School of Social and Political Sciences

Research by Subject

Research

We are a leading centre of applied and policy-related research addressing key issues such as:

  • inequalities, identities and social change
  • governance and the state
  • crime and criminal justice
  • health and well-being, including disability, urban health and the history of medicine
  • global security and international relations
  • financial and business history

Our researchers make major contributions to national and international research networks, and to knowledge-exchange with the public, private and third sectors in Scotland and throughout the world. Over half the research activity across the School was rated as 'world leading' or 'internationally excellent' in the Research Assessment Exercise of 2008. New research is fostered through networks of staff within the School, across the University and via wider collaboration, and our researchers regularly attract substantial grants from the ESRC, the AHRC, the Scottish Funding Council, the Leverhulme Trust, the Wellcome Trust and European programmes.

Research Centres

As well as the activity within the five subject areas, the School of Social and Political Sciences hosts a range of research centres involving researchers from across the School and the University, including:

Postgraduate Research

We provide high-quality training and research supervision for postgraduate students in all of the areas of staff expertise through the Graduate School. There are structured masters courses linked to specific vocational areas such as urban planning and real estate, and dedicated training courses to prepare students for doctoral study.

International Links

The international dimension is important for all aspects of our research: we have particularly strong links with Russian and Central Europe through CEES, and developing research engagements with China.