Sociology at the University of Cambridge offers a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of human social life, focusing on the social structures, institutions, and processes that shape society. This undergraduate degree programme is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of sociological theories, research methodologies, and critical thinking skills necessary to analyze contemporary social issues. Throughout the course, students engage with a diverse range of topics, including social inequality, culture and identity, globalization, social change, and power dynamics, drawing on both qualitative and quantitative research methods. The programme emphasizes the importance of empirical research and encourages students to develop their own independent projects, fostering analytical skills and intellectual curiosity. Taught by world-renowned academics and researchers, the programme features a combination of lectures, seminars, and workshops that promote active participation and collaborative learning. Cambridge’s interdisciplinary approach allows students to incorporate insights from history, politics, anthropology, and other social sciences, enriching their understanding of societal complexities. The degree prepares graduates for a variety of careers in sectors such as public policy, community development, journalism, research, and further academic study. Additionally, students benefit from access to extensive resources, including well-equipped libraries, archives, and opportunities for fieldwork and internships. With its rigorous curriculum and vibrant academic community, the Sociology programme at Cambridge aims to produce graduates equipped with critical analysis skills, ethical awareness, and a global perspective, ready to contribute thoughtfully to society and address real-world social challenges.

All first year PhD students attend the 1st year PhD research seminars in Michaelmas and Lent Term offering talks on transferable skills such as publication, careers advice and academic writing and the opportunity for each student to make a presentation based on their research plans.

Placements

The Department of Sociology has no placements.

Feedback

The Department provides feedback on the progress of the PhD in the form of yearly progress paper assessments and interviews.

Assessment

Thesis

A PhD dissertation must not exceed 80,000 words, and will normally be near that length. The word limit includes appendices but excludes footnotes, references and bibliography. Footnotes should not exceed 20% of the dissertation. Discursive footnotes are generally discouraged, and under no circumstances should footnotes be used to include material that would normally be in the main text, and thus to circumvent the word limits. Statistical tables should be counted as 150 words per table. Only under exceptional circumstances, and after prior application, will the Degree Committee allow a student to exceed these limits. Applications should be made in good time before the date on which a candidate proposes to submit the dissertation, made to the Graduate Committee. A candidate must submit, with the dissertation, a statement signed by her or himself attesting to the length of the dissertation. Any dissertation that exceeds the limit will be referred back to candidate for revision before being forwarded to the examiners.

• Magistr (Master's Degree) at Pass level. Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of good or 4/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 4/5 Bologna Bachelor's from other institutions with an overall grade of 5/5, Excellent
• Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of Excellent or 5/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 5/5
• IELTS (Academic) 7.5
• TOEFL Internet Score 110
• £50 application fee
• First Academic Reference
• Second Academic Reference
• Transcript
• Research Proposal. 2000 words
• Sample of Work. Optional
• Personal Reference

The financing of the Sociology undergraduate program at the University of Cambridge is typically covered through a combination of government-funded student grants and loans, university-specific financial aid, and external scholarships. Most UK residents and EU students are eligible to apply for government-supported financial assistance, including tuition fee loans provided by the UK Student Loans Company, which cover the full cost of tuition fees and are repayable only after the graduate reaches a certain income threshold. International students are generally responsible for their tuition fees, which vary by course and are payable directly to the university; however, there are a limited number of external scholarships and bursaries available for international students to offset these costs.

The university offers various internal funding opportunities for students who demonstrate financial need, including Cambridge Hardship Funds, which can provide emergency financial support, and other bursaries awarded based on academic excellence or specific criteria. Students are encouraged to explore external funding sources, including government scholarships, charity grants, and private sponsorships, which can significantly reduce the financial burden associated with their studies.

In addition to tuition fees, students should consider living costs, which include accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses. The university provides estimated cost of living figures, and students should plan their finances accordingly. Many students opt to work part-time during term, although workload and academic commitments typically limit opportunities. The university's Careers Service provides resources and advice on part-time work options suitable for students.

Overall, while the primary source of financing for UK students is government loans, a considerable number of students also utilize university bursaries and external scholarships to fund their studies. The university's financial aid office offers comprehensive guidance to help students identify appropriate funding options and manage their finances effectively throughout their academic journey.

Sociology at the University of Cambridge offers an in-depth exploration of social behavior, structures, and change, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of how societies function and evolve. The program combines theoretical frameworks with empirical research, encouraging students to critically analyze social issues from multiple perspectives. Throughout the course, students engage with topics such as social inequality, culture, identity, globalisation, and social institutions, equipping them with the analytical tools necessary to interpret complex social phenomena. The programme is designed to foster critical thinking, research skills, and a nuanced understanding of contemporary societal challenges. It involves a mix of lectures, seminars, tutorials, and independent research projects, allowing for personalized engagement with faculty experts and peers. Students are encouraged to participate in fieldwork, data analysis, and interdisciplinary approaches to deepen their comprehension. The course prepares graduates for careers in academia, public policy, social research, community development, and various roles in the non-profit and governmental sectors. Cambridge’s vibrant academic community offers an intellectually stimulating environment with access to extensive library resources, seminars, and conferences. The programme emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to contribute meaningfully to societal progress. Overall, the Sociology course at Cambridge aims to produce socially conscious graduates capable of critical analysis and innovative thinking in an increasingly interconnected world.