Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology at University of Cambridge

Programme overview

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.

Faculty: School of the Humanities and Social Sciences | Department: Department of Sociology | Duration: 3-4 years full-time; 4-7 years part-time | Study mode: full-time | Intake: October 2027 | Location: Cambridge, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

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. 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).

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants for this course should have achieved a Masters (Merit). Applicants are expected to hold a master's degree in Sociology or a subject relevant to the intended topic of study. For applicants who have studied for a Cambridge taught Masters degree to be considered, they must 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). However, those who have studied at Cambridge will not recieve preferential treatment. English language: IELTS (Academic) 7.5 overall with at least 7.0 in each element.

Domestic applicants: GBP 11,208 a year (2027/28). University Composition Fee (tuition) for 2027 entry; maintenance/living costs excluded. Source

International applicants: GBP 33,876 a year (2027/28). University Composition Fee (tuition) for 2027 entry; maintenance/living costs excluded. Source

Intake: October 2027

Duration: 3-4 years full-time; 4-7 years part-time

Apply through the official page: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/aasopdsoc/apply

Explore more study programmes

Arts & Humanities