The Centre offers courses leading to the degrees of M.Phil. and Ph.D. in Sociology. The courses offered are organised into five broad areas.

  i) Theories of Social Systems and Social Structures
 ii) Methodology of Social Science and Techniques of Social Research
iii) Cultural Analysis
iv) Analysis of Social Change and Development;
 v) Gender Studies

The thrust areas under the Department of Special Assistance programme of the UGC are:

1. Sociology of Development and Modernization
2. Sociology of Professions and Professionalisation.
3. Sociology of Agrarian Structure.
4. Sociology of Social Movement and Social Mobilization.
5. Studies of Minorities, Ethnic Communities and Marginal Groups.
6. Social Structure and Political Processes.

The Centre awards two M. Phil/ Ph. D. Fellowships under the Dr. Ambedkar Chair in Sociology.

The Centre engages in conducting research on themes relating to the sociology of modernization, post-modernity, globalization, development, social change, social movements, professions, sociology of knowledge, religion, agrarian relation, sociology of minorities, marginal groups and communities, sociology of communication, Indian diaspora, Social ecology and NGOs, gender, youth and cultural analysis. The Centre has also been selected for special assistance by the University Grants Commission besides having Dr. Ambedkar Chair instituted by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, New Delhi.

Master’s degree programme in Sociology is oriented towards the study of social systems, sociological theories, research methodology and other areas of study like sociology of knowledge, professions, social psychology, sociology of gender, cultural studies, Indian social thought, ethnic minorities and marginal groups, social ecology, social demography and sociology of science / medicine. Several courses offered at the Centre are inter-disciplinary and drawn from anthropology, psychology, economics, politics and history. In addition, courses at this level are also concerned with the problems relating to globalization, development, mass media and social change.

Out of 16 courses, 8 are in the areas of sociological theories, thinkers, and methodology and the remaining 8 courses focus on different aspects of Indian society such as social stratification, family life and kinship, polity, economy, urban life, population, education, and social change. Sixteen optional courses are offered from which the students have to choose four. ( Students are also encouraged to opt for some courses in the related disciplines from other Centres of the School). In addition to a number of merit-cum means scholarships, the Centre has four National Scholarships awarded on merit under the Department of Special Assistance Programme of the UGC.