Sociology
The Department of Sociology at Oxford is one of Europe's leading research departments, evidenced by the 2022 QS World rankings. The department is renowned for its strong analytical, empirical and comparative orientation. The department focuses on developing and testing theories that engage with real world puzzles and problems.
Each year around 30 students are accepted onto the Department of Sociology's MSc and MPhil taught courses. These programmes provide the theoretical and methodological foundations for advanced research. Many MSc and MPhil students go on to study for DPhil degrees either in Oxford or elsewhere.
A select cohort of qualified students are accepted directly into the DPhil in Sociology, which has around 60 students at any point in time.
Many students come from the United Kingdom and other European countries; the department also attracts students from all over the world, from Australia and Singapore to Ghana and Chile, which makes for a diverse and vibrant environment.
The department prepares students for careers in research-intense environments. Many alumni pursue successful academic careers, but the department also celebrates a substantial number of graduates working in (national and international) government, in think-tanks and in senior positions in the private sector.