Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) - MPhil and MSc programmes in Sociology

What the Oxford Sociology master's offers

You are studying for a Master’s degree in Sociology at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. The Department of Sociology offers two separate degree programmes, both of which start in October. The MSc in Sociology programme lasts 12 months full-time (or 2 years part-time). It covers sociological theory, research methods and a dissertation based on your own research. The MPhil in Sociology and Demography programme lasts 21 months full-time. It combines sociology with demography (the study of populations) and covers topics such as fertility, migration, health and inequality, as well as a dissertation of up to 30,000 words. These are fee-paying programmes, not scholarships as such. However, if you meet the January deadline, you will automatically be considered for full funding from the Clarendon Fund, which covers tuition fees and living costs for students of all nationalities.

Who can apply

• Degree: You hold a UK Bachelor’s degree with an ‘Upper Second Class’ classification (or an equivalent qualification) or are expected to achieve this; ideally, a ‘First Class’ degree. For applicants from the US, this means a GPA of approximately 3.5 or higher.
• Field of study: You hold a degree in a social science subject. Other academic backgrounds will also be considered, provided you can demonstrate a strong interest in Oxford-style sociology.
• English: You have a very good command of English, for example an IELTS Academic 7.5 overall score (7.0 in each section) or a TOEFL iBT 110.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply.
• Tests: You do not need GRE or GMAT results, nor do you need any publications.

How to apply

Applications are made online via the University of Oxford’s postgraduate admissions system. You will need to submit your academic transcripts, three letters of reference, a writing sample and a personal statement, and pay an application fee of £75. Apply by the deadline in January to be considered for scholarships such as the Clarendon Fund. The application deadlines for 2026–27 have passed; the next round is for programmes starting in 2027–28.

How realistic are your chances?

These are highly selective degree programmes at one of the world’s most prestigious universities. For the MSc programme, around 217 applications are received each year for approximately 42 places; for the smaller MPhil programme, around 19 applications are received for approximately 5 places. An outstanding degree with a ‘First Class’ or ‘High Upper Second’ in a social science subject, together with a compelling writing sample and a strong personal statement, are the factors that set applicants apart from the rest. The chances of receiving full funding are even slimmer; you should therefore apply by the January deadline and regard a scholarship as a bonus rather than a given.