School of Social Sciences

Diverse. Creative. Changing the world.

3D icon of a digital map pin on Earth

Welcome

The School of Social Sciences at Lancaster is a vibrant and inclusive community, driven by research and innovation that makes a real-world impact. Through an interdisciplinary lens, we explore the complexities of our society and empower students to think critically, challenge assumptions, and engage with the world around them in meaningful ways.

About Us
4th

in the UK for Social Work

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide (2026)

3rd

in the world for Linguistics

QS World Subject Rankings 2025

5th

in the UK for Sociology

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide (2026)

Top 50

in the world for Education

Times Higher Education (THE) world subject rankings table for education 2025

10th

in the UK for Criminology

Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

Disciplines

draf

Social Work Teaching Partnerships

Our social work teaching partnerships demonstrate our commitment to working with employers in order to improve student placements and better prepare students for employment after graduation. The value of this work is reflected in the high regard employers have for our graduates.

Teaching partnerships and resources

Latest News

Image shows Carys Nelkon with the bronze award against a gold backdrop with the word Congratulations at the top

Shaping the future of education - Morecambe Bay Curriculum gets world-class award

A unique initiative, now firmly established in Morecambe Bay, which continues to develop new ways of educating children from early years to postgraduate, has won a world-class education award.
Image shoes Professor BRoadhurst in a navy suit, camel coat and pink hat showing her OBE medal outside Windsor Castle

Lancaster professor receives OBE at Windsor Castle ceremony

A Lancaster University professor, who has championed compassionate and effective services for women whose children are at risk of entering the care system, has received an OBE today at Windsor Castle.
Image shows a person in a blue headscarf and gown facing a tranquil sea with rocks on either side of the bay

Innovative card toolkit will bridge gaps for torture survivors

A pack of cards, designed by a Lancaster University professor, could help provide a valuable key in unlocking new, insightful routes to post-torture support for survivors fleeing their homelands and seeking sanctuary.

Two young people working on the project using a coloured board

Project looks at how regional linguistic identity is expressed through artwork

Interactive sculpture, poetry, and digital art are all part of a Lancaster University research project which uses ultrasound and arts-based methods to investigate how young people in the north west connect language, body and regional identity.

 
Image shows iinformal group of children working on crafts at a table with teacher in the background

SEND support system crisis worsens – latest analysis shows

The special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system, already known to be in deep trouble, now faces ‘a worsening crisis’ which, say experts, puts the UK on the brink of a national emergency.
Military aircraft at Kabul airport, Afghanistan

Ministry of Defence Afghan data leak: New findings reveal extent of harm caused

Afghans affected by the MoD data leak are placed at direct risk of harm, according to new research. New survey data reveals that of 350 Afghans, 89% of 231 affected by the leak reported impacts on their own physical and/or mental health. The research, involving Victoria Canning, Professor of Criminology at Lancaster University, along with Refugee Legal Support and Professor Sara de Jong from the University of York, has been published by the House of Commons Defence Select Committee.

More News

Upcoming Events

13th Jan

PhD Education & Social Justice Applicant Webinar - 13th January 2026

Tuesday 13 January 2026, 5:00pm to 6:00pm
21st Jan

Data Dialogues - Dr Nathan Jones - Senior Lecturer in Fine Art and Digital Media, School of Arts

Wednesday 21 January 2026, 12:00pm to 1:00pm
26th Jan

PhD HEREE Applicant Webinar - 26th January 2026 Higher Education: Research Evaluation and Enhancement

Monday 26 January 2026, 1:00pm to 2:00pm
29th Jan

MC/HL2C Seminar: John Anderson (Carleton University)

Thursday 29 January 2026, 2:00pm to 3:30pm
11th Feb

MC/HL2C Seminar: Mathieu Declerck (Vrije Universiteit Brussel)

Wednesday 11 February 2026, 2:30pm to 3:30pm

More Events