News from 2024

Blue cubes with the hydrogen cubes written on

Budget 2024 is a positive step towards achieving NetZero, says º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ expert

º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ academics have reacted to Rachel Reeves’ 2024 Budget welcoming her plans for green growth.
A busy street in London with Big Ben in the background

New rights for UK workers are unlikely to put enough money in the pockets of those who need it

Sarah was in a comfortable job, working for an archaeology business before being diagnosed with cancer. Much of her 20-year career had left her with reliable employment rights in the civil service.
Dom Willmott recives the European Scientific Impact Award

Dr Dom Wilmott wins the European Scientific Impact Award

We are happy to announce that Dr Dom Wilmott has been awarded a Scientific Impact Award by the European Association of Psychology and Law (EAPL).
a graphic showing times rankings

º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ ranked 1st for Criminology in the Times University Guide 2025

º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ has been ranked 1st for Criminology and 6th for Sociology in the Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2025
Academics from the DARG research group

DARG wins Vice-Chancellor's Award for International Reputation

We are pleased to announce that the Discourse & Rhetoric Group (DARG) were winners in the ‘International Engagement and Impact’ category at the 2024 Vice-Chancellor's Awards. This award is presented for outstanding international engagement that has enhanced the University’s global profile.

Japanese Language Classes available on campus

The University is running in-person Japanese language courses on campus, open to anyone aged 18 and over.
Bethany Dark, Subomi Lawal and Eva Patterson

Winners of the 8th Barbara Bagilhole Memorial Awards announced

We’re delighted to announce this year’s winners of the Barbara Bagilhole Memorial Award for coursework in Equity and Diversity.
an old sign directing to a hospital

Public now think access to private health services is a necessary expense for households due to NHS delays

For the first time, the British public has deemed it necessary to set aside a budget for private health treatments – reflecting the challenges of accessing some NHS services.

Professor Kristin Aune joins department as Visiting Professor of Religion and Higher Education

We are delighted to welcome Professor Kristin Aune who has been appointed Visiting Professor of Religion and Higher Education.

Dame Vera Baird joins discussion forum on sexual violence

Last week the department was joined by Dame Vera Baird for a discussion forum on improving justice outcomes for victim-survivors of sexual violence, chaired by Dom Willmott.

Criminology, Sociology and Social Policy students awarded prizes at Graduation

Last week, our 2024 Criminology, Sociology and Social Policy cohort graduated and enjoyed a brilliant day on campus celebrating with friends, family, and staff members from our School.

New Dean of School of Social Sciences and Humanities appointed

Professor Justin Waring has been appointed as the new Dean of º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ’s School of Social Sciences and Humanities
black and white photo of a teddy bear

New research highlights child poverty as critical election issue

A staggering two-thirds (66%) of new constituencies for the General Election have at least a quarter of children living in poverty, reveals a new study by º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ for the End Child Poverty Coalition.

º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ ranked 3rd for Sociology in Complete University Guide 2025

º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ has been ranked 3rd in the UK overall for Sociology and Criminology in the Complete University Guide 2025. We have also ranked 1st for research quality in Sociology and 5th overall for Social Policy.

New report shows students studying outside London need £18,600 to have an acceptable standard of living

A major new report shows, for the first time, how much students need to have a minimum acceptable standard of living.
A blind man with his assistance dog

A quarter of blind and partially sighted people miss out on their disability benefits

New research from the Centre for Research in Social Policy at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ, produced for RNIB, reveals that more than one in four blind and partially sighted people (83,000) miss-out on the disability benefits they’re entitled to.

Germany decriminalised cannabis: why the UK should consider doing the same

The German government has approved new legislation which decriminalises cannabis.
a boy wearing headphones looking at a laptop

Millions do not meet minimum standard for digital social inclusion

Nearly four million households with children in the UK do not meet the Minimum Digital Living Standard (MDLS), according to new research.
a hand holding on to a radiator

New report reveals millions on low incomes face poverty ‘tipping point’ as they struggle to pay for essentials

Four out of five people with incomes below the minimum level are in debt due to household bills, according to a new study.

Families living with Noonan Syndrome call for more social support and medical awareness

Families living with Noonan Syndrome say there is a pressing need for more social support and awareness of the rare genetic condition.

New ‘Cost of a Child in Scotland’ research published ahead of final vote on Scottish Budget

A new report published today has found a huge gap remains between the cost of raising a child in Scotland and actual family incomes, despite the significant impact of Scottish government policies and lower childcare costs.
statue from the ministry of justice

Why the teenagers who murdered Brianna Ghey should have remained anonymous

The two teenagers convicted of the horrific murder of Brianna Ghey have received life sentences. The judge, Justice Yip, also made the decision to lift their anonymity, which is automatically applied to all children (defined as those under 18) involved in criminal proceedings.
A couple walking a dog on a beach

Latest retirement living standards show change of UK public expectations

Updated figures for retirement living standards reveal a shift in the cost of retirement living driven by changes in the UK public's expectations and increases to the cost-of-living.

A single person on universal credit now receives 20% less than what it costs just to eat and keep warm

The UK’s income safety net is in tatters.
David Deacon and Lisa Marie

Students awarded prizes at Graduation

On 15th December, our 2023 postgraduate cohort enjoyed a brilliant graduation day on campus celebrating with friends, family, and staff members from our School.