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School of Social Sciences

Themes

We have developed an interdisciplinary approach to the social sciences, which is reflected in our research and teaching.

In particular, we have clusters of research excellence in the fields of sociology and education, broadly defined across several themes.

Science, technology and risk

Science, technology and risk

Science and technology studies is a key area in British sociology. We are one of the leading centres of excellence in Europe, with several programmes of work in this area.

Crime, security and justice

Crime, security and justice

Applying theoretical innovation to inform new ways of understanding and responding to crime.

Knowledge, learning and pedagogy

Knowledge, learning and pedagogy

We have an extensive expertise in exploring the cultural, political and organisational dimensions of knowledge, learning and pedagogy - from the early years to higher and professional education.

Culture, interaction and everyday life

Culture, interaction and everyday life

We have a strong history of ethnographic innovation, with research exploring how space and place, the cultural, the material and the psychosocial interact.

Children and young people

Children and young people

Working together across disciplines to improve the welfare of children and young people.

Education, skills and labour markets

Education, skills and labour markets

Exploring the links between education and careers, skills and labour.

Inequalities, division and diversity

Inequalities, division and diversity

Colleagues from social work, public policy, social psychology and sociology are coming together to study the impact of inequalities on people’s everyday lives.