Our research

Robust research shaping sociology and society

We work with Departments across the University and around the world, collaborating on cutting edge research. When students join the Department they become part of this lively research community, as they learn how to understand and challenge the world. Our research helps to shape society today; our work has helped to inform the UN, government departments, think tanks and public bodies around the world on issues as diverse as the rights of indigenous peoples, the regulation of the building industry, and organised crime and terrorism.

Our Department houses four research centres and five research clusters. We work particularly closely with the Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER); a multidisciplinary research institute featuring world-leading expertise in quantitative analysis, survey methods and a strong portfolio of work on social policy. Our close working relationship with ISER provides our students with a unique and valuable research resource and unrivalled postgraduate study opportunities.

Use the links below to visit our cutting edge research structures and learn more about the exciting research which is taking place within the Department.