MPhil in Sociology (The Sociology of Marginality and Exclusion)

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 2025 with a 100% score, and second for Sociology in the Guardian's Best Universities league table 2025. The Times Higher Education World University ranking 2025 rates our department second overall in the UK for the Social Sciences. The QS World University rankings list our department as sixth of 375 sociology departments across the world in 2025. The MPhil in Sociology provides students with a firm grounding in theoretical and empirical analysis, which are at the core of understanding the workings of social inequality. The Sociology of Marginality and Exclusion pathway, within the MPhil in Sociology, provides students with the opportunity to study the logics and processes of marginality and exclusion at an advanced level. This pathway aims to integrate the consideration of themes in social theory with the study of substantive topics, as well as give a thorough grounding in research methods. There are four elements to the pathway: A core course comprising eight 2-3 hour lectures in the first term (Michaelmas) and a one-hour Field Review Essay preparation session in the second (Lent), covering some of the major theoretical contributions to the sociological study of marginality and exclusion and some key substantive topics. Part time students must attend these sessions in their first year of study but may wish to attend additional sessions in their second year. There are also substantive topics which vary from year to year, but will address the dimensions of marginalization in relation to the production and reproduction of social life as well as the exercise of power. Students will receive training in the craft of sociology and in research skills, including sessions on: research ethics, turning a literature review into research questions, critical reading and academic writing, and Talking History. Students will also have the opportunity to take courses and attend lectures on many other aspects of research method and design. They will then select these courses in discussion with their Supervisor. Eight to ten hours of optional seminars during the second term (Lent). Part-time students can attend these sessions in either their first or second year of study. Dissertation: all students will write a dissertation on a topic of their choice that allows for theoretically informed empirical analysis of some aspect of marginality and exclusion in contemporary societies. The choice of dissertation topic is made in consultation with your Supervisor, who can advise you on the suitability and feasibility of your proposed research and on research design. A dissertation workshop provides the opportunity to present aspects of your dissertation work and to receive constructive feedback from academics and fellow students.

Department of Sociology