Research

Criminology, Sociology and Sociology is home to a thriving research community that addresses the issues that underpin today's society.

Our world-class research focuses on 5 key clusters: children, young people and families; applied criminal justice; intersectionalities and citizenship; digital and health technologies; and consumption, culture and inequalities.

These are underpinned by methodological expertise and innovation, including in participatory and mixed research methods that generates evidence-based research both on and with marginalised groups. We also host the Centre for Research in Social Policy, world-renowned for its work on the Minimum Income Standard, which has influenced public policy both in the UK and internationally.

Read more about research in Social and Policy Studies here, or visit the School website to learn more about wider research activity across the eight School of Social Sciences and Humanities research themes:

School of Social Sciences and Humanities research

100% of research impact rated ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Research areas

Criminology and Social Policy research

Research that has an impact on criminal justice and social policies and practice both in the UK and worldwide.

Sociology research

Sociology research examines the societal interactions and processes that influence social identities.

Child First Justice

We are at the forefront of a progressive approach to how children should be understood, treated, and supported when they come to the attention of the Youth Justice System.

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Research networks

Centre for Research in Social Policy (CRSP)

Over the past 30 years, CRSP has built a national and international reputation for high quality applied policy research. The Centre’s biggest role at present is the researching and analysis of A Minimum Income Standard for the United Kingdom.

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Centre for Research in Communication and Culture (CRCC)

Our researchers collaborate with the Communication and Media department to explore how communication and culture shape the key challenges of our times.