MPhil Sociology stands for Master of Philosophy in Sociology. It is a 2 year postgraduate research degree for students who want to seek knowledge in sociological domains, exploring socio-cultural elements.
The MPhil Sociology Eligibility Criteria is that the candidate needs to have a 2-year MA/MSc degree in Sociology from a UGC recognized university with an aggregate of 55% marks. Admission to this course depends on your eligibility, and for some institutions, you even need to pass entrance examinations.
The MPhil Sociology Fees vary depending on the institution. Public Universities like JNU (Delhi), DU (Delhi), TISS (Mumbai), Presidency University (Kolkata), etc offer courses somewhere between INR 50,000 – 75,000. On the other hand, private universities like Amity University and SGT University offer courses in INR 4,00,000 – 5,00,000.
Completing an MPhil Sociology course opens many dynamic career paths in the field, centred around teaching and research. Some Job Profiles after completing this course are Lecturer/Assistant Professor, Research Scientist, Curriculum Developer, etc. Moreover, they can work with both the public and the private sector. They can get recruited in Government Research Bodies, NGOs, UNESCO, UNDP, Academic Institutions The average Salary after doing MPhil Sociology falls in the range of INR 3,00,000 – 6,00,000, which increases with work experience.
- M.Phil. Sociology Highlights
- What is M.Phil. Sociology?
- Why Study M.Phil. Sociology?
- Who should study M.Phil. Sociology?
- M.Phil. Sociology Eligibility Criteria
- M.Phil. Sociology Entrance Exams 2025
- M.Phil. Sociology Colleges in India
- M.Phil. Sociology Admission Process 2025
- M.Phil. Sociology Syllabus
- M.Phil. Sociology Job Opportunities in India
- M.Phil. Sociology FAQs
M.Phil. Sociology Highlights
MPhil Sociology is one of the most advanced degrees that a student can opt for. The details of this course are as follows:
What is M.Phil. Sociology?
M.Phil. in Sociology (Master of Philosophy in Sociology) is a pre-doctoral, research-focused postgraduate program that allows students to deeply explore sociological theories, methods, and contemporary social issues through independent research. It generally spans 1 to 2 years and culminates in the submission of a dissertation or thesis.
This program bridges the gap between a master’s degree (like MA Sociology) and a Ph.D., equipping students with advanced research skills, academic writing abilities, and theoretical grounding. It covers a wide array of topics such as social stratification, gender, gender issues, caste, urbanization, globalization, education, and development.
Also, read about PhD in Sociology
Why Study M.Phil. Sociology?
Pursuing an M.Phil. in Sociology offers several academic, professional, and societal benefits:
- Prepares students for a Ph.D. by developing their research design and analysis skills.
- Enhances understanding of how societies function and evolve through systemic analysis.
- Opens up roles in academia, policy-making, NGOs, research institutes, and civil services.
- Useful in fields like development studies, anthropology, economics, and political science
- Helps graduates address and contribute to solving real-world issues like inequality, poverty, and education
- M.Phil. makes it easier to pursue doctoral research with a more focused and prepared mindset.
Who should study M.Phil. Sociology?
If you're passionate about understanding society, solving systemic issues, and contributing through research or teaching, M.Phil. Sociology is a strong next step.This program is ideal for:
- Sociology Postgraduates who want to further specialize in a particular area or pursue research and academic careers.
- Aspiring Researchers who plan to work in think tanks, research institutions, or NGOs.
- Future Academicians targeting a career in college or university teaching
- Social Workers and Policy Analysts who wish to base their work on solid theoretical and empirical understanding.
- Civil Services Aspirants who want to strengthen their grasp of society and public policy.
- Development Professionals aiming to contribute to international agencies or social innovation organizations.
M.Phil. Sociology Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for an MPhil Sociology is as follows:
- For candidates who’re interested in pursuing this research-oriented degree, they should hold a 2-year degree in M.A Sociology or M.Sc Sociology with an aggregate of 55% marks.
- Most universities require candidates to qualify a university-level entrance exam and/or a personal interview.
- No specific age limit, though some institutes may have preferences based on academic track.
- Some universities may ask for a research proposal or statement of purpose during admission.
M.Phil. Sociology Entrance Exams 2025
There are some universities or institutions that conduct entrance exams for this course. For example, the University of Delhi, Lovely Professional University, and NIMHANS. If the candidates want to pursue the course at certain colleges, they’ll have to show up for the entrance exams.
M.Phil. Sociology Colleges in India
There are several top colleges in India offering an MPhil Sociology. These colleges provide academic rigour to students. A few of these top institutes are mentioned below:
M.Phil. Sociology Admission Process 2025
The MPhil Sociology admission 2025 can vary depending on the college or institution you’ve chosen. However, to give you a general idea, listed below is the admission process for Amity University, Noida, which provides MPhil Sociology:
Step 1: Start with reaching out to the official site of Amity University. You need to sign up as a new user, if you’ve already signed up, sign in.
Step 2: Fill out the required details and sign in as a new user. After that, choose the program and campus you’re applying for.
Step 3: Fill out the applicant details required, and then make a payment of INR 1100. Once the payment has been made, other options will open, such as Personal details, educational details, and documents, etc.
Step 4: Fill out the details, and you’re done with the application. Now, depending on the eligibility criteria, you’ll get selected.
M.Phil. Sociology Syllabus
The MPhil Sociology syllabus of Maharishi Dayanad University, Rohtak is mentioned below:
M.Phil. Sociology Job Opportunities in India
There are ample job opportunities for MPhil Sociology graduates, such as:
M.Phil. Sociology FAQs
Which is better, an MPhil or a PhD in Sociology?
An MPhil is the highest master’s degree you can achieve in Sociology, whereas a PhD is the highest qualification you can achieve in Sociology. Doing a course that fits well with your eligibility is the best option. However, a PhD in Sociology is the best option if you’re looking to widen your career prospects.
Can I use the prefix Dr. after M. Phil in Sociology?
If you’re still practising after doing an MPhil in Sociology, you’ll be addressed as Dr informally by your patients. However, if you wish to put the prefix in front of your name, then you’ll have to complete your PhD in Sociology.
Is MPhil Sociology being phased out?
Yes, according to the notice issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC), and the addition of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, made some really important changes, and among them was the decision to phase out MPhil Sociology. It will be only available for the 2025 batch. If the students are thinking of pursuing this course, this is their last chance.
Can I do an MPhil in Sociology from a distance?
Yes, you can do MPhil Sociology from distance learning, because the course focuses on theoretical knowledge rather than giving practical knowledge, which is why it is the best option for interested students to pursue this course from a distance.
Is MPhil Sociology a lengthy course?
The course length can depend on the institution, however, the course generally comprises 2 semesters in which all the theoretical knowledge is provided to the students.