in the UK
for economics and statistics. Source: QS World Rankings 2023.
Bronze Athena SWAN Award
We’ve been recognised for our ongoing commitment to addressing gender inequality.
in the UK for research
for both gerontology and demography. Source: EduRank, 2023
Overview
About the School
The School of Economic, Social and Political Sciences is part of the Faculty of Social Sciences and dedicated to produce impactful research that addresses major societal challenges and to deliver high-quality education and learning shaping the next generation of social scientists.
Our Departments regularly feature in top UK rankings in terms of research and teaching.
Our research
Our five departments are recognised centers of excellence for research and teaching. Our academics develop and apply advanced methods and analyses to address pressing societal issues.
Common-interest themes such as migration, health, crime, and human rights serve as platforms for developing multidisciplinary collaborations between departments.
The School is home to the Centre for Population Change/Connecting Generations and the National Centre for Research Methods, both funded by the Economic and Social Research Council. Our academics have forged collaborations with researchers, industries, and governments worldwide.
Our impact
We work closely with governments and organisations to carry out research that makes a significant impact on society.
Research conducted across our departments has helped to:
- Develop a new way to inform international student migration policy
- Give displaced women and girls a voice
- Improve maternal and neonatal health
- Improve the lives of older people
To find out more about our impact, select ‘Future societies and communities’ on the University's Research Impact pages.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
Principles of equality, diversity and inclusion are at the core of everything we do. The School’s Bronze Athena SWAN (Scientific Women's Academic Network) award recognises our commitment to this mission.
Visit the University's EDI page to discover more about Southampton's approach and actions.
Our departments
Find out more about each of our departments, including their research focuses, courses, staff, community and enterprise activities and more.
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Department of Economics
Our Economics department, among the oldest in the UK, conducts cutting-edge research covering various economic topics, aiming to enhance understanding and practical applications.
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Department of Gerontology
We are the UK's only gerontology department and offer distinctive face-to-face and distance-learning courses in gerontology, global ageing and social policy.
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Department of Politics and International Relations (PAIR)
As researchers and educators, we address global concerns, from public opinion and behaviour to democratic innovation and environmental justice.
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Department of Social Statistics and Demography
Our demographers and social statisticians analyse populations and society, exploring key issues including health, well-being and migration.
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Department of Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology
We investigate a wide range of social issues, from crime and disorder to environmental issues, injustice and inequality.
Community engagement
Our departments are engaged in community outreach efforts to effect positive change. The Department of Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology’s Social Impact Lab is one example. The Department of Economics also has a range of outreach programmes.
Our research community
Find out about the school’s research centres and groups, including their publications, people and.highlights and details of their research projects.
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Centre for Behavioural Experimental Action and Research
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Centre for Democratic Futures
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Centre for Eastern European and Eurasian Studies
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Centre for English Identity and Politics
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Centre for Global Health and Policy
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Centre for Political Ethnography
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Centre for Population Change
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Centre for Research on Ageing
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The India Centre
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Institute of Criminal Justice Research
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National Centre for Research Methods
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Southampton Statistical Sciences Research Institute
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Web Science Institute
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Work Futures Research Centre
People
Work with us
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Jobs at Southampton
Explore employment opportunities at the University, including possible openings within the School of Economic, Social and Political Sciences.