LICA at night

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

Lancaster University

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

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

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 Arts and Humanities, Law, Education, and Social Sciences in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022.

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

Reputation and Rankings

Welcome from our Executive Dean (Interim), Professor Willem B. Hollmann

Whether you’re a prospective student, colleague or external partner, UK-based or international, we want to hear from you and get to know you.

If you’re thinking of coming to study with us I imagine you may be attracted by any number of things. Perhaps it is our commitment to sustainability. This is obvious everywhere around our stunning green campus. Maybe it’s our strong belief that our students are all individuals whose views contribute to making us even better and more inclusive. Or it could be our commitment to your future success, evident from our many Placement Year programmes and other work experience opportunities.

If you’re looking to join us as a colleague you will have come across our research. We’re known internationally for our interdisciplinary and innovative work, which often challenges orthodoxy. You may be drawn to our beautiful surroundings. There’s not just the campus but also the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and Forest of Bowland all right on our doorstep. And you’ve possibly met some of my colleagues in the Faculty, many of whom enjoy working here so much that they choose to stay with us at Lancaster University for a long time and continue to contribute to our excellence.

If you are a prospective student, an academic, or you work for a business or partner organisation, you may have come across our values, research, education, and our deeply engaged local and global outlook. We pride ourselves on being a truly civic university. We are an anchor point in and for the region, nationally and internationally. And we’re always open to novel opportunities and new partnerships that enable us to collaborate in pioneering and exciting ways.

Welcome to the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Lancaster University. Let us start a new conversation.

Professor Willem Hollmann, Executive Dean (Interim) of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

News

Gynae Cancer

New book describes patient experiences of radiotherapy for gynaecological cancer

The hidden experiences of patients treated with radiotherapy for gynaecological cancer are described in a book by Lancaster researchers working with NHS staff.
Geetanjali Shree (pictured) will explore the theme of writing fiction in troubled times

Booker International Winner to give 2022 Lancaster International Fiction Lecture

The 2022 Lancaster International Fiction Lecture, a joint venture between Litfest and Lancaster University’s Departments of Languages & Cultures and English Literature & Creative Writing, will be the headline event in Litfest’s ‘Autumn Weekend’.
Head and shoulders of Dr Alexandra R. Harrington

Law School lecturer will pioneer plastics treaty to safeguard future generations

A Lancaster University law lecturer is set to lead a global team in developing a Plastics Treaty - a critical strategy for current and future generations.
Dr Cath Hill - head and shoulders photograph - and the Bee the Difference campaign logo with bumble bee

University lecturer at UN Global Congress of Victims of Terrorism in New York

A Lancaster University researcher and lecturer is in New York this week at the UN Global Congress of Victims of Terrorism to highlight the launch of a research project, Bee The Difference, which aims to help future young survivors of terror.
Professor Paul Trowler

Lancaster University Professor honoured for exceptional efforts in higher education

A Lancaster University Professor has been honoured for excellence in the field of higher education.
Cath Hill

Call for young Manchester Arena survivors to speak out and create change

Young people affected by the Manchester Arena Attack are being urged to complete an online survey being launched today by a group of young survivors of the bombing who are working with a Lancaster University lecturer.

More News

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.

  • Distance and Online Courses

    Our expertise and experience ensure a high quality learning experience.

  • Faculty Placements and Internships

    The Faculty has an outstanding track record on graduate employment, and supports employability in a variety of ways.

  • Eden North

    Together with Eden North and local partners we are developing an educational programme that supports a shared vision for the future of the community.

Events

4th Oct

[Meet & Eat] Autoethnography in Online Doctoral Education

Tuesday 4 October 2022, 12:00pm to 2:00pm
11th Oct

One More Jump Palestinian film screening and discussion with director

Tuesday 11 October 2022, 7:00pm to 10:00pm
12th Oct

HL2C-SLLAT Seminar: Monika Schmid (York)

Wednesday 12 October 2022, 12:00pm to 1:00pm
28th Oct

The future is green and blue: Portugal and the UK embracing a sustainable future

Friday 28 October 2022, 11:00am to 12:00pm

More Events

Coronavirus

Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected by the global pandemic. Throughout this very difficult time our priority has been to protect the health and wellbeing of our community, while continuing to provide high quality teaching and research.

Latest Covid-19 updates from Lancaster University