Program Overview

Introduction to the MPhil in Sociology (The Sociology of Media and Culture)

The Department of Sociology at the University of Cambridge is a world-class centre for teaching and research in Sociology, with a proud tradition of research grounded in engagement with contemporary real-world issues. The 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.

Programme Overview

The MPhil in Sociology of Media and Culture pathway provides students with the opportunity to study the nature and transformation of media, culture and technology at an advanced level. The programme gives students a firm grounding in the theoretical and empirical analysis of media, culture and technology, and enables them to study particular media, culture and technology in-depth, examining their transformations over time and their impact on other aspects of social and political life.

Programme Structure

The programme consists of four elements:

• A core course of eight 2-3 hour sessions 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 study of the media and culture and some key substantive topics.
• 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.
• Eight to ten hours of optional seminars during the second term (Lent).
• Dissertation: all students will write a dissertation on a topic of their choice that allows for theoretically informed empirical analysis of some aspect of media, culture and technology and their impact.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the programme, students should have:

• an advanced understanding of current research on selected topics in the sociology of media, culture and technology
• 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 to PhD

Students are encouraged to apply for the department's PhD programme, provided they achieve a high level of achievement in all parts of the course. MPhil students who want to apply for the PhD would normally need to have a final mark of at least 70% overall and 70% on the dissertation.

Key Information

• Duration: 9 months full-time, 21 months part-time
• Study Mode: Taught
• Degree: Master of Philosophy
• Department: Department of Sociology
• Dates and deadlines:
  • Applications open: September 3, 2025
  • Application deadline: February 26, 2026
  • Course Starts: October 1, 2026
• Funding Deadlines:
  • Course Funding Deadline: December 3, 2025
  • Gates Cambridge US round only: October 15, 2025

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