Sociology
Sociology at the University of Exeter explores the ways in which we think, see and investigate the social, cultural and political world we live in. Our aim is to help you to develop a critical understanding of the rise and transformation of modern societies and the challenges faced. As an endeavour, this is both theoretical and empirical. It requires that you explore ways of perceiving the social world and the practical research skills to investigate it.
As a department, we are a dynamic, highly productive, and friendly team who offer intellectually stimulating teaching and a well-established research culture. A distinctive feature is our commitment to interdisciplinary work. Sociologists, philosophers, and anthropologists work together in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, as well as research projects. We are committed to the idea that drawing sociology and philosophy together, and in ways that include empirical philosophy, enriches both fields.
Our academics publish widely, and are actively involved in research projects and grants, some examples here.
100% of our Sociology research has internationally excellent impact
Based on research impact rated 4* + 3* in REF 2021. Our research in Sociology, Philosophy, Anthropology and Criminology was returned to this UoA
Top 15 in the UK for Sociology
13th in the Complete University Guide 2025; joint 15th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
We are 19th in the UK for our world-leading Sociology research
Based on research rated 4* in REF 2021. Our research in Sociology, Philosophy, Anthropology and Criminology was returned to this UoA
Funding opportunities available through ESRC South West Doctoral Training Centre – a hub of world-class social sciences research
Study with us
We offer both single and combined honours undergraduate programmes in sociology with other disciplines including anthropology, criminology, modern languages, philosophy and politics. These programmes provide a strong foundation in sociological theory, practical skills in research methods, examples of classic studies of inequality, and develop a critical appreciation of how we study the social world. As you progress, there are increasing opportunities to specialise and research a topic of your own interest via your dissertation.
As part of an interdisciplinary department, students can also choose to specialise in programmes such the BSc Sociology and BSc Social Data Science which help develop in-depth skills in coding, quantitative data analysis and data visualization. This is delivered through the Q-Step Centre for Computational Social Science (C2S2).
At the postgraduate level we offer a series of MA programmes exploring: Society and Culture; Food Studies; Society, Culture and Media; and Cultures and Environments of Health. There is also the MSc Social Data Science for those looking to develop data analysis techniques alongside specialism in a policy subfield.
Undergraduate
Postgraduate taught
Postgraduate research
In our Department you have the opportunity to undertake advanced postgraduate research in a friendly, interdisciplinary, collaborative, and highly productive community. We have a range of interests that cut across themes in sociology (including criminology), philosophy, anthropology and anthrozoology. We support postgraduate students working across a diverse range of topics in these disciplines and at their boundaries. Our department includes Egenis, the Centre for the Study of Life Sciences, an internationally recognised research centre for philosophical and social studies of the life sciences.
Our research
As an interdisciplinary department, research conducted by academic staff explores a wide variety of topics and often bridges disciplinary boundaries with anthropology, criminology, and philosophy. We specialize in social theory, cultural theory, the sociology of addiction, data, education, the environment, the family, medicine, music, religion, and science and technology. Consequently, the research methods used are also broad and diverse and include both qualitative and quantitative approaches, ranging from ethnography and interviewing to statistical modelling and machine learning.
Along with Philosophy, the department houses Egenis, the Centre for the Study of Life Sciences, an internationally recognised leading centre for the philosophical and social analysis of genetics and the life sciences.
Our excellent support for postgraduate students includes ESRC, Wellcome Trust, and other studentships.
