Value proposition

Engaging with real world problems. Ranked 1st in the UK & Europe in the QS Rankings by Subject 2021.

Sociology at Oxford has a strong analytical, empirical and comparative orientation. Focus is on developing and testing theories that engage with real world problems. Particular strengths include the statistical analysis of social surveys, social demography, collection, management and analysis of complex datasets, the development of rational choice theory, microsocial experiments and simulation studies. The Department of Sociology was established in 1999 to provide a renewed focus for sociological research and teaching in the University.

The international reputation of Oxford Sociology remains widely recognised. Sociology is currently ranked second in the world (and first in UK & Europe) according to QS Rankings by Subject 2021. It has four Fellows of the British Academy and has been highly successful, given its size, in generating external research income. Oxford has a long and distinguished history of sociological research. Some of the most well-known and influential sociological studies in the UK, e.g. the Oxford Social Mobility Survey, the Social Change and Economic Life Initiative, the British Election Survey series, were led by Oxford sociologists.

As well as undertaking cutting-edge research, the Department carries out the full range of postgraduate teaching and research, provides teaching and support for undergraduate courses administered by other departments, and has about 50 staff and around 100 graduate students and academic visitors.

The Department offers two taught courses: a one-year MSc in Sociology and a two-year MPhil in Sociology and Demography, which together have an intake of about 30 students per year. In addition, about 15 doctoral students are admitted each year. The Department of Sociology also offers teaching for the undergraduate degree programmes in Human Sciences, and Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE).

sociology and social science