
Faculty of
Social Sciences
We’re a leading Faculty of Social Sciences and our rankings reflect this across our subject areas. We're ranked 2nd in the UK for Social Work (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021).
Our research provides us with an opportunity to have a significant and positive impact on people's lives. From international research on dementia, to contributions to teaching and social work practises, our work makes a difference.
Welcome to the Faculty of Social Sciences
Study with us
With a diverse range of globally recognised courses, we’ll help you to be the difference in your chosen career. All of our social science courses are taught by lecturers who are experts in their fields.
Our degrees stand out and include courses that provide outstanding professional development, including our Primary and Secondary Education undergraduate degrees. They both allow you to gain confidence in teaching over four years, as well as studying your chosen subject specialism at the same time.
We deliver many courses that facilitate opportunities for you to gain widespread practical experience, promote postgraduate research, and allow you to achieve your ambitions.

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.
1st in Scotland, 3rd in the UK
for Criminology
The Guardian University Guide 2021
Top 5 in Scotland and Top 20 in the UK
for Education
The Guardian University Guide 2021
What our students said
Scotland
Doctorate in Education (EdD)
Read Heather's storyI enjoyed the relation this programme had to my professional practice and that throughout the doctorate journey I was able to influence policy and practice
News
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Researchers work with acclaimed storytellers to help inspire youngsters to tackle waste
A new project led by the University of Stirling will harness the power of storytelling to help educate the next generation about waste in Scotland and encourage them to consider new ways of reducing, re-using and re-purposing, rather than just recycling or discarding household items and resources.

Study seeks to support migrant children during the pandemic
Exploring how COVID-19 has impacted separated migrant children in Scotland and how best to support them going forward, will be the focus of a new University of Stirling study.