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.

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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, Professor Paul Connolly

Welcome to the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Lancaster University. We are a vibrant and diverse Faculty, consistently ranked among the top 100 globally. We share a commitment to better understanding and improving the human condition, our cultures and the wider nature of society.

We have a strong sense of place combined with an international outlook. We are particularly proud of our role as a civic university. Our teaching and research are shaped by our wide range of external partnerships with communities, voluntary and community organisations, professional bodies, business and industry.

We are passionate about interdisciplinarity and working with our students and our external partners to: create a rich, relevant and challenging educational experience; generate new insights and understanding through our research; and co-produce innovative responses to many of society’s key challenges.

Through our education programmes, research and engagement activities we are driven by a desire to help everyone reach their full potential and contribute fully to an open, inclusive, culturally enriched, creative, sustainable and connected world.

I would encourage you to explore our Faculty website and check out our Departments and Specialist Centres. Whether you are a student, academic, PhD researcher or professional services staff, we hope you will join us in our dynamic and creative community of enquiry, learning and engagement.

Professor Paul Connolly, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

News

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.
Two old pictures supplied by the family of Malcolm Doley tuning up with the Lancashire Schools’ Symphony Orchestra

Malcolm Doley Memorial Concert at Lancaster University will tug at heartstrings

Musicians from all over the world will be in tune for a trip down memory lane at Lancaster University’s Great Hall next month for a memorial concert supported by Lancaster Arts.
View of Lancaster towards the Ashton Memorial from the Castle

Northern dialects are holding their own, study shows

Southern dialects may be spreading across the UK, but the North is pushing back in some areas, new research by Lancaster University has shown.
Elizabeth Train Brown and front cover of her collection of poetry

Waterstones launch for student’s powerful collection of poetry

A Lancaster University student’s powerful debut poetry collection, described as ‘essential reading for anyone grappling with the concept of gender’, will be published later this month and launched at Waterstones in September.
Des Fagan - head and shoulders image

Lancaster University lecturer’s new role will drive excellence in architecture

Lancaster University’s Head of Architecture will be at the forefront of fresh thinking and improving excellence in design at national and international level through a prestigious appointment as Chair of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) new national Practice and Policy group.
Molly Corless

Top civil service job for law graduate who is first in her family to attend university

Molly Corless has overcome significant challenges to celebrate her first class law degree and dream job in the Civil Service Fast Stream.

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

23rd Aug

Film Screening and Discussion: Still the Enemy Within

Tuesday 23 August 2022, 7:00pm to 10:00pm
15th Sep

HL2C-SLLAT Seminar: Cristina Flores (Minho), Esther Rinke, Jacopo Torregrossa (Frankfurt)

Thursday 15 September 2022, 5:00pm to 6:00pm
26th Sep

Reflections on running an interdisciplinary research body

Monday 26 September 2022, 10:00am 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