regional managers. Find out more about events for international students.
For more information about all upcoming events visit our events pages.