Sociology research

Our research is oriented to developing critical and creative approaches to the most important and pressing questions of our time.

We are committed to producing high-quality research whose scope spans and connects the local to the global; addressing inequalities, marginalisations, equity and justice; and working in a pluri-disciplinary way that cuts across conventional disciplinary boundaries, inside and outside the academy.

Research culture

Our research culture is collaborative, dynamic, and outward-facing.

In addition to the research activities of staff, doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers play an active role in shaping the departmental research culture not only through their own original research activities but also by initiating and organising events and reading groups, as well as contributing to research-led teaching.

The department regularly hosts Visiting Fellows who also contribute to the research culture through public lectures and seminars, guest teaching lectures and collaboration on research projects and outputs.

Research outputs

Our understanding of research and research outputs extends across a range of activities in addition to the production of research monographs and peer-reviewed journal articles.

These include but are not limited to research-led teaching, public engagement, contributions to policy development, research reports, journalistic articles and exhibitions, as well as bid development and grant capture.

Centres, units and labs

A key feature of the Department of Sociology is its leading role in sustaining interdisciplinary research centres and innovative research units, all of which engage in experimental thought and practice on interconnecting issues of global climate change, health, gender, migration, racism, rights and social justice, and urban diversity. 

Many of our MA programmes are closely linked to our centres, units and labs, offering students the opportunity to participate in seminars with a host of invited international speakers and also lead postgraduate-directed events.