Master of Philosophy in Sociology (The Sociology of Marginality and Exclusion) at University of Cambridge

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: 9 months full-time; 21 months part-time  |  Study mode: full-time  |  Intake: October 2027  |  Location: Cambridge, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

There are four elements to the pathway: A core course comprising eight 2-3 hour lectures in the first term (Michaelmas), covering some of the major theoretical contributions to the sociological study of marginality and exclusion and some key substantive topics. Students will also have the opportunity to take courses and attend lectures on many other aspects of research method and design. Students are expected to write two essays of 2,500 to 3,000 words in the first term (Michaelmas).

Official programme page