LICA at night

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

Lancaster University

A dynamic and creative community of enquiry, learning and engagement.

Discover the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Lancaster University

Executive Dean Professor Edward Simpson welcomes you.

News

Huge glacier sweeping down onto rocky mountain with Sarah Casey working in the middle of the rocky area

Lancaster professor’s cool award will enable work with ‘glacial flour’

A Lancaster University professor, whose current inspiration comes from glacial archaeology, has won a prestigious award for ‘excellence and innovation’ in water-based media.
Woman at computer with head in hands looking stressed and upset

Women at risk of ‘digital overload’ – new research reveals

When it comes to juggling using digital technology for both work and family, women are at greater risk than men of ‘digital overload’, according to new research led by Lancaster University. 
Little Roma girl looking over her shoulder. She has a green hair decoration

Study reveals unique challenges facing Roma migrants in children's services

A lack of trust, based on historic discrimination, has damaged the relationship between Roma families and children’s services in England, according to a new report, published today, which calls for a new Government strategy to promote social inclusion.
Top left: Dr Cath Hill is interviewed by a film crew from Norway’s national TV channel, TV2. Bottom left: Secretary General of NATO General Jens Stoltenberg with the Bee The Difference (BTD) team. Main image shows Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre addressing the commemoration ceremony held in Oslo’s government quarter with the BTD team in the background.

Norwegian Prime Minister welcomes Lancaster University researcher

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and the Secretary General of NATO, General Jens Stoltenberg, welcomed Lancaster University researcher Dr Cath Hill and her research project team to the commemoration of the Oslo city and Utoya Island terror attacks.

 
Imag shows the executive report editors Dr AmyAtkinson (left) and Professor Uta Papen

Urgent action needed to ensure children with SEND receive support they need

The system that is supposed to support children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is ‘broken’, says a new Child of the North report edited by Lancaster University researchers.
Chancellor the Rt Hon Alan Milburn with Lucy Briers

Alumni award for actor Lucy Briers

Actor Lucy Briers, who graduated from Lancaster University in 1988, has received an Alumni award in this July’s graduation ceremonies.

More News

The reputation and influence of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences extends across the world. We are placed in the top 100 in the world for Education, Arts and Humanities in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024. We are considered one of the top three universities in the world for Linguistics by the QS World subject rankings 2024, with several other subjects placed in the world top 100.

Many of our subject areas feature in the top ten of UK university league tables, and we have an excellent track record for graduate prospects.

Reputation and Rankings
Staff brainstorming using a glass panel and marker pens

'Remarkable results' for Faculty of Arts and Social Science in the Research Excellence Framework (REF2021)

Two departments in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Lancaster University achieved the highest possible score for impact in the Research Excellence Framework results published on 12 May 2022. The Department of Educational Research and the Department of Linguistics and English Language are both rated ‘outstanding’ for 100% of their research impact and both are rated joint top in the UK for impact. Read more about the notable successes in our other departments.

Read more

Areas of Focus

Our diverse and vibrant Faculty has research strengths across the arts, humanities and social sciences. We hold true to the University’s mission to be a pioneer in challenging established thinking and championing new ideas.

  • Lancaster Arts

    Lancaster Arts has a long-established artistic reputation for the creation, development and presentation of cutting edge contemporary arts.

  • The Ruskin Library, Museum and Research Centre

    Home to the leading collection of the works of John Ruskin (1819-1900), the epoch-defining writer, artist and social thinker.

  • Confucius Institute

    Supporting language learning and enterprise in the North West region and awarded Confucius Institute of the Year 2019.

  • Centre for Child and Family Justice Research

    The Centre’s mission is to progress cutting-edge research to improve the lives of children, young people and families

  • ImaginationLancaster

    Our research centre works with a variety of organisations to provide design-led perspectives on real-world issues and facilitate innovation.

  • School of Architecture

    We are exploring the future of architectural practice through work on issues of global importance, with a focus on ethical and sustainable solutions.

Events

19th Sep

Witch Hunts in the 21st Century: A human rights catastrophe

Thursday 19 September 2024, 12:00pm to Wednesday 25 September 2024, 4:00pm
6th Oct

Lancaster Chinese weekend classes for children (5-11 years old)

Sunday 6 October 2024, 10:00am to Sunday 15 December 2024, 12:00pm
6th Oct

Chinese folk dance classes for children (5-11 years old)

Sunday 6 October 2024, 1:00pm to Sunday 15 December 2024, 2:00pm
6th Oct

Chinese folk dance classes

Sunday 6 October 2024, 2:30pm to Sunday 15 December 2024, 3:30pm
12th Oct

The Anglo-Scottish Border Region and the Northern World from the Viking Age to 1500

Saturday 12 October 2024, 9:30am to 4:15pm

More Events