Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology

At the University of Stirling our purpose is to improve outcomes for people and places. Across Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology, we teach and research modern life, crime, diversity and inequalities.

Anti government demonstrations at night in city

Imagine better futures

Our teaching and research are committed to social justice and equality so that we can address pressing social questions.

You'll study and research topics that matter – not just to learn about social problems, but also to explore how we can solve them.

Our research is world-leading, supporting policy-makers and practitioners. But it's not just about evidence and policy. We imagine better futures by collaborating with people with lived experiences of the issues we research, locally in Stirling and Clackmannanshire and in international contexts.

Across our work, we are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, embedding this in our research and teaching.

Study with us

We offer flexibility through combined courses, giving you the opportunity to develop your interests for a range of careers. A key strength is our teaching in social research methods, training the next generation with an emphasis on rigour, critical thinking and an applied focus.

Research

The world is not short of social problems: poverty, inequality, inadequate housing and crime persist, damaging people’s health. Our research seeks to understand the processes driving these problems and how to address them, ensuring a real-world focus that informs policy-makers and practitioners improving lives.

Postgraduate research opportunities

We offer PhD or MPhil supervision in any of the areas covered by in our division. Find out about opportunities for PhD research in Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology.