Social Sciences

Research assessment

Research in the social sciences received excellent ratings in the latest research assessment exercise (RAE 2008). More than 50 per cent of our research was judged to be either 'internationally excellent' (3*) or 'world-leading' (4*).

All of our units of assessment improved on their performance in the previous RAE in 2001. Three out of five units of assessment were ranked highly in their subject group, according to their grade point average: Social Policy (including sociology, demography and gerontology) ranked third, Statistics & Operational Research ranked ninth, and Economics and Econometrics ranked eleventh. Politics & International Relations and Social Work Studies both consolidated their positions, with at least a third of research judged to be internationally excellent or higher.

Research Impact Review 2010

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“This is an excellent set of results for Social Sciences and confirms its position as one of the leading centres of social science research in the UK. It is an outstanding achievement for all the staff involved and recognition of their work over many years.”

Professor Tony McGrew, Former Head of Social Sciences

Key facts

  • We offer our students and staff the chance to work alongside a number of extremely active academics and groups in internationally significant research centres.

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