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 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.
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 develop an original and well-formulated research question(s)
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 contribute to contemporary debate in their chosen field of study
to produce a scholarly, exciting and socially relevant PhD
to move on to interesting and fulfilling jobs
Learning outcomes
By the end of the programme, students will have:
made a significant contribution to the field of study through the creation and interpretation of new knowledge, connection of previously unrelated facts or the development of new theory or revision of older views
produced work of a quality in whole or in part of a standard to merit publication (whether or not subsequently published)
provided evidence of the acquisition of knowledge and a detailed understanding of research methods relevant to their work
developed an original and well-formulated research question(s) motivated by theoretical concerns and/or contemporary social issues, with a clear explanation of where the project is located in relation to existing research in the field
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. Applicants that have studied for a Cambridge taught Masters degree should achieve a mark of at least 70% overall and a mark of at least 70% in the dissertation (equivalent to a Merit in a taught Masters and an overall mark of at least 67% and dissertation mark of at least 67% in most other UK universities).
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.