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Postgraduate Study

Apply using the Applicant Portal

The Apply Now button on the right will take you to the Applicant Portal. There, you can create and submit your application and supporting documents, and you can also request your references.

An application is only complete when:

  1. you have submitted your application and supporting documents via the Applicant Portal
  2. you have paid the application fee if applicable. For further information on application fees, and which courses require an application fee, see here.
  3. your referees have provided their references.

If you miss the deadlines specified in this section, you will not be able to submit your application.

Applicants are encouraged to apply in good time before funding deadlines and the final application deadline.

Selection Process

Applications are considered as gathered fields in December, February, and April.

The department will consider applications made at any time until 16 April 2025. We advise applicants to apply by 15 February to have the best possible chance of securing a place. Those who apply by the Postgraduate Funding deadline (3  December) will receive a decision in late January/early February, those who apply by 15 February will hear in early April, and those who apply after this time will hear by the end of May.

Further information on How To Apply


Things You'll Need

In order to apply for this course you'll need to think about getting a few things ready before you apply.

  • Two academic references  
  • Transcript  
  • CV/resume
  • Evidence of competence in English  
    If required - you can check using our tool
  • Research Proposal (document upload) (mandatory)
    Please upload a research proposal of around 1,000 words. Special formatting is not required. Your proposal would generally contain: • A clear, well-motivated and viable research question • A brief review of the literature, covering the theoretical basis for your research, the current state of knowledge in the field, and details of what your research will add • The research methods you propose to use • You may also want to explain the reasons for your own interest in the subject, and any previous work you have done in the area The word limit includes footnotes, appendices, figures, tables, etc, but does not include references.
  • Sample of Work (1) (document upload) (optional)
    Applicants may submit written work. This can be an essay written for your previous course, a published academic article or another piece of writing that you feel shows your suitability for the course.

Gates Cambridge Scholarships

If you wish to be considered for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship you will also need to provide the following:

  • Gates Cambridge Reference  
  • Research Proposal (PhD applicants only)

See Gates Cambridge for more information.


How to Find a Supervisor

To speed up the review process it is preferable to name a Supervisor on the Applicant Portal. Applicants are welcome to consult the Choosing a Supervisor and staff pages to find a suitable Supervisor.  Please include the prospective Supervisor's name within the appropriate box in the application form. Please do not contact a prospective Supervisor in advance of making an application. 

Apply Now

Key Information


9 months full-time

21 months part-time

Study Mode : Taught

Master of Philosophy

Department of Sociology

Course - related enquiries

Application - related enquiries

Course on Department Website

Dates and deadlines:

Michaelmas 2025

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2024
Application deadline
April 16, 2025
Course Starts
Oct. 1, 2025

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Course Funding Deadline
Dec. 3, 2024
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 16, 2024

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2025, Lent 2026 and Easter 2026.