Social Sciences

The scope of our activity is wide, but focused around the study and application of the social sciences.

Ours is the study of humanity. It is the study of human culture and 'society' based on systematic and rigorous research. We see the traditional subjects of the Social Sciences; Sociology, Psychology, Criminology and Politics, as central to the development of a proper understanding of how individuals shape and respond to the world they live in, and as complimentary to the professional area of Youth and Community Work and Playwork which is part of the our portfolio.

Our aim is to foster in students a critical understanding of their world. Our intention is to educate students and to nurture confidence, articulacy, a sense of social responsibility, the ability to think clearly and to work under pressure, so that they may enjoy useful and thoughtful lives. As part of this we are committed to challenging oppression and unjust discrimination and to the promotion of equality and social justice.

We are also committed to the University's aim of increasing the voluntary contribution we make to the civic and social life of the city and region. We encourage students and staff to help wherever they can to improve the lives of excluded and disadvantaged people.

Head of Subject Group, Stephen Sayers, Reader in Social Psychology