Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

Lancaster University

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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

The composite image shows Ruskin

Mr Ruskin, One Day Someone Will Scuba Dive Over Your House…

A glimpse into the future is captured in a Lancaster University fine art lecturer's new exhibition (with a rather unusual title) at the Lake District home of English writer, philosopher, art historian and art critic John Ruskin.
‘Across Generations’ - Credit: Adam Browne - full caption at end of article

Campaigner calls for new action on witchcraft-related human rights atrocities

A Lancaster University academic, who helped put the horrific issue of human rights atrocities linked to witchcraft on the United Nations radar, is to launch a new campaign calling more effective action at a faster pace.
A selection of children

Scotland’s most vulnerable children taking years to be placed in permanent homes

Scotland’s care system is taking years to find many of the country's most vulnerable children permanent homes – and too many of them have no contact with their siblings, according to new research.
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.

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School of Global Affairs

The Lancaster School of Global Affairs launches in September 2024. The former Department of Languages and Cultures is the primary constituent of the new School, which takes a distinctive place-based approach to the major planetary challenges of our times.

Global Affairs
Group side silhouette men and women of different culture

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.

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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

On
Now

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

Thursday 19 September 2024, 12:00pm to Wednesday 25 September 2024, 4:00pm
On
Now

Digital Design Weekend 2024

Friday 20 September 2024, 6:30pm to Sunday 22 September 2024, 5:00pm
30th Sep

Meritocratic Democracy: A Cross-Cultural Political Theory

Monday 30 September 2024, 12:00pm to 1:34pm
5th Oct

Mr Ruskin, One Day Someone Will Scuba Dive Over Your House

Saturday 5 October 2024, 10:00am to Monday 11 November 2024, 5:00pm
6th Oct

Lancaster Chinese weekend classes for children

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

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