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The School of Social Science

Social Science Research Strategy to 2030

In this section
Social Science Research Strategy to 2030

Vision

We aim to create an environment where people can do their best work, individually or collectively, within a vibrant research culture, recognising impact and engagement as essential elements of our work.   We are concerned with building collegiality and are committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

Politics and International Relations (PIR), there has always been a strong focus on comparative politics, democracy and elections, international relations and IR theory. 

  • International Security
  • Critical Approaches to International Relations
  • Citizens and Democracy
  • Governance and Representation
  • Climate, Social Justice and Sustainability

Sociology has a long and continuing tradition of work on religion, social justice and inequality. Research themes are:

  • Religion and Secularisation
  • Social Justice and Inequality
  • International Mobility
  • Identity and Wellbeing
  • Energy Transitions

Anthropology. The idea of the North has been a strong theme for many years, but other research themes are:

  • Environment and Multispecies Life
  • Museums, Archives and Histories of Knowledge
  • Religion: Polity, Person and Identity
  • Food Cultures, Economy, Sovereignty

Aims

  1. To encourage high-quality academic outputs across all units of assessment by instituting internal review processes both before and after output submissions
  2. To encourage access to and applications for external research funding by pump-priming research initiatives and ideas, providing relevant training and support and supporting successful applicants for research funding.
  3. To facilitate public engagement and the development of impact case studies by providing tailored training and support at all stages along with funding for impact activities.
  4. To enable research themes and collaborations to emerge within the School through seminars, away days and research centre funding.
  5. To facilitate communication and collaboration between colleagues within the School, with other Schools and other institutions by participating in external and internal networking events.
  6. To develop a strong cohort of postgraduate students and to attract new ones by funding postgraduate events and community-building activities.