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Sociology is no longer accepting new applications.
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. And the QS World University rankings list our department as 2nd of 521 sociology departments across the world in 2023.
Our PhD programme combines taught content in research methods and academic skills with independent study under the supervision of one or more experts in the student's chosen field.
Many who graduate from our PhD programme go on to become professional researchers or academics; others work in national government, international organisations, NGOs, think tanks, and consultancies.
Our PhD programme aims to create an environment which supports our students:
- to think critically
- to undertake state-of-the-art research in their chosen fields
- to engage with the world at the interface between theory, policy and practice
- to develop a full portfolio of research skills
- to produce a scholarly, exciting and socially relevant PhD
- to move on to interesting and fulfilling jobs
Continuing
Admission to the PhD programme is via a competitive process in which current Cambridge students are considered on the same basis as external applicants. Cambridge MPhil students require a final mark of at least 70% overall and 70% on the dissertation to continue to PhD study.
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:
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Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.
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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.