Faculty of Social Sciences

We are a leading Faculty of Social Sciences and our rankings reflect this across our subject areas. We're ranked Top 5 in the UK for Education, 1st in Scotland for Criminology, and Top 10 in the UK for Social Policy (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023).

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Study with us

With a diverse range of globally recognised courses, we’ll help you to be the difference in your chosen career. From sociology to education, all of our social science courses are taught by lecturers who are experts in their fields.

We deliver many courses that facilitate opportunities for you to gain widespread practical experience, promote postgraduate research, and allow you to achieve your ambitions.

Study in the Faculty of Social Sciences
Undergraduate study
CPD and short courses
Postgraduate taught
Postgraduate research
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Social sciences research

As an integrated multi-disciplinary group, our research and teaching covers: Dementia, Education, Housing, Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology, and Social Work. Our dynamic group of around 70 academic staff and researchers are committed to producing research that makes a positive social impact around the world.

Student project group

Careers in social sciences

Studying in the Faculty will open up opportunities to connect with external organisations, to go on placement, to study abroad and to consider your personal and professional development - all will play a part in preparing you for whatever direction you choose after graduation.

View Social Sciences staff directory

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The Faculty has an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Committee which progresses work across a number of domains including protected characteristics (under the Equality Act), and other dimensions of social difference such as social class and gender.

The Faculty proudly holds a bronze Athena Swan award (achieved in November 2020) for its commitment to gender equality, which involves delivering a five-year action plan on intersectional inequalities.  The committee is comprised of academics, professional service staff and post-graduate researchers.

News

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MSPs share 'pain and loss' of their parents' alcohol use as part of new campaign

MSPs share 'pain and loss' of their parents' alcohol use as part of new campaign

Miles Briggs MSP has opened up for the first time about his father’s alcohol use, as, together with Monica Lennon MSP, he backs a campaign aimed at reducing the stigma that surrounds deaths due to alcohol and drugs.

University of Stirling part of nationwide drive to address levelling up through research

University of Stirling part of nationwide drive to address levelling up through research

The University of Stirling has successfully bid for funding in the first phase of a multi-million pound levelling up programme designed to benefit all four nations of the UK.