MPhil in Sociology (The Sociology of Marginality and Exclusion)

The Department of Sociology at the University of Cambridge is a world-class centre for teaching and research in Sociology. It has a proud tradition of research grounded in engagement with contemporary real-world issues.  

Our Department 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.

The Times Higher Education World University ranking 2024 rates our department second overall in the UK for the Social Sciences. The QS World University rankings list our department as second of 521 sociology departments across the world in 2023.  

The MPhil in Sociology provides students with a firm grounding in theoretical and empirical analysis, which are at the core of understanding the workings of social inequality. 

The Sociology of Marginality and Exclusion pathway, within the MPhil in Sociology, provides students with the opportunity to study the logics and processes of marginality and exclusion at an advanced level. This pathway aims to integrate the consideration of themes in social theory with the study of substantive topics, as well as give a thorough grounding in research methods.

There are four elements to the pathway:

1. A core course of eight 2-3 hour sessions in the first term (Michaelmas) and two one-hour sessions in the second (Lent), (Michaelmas and Lent of the first year for part-time students), covering some of the major theoretical contributions to the sociological study of marginality and exclusion and some key substantive topics. Both core and optional topics vary from year to year but will address the dimensions of marginalization in relation to the production and reproduction of social life as well as the exercise of power. 
2. Students will receive training in research methods, including sessions on research design, data collection and analysis in relation to quantitative and qualitative methods, developing ethically orientated research, turning a literature review into research questions 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.   
3. Eight to ten hours of optional seminars during the second term (Lent) (first or second year for part-time students). 
4. Dissertation: all students will write a dissertation on a topic of their choice that allows for theoretically informed empirical analysis of some aspect of marginality and exclusion in contemporary societies. 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 course teachers and fellow students.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the programme, students should have:

• an advanced understanding of current research on selected topics in the sociology of marginality and exclusion
• a broad understanding of theoretical approaches to marginality and exclusion
• an understanding of the basic principles of social research
• the skills necessary to conduct independent research and practical experience in the use of research methods
• an ability to apply modern social theory 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

Continuing

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 - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.

• Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.

For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.

Details of Open Day events run by the Sociology Department can be found on the Department's Outreach Page.