Research
Much of our research is directly relevant to social policy concerns
Our interdisciplinary group of social scientists works within and across the disciplines of sociology, social policy, economic and social history, anthropology, criminology and psychology. We aim to promote and undertake research which is methodologically innovative and at the cutting edge of contemporary social theory.
Although much of our work is organised around specific research themes, our interests usually span more than one of these areas and often cut across the boundaries between them. We encourage staff to pursue their individual research interests and we seek to work closely with colleagues across Social Sciences and elsewhere in the University.
We have strong links with the ESRC National Centre for Research Methods, the ESRC Third Sector Research Centre, the ESRC Centre for Population Change, the Work Futures Research Centre, the Centre for Citizenship, Globalization and Governance, the Centre for Research on Ageing and the Division of Social Statistics & Demography.
We welcome enquiries from individuals who wish to carry out postgraduate research in any of our research areas:
- Methodological innovation
- Families and communities
- Living standards and welfare
- Work and organisations
- Religion, ethnicity and belonging
- Crime and social cohesion
We strongly encourage potential research students to view our individual research pages, which give more information about the specific interests of individual staff members.
Quality research
Research across Sociology, Social Policy & Applied Social Sciences was praised for its quality in the latest research assessment exercise (RAE).
A vibrant division
To keep up to date with researchers from Sociology, Social Policy & Applied Social Sciences, see our news pages.
Working with our partners
Academics from our Division are working with external organisations, contributing their expertise while informing their teaching.
More opportunities for doctoral research
The ESRC has chosen Social Sciences to host a prestigious Doctoral Research Centre. Find out more.