Sociology (The Sociology of Marginality and Exclusion)

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 three elements to the pathway:

1. A core course of 8 two-hour sessions covering some of the major theoretical contributions to the sociological study of marginality and exclusion and some key substantive topics. Both core and substantive topics 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. 

2. Research Methods: all students will receive training in research methods and will take a course on research methods which includes sessions on philosophical issues in the social sciences; research design; data collection and analysis in relation to quantitative and qualitative methods; reflection on research ethics and practice; library and computer skills. Students will also have the opportunity to take courses and attend lectures on many other aspects of research method and design and will select these courses in discussion with their supervisor.

3. 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 course teachers and fellow students.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the programme students should have:

• an advanced understanding of current research on selected topics in the sociology of marginality and exclusion;
• a broad understanding of theoretical approaches to marginality and exclusion;
• an understanding of the basic principles of social research;
• the skills necessary to conduct independent research and practical experience in the use of research methods;
• an ability to apply modern social theory with respect to empirical topics;
• a deeper understanding of their chosen specialist area, including command of the literature and current research; 
• the ability to situate their own research within current developments in the field.

Continuing

MPhil students who would like to continue to the PhD would normally need to have a final mark of at least 70 per cent overall and 70 per cent on the dissertation.

Open Days

The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the beginning of November. It's a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the Postgraduate Open Day page for more details.

Details of events run by the Sociology Department as part of the Open Day can be found here. 

Apply using the Applicant Portal 

Please make sure you read the terms and conditions of using the University of Cambridge Applicant Portal before proceeding with our application.

When you have completed the necessary preparation, and you are ready to begin your online application, you should take note of the following important information:

1. Go to the Course Directory and find the course you wish to apply for, then click the Apply Now button in the How to Apply tab.
2. All applications must be completed in English.
3. You can request your references in the Applicant Portal, and see when these have been received.
4. You must then submit all required supporting documentation at the same time as the rest of your application.
5. You can also apply for funding via the Applicant Portal.
6. There is an application charge of (GBP sterling) £75 per application (unless you are from a country which is eligible for fee waiver). The Postgraduate School of Life Sciences has a scheme which enables three applications to be made with payment of a single £75 application fee. A list of other eligible courses and further information can be found here. You can make the payment by providing your card details to our secure server when you submit your online application. More information about the application fee can be found on the Application Fee page.
7. You will need to submit a separate application, with separate supporting documents, for each course you wish to apply for. Unless the courses you are applying for is a part of the Postgraduate School of Life Sciences scheme, you will be charged the application fee for each application you make.
8. Your application will not be considered until all the supporting documentation, including references, has been provided.

Upload Supporting Documentation

Your application is not complete without the required supporting documentation which must be submitted through the Applicant Portal as part of your application. If the supporting documents, including references, are not provided your application will not be considered and your application will be withdrawn when the course deadline has passed.

Please check your course's entry to see what supporting documents you will be required to submit. For more information on what the specific requirements of each document are, and how to submit them, please see the section on Supporting Documentation.